110th Newark, NJ NAACP Freedom Fund Gala Program Journal
We cultivate, resource, and unify programs to support children and families from pre-cradle to career.
Deborah Smith Gregory President
This year, we are excited to honor daughters of Newark along with a son of the city. Newark has produced greatness in spite of being the butt of bad jokes and negative narratives. Greatness does grow in Newark.
We are delighted to welcome home Dr. Brenda A. Allen, President of Lincoln University, the first degree granting HBCU in the country. Dr. Allen is a native of Newark and a graduate of Barringer High School. Under her leadership, Lincoln University has made great strides.
Ms. Safanya Searcy, a graduate of University High School is also a daughter of Newark. Her work in the Labor arena has made her an integral part of a movement that fights for the rights of workers. America does not belong to the rich, it belongs to the people.
Mr. Craig Drinkard, a son of Newark, hailing from West Side High School, has been embedded in Newark as a champion of philanthropic work through the lens of the Victoria Foundation. As the leader of Victoria Foundation, Mr. Drinkard has moved the Foundation closer to the grassroots organizations within the greater Newark area to influence substantive change.
Kathleen Turpin Merritt also a daughter of Newark, is a 50 year plus member of the NAACP. She has served in various capacities in the Newark Branch and has been an active member since her youth.
Upon the onset of his retirement, we honor Rev. Bernard Savage, pastor of New Eden Baptist Church for his consistent, long-standing commitment to the people of Newark. His impact reaches far beyond the church walls.
Our guest speaker, New York Councilman, Yusef Salaam endured a false conviction, sentencing and jail but was later exonerated as a part of the infamous Central Park Case now called the Exonerated Five.
Councilman Salaam is a striking example of what Dr. Martin Luther King meant when he said, ‘White America must recognize that justice for black people cannot be achieved without radical changes in the structure of our society.” Fortunately, Mr. Salaam was exonerated for a crime he did not commit but not before spending six ½ years of his life in prison.
This year’s theme is ALL IN…for JUSTICE! Social Justice is the fair division of resources, opportunities and privileges in society. During the Trump presidency, there were appointments of 226 judges including 3 Associate Justices, of that number were, 189 white, 9 Black, 9 Latino, 13 Asian and 6 “others.” Are those statistics examples of fairness, diversity or inclusion? How do we advocate for social justice?
Dr. King noted “One of the most basic weapons in the fight for social justice will be the cumulative political power of the Negro. I can foresee the Negro vote becoming consistently the decisive vote in national elections.”
The 2024 presidential election is a defining moment in history for building a more “just” society. Don’t just talk about it, be about it! Make sure your vote, your voice is counted in November. Vote as if your life depends on it… because it does!
Congratulations to our 2024 Community Champions. Continue to be the change you wish to see in the world!
Deborah Smith Gregory
Greetings Freedom Fighters:
I am proud to extend my sincere “congratulations” on behalf of the Officers, Executive Committee and Members of the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP as you celebrate your Freedom Fund Awards event I also bring you greetings on behalf of the NAACP National Board of Directors
I have had the highest honor of serving as president of this extraordinary Association over the last 13 years I have never been prouder of the work our members and supporters have done to sustain this democracy and ensure that its promises are accessible to all
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights DUE Black America Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists
From the classroom and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people
There is however, much work still to be done We must collectively continue to battle the continued assaults on our civil and human rights. Despite the attempts to disenfranchise Black voters, erase our history and urban terrorism, we persist! Our teams--and millions of Americans --- are counting on freedom fighters like you to help confront the biggest issues facing the Black community.
