Montclair NAACP had a joyous celebration at its 107th Thurgood Marshall Freedom Fund Dinner on Friday, Oct. 6. The event, the first in-person fundraiser held by Montclair NAACP since 2019, honored change makers in the community and their impact on African American history.
Musician Gabrielle Dennis, also known as Gabi the Artist, was presented with the Julian Bond Community Service Award for her work with children and for using music to bring people out to support a good cause at the “Rock the Vote” concert held last year in Lackawanna Plaza.
Rev. Dr. Anita R. Wright was awarded the Rev. Benjamin L. Hooks Religious Affairs Award to recognize her service and dedication as Reverend of Montclair Trinity Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Wright has also served as a site coordinator for after school programs, hospice chaplain and a residential child care counselor among many other roles.
LaNa Jules, real estate broker and founder of See Do Be media company, was honored with the Rev. Fred Handy In-Service Award along with Tinu Joseph. Jules is the chair of the Montclair NAACP Education Committee and was recognized for her advocacy work with the literacy dyslexia task force. Joseph is chair of the Montclair NAACP Youth Council and founder of the Independent Contemporary Arts Project, where he has led partnerships with Black Girls CODE, the Black Star Film Project and Rutgers University.
Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill attended the gala not only to show support as a lifetime member of the NAACP, but also to his colleague, Essex County Deputy Clerk Kathy Brown, who was awarded the Trailblazer Award.
“We’re so thrilled for Kathy, her husband Marlon and their entire family,” Gill said. “We have a tremendous set of honorees. This organization means so much, not only to Montclair but to our state, our nation, in particular at this time, it’s important to support organizations like the NAACP.”
Dr. Lillie Johnson Edwards was the evening’s keynote speaker. Edwards is the founding board member of The Mark Cares, Inc., established in 2020 to serve the social and educational needs of children and families in Essex County. Edwards founded the Pan African Studies program at Drew University in Madison and was the director of the American Studies program before retiring in 2016. Edwards energized the room with her keynote address as she spoke to the importance of preserving African American history in a time where it is constantly threatened.
“Our history is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be defined by oppression and who faced wrenching pain with courage,” Edwards said.
Throughout her address, Edwards highlighted pivotal organizations and individuals during the Reconstruction Era of the United States to remind those in the audience that resilience is not a foreign concept to the African American community.
“Our history is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be defined by oppression and who faced wrenching pain with courage.” Dr. Lillie Johnson Edwards
“The 20th century witnessed the birth of new organizations such as the NAACP in 1909, the Urban League in 1910, the Garvey movement in 1919, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, and the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. Powerful leaders like Mary Church Terrell and Ida B. Wells Barnett organized the Black Women’s Club movement and fought for suffrage and racial justice. Powerful writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin gave voice to the Black experience,” Edwards said.
As she reminded the audience of the victories African Americans have accomplished over the last century, Edwards recognized Friends of the Howe House, and the work they have done to save the home of former slave James Howe.
The final award of the night, the Thurgood Marshall award, was presented to the Friends of the Howe House. Board members and officers for the nonprofit organization accepted the award 10 days before the one year anniversary of their first rally.
“With Reverend Anya at the helm, coupled with many community members, we went from action to advocacy,” said Aminah Toler, Friends of Howe House board chair. “Tonight, we stand here understanding we’re only 10 days away from that anniversary of October 16, 2022. We are proud to say, along with the community, we are the proud owners of the Howe House.”
Toler said the Howe House stands as a physical tribute to the people who started the long journey out of slavery into freedom.
Former Fourth Ward councilor, Dr. Renee Baskerville, who joined the NAACP in the1960s, said spending a night celebrating the organization meant “everything” to her.
“Tonight we’re recommitting to fight for civil rights for all people, all races, all religions, all genders and sexual orientations,” Baskerville said.
“I was honored to join the Montclair NAACP’s 107th Freedom dinner which recognized the countless contributions communities of color have made to the American story,” Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ -11) said. “The NAACP for decades has been leading the fight for civil rights, freedom, and social justice for Black Americans. I’m proud to stand with the NAACP as we fight back against attempts to erase Black history, and work together to build a more inclusive community free from racism, bigotry and bias.”
Roger Terry, president of the Montclair NAACP, expressed an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
“Just take a look around, not just at the people, but the type of people and the diversity of people,” said Terry, who added he was blown away by the show of support for the event. “We bring out all types of people, young people, old people. It’s what Montclair is all about.”