109th Annual Freedom Fund Gala Awards Program

Deborah Smith Gregory President

This year’s theme is “Affirming Social Justice with Action!” In light of the swirling changes in our society some based on the pandemic, on the political climate in this country, on the inherent systemic racism folded into the infrastructure of our “democratic” government, on fear spawned by the influence of social media and the list goes on, we are called to rise up with action.

We talk, we argue, we debate, we reminisce about “better times”, we whine, we retreat. But one remedy, one solution is to affirm social justice and civil rights with organized action. Our forefathers used a variety of methods including protest, civil disobedience, voter expansion. They faced angry mobs who lynched them, castrated men, killed children in churches, killed unborn children, burned entire towns and other unspeakable atrocities and yet we prevailed.

And these occurrences were not hundreds of years ago, we are talking less than 100 years. There are people still alive who remember the struggle and lived through these times. Black Americans have achieved equity goals that all Americans have been able to enjoy.

Equitable Housing (Fair Housing Act of 1968); Education (Equal Educational Opportunities 1974); Voting (Civil Rights Act of 1964, and 1968), The Voting Rights of 1965 (amended 5 times but still partially rolled back in 2013); Sports inclusion via Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX); Job opportunities (Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1972) and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 have all been primarily accomplished by collective actions of Black America. This does not preclude support and work of other ethnic groups however, the heavy lift has been by Black America.

Now as gains such as Affirmative Action are rapidly eroding, we need a renewed clarion Call to Action. Let’s defend progress made and forge new paths of equity for our children and their children.

Armchair revolutionaries who debate on social media but do not vote or write a letter of concern, or attend a council or school board meeting or join an organization to volunteer time, YOU are being called to affirm social justice with action! Those who say, “ I already did my part and now it’s the young peoples’ turn”, YOU are being called to action! Those who say, “my vote doesn’t matter and I don’t vote because ( fill in the blank) ”, YOU are being called to action! We are to be inclusively intergenerational as well as multi racial in our approach. It’s not them or us, it is all of us together. Dr. King eloquently noted, “We are inextricably intertwined.” Let’s not just talk about it, let’s be about the action of “Affirming Social Justice!

Deborah Smith Gregory

6�NEWARI(

Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Ms. Deborah S. Gregory Newark NAACP President

The Newark Branch NAACP

454 Washington Street

Newark, New Jersey 07101

September 30, 2023

Dear Friends of the Newark Branch of the NAACP:

On behalf of the entire City of Newark, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Newark Branch of the NAACP at its annual Freedom Fund Awards Luncheon and to the organization as a whole on its 109th anniversary.

This morning's luncheon is themed "Affirming Social Justice with Action!" This concept is truer than ever at a time when legislators and courts are seeking to deny people of color their right to vote and gerrymandering legislative districts against them. It is not enough that African-Americans vote ...they must be able to vote, and their votes must be counted.

However, the unity and strength we see here today and through all of the NAACP's history shows us that we shall, indeed, overcome, and not only transform Newark and America itself into both a City and Nation we can all believe in.

Finally, I congratulate today's honorees: Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Dr. Marion Bolden, David Bolden, Ali McBride, Kim Gaddy and Vivian Cox Fraser. Individually and collectively, they define Newark and being proud of it.

All the best for an enjoyable lunch!

Sincerely yours,

Ras J. Baraka

Mayor

The Newark Unit NAACP

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve…. You only need a heart full of grace.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In December 1914, a group of 79 citizens came together to form the Newark, NJ Branch of the NAACP. The original intent of these men and women was to seek an equal opportunity for their community and themselves. The founding members left the Newark Unit NAACP, the largest and the second oldest in the state. The Newark Unit stands on the shoulders of committed people who have volunteered countless hours to serve their community in the areas of civil rights, education, legal redress, health, housing, labor, economic development and political action. We salute our leaders!