We have and must continue to organize, advocate for our communities, and celebrate historic moments of victory. To my friend and your president Deborah Smith- Gregory, I thank you for your stalwart commitment towards ensuring the continued advancement of equality and justice in Newark I personally would like to commend your Freedom Fund Awards Committee for their hard work and for their commitment
The New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP is very proud to publicly acknowledge the extraordinary contribution that has been made by your phenomenal honorees
This year ’ s theme, “ALL IN" could not be more fitting, given the pivotal moment we are faced with as a nation Our battles are well worth the fight, and we cannot be complacent We must make Republicans think they can get our VOTE and just as important make Democrats believe they can lose our VOTE Everyone must be accountable
We must no longer be accepting of the things we cannot change but rather have the mindset that we are going to change the things we cannot accept
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
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
1984-1989
1990-1994
1995-1998
1999-2001
Mr. Bobbie Cottle*
Mr. Keith M. Jones
Ms. Jacqueline Lawrence*
Ms. Susie M. McGhee
Mr. Daniel Williams
2001 Ms. Cheryl D. Bush**
2002-2005
2005-2007
2007-2008
2009-2013
Mr. Keith Jones
Ms. Dorothea Lee*
Mr. John Smith
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
Linda Aaron Campbell............................Assistant Treasurer
Executive Committee Members
Colette Jackson Belle Richard Cammarieri
Debra J. Chandler
Tara Williams Harrington Linda Lloyd Ali McBride
Dr. Leah Z. Owens
Asada Rashidi
Richard H. Robinson III Timia Wilson
Cynthia Truitt Rease (d)
Elder Judith Favors
* Denotes deceased Presidents ** Denotes service as Acting President
— THE HONOR GUARD —
GOLD SPONSORS: Public Service Electric & Gas
BRONZE SPONSORS: Essex County College Adjunct Professionals
2024 FULLY PAID SILVER LIFE MEMBERS
Calvin Ledford Jr. Banita Herndon
DIAMOND SUBSCRIBING MEMBER: Sharon Price-Cates
SILVER SUBSCRIBING MEMBERS
Liselle Lewis New Eden Baptist Church Islah Tauheed
Lisa Maddox
2024 FREEDOM FUND PATRONS
Dionne Ledford
Trevor Martindale Samantha Adams Eucelyn Morrast
Mary G. Bennett Ayannah Johnson
Frances Harold Tracy Pittman
Amanda Ebokosia
Gloria Johnson
Karen Hilliard Johnson Renee Pulliam Mary Tandy
Christy Oliver Aziza Kibibi McGill-Ayinde Wilson Lanier
Timia Wilson Gloria Johnson
2024 FALLEN FREEDOM FIGHTERS
Margaret Harden (LM) Laura Baker (LM)
Willie Davis (RM)
Barbara Abdur- Razzaq (RM) Judge Harold Fullilove (LM) Cynthia Truitt Rease (LM)
Congressman Donald Payne Jr (LM)
* LM= Life Member *RM= Regular Member
2024 Freedom Fund Committee
Judith Favors, Chairperson Deborah Smith Gregory, President
Debra J. Chandler; Rudell Chisolm; Cheryl Bush Edwards; Amber Brown Kelly; Judy McNeil; Diedre Phillips; Ali McBride; Tracy Munford; Lavita Johnson; John Smith; Colette Jackson Belle
NAACP NEWARK 2024 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
ACT-SO Colette Jackson Belle
Civic Engagement .......................................................... Debra J. Chandler & Ali McBride Jr.
Criminal Justice ............................................................................................................... Rick Robinson
Economic Development .................................................................... Tara Williams Harrington
Education Dr. Leah Owens
Environmental Justice Asada Rashidi and X Braithwaite
Health .................................................................................................... Timia Wilson & Liselle Lewis
Religious Affairs .................................................. Elder Judith Favors & Min. Keisha Feaster
— ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS —
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton
Elder
Judith C. Favors, Chairperson
Good morning and thank you for your continuous support. It’s has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the chairperson for the 110th Anniversary Gala – Honoring Community Champions & Scholars. I salute and congratulate all the honorees and scholars for their outstanding contributions to the community and their family. You all are true Champions in your own right and to be a witness to this year’s generational recognition is phenomenal. May God continue to bless each and every one of our Community Champions and Scholars as they continue to be a beacon of light for all to see. Acts 13:47 – I have destined you to become a beacon light for the nations and release salvation to the ends of the earth
The 110th Anniversary Gala Committee Members, thank you for your assistance and support as we planned this year’s Gala, we worked together with zeal and a spirit of excellence.
