It’s time to stop digging, America
September 30, 2009BOO!!! Books to scare kids, thrill grownups
October 2, 2009
The NAACP Terrebonne Parish chapter has planned its biggest and most exciting Freedom Fund Banquet ever. The annual event will bring new awards and the most scholarships awarded in the chapter’s 27-year history.
Set for Saturday at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, the event will feature guest speaker Denise Nicholas, an Emmy award-winning actress, critically acclaimed author and social activist.
Nicholas is best known for her roles as high school guidance counselor Liz McIntyre on the ABC comedy-drama series “Room 222” and Councilwoman Harriet DeLong on the NBC/CBS drama series “In the Heat of the Night.”
She has also earned two Emmy awards for the PBS special, “Voices of Our People: In Celebration of African American Poetry.”
In August 2005, Nicholas published her debut fiction novel, “Freshwater Road.” The book won several awards and was named one of the year’s best by major newspaper and literature publications.
“We are honored to have a person of her stature and talent for our banquet,” said NAACP chapter president Jerome Boykin.
Musical entertainment for the banquet will be provided by R&B cover band BRW.
The original allotment of 1,000 tickets sold out so quickly that the organization ordered 150 more for the event, Boykin said.
“I’ve been organizing this banquet for the past 14 years,” he said. “I anticipate this being the best one we’ve ever put on.”
This year’s President’s Award, given to someone who has made a positive difference in the community, will be bestowed on South Louisiana Bank president Chuck Weaver.
“We clearly feel Chuck Weaver fits that description for making a difference for all people, regardless of race,” Boykin said.
The organization is also presenting its first ever Minority Business of the Year Award. Boykin said the recipient would be announced at the banquet.
“Working with Tony Herques (owner of several McDonald’s franchises in Houma), we decided to recognize the area’s minority-owned businesses,” Boykin said.
The chapter is awarding $1,000 scholarships to 25 recent high school graduates. That is up from the 22 given last year and 19 presented in 2007.
“It’s the most scholarships we’ve ever given as an organization,” Boykin said.
The five high school principals in Terrebonne Parish nominate students. Scholarships are given based on grade point average and school and community activities. The scholarships can be used at any postsecondary institution.
Something new to the event this year is the $200 award that will be given to 10 college juniors and seniors to help purchase textbooks.
“A lot of our youth members are complaining about the high costs of books,” said Diana Collins, the chapter’s youth advisor. “Some of these kids are struggling to get by. I came up with the award to keep these kids focused. I don’t want them to drop a class or give up school because they can’t afford a book.”
The banquet is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The money raised is used for the operation of the NAACP Terrebonne Parish chapter office and funds the scholarship program.
Tickets are $50 per person and are available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center box office. Business attire is required.
