Newark Branch NAACP 106th Freedom Fund Gala Awards Journal

Deborah Smith Gregory President

In the midst of a historic pandemic and unprecedented national civil unrest, the work of the NAACP continues.

Our 106th Freedom Fundraiser, a Virtual Awards Program held on Saturday, October 3, 2020, shows our determination to continue to operate for the greater good of our community. We miss seeing you, greeting you and exchanging conversation but we must do our part to crush the virus and at the same time stand for eliminating racial hatred, discrimination and injustice as we have for the past 106 years. This year marks the 106th year of service to the greater Newark community. The Freedom Fund is our annual fundraiser and this year more than ever, we need your support!

The NAACP Newark NJ branch is run by committed volunteers and your financial support enables us to serve the community through advocacy programs in Education, Criminal Justice, Health, Housing Civic Engagement and Scholarship.

Congratulations to the 2020 Community Champions, a broad cross section of people working in their specific arenas to enhance the quality of life in our community. We are enriched because on their passion, commitment and leadership.

We also recognize the importance of lifting up our youth and are extremely proud of our four scholarship recipients for 2020. They represent the greatness that resides in many of our young people.

Our theme: Looking Back, Moving Forward reminds us to remember the history of our ancestors who came before us and at the same time to use the wisdom of the past to advance the future. We are to learn from the lessons of the past and to be on alert not to repeat tragic mistakes.

Being registered to vote and not voting is spitting on the graves of our ancestors who built, bled and died for this country and your current freedoms.

We will look back at 2020 as the year which challenged us with the pandemic of COVID-19 that affected every aspect of our lives, the heightened police brutality that marked national civil unrest and unprecedented emotional stress. Yet we are moving forward to 2021 with resolve for healed communities and a collective sense of strength and faith knowing when we look out for each other, we create a better future no matter the obstacles!

Deborah Smith Gregory

LOOKING BACK MOVING FORWARD

MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIRS The Newark Branch of the NAACP celebrates 106 years of serving the Newark community.

Our theme “Looking Back, Moving Forward” is emblematic of Sankofa. Sankofa is an African word that comes from the Akan people of Ghana.

It means and expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive change and progress in the future.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in New York City on February 12, 1909 by a group of black and white activists in response to the violence against African Americans throughout the country. Some of the African Americans founders included W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells. Archibald Grimke, and Mary Church Terrell.

Since the founding of the NAACP it has worked to abolish discrimination in employment, education, housing, voting and transportation. In addition, the NAACP’s mission is to ensure political, social, educational and economic equality of rights of all persons. Furthermore, the NAACP initiatives include political lobbying, publicity efforts and litigation strategies led by its legal department.

The Association enlarged its mission in the late 20th century by including issues such as police misconduct and brutality, economic development, disparities in education and health care.

WHY LOOKING BACK IS CRUCIAL TO MOVING FORWARD: •

It shows how far we have come, how hard and long we had to fight for equality, civil and human rights;

•

If we ignore our past, good or bad, we can miss a life lesson and make the same mistakes over and over again;

•

Gain personal growth through past experiences;

•

The past reveals our accomplishments and mistakes ;

•

Reviewing the past helps us make better choices in the future;

•

We must know our rich history and share it with the next generation;

•

Acknowledge those who came before us who opened up opportunities with their blood, sweat and tears. so we could have a better life; and

•

While dwelling on the past isn’t healthy, learning from it is mandatory.

Are you ready to “LOOK BACK TO MOVE FORWARD?” Kathleen Turpin Merritt and Robin Pulliam 106th Newark Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Award Gala Co-Chairs

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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!

1916-1920 1920 Early 1930’s Mid 1930’s 1934 Late 1930’s 1940’s 1934-1947 1947-1950 1953-1955 1955-1958 1957 1957 1963-1966

NEWARK NAACP PRESIDENTS

Mr. J.M. Stoute Mr. R. W. Stewart * Mrs. Anna M. Monroe* Rev. Louis H. Berry Mrs. Lillian A. Simmons* Mrs. Grace B. Fenderson* Mr. J. Leroy Baxter* Mr. James Curtis* Hon. Harry Hazelwood, Jr.* Mr. Theodore Pettigrew* Mr. Samuel Haynes* Hon. Harry Hazelwood Jr.* Mr. Carlton B. Norris* Rev. Boyd B. Cantrell*