I am very proud to be a part of The LARGEST and The OLDEST, The BADDEST And The BOLDEST, The MOST LOVED And MOST HATED, The MOST FEARED And REVERED, the MOST CUSSED And DISCUSSED Civil Rights Organization in America… The NAACP Join… Give… Do More! With great excitement. I am a Lifetime Member, and a subscribing Gold Life Member. May I ask, are you a Member? You can join today at $30.00 a year (.08 cent a day x 365 days = $29.20 = .80 cent = $30.00). Let’s not keep asking what is the NAACP doing? Ask yourself, how I can assist and support by volunteering and joining a committee to continue bringing awareness.
This year’s theme: “All in for Justice”, we all must be part of democracy in doing our due diligence in making sure all of our family, friends, co-workers, congregation and colleagues to “Get Out and Vote”, and take their “Soles to the Polls” in this year’s Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and every election going forward. Let’s be “FIRED UP and READY TO GO” to the Polls.
• Democracy: A form of government in which the people vote directly against or in favor of decisions, policies, laws, etc.
• Justice: The maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards of punishments
It is my prayer that each of us will leave here today inspired to make a positive impact on our community and society. In this pivotal moment in the history of our country and the vitality of the NAACP, it is important that we all do our part to bring about change. We have come so far, but we yet have so far to go. Change is within our reach, remember, “Your Power, Your Decision-VOTE”
Elder Judith C. Favors, Chair
Councilman Yusef Salaam
NYC 9th District
Author, Activist & Legislator
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Councilman Yusef Salaam is best known as a member of “The Exonerated Five,” a group of five boys—four Black and one Latino—who were tried and falsely convicted of a crime in a highly publicized case that shook the world. On April 19, 1989, when a young woman was brutally raped and left for dead in New York City’s Central Park, the five innocent boys were wrongfully accused and became known collectively as “The Central Park Five.” Spending between seven and thirteen years behind bars, their lives were upended and changed forever, including Yusef’s, who was just 15 years old at the time. Their convictions were vacated in 2002 after previously unidentified DNA was matched to its owner—a convicted murderer and serial rapist who confessed to the crime. The convictions of the boys, now men, were overturned, and they became known as “The Exonerated Five.”
Since his release, Yusef has committed himself to advocating and educating the public on issues such as false confessions, police brutality and misconduct, press ethics and bias, race and law, and the disparities in America’s criminal justice system. He also released a New York Times bestselling memoir, Better, Not Bitter, which details how he turned his story into a tool for change in the pursuit of racial justice.
Yusef currently serves as a member of New York City’s 9th District, bringing his experiences with the criminal justice system to help create impactful change within the government.
Documentarians Ken and Sarah Burns released the documentary The Central Park Five, which told the story of this travesty from the perspective of Yusef and his cohorts. Yusef was later appointed to the board of the Innocence Project and co-produced a Netflix limited series called When They See Us, based on the true story of “The Central Park Five,” alongside Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, and Robert De Niro.
The Exonerated Five received a multi-million-dollar settlement from the city of New York for the grievous injustice committed against them. That same year, Yusef was awarded an honorary doctorate and received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.