NEWARK NAACP PRESIDENTS

1916-1920 Mr. J.M. Stoute

1920 Mr. R. W. Stewart *

Early 1930’s Mrs. Anna M. Monroe*

Mid 1930’s Rev. Louis H. Berry

1934 Mrs. Lillian A. Simmons*

Late 1930’s Mrs. Grace B. Fenderson*

1940’s Mr. J. Leroy Baxter*

1934-1947 Mr. James Curtis*

1947-1950 Hon. Harry Hazelwood, Jr.*

1953-1955 Mr. Theodore Pettigrew*

1955-1958 Mr. Samuel Haynes*

1957 Hon. Harry Hazelwood Jr.*

1957 Mr. Carlton B. Norris*

1963-1966 Rev. Boyd B. Cantrell*

1967-1974 Ms. Sally G. Carroll*

1975-1979 Mr. Norman E. Threadgill*

1979-1981 Mrs. Eldora Maynard*

1981-1984 Mr. Bobbie Cottle*

1984-1989 Mr. Keith M. Jones

1990-1994 Ms. Jacqueline Lawrence*

1995-1998

Ms. Susie M. McGhee

1999-2001 Mr. Daniel Williams

2001 Ms. Cheryl D. Bush**

2002-2005 Mr. Keith Jones

2005-2007

Ms. Dorothea Lee*

2007-2008 Mr. John Smith

2009-2013 Mrs. Joyce M. Simmons

2013-Present Ms. Deborah Smith Gregory

NAACP NEWARK OFFICERS

Deborah Smith Gregory ..............................................President

Kathleen Turpin-Merritt .............................1st Vice President

Lavita E. Johnson........................................2nd Vice President

John L. Smith ..................................................3rd Vice President

Adeneka Witter Judge ...............................Interim Secretary

Cheryl Bush-Edwards.....................................................Treasurer

Linda Aaron Campbell ............................Assistant Treasurer

Executive Committee Members

Colette Jackson Belle Richard Cammarieri Debra J. Chandler

Tara Williams Harrington

Dr. Leah Z. Owens

Richard H. Robinson III

Linda Lloyd

Asada Rashidi

Timia Wilson

Ali McBride

Cynthia Truitt Rease

Elder Judith Favors

* Denotes deceased Presidents ** Denotes service as Acting President

— THE HONOR GUARD —

GOLD SPONSORS

Public Service Electric & Gas CWA 1037

SILVER SPONSORS

Essex County College Adjunct Professionals Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Industrial Bank Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.

Special Thanks to Enterprise Foundation for support of NAACP Education Committee Initiatives

2023 FULLY PAID SILVER LIFE MEMBERS

Shirley Lunsford Ashton T. Merritt

2023 FREEDOM FUND SUBSCRIBING SILVER LIFE MEMBERS

Vesta Godwin Clark Cynthia Truitt Rease Andre Hollis

John Smith Sr. Toneisha Toomer Clemaine Mitchell

2023 FREEDOM FUND PATRONS

Hardy Holmes Khalil Rashidi Alfreda Coachman Daniels Ezekiel Olaniyi

Elaine Lloyd-Nazario Kawwah Karim Lena Jessie Thomas Owen

Carol Bodine Anthony Miles Michelet Jules Lauren M. Phillips

Andrew Babij Dexter Stevenson Timia L Wilson Alexis Rean-Walker

Tyhisha Henry Khalif Miller Valeria Andrews Oneda Patterson

Willie L. Davis, Sr.

2022-2023 FALLEN FREEDOM FIGHTERS

NJ Senator Ron Rice Dorothy Givens

Edna Bailey Woody Robert Koontz Lucille Hunter

2023 Freedom Fund Committee

Judith Favors, Chairperson; Kathleen Turpin Merritt, Vice Chairperson

Deborah Smith Gregory, President

Debra J. Chandler; Rudell Chisolm; Cheryl Bush Edwards; Margaret Kee; Amber Brown Kelly; Judy McNeil; Tracy Munford; Diedre Phillips; Cynthia Truitt-Rease; John Smith and Barbara Wade

NAACP NEWARK 2023 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

ACT-SO .....................................................................................................................Colette Jackson Belle

Civic Engagement ............................................................Debra J. Chandler & Ali McBride Jr.

Criminal Justice .........................................................................Rick Robinson & Karyn Jacques

Economic Development .....................................................................Tara Williams Harrington

Education ............................................................................................................................Dr. Leah Owens

Environmental Justice ...................................................................................................Asada Rashidi

Health ....................................................................................................... Timia Wilson & Liselle Lewis

Religious Affairs ...................................................Elder Judith Favors & Min. Keisha Feaster

— ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS —

Door Prizes

Vanessa Baldwin

Janet Hylton Thompson

NJ Performing Arts Center

NAACP Newark

Elder Judith C. Favors, Chair

Good Morning on this Sensational Saturday Morning.