1967-1974 1975-1979 1979-1981 1981-1984 1984-1989 1990-1994 1995-1998 1999-2001 2001 2002-2005 2005-2007 2007-2008 2009-2013 2013-Present

Ms. Sally G. Carroll* Mr. Norman E. Threadgill* Mrs. Eldora Maynard* Mr. Bobbie Cottle* Mr. Keith M. Jones Ms. Jacqueline Lawrence* Ms. Susie M. McGhee Mr. Daniel Williams Ms. Cheryl D. Bush** Mr. Keith Jones Ms. Dorothea Lee* Mr. John Smith Mrs. Joyce M. Simmons Ms. Deborah Smith Gregory

January 2019-December 2020 Officers Deborah Smith Gregory........................................President Kathleen Turpin Merritt ........................1st Vice President Lavita E. Johnson .................................. 2nd Vice President John L Smith ........................................... 3rd Vice President Robin Pulliam.........................................................Secretary Cheryl Bush Edwards ............................................Treasurer Linda Campbell Aaron .........................Assistant Treasurer

Executive Committee Members

Richard Cammarieri Herbert D. Glenn Richard Robinson III

Elder Judith C. Favors Lisa Douglas Maddox Dadisi Sanyika Sally G. Carroll (Emeritus)

* Denotes deceased Presidents

Cherise Dawson Velylia McIver Joyce M. Simmons

** Denotes service as Acting President

2020 Freedom Fund Donors & Patrons Linda Campbell Aaron**

Trevor Howard

Arleen Simmons**

Lisa Ballerini**

Lucille Hunter**

Wajah Salaam

Sally L. Brown

Miles Hunter**

Urban Solutions

Diane Bronson**

Jean Pierce

Rose Spears

Anthony Bush

Dejah Johnson

Antoinette Richardson

Shelba Bush

Shirley A. Johnson

Wayne Richardson

Saunja Butler**

Adaneka Witter Judd

Jason Michael Ross

Naomi Bynum**

Julie Kuecker

Elmer Turpin

Gwendolyn Carson

Lisa Maddox

Ollie Washington

Hasani Council

Larry McKinnon

Ted & Nina Wells**

Irene Daniels**

Rahveyei McKinnon

Rev. Melvin & Leslie Wilson**

Fallon N. Davis

Velylia McIver

Marilyn E. Williams**

Francis E. Davis

Bobby Koontz**

Kathleen Witcher

Willie & Hancey Davis

Tennille Miller

Lorraine Woolridge

Deborah L. Edwards

Margaret Minihan

King D. Wright

Kenya Edwards

Wardell Mitchell

Abdur R. Yasin

ECC Adjunct Faculty

Felton & Evangeline Mor-

Colette Jackson Belle

Elliott Garland

gan**

Felicia S. Richardson

Lavonne Gaskins

Ines M. Parks

Progressive Dental

Daniel J. Gibson

E. Denise Peoples

Olguita George

Keisha L. Peterson

The Merritt Family

Dorothy Givens**

Calvin L. Pearson**

Karen Deas

Natalia Harper

Diedre Phillips**

The Hayes Family**

Dawn Haynes

Annette Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Johnson

Edward L. Haynes

Veatrice Robinson

Mary A. Hill**

Carolyn Kelly Shabazz

**DENOTES DONORS

Associates**

Dr. Shereef Elnahal University Hospital Health Award

Elnahal is the President and Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital in Newark, the State’s only public hospital and its largest safety net hospital. He has served in the role since July 2019. Prior to his time at University Hospital, Elnahal served as Governor Murphy’s first Commissioner of Health.

Elnahal has led University Hospital throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency. The hospital has served as a model for urban hospital and regional response efforts, developing protocols for expanding capacity, regionally coordinating patients, maintaining PPE supplies, adapting policies, and conducting clinical trials and research.

Elnahal also brought his public health background to bear in leading University Hospital through a new vision for the State’s only public hospital. He has focused on building coalitions to improve the organization’s standing in the Newark community, and has embraced the hospital’s legacy as an anchor institution with an obligation first and foremost to the city’s residents under the Newark Accords. He has placed significant focus on improving the hospital’s performance in quality and safety, restructuring to an evidence-based quality management approach that is quickly reducing infection rates and other adverse outcomes.

