This summer has been full of news about how old is too old. Some of the national conversations have been insulting to people of a certain age, and some of the talk has been positive. For example, when was the last time a 59-year-old woman was referred to in the popular media as “young?” One thing we know about is the power, energy, expertise, and networks of those who are referred to as “seniors.” This demographic begins at 50 when AARP starts sending out membership cards and continues on upward. We are a mighty group – and one that is too often invisible within nonprofit and fundraising circles. We are active, but sometimes younger people are reluctant to engage us. That’s because they don’t know us!
This column tells the powerful story of the volunteers behind the Ocean City Jazz Festival, held annually on the North Carolina shores over the Fourth of July weekend. This festival is hosted by a volunteer-led nonprofit preserving and growing an African American historical community. The organization – the Ocean City Beach Citizens Council – is all about preserving and amplifying the history and improving the environmental, social, and economic health of the Ocean City Beach community. They support community self-reliance and enhance the quality of life for the residents through community-based problem-solving, community-oriented services, and public/private cooperation. That’s a lot, and they’ve been at it for years now!
In 2009, to celebrate its 60th anniversary, a Fayetteville, N.C. jazz saxophonist and his accompanist provided entertainment on the porch of the Ocean City Beach Community Center. All in attendance, both visitors and residents enjoyed the celebration, launching the annual Ocean City Jazz Festival as a vehicle to promote and celebrate the history of the Ocean City Beach Community. The festival has grown annually in attendance and features nationally recognized jazz artists, making it a perfect venue and destination for the summer. Next year they will celebrate 15 years.
Who makes this happen? Senior volunteers and folks of all ages. The year-round volunteer-led planning deploys state-of-the-art marketing methods and resources. Senior-led volunteers secure sponsors and underwriters, both locally and regionally. And they get creative, adding something new each year. This summer it was the walking tour of the historic community. In case you don’t know, the Ocean City Beach community was the first place in North Carolina where African Americans could purchase beachfront property.
This year they secured additional funding to underwrite internationally recognized jazz headliner, Gerald Albright. Other performers that brought cheers from the crowd included John Brown, Phylicia Rae, the Braxton Brothers, Fred Wesley, Lin Rountree, Nnenna Freelon, and James “PJ” Spraggins. And the crowd was predominantly seniors – people over 50 having a very good time, a family reunion that grows with each passing year. Of course, there were younger people attending and involved in the planning, but really this was a magical event showcasing the power of seniors. We’ve created Black communities, families, organizations, and festivals and we are still going strong! Join us next year, July 4ththrough 6th.
Copyright 2024 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw – Comprehensive Fund Development Services. Let us help you plan for 2024! Video and phone conferencing services are always available. Call us at (901) 522-8727. www.saadandshaw.com