Greetings and welcome to the Newark NJ National Association for the of Colored People 109th Freedom Fund Gala Award, honoring our Community Champions. I take this opportunity to say thank you for your support and taking time out of your busy schedule to “Affirming Social Justice with Action”.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as this year’s chair, along with Mrs. Kathleen Turpin-Merritt, Vice Chair, Madam President Deborah Smith-Gregory and the 2023 Freedom Fund Committee Members who dedicated, committed and did their due diligence in working together in “Affirming Social Justice with Action”.

To affirm our action, we must truly understand we have to act and take action, what does this mean? I am glad you asked. We must all encourage our family, friends and colleagues who are not registered to vote, register to vote; get up, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 and in all elections. We Vote, We Win. Our vote counts when we vote. Let us not forget the struggles our ancestors went through to vote, let us not forget May 17, 1954 the Brown vs Board of Education, in which will be commemorating 70 years on May 17, 2024. Let us not forget injustice, racism, discrimination, poverty, education systems not up to standards and so much more is still in existence in 2023, remember We Vote-We Win.

Congratulations to all of our Community Champions. Acts 1:8: “A Champion of God, must not seek to be a local champion, but must seek to conquer the world.”

Eld Judi C. Fav s, Cha

KATHLEEN TURPIN MERRITT

First Vice President and Freedom Fund Gala Committee Vice Chairperson

Welcome to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Newark NJ’s Annual Freedom Fund Gala Awards. Thank you for supporting the oldest, most recognized and largest Civil Rights OrganIzation in the United States.

The Newark Branch is celebrating 109 years of service to the Newark community. “Affirming Social Justice with Action” is this year’s theme. Everyone deserves equal access to economic, political and social rights and opportunities. Some of the most pressing social issues include but not limited to: Racial Injustice; Economic Injustice; Environmental Injustice; Education Injustice; Healthcare Injustice; Voting Rights Injustice. Injustice is defined as “violation of another’s rights”, and “failure to adhere to moral principles.”

The Newark Branch “Affirms Social Justice with Action” by actively educating, empowering and encouraging our members and community to become involved via monthly meetings with guest speakers who provide vital information which includes voter registration and education, academic olympics and scholarships for high school students, civil engagement, education, criminal justice and healthcare programming.

Social Justice is both a process and a goal that requires action. We salute and congratulate our Community Champions for “Affirming Social Justice with Action”

In Solidarity and Strength,

NAACP NEWARK NJ Freedom Fund Gala Award

President NJ State Conference NAACP National NAACP Board Member Keynote Speaker

Richard T. Smith is a native of Trenton, New Jersey. He attended Trenton State College, currently known as the College of New Jersey, where he was a Speech Communication & Theatre Major. In addition, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, New York & Atlantic County College.

Richard retired in 2015, after completing a twenty-five-year career with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. In January, 2017 the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously approved Richard to serve as the new Warden for the Cumberland County Department of Corrections – Cumberland County jail.

On October 12th– 2013 at the Annual NAACP New Jersey State Conference Convention (NJSCNAACP), Richard was elected to serve as the President of the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP. He has served as the President of the NJSCNAACP for the past 10 years.

In July, 2017 at the NAACP National Convention in Baltimore, members of Region II that consist of New England, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware voted to have Richard become a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and he was sworn-in on February 17, 2018, in New York, NY where he has served in that position for the past five years.

In March, 2004, Richard was appointed by former Governor James McGreevey and presently serves as one of the seven Commissioners on the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. In January of 2013, he was unanimously elected by his fellow Commissioners to serve as the Commission Chairman.

A former school board member on the Vineland Board of Education for three years, he is a member of the St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Williamstown, NJ, where the Reverend Dr. Raymond M. Gordon, Sr. is his Pastor. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., PBA Local 105, Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, Off Broad Street Players in Bridgeton, NJ, and the Downtown Company of Performing Artist.

Richard is married to Cici and has three beautiful daughters, Brianna, Taylor and Zanaisha and son Princeton.

