NAACP hold Freedom Dinner, 2011

Allegany Branch of NAACP holds Freedom Fund Dinner

Local residents honored for distinguished service

The Cumberland Times-News Thu Oct 27, 2011

CUMBERLAND — The importance of education was a recurring theme during the Allegany County Branch of the NAACP’s annual Freedom Fund Dinner held Sunday at the Holiday Inn.

Keynote speaker David Cox, superintendent of Allegany County public schools, focused on the vital role of education in a productive society and emphasized community support, especially from the parents.

Guest speakers Cynthia Bambara, president of Allegany College of Maryland, and Gerald Stansbury, president of Maryland State Conference NAACP, were joined by Ellen McDaniel-Weissler as a supportive voice from the community.

Awards were given to four people in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the community.

The Executive Committee Award was presented to Becky Millar for her extraordinary efforts to make a difference in the lives of people in the community. She started the Summer Lunch Box program in Allegany County more than 10 years ago and has worked tirelessly ever since to provide meals to hungry children during the summer months when free school meals are unavailable.

The Defender Award was given to Bernard Wynder, president, Allegany Branch NAACP, for his determined efforts to reinstate the branch in January 2011 following the death of past president Norma Blacke-Bourdeau. Wynder’s continued leadership has ensured that the reinstated branch remains a strong and positive force in the community.

The Guardian Award recognized Jean Etta Beckward and Jo Jacqueline Cooper for their long-term service to the community and their commitment to carry out the goals of the NAACP.

The event also featured a raffle drawing for a painting to raise funds in support of school scholarship fundraising efforts. The “Buffalo Soldier,” a painting of a U.S. Colored Troops soldier and his fallen mount, was donated by the artist, Janie Cooper-Wilson.

Founded in February 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its mission is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all people and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination.