Using the poem “Rest, But Don’t Quit,” Attorney Patrick Jefferson inspired as well as encouraged a large crowd attending the NAACP Grambling Branch Freedom Fund Banquet Saturday in Washington-Johnson Complex on the GSU campus.”When things go wrong as they sometimes do, rest if you must, but don’t you dare quit,” Attorney Jefferson said.
The Bienville parish native reached out to the youth present to enlighten them to honor the future but not to forget the pass.
“We were destined not to quit,” Jefferson said.
He said, We are role models trendsetters, and capable of running for any office.”
Jefferson uplifted the crowd by saying, “Who we are is God’s gift to us and what we become is our gift your God.”
Using examples such as Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Jefferson said they rested but they didn’t quit.
He advised the youth in the crowd to obey their parents, stay in school and do well in school. Jefferson also challenged the crowd when he said, “If not you, then who, if not now, then when?”
A $100 gas card was won by Shirley Hollingquest, $50 card by W.D. Walker, $25 card by Sadie Ludley and 2 oil changes by Gloria Smallwood as door prizes. The program consisted of song selections from the GSU students-Williams’ Group, Rev. Connie Breaux, campus minister, and Guy West from the GSU School of Social Work, filling in for BMC.
Lizzie White, NAACP membership director, made an appeal to keep the NAACP light shinning by encouraging people to join the organization.
Dedicatation awards for 2007-2008 were presented to members Ruthie Bradford, Inez Harris, Greg Ludly and Sadie Ludly. Other words of thanks were extended to members by Grace Tatum, banquet committee chairperson.
Flynn Ludley, NAACP president, said in order to make changes one must have support, also he encouraged the youth to remain after the banquet to chat with the speaker.