Richard is respected as a passionate, fearless freedom fighter who is wholeheartedly committed to continuing his life long fight for civil rights, equal opportunity and social justice.

Richard’s favorite quote is that of the late legendary Dorothy Height who said, “Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition, he has encountered, and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.”

Richard T. Smith

— 109TH ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND GALA AWARDS PROGRAM —

Musical Interlude ..............................................................................................................................Allgood & Company

Welcome & Introduction of Co-Hosts .......................................................Deborah S. Gregory, President

Co-Hosts Tracy Munford and Gregory Good

Processional ...............................................................................................Community Champions and Scholars

Invocation ......................................................Elder Judith Favors, Greater Rose of Sharon, Brooklyn, NY Freedom Fund Chairperson

“Lift Every Voice & Sing” .......................................................................................................................Marcus Beckett

Remarks .................................................................LaMonica McIver, Newark Municipal Council President

“My Man’s Gone Now” From Porgy & Bess Opera

George Gershwin, Composer .........................Colette Jackson Belle, Newark ACT-SO Chairperson

— LUNCH IS SERVED — Entertainment By Allgood & Company

— COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS PRESENTATIONS —

Introduction of Keynote Speaker ..............................................................................Tracy Munford, Co-Host

Keynote Speaker .................Richard T. Smith, President - New Jersey State Conference NAACP

Economic Development Award ..........Vivian Cox Fraser - Urban League of Essex County CEO

Environmental Justice Award .................................................Kim Gaddy, Executive Founder/Director South Ward Environmental Alliance

Sally G. Carroll Legacy Award ........................................................David Bolden, Co-Founding Member Vulcan Pioneers of New Jersey

Education Award Dr. Marion A. Bolden, Chairperson Essex County College Board of Trustees

Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr. Award ......................Cleopatra Tucker, NJ Assemblywoman

Branch Service Award .................................................Ali McBride Jr., Civic Engagement Chairperson

Scholarship Awards ................................Amber Brown Kelly, Scholarship Committee Chairperson

Acknowledgements ............................................................................Lavita E. Johnson, 2nd Vice President

John L. Smith, 3rd Vice President

Closing Remarks .................................................................................................Judith C. Favors, FF Chairperson

Kathleen Merritt, FF Vice Chairperson

Deborah Smith Gregory, President

Benediction ...............................................Councilwoman Rev. Louise Scott Rountree, City of Newark

Vivian Cox Fraser Economic Development Award

Since becoming its President and CEO in 2004, Vivian Cox Fraser has led the Urban League of Essex County’s growth and transition from a social services agency to a comprehensive community development corporation.

She had a distinguished corporate career in world-class organizations such as Prudential, Credit Suisse and CIGNA before joining the Urban League. Mrs. Fraser has successfully guided The League’s organizational progression -- establishing the Financial Opportunity Center, a job-creating social enterprise, affordable housing development and strategic community organizing. These programs play a vital role in its mission to promote economic empowerment as a key driver for social change.

Mrs. Fraser’s own personal history drives her commitment to advance economic and social justice for all. She was taught early on that education was critical to improving one’s future.

Growing up in Washington, DC, she lived “first-hand” the disparities of location-where geography determines access to resources that determine the future opportunities of so many urban youngsters. Recognizing that quality education paves the pathway to economic opportunity, she ensures that it is integrated into every program and service area at The League.

Ms. Fraser is a graduate of Goucher College and Yale University, where she was a National Science Foundation Fellow. She earned her Master’s Degree in Economics. She is married and has three daughters.

Kim Gaddy Environmental Justice Award

Kim Gaddy is the Founder of the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA), a grassroots Environmental Justice organization of residents and community- based organizations. SWEA centers the perspectives of Newark residents at the forefront of their efforts by providing opportunities for meaningful participation in identifying the social and environmental injustices that plague our community. SWEA informs, empowers and engages residents to demand a seat at the table and meaningful participation for environmental justice in their community.

Kim is the National and New Jersey Environmental Justice Director for Clean Water Action. She has been advocating for communities impacted by industrial pollution and the goods movement system in Newark and across the country for 22 years.

Kim develops and implements Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund’s grassroots environmental justice campaigns and coalition building efforts in New Jersey.

