The Jackson Parish Branch of the NAACP #6309 held its annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, February 22nd, at the Dr. Charles Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. The branch is under the direction of Mrs. Windy L. Calahan, President, M.J. Thomas, Youth Council President, Paulette Belton, Youth Council Advisor and Rose Jackson, Chair.

The powerful and inspiring keynote speaker was Pastor Samuel Andrews of New St. James Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. He is the husband of Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews and also serves as an Assistant Principal at Richwood High School. Prior to that role, he served as Principal of Gibsland-Coleman High School. Andrews shared an uplifting and motivational message on how together, we can “boot up” for justice, freedom, and equality. Attendees were given an opportunity to join the chapter.

The mission of the NAACP is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

Honorees included:

Business Award: Wayne Tire Service
Education Award: Danielle Copeland, Principal of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary
Community Service Award: Felicia McGuire (Brookshires), Michael Mims (Helping Hands Ministries), and Linda Wyatt (Director of Council on Aging)