By Joice M. Dunn
The Grambling National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Branch celebrated its Freedom Fund/Scholarship Awards Banquet Saturday, April 25 in the Black and Gold Room on the Grambling State University campus. Using as a theme: A Future Filled With Promise, honored both young and older members of the community.
Dr. Gloria George, assistant professor at GSU, served as mistress of ceremony and kept the program flowing smoothly. Greetings were extended to the packed room by Dr. Kenyatta Shamburger, GSU chief operation officer, standing in for GSU President Martin Lemelle. He let the group know that the banquet wasn’t just a dinner, but it had a purpose for a moment of reflection and a moment of recommitment. Mayor Alvin Bradley acknowledged the dedicated work of the NAACP and to encouraged them to further strive toward the future. The Mayor said achievements were being celebrated but also recognized the work that still remains.
Rashid Young, District 11 State Representative, updated those present on the legislative progress. He stated the legislature will be working until June dealing with State budget discussions, a task of balancing a $40 plus billion-dollar budget and stressed that this year there will not be cuts to higher education.
He went on to say that another topic of discussion will be insurance affordability, along with teachers’ pay. “Part of the discussion is trying to give educators a raise rather than a stipend which they’ve gotten for the past few years which could be going away.”
Banquet chairman of the Grambling branch NAACP, Doris Marzett, ensured those present that the event was to recognize the strengths, resilience and contributions of community, schools as well as our young people. Marzett said the theme upholds the power of unity, the importance of learning and the endless possibilities that arise when each is lifted up.
“We are not only reflecting on the remarkable accomplishments of the past and present, but we are also embracing our shared responsibilities to shape the future through education, empowerment and inspiration,” Marzett said.
The crowd was entertained with a couple of poems by young, upcoming poet Kinsley Wimberly of Shreveport.
Several presentations were made by Dr. Beatrice Tatem, who introduced Lorine Bowman, over the Youth Council. Bowman serves on the Lincoln Parish NAACP Youth Council. She explained that the students take control of the meetings so they will have experience. The youth, along with adults attended a trip to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. She encouraged the group to assist in supporting the youth.
The GSU NAACP president, Elijah Grayson and United African American Men (UAAM) president, Zhymir Byrd talked about the knowledge they gained while working with campus students on voter registration and informing them of their rights. UAAM told of their interchange with other organizations such as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, lifting and encouraging others. They received Awards for their work.
Dr. Tatem sent out a word of encouragement to Grayson to continue in the field of psychology to develop knowledge and offered professional assistance.
An Unsung Hero award was presented by Lizzie White. The award was presented to Theron S. Dunn who she said lives by his principals, offering help to those who are committed to helping themselves and striving to do what is right. “His word is his bond, guiding and supporting his family through generations,” she stated as she presented the award.
Dunn accepted his award saying he was raised in the community where everyone was family. “I am an American, not a Black American, but an American, you can stereotype us, but we are all Americans. I thank God and y’all for honoring me,” Dunn said.
Scholarships for $1,000 each were presented to Morghan M’Niyah Hill, a senior from Ruston High who plans to enter the medical field of plastic surgery and Juakera Kayshon Lowe, a senior at Simsboro High who plans to become a Teacher.
Veda B. Emerson, president of the Ruston Voters League, reminded those present that voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our communities and futures.
“When we vote, we not only honor those who have struggled and sacrificed for that right, but also building a stronger, just future for generations to come.” Emerson said, “We are in a different time with the closed primaries, which means only democrats or republicans will be able to vote.” She continued.
A membership appeal was made by Linda May. She quoted Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. saying, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” May encouraged everyone present to join the NAACP.
Letting the group know the mission of the NAACP, Dr. Iylon Collins, President of the Grambling chapter, ensured that the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and the need to eliminate race-based discrimination still remain. She also presented a Shining Star presentation award to Miss Wimberly, the poet and offered a word of thanks to all who supported the event.