The 24th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet being held by the Milford-Slaughter Neck Branch of the NAACP this weekend will honor two members for outstanding community work, commemorate the centennial of the National NAACP and feature a nationally known motivational speaker.
The event, a yearly fundraiser for the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Mt. Zion A.M.E fellowship hall in Ellendale.
During the banquet, Dr. Jerry “Doc” Semper, a Seaford resident who is the CEO of Semper Associates Coaching Academy, a national trainer and motivational speaker and a university professor will be the guest speaker.
His presentation will explore the continuing need for civil rights groups such as the NAACP. He also will discuss how community-oriented policing can help combat crimes committed by young people.
“The need still continues,” Semper said. “Because we have Barack Obama in the White House, I don’t think that means we can relax in our efforts to bring change that will be of benefit to all of us.”
Semper said speaking before the local NAACP membership during the Freedom Fund Banquet will be a personal honor.
“I was proud to accept the invitation; it was a big deal to me,” Semper said. “I’m quite honored, and I’m proud to do it.”
During the banquet, awards will be given to an adult member and a youth member who were nominated by their fellow members for their contributions to the local community, said Dwayne Powell, who is the NAACP youth advisor and a member of the Freedom Fund Banquet Committee.
“Celebrating this event each year to recognize people in the community is great,” Powell said. “We are showing them that their dedication is not overlooked.”
This will be only the second time the branch will give a Lifetime Achievement Award. Branch member Frederick Duffy received the Lifetime Achievement Award last year, Powell said.
“We give this award to people who have been really valid in the African-American community,” Powell said. “Their dedication has some age to it. We want to honor those people who have paved the way for younger generation by dedicating themselves for years to the NAACP and the African-American community.”
A second award will be presented to a youth member who is dedicated to community service and who shows leadership in empowering the young African-American community, Powell said.
Proceeds from the Freedom Fund banquet are used for the Milford-Slaughter Neck NAACP branch’s scholarship fund for youth members who live in the branch’s geographic area. The proceeds also pay for community forums and workshops, Powell said.
Tickets for the banquet cost $25 for adults, and $10 for children who are 15 years old or younger. To buy tickets or for more information, call Jesse Sauls at 398-8702.
Milford, Del. —
