POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. — Mrs. Florine Bell, a woman who has called Virginia home for more than 90 years, was honored for her decades of service by the Powhatan branch of the NAACP at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Saturday.
Mrs. Bell was recognized as one of the eldest living members of the Bell vs. School Board of Powhatan County case, her unwavering commitment to the community and her participation in the March on Washington.
"It was the most exciting time... We got on a bus and went up to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. give that famous speech, 'I Have a Dream,'" Mrs. Bell recalled. "It was more than 250,000 people there. It was just so touching, 'I Have a Dream' ...and I hope soon it will be a reality for all people, and that we would enjoy justice, freedom, like King gave his life for."
Mrs. Bell said she will never forget that sunny day by the Reflecting Pool.
"When he gave that Dream speech, and we had 41 people (from the Powhatan NAACP) there," Mrs. Bell said. "It was really something that's always special in my mind. That was August the 28th, 1963. We were fighting before that... ever since the Supreme Court gave that decision in 1954. This is in 63. It's not going to stop until justice is won and everybody's free at last."
FULL INTERVIEW: Powhatan native Florine Bell talks about decades of firsts
The 93-year-old, who grew up here in Powhatan, said it was important for her to be a member of the organization for civil rights.
"I've been working in Powhatan because I love people," Mrs. Bell said. "And most of all, I love The NAACP, and I was a part of that... Because they're concerned about everybody, even you. And they like fairness and justice."
Mrs. Bell said it was an honor to be celebrated.
"It's a recognition, and also, to me, it's a day of remembrance of those that fought so hard and have gone on," she said. "And a day of renewal, because we're not going to give up."
The nonagenarian will turn 94 in five months.
"It takes a lot. It's different in being 24, 34 and 94 but I wouldn't turn it down for nothing," Mrs. Bell said. "The day I leave, I know we need this NAACP. And I will wake up from the dream — I'm waking up now... It's time for this dream to become a reality. Ever since 1963 and here we are 2024. The dream could've become a reality."
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