She is a former Newark School Board Member, first City of Newark female Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Mildred Crump, and New York/New Jersey Regional Representative for the Moving Forward Network,

Kim was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as Chair of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council and member of the New Jersey Green Jobs Council. She is a former Chair of both the Newark Environmental Commission and the Essex County Environmental Commission and a founding member of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance.

She was recognized as the 2021 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honoree for New Jersey, 2021 International Black Women’s Congress Oni Award Recipient, 2021 Weequahic High School Hall of Distinction, 2020 UU Faith in Action Environmental Justice Award, 2020 New Jersey Governor’s Richard J. Sullivan Environmental Excellence Award, 2018 Newark Women from Suffragettes to the Statehouse, 2017 selected as 100 People of Newark and a 2007 recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Environmental Community award.

David Lee Bolden

Mr. David Lee Bolden a native of Newark, NJ was born on June 25, 1929 to the late Mammie and James Bolden.

He attended Burnett Street and McKinley Elementary Schools before graduating from Central High School in 1948.

Following high school, he served in the Korean War as a Corporal. Upon returning home, Mr. Bolden worked several jobs before he was hired by the Newark Fire Department at the age of 23 years old in 1954. He started his career as a Fireman, then a Fire Inspector and retired in 1985 after 31 years of service. Mr. Bolden was the third Black Fireman in the city of Newark. William Thomas was the first and the second Sheldon Harris (both are deceased).

He was also a co-founding member of the Vulcan Pioneers of NJ, officially established in 1957 even though they began organizing in 1953. The organization was started to provide a society for black firefighters who were not welcomed into the majority white groups. The Vulcan Pioneers now have branches throughout New Jersey and will celebrate 70 years of black firefighter brotherhood this year.

Mr. Bolden has been a member of the Saint James AME Church, currently under the leadership of Rev. Ronald Slaughter since 1934. He has also served in the choir, and as a Bible study student.

Mr. Bolden likes all types of music and enjoys watching all sports with his favorite teams being the Mets, Dodgers and Knicks. “My main man is Lebron.”

He was married to the late Eunice Bolden and Marlene Bolden. He has one daughter, Cheryl Ann Bolden who lives in Paris, France and one granddaughter, Marlene Arabella Bolden-Lloyd.

Sally G. Carroll Legacy Award

Marion A. Bolden Education Award

Marion A. Bolden currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Essex County College. The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the junior college and under her leadership, since 2018, the college has been designated as a fully accredited institution and consistently improves their ranking in the Best Overall Colleges list.

Marion previously served as Superintendent of the Newark Public Schools from July 1999 until July 2008. Newark is the largest school district in the State of New Jersey, with an approximate enrollment of 44,000 students. As Superintendent, Dr. Bolden worked to create the village it takes to raise a child. Under her leadership, the district made important strides forward, implementing numerous initiatives that impacted on the district’s instructional and financial programs, as well as the facilities. The district had the highest percentage statewide of 3 and 4 year olds enrolled in the Early Childhood Program. A major part of the high school reform focused on the establishment of career academies in all secondary schools.

As Superintendent, Dr. Bolden was responsible for the implementation of a 1.6 billion dollar facilities plan, which was the largest construction project in the city’s history. Under that initiative Science Park HS, First Ave Elementary, Central HS, Park Ave Elementary and Speedway Elementary were constructed. Earlier, Belmont Runyon Elementary was constructed. In October 2001, the district opened the Malcolm X Shabazz Athletic Complex, the first major athletic facility built by the district in half a century. After that major accomplishment, a collaboration with the City in 2003 resulted in the approval of a $63 million bond for additional capital projects.

Prior to her appointment as Superintendent, Dr. Bolden served as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Newark Public Schools from 1996 through 1999. In that capacity, she was responsible for curriculum, instruction and assessment. During this time the Benjamin Banneker Science Center, which provided students and educators with hands-on experiences in the sciences was opened and the Extended Classroom Experiences Program, which enabled students to participate in more than 50,000 theme-based curriculum enriching field trips, was initiated. Additionally, Dr. Bolden served as the Director of Mathematics from 1989 through 1996. As the Director, Dr. Bolden initiated the district-wide annual Math Fair and Mathematics Olympics. She also introduced Algebra as a math course for eighth graders and launched the Algebra Project, a staff development program for elementary math teachers which resulted in more than 65 district educators completing the M.A. program in Advanced Mathematics at Montclair State University.