— 110TH ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND GALA AWARDS PROGRAM —
Musical Interlude ........................................................................................................................................ V Music Band
Processional ........................................................................................................................... Community Champions
Welcome & Introduction of MC ........................................................ Deborah Smith Gregory, President
Mistress of Ceremony Tracy Munford
Invocation .......................................................................................................................... Reverend Louise Rountree Newark Municipal Councilwoman-at-Large
“Lift Every Voice & Sing” .................................................................................................................... Marcus Beckett
Scholarship Awards............................................................. Nia Pierce, Scholarship Committee Member
Presentation Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka
Education Award................................................................................................... Dr. Brenda A. Allen, President Lincoln University, PA
Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr. Award ................................... Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer Victoria Foundation
Labor Award ............................................................................................................................................... Safanya Searcy Strategist Service Workers International Union 1199
Religious Affairs Award ......................................................................................Reverend Bernard Savage Eden Baptist Church
Sally G. Carroll Legacy & Branch Service Award ........................................... Kathleen Turpin Merritt 1st Vice President, Newark, NJ NAACP
President’s Award ......................................................................................................................................................................
Introduction of Keynote Speaker .................................................................................................. Tracy Munford
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ..................................................................... Yusef Salaam, Harlem Councilman and Exonerated 5 Member
Acknowledgements ............................................................................... Lavita Johnson, 2nd Vice President John Smith, 3rd Vice President
Closing Remarks ........................................................................................ Deborah Smith Gregory, President
Benediction .................................................................... Elder Judith Favors, Freedom Fund Chairperson
Dr. Brenda A. Allen EDUCATION AWARD
Dr. Brenda A. Allen was named the 14th president of her alma mater, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, on May 11, 2017. She began her tenure on July 1, 2017. Dr. Allen’s achievements at Lincoln University have been recognized, and she was named one of the 10 Most Dominant Historically Black College Leaders in 2021 by the HBCU Campaign.
Dr. Allen’s first step in her academic career came when she was inspired to study psychology during her Advanced Placement Psychology course at her high school in Newark, NJ. Her white teacher told her it was a “fact” that African Americans were intellectually inferior to whites. Knowing the comment to be racist, Allen pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Lincoln University, where she was further inspired to pursue advanced degrees with support from her professors. Dr. Allen went on to earn both a Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology and a Doctoral Degree in Developmental Psychology from Howard University. Her research focused on the interactions between ethnicity, education, and student achievement, particularly for African American children.
After earning her degrees, Dr. Allen served as a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Psychology at Yale University, where she also lectured in the Departments of Psychology and African American Studies. Following Yale, Dr. Allen held several leadership and administrative positions at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Dr. Allen then joined Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, as the Associate Provost and Director for Institutional Diversity, where she raised $15 million to support diversity goals, including efforts to increase the number of women and minority faculty members.
Prior to her appointment at Lincoln, she served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). At WSSU, Dr. Allen’s primary responsibility was to provide executive-level leadership for the institution’s academic mission. As Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Allen oversaw and led the following academic and operational units: the College of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education; the School of Health Sciences; and University College.
Dr. Allen departed WSSU with a legacy of achievement. Her many accomplishments included leading the revision of the curriculum, overseeing the establishment of WSSU’s first two doctoral programs, expanding undergraduate research funding, restructuring academic support to strengthen advising, creating an Office of Faculty Affairs, strengthening standards for tenure and promotion, and helping raise more than $10 million for capital projects, scholarships, and other student support. Under her leadership, the university’s retention and graduation rates rose dramatically, and the number of students engaged in research and study abroad increased.
Lincoln University, recognized as the first degree-granting HBCU in the country (established in 1854), has been a public historically Black university since 1972. Dr. Allen is the second woman to serve as president. Under her leadership, major renovations, upgrades, and additions have been made to the campus. She is focused on establishing the university as a premier liberal arts institution with a mission to produce world leaders. She has also energized the School of Adult and Continuing Education, expanding programs for adults to advance careers and earn credits toward degree completion.
Craig Drinkard
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
Craig Drinkard is the Executive Officer of the Victoria Foundation, assuming the role in April 2022. Born and raised in Newark, Craig is the first African American to lead the Foundation in its 100-year history.
He previously served as co-director, where he led the foundation staff and trustees to adopt its current strategic framework, which focuses on Strengthening Community Power, Fostering Economic Justice, Youth SelfDetermination, and Responding to Pressing Needs.
