GRAND RAPIDS – The NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch will hold its 58th annual Freedom Fund Gala and Awards on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 6–8:30 p.m., at the JW Marriott, 235 Louis Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
This year’s Keynote Speaker will be United States Senator Raphael Warnock. Our featured special guests will be United States Representative Hillary Scholten, and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
“Freedom Fund Awards Gala is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice in our community,” said Cle J. Jackson, NAACP Greater Grand Rapids president.
“We look forward to honoring our very deserving recipients, and welcoming Sen. Warnock and other noted state and national leaders to celebrate with us,” added Jackson.
Keynote speaker and featured special guests will be available for one-on-one media interviews 15 minutes prior to the event, however, members of the media are invited to attend and record public remarks at this event as well. To request media access to event, or interviews with award recipients or a local NAACP spokesperson prior to the event, contact Eddie Rucker, 616-821- 5479, eddierucker@gmail.com.
This year’s award recipients are:
Mr. Ovell Barbee, Jr.
The Community Service Health Equity Award
Owner/Principal of Ovell Rome & Associates, Ovell Barbee Jr., is a renowned, visionary human resources leader, consultant, and speaker with a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has held executive leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Motorola, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, General Motors/OnStar, Spectrum Health, and Indiana University Health. In these roles, he addressed systemic and unconscious barriers and bias within a corporate culture.
Mrs. Veronica Lake
The Role Model Education Award
Educational Leader within the Kentwood Public Schools, executive director of student services Veronica Lake has a demonstrated history of working in the professional training and coaching industry. She is known for her skills in contracted services for nonprofit organizations, schools, and public and private organizations.
Mr. Huemartin Robinson II
The Floyd Skinner Criminal and Social Justice Award
Assistant Superintendent at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, Huemartin Robinson II has worked within Kent County juvenile system for most of his career, showing young people they can still have a future after making mistakes early in life. Robinson is a former U of M football player who also impacted young people as a high school athletic coach earlier in his career.
Ms. Fridah Kanini
The Walter Bergman Voting Rights and Political Representation Award
Fridah Kanini is founder and owner of A Glimpse of Africa, a non-profit that brings people together by educating, celebrating, and sharing diverse African cultures. A Glimpse of Africa fosters community through programs that voice, advocate for, and address African refugees and immigrant needs and disparities.
Mrs. Ludie Weddle (posthumously)
The Community Service Health Equity Award
Ludie Weddle, who passed away earlier this year, was a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a passion for bringing better health to all of West Michigan through education. She provided programs for hospitals, nonprofits, schools and corporations for over 40 years.
Mr. & Mrs. James & Annie Edwards
The Hazel R. Lewis Legacy Award
Mr. & Mrs. James & Annie Edwards have been leaders in the National Association of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. Their leadership in the field of education spans from Christian to public education.
A limited number of individual tickets and sponsorships are still available and can be purchased online here – this event WILL sell out. For ticket questions or table purchases, the public may contact our office at 616-719-3478 or via email at info@naacpgr.com.
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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. www.naacp.org.
The NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch is proudly dedicated to eradicating discrimination as part of the worldwide network of more than 2,200 branches of the NAACP. Our goal is to build a stronger society in which all individuals have equal rights. www.naacpgr.com.