The Jackson Parish Branch of the NAACP #6309 held its 35th Annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, February 28, at 6 p.m. @ Dr. Charles Garrett Community Center. 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 Dr. Michael McClanahan. He is the President of the NAACP Louisiana State Conference, an NAACP life member, and serves on the board and various committees within the organization. In addition, he serves as a civil rights attorney and advocate. He is widely recognized for addressing disaster recovery and environmental racism in “Louisiana’s Cancer Alley.” Beyond the organization, he is the husband of Patricia McClanahan and father of two. He is an active church and community leader and serves on several governor-appointed and judicial task forces. McClanahan shared an uplifting and motivational message on increasing the Black voter turnout statewide. All attendees were given an opportunity to join the chapter and guidance on registering to vote.

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:

Presidential Award: Ms. Sharon Satcher
Educational Awards: Coach Terrance Blankenship & Coach Kristopher “Tony” Cash
Community Service Award: Ms. Angela Moore
Business Award: Mr. Acy Brown & Mr. Henry Bradley