Local NAACP members celebrating 100th anniversary

The NAACP is celebrating 100 years of service from February 2009 to February 2010 and local members plan events to involve Craven County residents and members in the celebration.

"From the ballot box to the classroom, dedicated workers, organizers and leaders forged this great organization and today maintain its status as a champion of social justice," said Sharon Mitchell, Craven NAACP Scholarship and banquet chairman.   

"For 100 years it has been the sacrifice and tenacity of NAACP members that has saved lives and changed American Society," Mitchell said.

The local organization's part in that heritage will be commemorated at a Sept. 26 banquet at the Flame Banquet Center in New Bern with state NAACP president Rev. William J. Barber II expected to attend.

For the first time this year, the Craven County NAACP will present a "People's Choice Award to recognize the achievements of people of color and honor those who have made significant, outstanding contributions to their community," said Mitchell. "They must have demonstrated goodwill, positive representation, promoted change that makes a difference, and exhibited unselfish motivation in improving their community."

Those nominated by category include:

Education: Gerald Johnson, Renate Lee, Jennifer Grimes and John Fonville

Politician: Frances Boomer and Joseph Walton

Artist: Ann Cherry, Cora Maples-Green and Darrell Syndnor

Entrepreneur: Anthony Woodfolk, James Boyd, Nancy Wheeler and Robert Lewis

Ministry:  Brian Cornelius, Gary Cypress, Andrew Collins and Purvis Rodgers

Community Organizer:  Victory Taylor and Taurence Williams

Votes can be submitted at boxes located at area businesses including World Fashions.

Planners are also encouraging the community to make this a banner year for contributions and applicants for the organization's scholarship program. The deadline for submitting an application is Aug. 28 and they will be recognized at the banquet.

Additional information is available from ticket chairman M. Williams at (252) 637-6300; Mitchell at 633-0398; or Craven County NAACP president Alfred Barfield at 633-3422. They will also assist in reserving tables, placing program ads, buying T-shirts, and with scholarship applications and contributions.