Dr. Bolden is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Association of Black School Educators, and NJNAACP. Additionally, Dr Bolden serves as the chair of the Newark Public Schools Historical Preservation Committee, on the Boards of Newark Symphony Hall Performing Arts Center, Newark Landmarks and Preservation Committee and Newark Public Schools Urban Debate League.

Dr Bolden has received many awards for her educational and community service to Newark children. An award that she is most proud of establishes her as the Godmother of Newark’s Children. She has been featured in several books.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Marion A. Bolden is the proud mother of two daughters and grandmother of two grandchildren. She is a graduate of Montclair State University with a B.A. in Math Education, an M.A. in Teaching and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bank Street College of Education at the University of the State of New York. Dr. Bolden began her career as a math teacher at Barringer High School and retired in 2008 after forty years of service in the district.

Marion A. Bolden is a profound believer in the motto that “ALL CHILDREN CAN AND WILL LEARN”.

NJ Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker Congressman Donald Payne, Sr. Social Justice Award

Cleopatra G. Tucker was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, attended Miles College and later relocated to Newark, New Jersey in 1966, where she met her late husband the Honorable Donald K. Tucker Councilman at Large/Assemblyman. She then retired from the Newark Housing Authority in 2002 and later became the executive director of The Centre, Inc., which was recently named The Donald K. Tucker complex.

Committed to continuing the legacy of her late husband, The Honorable Donald K. Tucker and being an advocate for the citizens of her community, Mrs. Tucker ran for the New Jersey State Assembly and was elected in 2007. Currently serving as Assemblywoman for the 28th Legislative District, Mrs. Tucker has been working diligently to ensure fair and equal education for Abbott and non-Abbott school districts. She also has been a strong advocate for veterans, early childhood development, senior services and children with disabilities.

She serves as the Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs, Vice-Chair of the Human Services and member of the Health and Senior Service Committee, American Legion Auxiliary, Guyton Callahan American Legion Post #152 and the South Ward District Leader. She is currently active member of the NAACP, First Baptist Church of Nutley, and the Girl Scouts of America.

Cleo is the proud mother of Donna Wynn and Kiburi D. Tucker and seven grand children.

Ali McBride is currently the Chairperson of the Civic Engagement Committee. He also serves on the Criminal Justice Committee of the branch.

Ali is a retired Senior Investigator of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Special Investigations Division and served as a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. During his tenure, he received numerous commendations both as a US Marshall and Investigator with the NJ Department of Corrections.

He holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English from Johnson C. Smith University and a Masters of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a concentration/ certification in Global Administration and Leadership with a semester completed at Wroxton College in England and the University of Mendoza, Argentina.

Ali is an avid student of African History and American Government. He is a long standing member of Afrikan Echoes, whose mission is to raise public awareness of the history of Africa, its connection to the Diaspora and to African Americans. He also explores the intersectionality of race and law enforcement based on his experience as a former law enforcement officer, a black male, black father and a neighborhood champion. As a result, Ali is often an invited guest lecturer on a variety of topics based on his unique insight and perspective.

Ali has traveled to several countries in Africa to get a personal perspective of the issues, challenges and triumphs that face African people.

He is the proud father of a son and daughter who believes in exposing them to all types of cultural experiences that reflect their heritage and place in the world so “they can be proud of and know who they are.“

Ali McBride

NAACP Newark Branch Service Award

We Salute

Our Scholarship Recipients

Newark Youth is where the next generation of leaders and freedom keepers are made. Our Scholarship program allows us to mentor students as they navigate through their college years.

