Special to Iredell Free News
The Statesville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host its annual Freedom Fund & Awards Banquet on May 19. The event, which begins at 5 p.m., will be held in the Statesville Civic Center.
The Statesville Branch NAACP was granted a charter on July 9, 1934, and has operated continuously since that date.
The NAACP’s mission is to eliminate racial prejudice and remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes. Acting as a voice for residents, the local branch strives to improve the quality of life in the Statesville and Iredell County communities.
The program will celebrate the 115th anniversary of the founding of the National NAACP organization and the 90th anniversary of the Statesville Branch charter.
Anthony J. Davis, 13th president of Livingstone College in Salisbury, will be the keynote speaker. A 2001 magna cum laude graduate of Livingstone, he is the first alumnus in more than 50 years to serve as president.
Davis is an ordained elder in the life of the A.M.E. Zion Church, and the first ordained elder to serve as president since Dr. Joseph Charles Price, the college’s first president.
In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Davis also holds a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota, one of the only advanced degrees offered in this field. He attended the Fundraising School of Indiana University – Bloomington’s Center of Philanthropy and completed his doctoral work at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, earning a Doctor of Ministry.
The awards portion of the program will be highlighted by the annual presentation of the Wilson W. Lee “You Can Make A Difference” Award and the Woody Woodard “Stick and Stay” Award. Several Branch members will be recognized for their new status as fully-paid life members. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Nakayla Griffin, the Statesville Police Department’s community resource coordinator.
Scott’s Catering, a well-known local caterer, will provide a buffet dinner featuring baked chicken, honey glazed salmon, macaroni and cheese, green beans and a variety of delectable desserts.
TICKETS
Tickets are $50 each and will not be sold at the door. Tickets must be purchased by no later than May 11. Inquiries can be made to dpwoodard309@gmail.com.