Rev. Dr. Peter Bell passes away at 102

The Reverend Dr. Peter Bell, Jr., age 102 transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. In 1957 Rev. Peter Bell was one of the African American primary figures in Chatham County who felt the need to work and organize a second NAACP branch in the county. Rev. Bell and 12 other concerned citizens representing North Chatham and East Chatham gathered together at Bell Mount AME Zion Church on US 15-501. As a result of their efforts, the NAACP Branch #5377 was chartered on June 10, 1957. The group felt that voter registration problems for blacks would be their first task. With Rev. Bell’s help, the barriers for registering and voting have been eliminated throughout Chatham County. Some of the results of Rev. Peter Bell’s work 50 plus years ago include: no more colored restrooms and water fountains, no more designated seating on buses and no more so called separate but equal schools and second-hand books for colored children in Chatham County. His numerous efforts are well-known and appreciated in the fight to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities. Rev. Bell was the first treasurer of the Chatham Community NAACP Branch #5377 and he served in that position for many years. Rev. Peter Bell continues to be a very strong and supportive member of the NAACP Branch #5377. Graveside Service will be Saturday September, 26, 2020 at Pittsboro Church of God starting at 12:00 pm. Reverend Peter Bell, Jr. will be truly missed. (As recorded by Sister Mary Nettles) Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Bell's family and loved ones, Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, NC NAACP State Conference President