By Tiffany Marks
On Saturday, August 22nd, the Chesterfield County Branch of the NAACP held its 35th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet and Awards Gala, online. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the local branch adapted in order to hold the 111-year-old civil rights organization›s signature fund raising event.
This year’s theme was “Fighting for the Soul of a Nation.” Tavorise Marks hosted. The keynote speakers included civil rights legend, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, and her son, Emmy award-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland. Joan Mulholland, whose iconic mugshot is a staple in civil rights history, is known for taking part in numerous sit-ins, being the first white person to integrate Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss., and being the first white woman to join the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She also participated in numerous Freedom Rides and was held on death row in Mississippi’s Parchman Penitentiary. Mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she was known as a “segregationist’s worst nightmare.” Guest speakers included Trey Baker, national director of the Joe Biden campaign, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Mark Warner, and Michael Curry, from the National NAACP Board of Directors. The program also included performances by Joi “LoveJoi” Bowles, Mojo Parker, and The Bush League.
The event also recognized and honored members of the community with the following awards:
- Foot Soldier in the Sands Award – Dr. Zoe Spencer, Ph.D.
- Legal Champion Award – Scott Miles
- Branch Member(s) of the Year Award – Nicole Martin and Carrie Kahwajy
- Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Lifetime Achievement Award – the Rev. Dr. Marcus Leggett
“These community members have contributed greatly to the advancing and ensuring of the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons. They also continue to work hard and fight to eliminating racial hatred and racial discrimination in Chesterfield County and beyond,” said branch president Avohom “Vo” Carpenter.