Michael Akinnawo

Central High School

Rutgers University, New Brunswick Computer Science

Santiago Mosquera

Barringer High School

Rutgers University

Mathematics/Economics

Genesis Parfait

Newark Collegiate Academy

University Of New Haven

Criminal Justice

Mikael Vazquez

Newark Vocational High School

Rutgers University, Newark

Psychology, Pre-Med Track

Blossom Ibudeh Technology High School

Tu s Univeristy

Community Health, Pre-Med Track

Olamide Oke

North Star Academy Lincoln Park High School

Stanford Univeristy

Data Science

Lanisa Sams

North Star Academy Lincoln Park High School

Hampton University

Criminal Justice

Eastern Region

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 FREEDOM FUND GALA AWARD HONOREES

ASSEMBLYWOMAN CLEOPATRA TUCKER

DR. MARION BOLDEN

DAVID BOLDEN

ALI MCBRIDE

KIM GADDY

VIVIAN COX FRASER

Michael E. Hellstrom, Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager

Laborers’ International Union of North America

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NAACP Newark Branch Freedom Fund Gala Awards AND OFFER OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HONOREES — Ted and Nina Wells

Essex -West Hudson Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Thomas P. Giblin …….…….…….………...……… President

Richard Wolfson …….…….….... Exec. Secretary/Treasurer

Charles N. Hall, Jr. ...…….………….… First Vice President

Bernard W. Gerard, Jr. ....…….….…. .Recording Secretary

Rev. Timothy G. Graff …………......……. Spiritual Director Vice Presidents

John M. Abeigon

Calvin Brooks

Thurese Calhoun

Veronica Cobb

Richard A. Maroko, Esq.

William F. Mullins

Lino Santiago

William Sullivan Trustees

Michael D. Lewis John LoCrasto

Best wishes to NAACP Newark Branch and its 2023 Honorees

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center proudly supports the NAACP Newark New Jersey 109th Freedom Fund Gala Awards and congratulates all the Community Champion Honorees.

rwjbh.org/newarkbeth

THESOUTH WARD ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE

wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to the NAACP for recognizing our Executive Director, Kim Gaddy, for this year’s prestigious Environmental Justice award

KIM GADDY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENT

The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA), is an alliance of residents and community based organizations with a focus on environmental justice issues in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey.

SWEA's mission is to cultivate healthy and vibrant neighborhoods by ensuring residents' voices are heard and they are active participants in decision making policies that impact their neighborhood.

SWEA

NAACP Newark NJ Branch ON YOUR

109TH FREEDOM FUND GALA AWARDS

South District Police Community Association

James Young, President

Cynthia Truitt-Rease, 1st Vice President

Bettye Dickerson, Treasurer

Earnest Turner, Financial Secretary

Linda Bagley, Correspondent/Recording Secretary

John Titus, Parliamentarian

Yvonne Murry, Chaplin

CONGRATULATIONS MOM

Our mother has been fighting for us and every asthmatic child gasping for air to breathe. Mom we are so proud of you.

Love Frankie Mo'Nay and Julian

Kim Gaddy

Frankie Mo’Nay

Julian

Bessie Walker, President Gary Taylor, 1st Vice President

Robert Taylor, 2nd Vice President Jackie Clemons, Treasurer

Roberta Callahan, Secretary Dr. Willie Moody, Clergy

Leonard Moore Rev. James Johnson

Gary Westberry Judith McDaniel

Roberta Singletary Torlan Roye

Artice Norvell

Wayne Smith

Berry Grey

Donald Bradley

Joanne Clark Faines Ramona Thomas

Akbar Cook, Principal Gary Hayes

NAACP Newark Branch

Freedom Fund Gala Awardees

Sharif Farrakan

Ursula Carter

Sharon Brown

Gregory Cook

Sylvester Riddick

Lisa Richardson

Janice Hylton ompson

IN LOVING MEMORY

is a wife and mother to two amazing children. Janice is an accomplished author of over 20 published books and blogger.

CONGRATULATIONS

David Bolden

Dr. Marion Bolden

Vivian Cox Fraser

Kim Gaddy

Ali McBride

Cleopatra Tucker

Thank you for your unrelenting commitment and service for the benefit of the citizens of Newark and the greater Newark community.

Mary G. Bennett

To connect with Janice, visit www.janicehyltonmentoring.com, where she mentors and coaches thousands of women on relationships.

You can also connect with Janice @ www.janicehyltonblog.com, to learn more about her books.

1 Praying the 7 Spirits of the Lord Upon Your Children

2. Moments of Gratitude

3. How to Read Your Bible in One Year

4. In Christ I am.

5. e Word of Wisdom Journal

Rev. Dr. John Exum III, Pastor

Rev. W.D. Walls, Founder