By Gwendolyn H. Daniels
Garland Journal
Continuing its award-winning programming, the NAACP Garland, TX Unit presented its 30th Annual Freedom Fund program virtually and featuring Rev. Dr. Devin Atchison, senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville, as the keynote speaker.
The highlight of the event actually came at the close of the program when President Ricky C. McNeal, was honored as the Garland NAACP “Man of the Year.”
Garland Mayor Scott LeMay led the parade of speakers appearing on the surprise video congratulating President McNeal for his outstanding leadership of the Garland NAACP. Other speakers included Garland Councilman Billy J. Williams, City Manager Bryan Bradford, Assistant City Manager Mitch Bates, Police Chief Jeff Bryan, Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Lopez, US Congressman Colin Allred, Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church Sr. Pastor Leonard Leach, and Garland NAACP Vice President Annie L. Dickson. In completion of the “Man of the Year” surprise video, President Ricky C. McNeal’s wife, Najeda Flowers McNeal and their three adult daughters delivered sincere words of admiration and gratitude to the leader of their family.
After wiping away tears, President McNeal gave closing remarks congratulating all of the award and scholarship recipients, the MC and keynote speaker, all program participants and Ruby Adams, chair lady of the Garland NAACP Freedom Fund Committee along with her committee members who helped to make the occasion a huge success.
This year’s theme: “The NAACP, Still A Voice in the Community,” was so appropriate, according to Carol Blakes, Freedom Fund Co-Chair, who introduced Lakisha Culpepper, Garland ISD’s Liaison to the African American Community, as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
Elder Linda Jordan, pastor of Linda Jordan Ministries offered the morning prayer and young Mya Dean, secretary of Garland’s NAACP Youth Council brought a gracious welcome and occasion. Warm greetings were delivered by Karina Olivares, president of the Garland Chamber of Commerce and by Dr. Chester Johnson, chair of the Garland NAACP’s Legal Redress Committee.
An impressive listing of yearly accomplishments along with a group photo and names of Garland’s NAACP officers and Executive Committee were shown as Ms. Culpepper compelled guests to go to the Unit’s website and become members of the NAACP.
Dr. Atchison delivered an electrified message on “Raking Leaves in Windy Weather,” stressing to the virtual audience that, “There are NO perfect people!”
The Garland NAACP officers had received numerous calls, emails and texts requesting a copy of Dr. Atchison’s spiritual message, that pointed out that, “not a one of us knows everything, but together we can do more and go further.”
Kai McGhee, sophomore at Rowlett High School presented an outstanding solo and acting performance before Cassandra Cox, a member of the Garland NAACP Religious Affairs Committee announced the Unit’s 2021 adult award recipients.
Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery, a local business in downtown Garland (owners Cary and Molly Hodson) received the distinguished Bridge Builder’s Award; Timothy Robinson, founder of the nonprofit “Inspired to Help” received the Volunteer Service Award; the Garland Health Department received the Community Service Award for its concerted efforts to deliver thousands of COVID vaccinations; and the ever-inspiring Dr. Ricardo Lopez, superintendent of the Garland ISD received the Education Award.
Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Garland NAACP chair of Corporate and Community Sponsorships, acknowledged all financial contributors of the Garland Unit and spotlighted two long-time sponsors: Randall Reed’s Planet Ford of Garland and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.
Dr. Joyce K. Miller, chair of Garland’s NAACP Education Committee presented two legacy scholarships: Bobby Giddens of South Garland High School received the John W. Washington Legacy Scholarship and Enoch Ellis, Youth Council president and a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas received the prestigious Elaine Bradley Scholarship.
Tiffany Gilmore, Garland ISD’s Director of Guidance and Counseling presented NAACP academic scholarships to top African American seniors at each of Garland ISD’s seven high schools. Recipients were Favour Okwun (3.69 GPA), South Garland High School; Tiobsta Ayele (4.35 GPA), North Garland High School; Modupe Karimi (4.59 GPA), Lakeview Centennial High School; JoJo Adoboe (4.68 GPA), Sachse High School; Kalabe Zerihun (4.10 GPA), Naaman Forest High School; Amaya Green (4.76132 GPA), Rowlett High School; and Gabriel Tisdale (5.36 GPA), the top African American senior in the entire district who attends Garland High School. Gabriel received the distinguished Goldie Locke Academic Scholarship.
Also, Robert Ben, chair of the ever-popular Garland NAACP silent auction, along with his committee who conducted a week-long online silent auction that was an overwhelming success, was recognized.
For more information on the NAACP Garland Unit, visit the website at: garlandtxnaacp.org.
