Hickory — The NAACP-Hickory Branch and the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University invite the public to a timely community event: “United We Stand: Protecting Our Local Communities” on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Belk Centrum on the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus.
This informative panel and Q&A session will bring together local leaders and community advocates to discuss how political and legislative shifts are affecting our schools, businesses, and community members. Panelists will also address how these institutions and communities are proactively responding.
Featured panelists will include Jennifer Griffin, Superintendent of Hickory City Schools; Grover Linebarger, Retired School Administrator and Business Owner; and Gianella Romero, Executive Director of Centro Latino.
Co-Moderators of the panel will be Kathy Ivey, NAACP-Hickory Treasurer and Political Action Committee Chair, and Terry Phillips, NAACP-Hickory member and Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Lenoir-Rhyne University.
“We hope to foster a constructive dialogue about the ways local communities can remain resilient and united,” said Ivey. “It’s about listening, learning, and mobilizing together.” Ivey added, “We also hope to encourage community members from all backgrounds to consider joining or supporting our local NAACP branch as a means of taking constructive action related to protecting civil rights and promoting equity.”
The event is free and open to the public. Community members, students, educators, and advocates are especially encouraged to attend.
About the Sponsors: The NAACP-Hickory Branch is committed to advancing civil rights, social justice, and equity in Hickory and surrounding areas. The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University works to create an inclusive campus climate that celebrates diversity and promotes belonging.
