The Bolivar-Hardeman County Branch NAACP filled the room for its 26th annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Hope Street building in Bolivar. Built around the theme “WE the PEOPLE,” the evening drew guests from across Hardeman County and beyond, and it honored State Rep. Johnny Shaw and keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Woods.
The Magnolia Post reported there was not an empty seat in the house.
Freedom Fund Banquet Program
WOJG Radio’s Tracy Shaw served as master of ceremonies. Branch president Dixie Spencer called the program to order. Spencer, who has been a branch member for more than 20 years and is serving her third term as president, received the state NAACP’s Charles L. White Jr. Leadership Award in September.
Emeritus Jerry Crisp of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Whiteville gave the welcome, followed by the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Pastor Eddie Gentry of Johnson Chapel CME Church led prayer and read scripture.
Eunice Spencer reflected on the branch’s work, from Legislative Day on the Hill in Nashville and the NAACP National Convention in Chicago to donating school supplies and get-out-the-vote efforts.
Pastor Lou Fields and Company of New Prospect Community Church performed music throughout the evening.
“Stay on the Wall”
Dr. Jerry Woods, an educator and NAACP member from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pinson, Tennessee, gave the keynote. He urged the crowd to “Stay on the Wall!” and stay committed to the NAACP’s mission. Spencer said the message comes from the book of Nehemiah and is about staying focused “and never give up no matter what.”
Youth Council Calls on Voters
Thilan Kimbrel, the 15-year-old president of the Bolivar-Hardeman County Youth Council, spoke about the role young people play in the organization. He also urged eligible voters to cast ballots. “I can’t vote, but you can,” Kimbrel said, adding that voting matters for future generations.
Spencer recognized the branch’s life members and stressed that every member matters to the work of the branch.
A Branch Focused on Service
The Freedom Fund Banquet is the branch’s signature yearly event. Throughout the program, speakers pointed to the branch’s work in the community over the past year, including advocacy trips to Nashville, taking part in peaceful protests on issues of concern, supporting area schools with donated supplies, and encouraging residents to register and vote.
The banquet came less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 general election, which helps explain why the call to vote came up more than once during the evening.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
