Western Wayne County NAACP Host Freedom Fund Dinner & More

Western Wayne County NAACP (WWC-NAACP), had some amazing events over the weekend as they celebrated their 77th Anniversary. The Freedom Fund Dinner was held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Fairlane Banquet & Event Center, located in Dearborn, MI. In attendance, there were individuals from all walks of life, who were a part of various communities that makeup Western Wayne County. The guest list included some of today's local and state leaders like NAACP Michigan State Conference President Yvonne White, Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree, American Human Rights Council Executive Director Imad Hamad, school superintendents-Dr. Derrick Coleman-River Rouge and Dr. Stiles Simmons-Westwood, just to name a few!

The evening started with a lovely reception, that transitioned into the evenings program. Guests were welcomed at the top of the program by Mrs. Gina Wilson Steward, President of WWC-NAACP. Master of Ceremonies Rev. Bernard Jackson started off his responsibilities by announcing the Ecorse High School 'Mighty Marching Raiders' lead by Lord Cooper who set the tone for the extraordinary event. This year, the Freedom Fund Dinner Honorary Chairs were Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans and board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hadidi who were in attendance.

This community-focused organization continues to recognize and celebrate both individuals and organizations that continue to impact the communities that they serve by presenting them with the following awards:

Freedom and Justice – Judge Lisa Martin * Lifetime Achievement – Vicki Dobbins

* Individual Exceptional Service to the Community – Ruby D. Richards

*Great Expectations – In'Dia Harris

* Elected Official - Senator Stephanie Chang

* Exceptional Service to Community Organization – Inkster Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

* Trailblazer – Pastor John Hearn, Jr.

Awardee In'Dia Harris said, "Well actually being even thought of as a "Great Expectation" has really been an honor and a privilege. I'm really shocked. I don't often think of myself as incredible, great or exceptional but for someone else to see that in me, just by the work that I've done in my community and being a mentor to young people, it's really really such an honor."

Another reoccurring theme this year was Voting! All night long, speakers mentioned the importance of voting and how to empower your neighbors to encourage others to vote as well. Since we are down to two weeks left of the 2024 election season, we asked, Detroit City Councilmember At-Large, Mary Waters what were her thoughts of the event.

"Well, it's important because we are a region and we all need each other. While I live in Detroit, I live in the county of Wayne as well and I think the more time we spend together, the more we have so much in common than not! I think it's time for all of us to come together as a region, work together on things that are very important to us...Let me tell you, voting means a lot to all of us, we all want to see a good voter turnout in the county of Wayne. It's always an honor to attend any NAACP gathering because of the struggles and the fights that they have done throughout the years, for all of us. I am a lifetime member of the Detroit-NAACP but, also, I am trying to get to know my sisters and brothers in Western Wayne County as well."

The Keynote speaker, Andrea Hunter – President of A. Phillip Randolph Detroit/Downriver "mentioned that this was an opportunity of a lifetime."

She informed guests of the history of Civil Rights along with the historical background of A. Phillip Randolph and Women's Rights, Black People Rights and concluded with speaking about Voters Rights and the importance of voting during this upcoming election.

One thing about this organization, is that the youth and young adults work just as hard as the adults. A combo experience like non-other was a Fish Fry-Bonfire that happened on Friday, October 18th in Sumpter Township. There were close to 25 attendees that represented multiple generations could be seen enjoying the outdoors and the fellowship. Xavier Jones, Young Adult Chair said, "The Western Wayne County NAACP continues each year by making the weekend of the Freedom Fund Dinner a lasting tradition. Most importantly, I wanted to show that young people have the capacity to be involved, especially black men. I am utilizing my platform as Young Adult Chair to disprove that myth.

Another event that the WWC NAACP held was a Labor /Community Luncheon that was held on Thursday, Oct. 18th and moderated by Committee Chairs Darwin Griffin and Pastor Velma Overman. The luncheon was a panel discussion that involved topics that helped encourage people to get involved.

The NAACP is a grassroots activism for civil rights and social justice. They advocate, agitate and litigate for the civil rights due to Black America. Their website states, "We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. The Western Wayne County NAACP, is just one of the many local branches throughout the country and the state of Michigan. For more information on how you can join, participate and/or become a members visit, http://www.westernwaynecountynaacp.com.