Craig is responsible for implementing this framework through a racial equity lens and overseeing the deployment of approximately $15 million annually in grants and other investments in Newark, New Jersey, from the Foundation’s $300 million endowment.
Craig joined the Victoria Foundation staff in 2006 as a Program Officer, where he launched the Foundation’s Capacity Building Initiative, aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the non-profit sector in Newark, while also leading its economic development grantmaking investments.
In 2011, Craig was promoted to Senior Program Officer. In this role, he worked with the Foundation’s board of trustees to realign the organization’s grantmaking strategies, particularly in the areas of community and economic development, education, and youth and family development.
In 2017, Craig was promoted to Associate Director, where he led several initiatives for Victoria Foundation, including its newly launched Program Related Investments strategy and its Thriving Neighborhood Initiative, while continuing to lead the Foundation’s investments in organizational and leadership development, public safety, and community and economic development.
In 2021, Craig was promoted to Co-Executive Officer. He played a leading role, working with the Foundation’s trustees, staff, and consultants, in developing the new strategic framework, mission statement, and organizational values.
Prior to joining Victoria Foundation, Craig served as a Program Officer at the Community Foundation of New Jersey. In this capacity, he oversaw two initiatives aimed at developing grassroots leaders throughout New Jersey – the Neighborhood Leadership Initiative and the Parents Organizing Parents Strategy. His professional career also includes experience working for the federal government, major for-profit companies, and a Newark-based nonprofit, where he served as a community organizer.
In addition to his work at Victoria Foundation, Craig serves on the board of several nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, including The Regional Foundation, Opportunity Youth NetworkNewark, LEAD Charter School, and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers.
He is an active field-builder and connector in philanthropy, having participated in numerous fellowships, including The Neighborhood Funders Group/Aspen Institute’s Philanthropy Forward: Leadership for Change, which is comprised of national leaders who center racial and gender justice with community power building to transform the future of philanthropy, and The Justice Funders’ Maestra Program.
A product of the Newark Public School system, Craig earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from Bloomfield College and received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently lives in West Orange with his wife and two daughters.
SAFANYA NICOLE SEARCY LABOR AWARD
Safanya Nicole Searcy is a strong voice for progressive issues, dedicating her life’s work to advocating and organizing in the fights for economic, social, and racial justice, civil and human rights, equity, and inclusion. Her body of work exemplifies her determination to turn words into action despite the challenges, earning her the label of “motivation personified” by her colleagues, family, and friends. Safanya works diligently to “pay it forward” by being a voice and opening doors for those whose interests lie at the intersections of labor, politics, and race.
Raised by her grandmother in Newark and deeply rooted in her faith, Safanya was determined not to let the challenges she faced as a child or during her transition to adulthood determine her success. From an early age, she adopted the mindset of “beating the status quo” and is living proof that the circumstances of one’s past do not have to dictate the outcomes of one’s present or future.
Safanya’s interest in government and politics was sparked during her junior and senior years of high school when she worked for the United States Attorney’s Office, District of NJ. Her official engagement in statewide politics began in 2005 when the late Honorable D. Bilal Beasley offered her the opportunity to attend the NJ Democratic State Committee’s Annual State Conference and Training for Young Democrats. In later years, Mr. Beasley would often joke about Safanya’s political growth, saying, “I opened one door. She ran through it and has been running ever since!”
In 2010, Safanya took a huge leap of faith, transitioning from her role as Program Analyst with the County of Essex to the Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) Organizer-In-Training program, a year-long position designed to teach individuals the fundamentals of labor organizing. Participation in the program not only taught Safanya the essential mechanics of being a great labor organizer but also strengthened her community organizing skills.
After only five months in the training program, Safanya was offered a full-time community organizing position on SEIU’s Fight for a Fair Economy project based in Boston, MA. Her work in this role included union membership engagement with the four SEIU locals in the Boston area. One of those locals—1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East—offered her a position as a Political Organizer. Her portfolio included collaborating with Administrative Organizers to educate members on the importance of politics as a tool for securing and maintaining good contracts in the workplace, as well as leading ground operations in Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District, which contributed to the electoral victories of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and the re-election of former Congressman John Tierney.
