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NAACP Grambling Branch holds banquet

The Grambling Branch  of the NAACP recently held its annual Freedom Fund Banquet in the Black and Gold Room on the campus of Grambling State University.

Rep. Patrick Jefferson was at his best and brought the audience to their feet for a standing ovation at the close of his presentation as he spoke from the theme “All in for justice and equality”.

Jefferson, elected to the Louisiana House of Representative from District 11, encouraged the audience by saying, Grambling get challenged ready, don’t need no ticket, just thank the Lord. The Arcadia native told the packed crowd to thank the Lord for the NAACP. 

He explained that the time was right for us as a people to wake up, stand up and speak up. The odds are stacked high, but all is not lost. 

“We can’t depend on Rep. Gallot, Jefferson and the other 143 legislators,” Jefferson said. “We all have a part to play.”

Two graduating seniors  received scholarships and are planning to attend Grambling State University in  2015. They are Trace J. Payne of Grambling and Dazmeiah Turner of Winnfield. Both were present to receive their awards and thank the organization for its scholarship contribution.

Earnest Miles was honored with a plaque for his trailblazing efforts as one of the charter members of the Grambling Branch.  He is best known throughout the area for The Earnie Miles Show.

Miles said he was grateful for the honor and reflected on how far Black people have come.

“I remember my first story I covered at KNOE Channel 8 in Monroe. They sent me to cover a square dance at the Civic Center and when they saw me, the response was ‘They sent us a n***er.’ I went in, did my job and went home,” said Miles.

Among the elected officials who attended were District Attorney John Belton and wife Alana; Hazel Hunter, president of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury; Theresa Wyatt, a member of the Police Jury; and Cathy Holmes of the Grambling City Council.

The entertainment was provided by representatives from the GSU Music Department, faculty member Dr. Joseph Henry and student Quinterio Lane. 

The Grambling Branch officials thanked the citizens of the surrounding communities, the churches, and organizations for their support in making the endeavor a success.

Membership in the NAACP is open to the public.  Anyone interested should contact the president, Flynn Ludley at 318-247-6778 or the secretary, Dr.  Grace Tatem at 318-247-8449.

Courtesy photo Members of the NAACP stand with speaker, Rep. Patrick Jefferson (center back).