From 2013 to 2021, Safanya served in the SEIU National Political Department. In this role, she worked with Local Unions to build long-term, sustainable political programs that connected issues important to members with the political fights necessary to protect what mattered to them. She curated the National Member Convening Education Series, launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which gathered SEIU members virtually to educate and galvanize them to participate in the 2020 election despite the challenges. Safanya’s portfolio includes over 20 years of experience, 52 campaigns, and 49 wins across the U.S. She currently serves as a Deputy Director and leads the Union’s Candidate Pipeline for SEIU members interested in running for elected office. She remains an active facilitator in political, economic, social, and racial justice programs of the union and is part of a core group of staff leaders driving the Union’s Anti-Racist Organization work.
Safanya continues to give back to her beloved NJ, Essex County, and Newark community, which helped raise and shape her into the woman she is today. Her service includes being a board member of the Newark Workforce Development Board; PAM’s List (Power and Money for Choice and Change); the Newark-Scott Cultural and Civic Foundation; and Clinton Hill Community Action. She previously served as an appointed member of the Board of Trustees at Essex County College from 2015 to 2017, where she chaired the Academic and Student Affairs Committee during the 2016-2017 academic year.
In addition to all this, Safanya was offered the opportunity to return to college as a full-time student 23 years after graduating from high school. She is now a student in the Honors Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University-Newark, double majoring in Justice Studies and Political Science with a minor in Social Justice. She is a member of the Student Government Association and the Student Representative to the Rutgers University Board of Governors. She anticipates graduating in May 2026.
Reverend Bernard W. Savage
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AWARD
Reverend Bernard W. Savage is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, born to James and Estelle Savage. He has three sisters and three brothers (two of whom are now deceased).
His academic abilities were recognized at an early age. He graduated from Baltimore City College High School, one of the most prestigious academic high schools in Baltimore. After high school, Reverend Savage joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Baltimore, where he received an Associate Degree in Accounting. He later attended Morgan State University, where he earned a double degree in Accounting and Economics.
In 1977, Reverend Savage relocated from Boston, MA to Newark, NJ, and became united with New Eden Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend John Henry Shorter. At his birth, his grandmother declared that there was a special calling on his life. This calling manifested under the tutelage of Reverend Shorter. Reverend Savage became very active in the Youth Church, visiting the sick, and attending prayer services and Bible study. In 1979, he was ordained as the youngest Deacon at New Eden Baptist Church. In 1983, he enrolled in the Bowles Bible Institute of Technicality in Rahway, NJ, where he received a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Divinity.
Reverend Shorter recognized Reverend Savage as a man full of faith, hope, charity, and vision. In March 1989, he was ordained as a Minister, and in April 1989, Reverend Shorter, along with the New Eden Baptist Church family, appointed him Co-Pastor. After Reverend Shorter’s passing, Reverend Savage was installed as Pastor in April 1990. Under his leadership, New Eden Baptist Church has been blessed with thirteen additional ministries and significant property expansions.
Reverend Savage served as the Treasurer for the New Hope Baptist Church Association from 2005 to 2009. After his tenure as Treasurer, he continued to serve the Association as a Trustee until 2021.
Reverend Savage retired from Anheuser-Busch after 25 years of service and now devotes his time to being a full-time pastor, a devoted husband to Leading Lady Velma Harrison Savage, a loving father, and a doting grandfather.
Reverend Bernard Savage is truly a man with unwavering faith in God, a determination to serve God’s people, and a generous spirit.
Kathleen Turpin Merrit
Daughter of the Civil Rights Movement
SALLY G. CARROLL LEGACY & BRANCH SERVICE AWARD
Let me introduce myself, I am Kathleen Turpin Merritt the proud daughter of Elmer and Vera Turpin, the granddaughter of John and Agnes Turpin and Clinton and Iva Anderson, and the great granddaughter of William and Susie McCalla. I carry the legacy and light of my parents, grandparents and ancestors. I was introduced to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at the early age of 14 by my mother and grandmother, making me a third generation of member.
I was born and raised in Newark until 7th grade, in a predominantly Black, loving, and nurturing community surrounded by family and friends. My family relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania, a working class predominantly white and Polish neighborhood where we were not welcomed. I felt uncomfortable and unfamiliar with my new environment. The NAACP bridged the gap.
The NAACP saved my life. The encouragement, education, and exposure to our rich history empowered me to navigate the civil rights journey with pride and confidence. I met professional and prominent Black people from all over the country, who willingly shared their gifts and talents. The NAACP Youth and College Division was instrumental in teaching and training future Freedom Fighters. They provided me with the support and love I needed for this Freedom Fighting journey. My biggest challenge was in the Reading School District, which did not include, value, or embrace our rich culture and history. I challenged the teachers when they would tell “happy slave” stories or make other racist comments. My parents raised me to have the courage of my convictions, and with my NAACP training, I became who I am today. I am eternally grateful to my NAACP family, who took a 14-year-old girl and helped shape my life. I have been an active member of the NAACP for 61 years and have served in numerous leadership positions throughout my tenure.
Most of my NAACP years have been with the Newark Branch, where I currently serve as the First Vice President. I have also served as Youth Advisor, Freedom Fund Committee Chair, Religious Affairs Committee Chair, and “Answering the Call” Voicemail. Thank you, NAACP Newark, for the opportunity to serve my beloved community.
It is a great honor to be the recipient of the Sally G. Carroll Legacy and the Branch Service Award. Sally Carroll influenced me the most in the Association. Her purpose, passion, love and leadership are an example to us all.
Who am I? I am I am a Women of God; I am unapologetically Black; I have the courage of my convictions; and I love my people.
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.
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
PSE&G is committed to fostering access to fair and equitable opportunities throughout its communities.
vision
HPAE Proudly Supports The NAACP Newark Branch
Honoring Community Champions & Scholars at the
110 Year Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Debbie White, President
Barbara Rosen, Vice President
Alexis Rean-Walker, Secretary-Treasurer
Congratulations, Newark Branch of the NAACP on your
110th Anniversary!
We are honored to receive the
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. Social Justice Award
Looking forward to many more years of continued partnership!
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S e n i o r P a s t o r J - A n t h o n y & L a d y M a d e l i n D a r g a n
C o n g r e g a t i o n a l C h u r c h o f G o d , H a r l e m , N e w Y o r k
Congratulations!
W e a r e h o n o r e d t o s t a n d “ A l l i n F o r J u s t i c e ”
w i t h t h e N e w a r k N A A C P , N e w J e r s e y B r a n c h i n c e l e b r a t i n g
1 1 0 y e a r s o f a d v o c a c y , j u s t i c e , a n d e m p o w e r m e n t .
W e e x t e n d o u r h e a r t f e l t c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o
K a t h l e e n T u r p i n M e r r i t t , F i r s t V i c e P r e s i d e n t , f o r r e c e i v i n g t h e
p r e s t i g i o u s S a l l y G . C a r r o l l L e g a c y & B r a n c h S e r v i c e A w a r d .
Y o u r d e d i c a t i o n a n d t i r e l e s s w o r k i n u p l i f t i n g o u r c o m m u n i t y
r e f l e c t s t h e v e r y s p i r i t o f t h i s h o n o r e d l e g a c y .
M a y G o d c o n t i n u e t o b l e s s a n d g u i d e
P r e s i d e n t D e b o r a h S m i t h G r e g o r y &
t h e N e w a r k N A A C P , N J B r a n c h ’ s e f f o r t s .
T o a l l i n a t t e n d a n c e , l e t u s r e m a i n s t e a d f a s t
i n o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o j u s t i c e a n d e q u a l i t y f o r a l l .