During his time as commissioner, Elnahal left a lasting impact on the State’s healthcare systems.

He expanded the New Jersey Health Information Network, a shared services

platform that provides the infrastructure for electronic exchange of patient health information among healthcare providers. He worked closely with First Lady Tammy Murphy on her Nurture NJ campaign to help improve infant and maternal health outcomes and reduce health disparities – a mission he has continued at University Hospital, with its top tier maternal health practices. He more than doubled the number of patients and physicians participating in the State’s Medicinal Marijuana Program. Finally, he made strides with advancing the Governor’s agenda in the opioid epidemic, granting funding to institutions to facilitate electronic health records, data sharing, and public health reporting, and marked NJ as the first state in the nation to allow paramedics to use buprenorphine.

Before his public service in New Jersey, Elnahal served in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the Obama Administration. He holds an MD from Harvard Medical School and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School

Joyce Simmons Sally G. Carroll Lifetime Award

Joyce Simmons, born and raised in Newark,NJ, has become more vibrant in her own right. She has a proven record of showing her devotion and loyalty to many organizations and communities.

Serving communities and leaving a legacy for others to follow is her life’s mission.

Joyce is a graduate of Barringer High School in Newark,NJ. In addition, she has also attended IBM Business school, Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Cornell University, where she studied Business Administration, ITT, and Union Labor Law. She dedicated 33 years of service with New Jersey Bell & AT&T in various managerial roles. After the merger of New Jersey Bell & AT&T, she became a union representative of Communication Workers of America (CWA). After retiring 33 years of hard work and commitment in her respective job roles, she transitioned into the educational field as an Assistant Director of the South Orange/ Maplewood After School Program, where she grew a passion for working with young children.

Joyce has been a member with the Newark Branch NAACP since the age of 18 and served on the executive board as a labor & industry chairperson, treasurer, 1st and 2nd vice president, and finally reigned as president from 2009 to 2013. Following this position, she received a service award for her many contributions and efforts within the Newark branch of the NAACP. She has been widely recognized by the A. Phillip Randolph Association, Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey Citizen Action, National Association of Professional Women, Telephone Pioneer & Volunteers, just to name a few.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling around the world with her family and close friends. Joyce is a gracious globetrotter who has traveled to over 20 countries.

Joyce’s hard work, commitment, and loyalty to her surrounding communities never goes unnoticed. She takes pride in creating a legacy for those to follow, as well as changing the narrative to make the world a better place. She is an astounding leader who dedicates herself to transforming and developing people, organizations, and our local communities.

“We are not any one single experience but we are the Source for all” Michael Jeffreys

Lakeesha Eure Community Service Award Lakeesha Eure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is a practicing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist. She is a Community Based Trauma Specialist who works with victims of violence and crime. She has over 15 years of Social Work experience which includes working with the at-risk population of youth and adults who are in the Criminal Justice System and Social Welfare System. She works with various populations of individuals who are homeless, incarcerated, unemployed, mental health disorders, and substance abuse issues.

Lakeesha is the Chairwoman of the Newark Antiviolence Coalition which was founded in 2009 to protest against the senseless violence plaguing the City of Newark. Under her leadership, the organization has thrived as a cornerstone in the community. NAVC have raised awareness in the community and protested violence for over 200 weeks through rain, sleet and snow. The Newark Antiviolence Coalition (NAVC) serves as a support to families who are victims of violence, they educate the community on ways to decrease the violence, assist families on ways advocate for themselves and their families against the perpetrators, assist with mediating and interrupting potential violence. NAVC promotes awareness in the schools, detention centers, college campuses, courts, hospitals and the community.

Lakeesha has been a dedicated and committed community activist and organizer over the years. She has a wealth of experience in community organizing. She has organized rallies, protests, town hall meetings, panel discussions, study groups, coalitions, commissions, support groups, and prayer vigils throughout the state of NJ. Lakeesha has participated and organized Community Engagement walks with the City of Newark Police department and worked with the Police Institute and Violence Institute at Rutgers University to decrease crime and violence. She works to foster a sense of Community Wellness by promoting community collaboration from all levels including city council members, clergy, business owners, community leaders and the perpetrators and victims of crime and violence. She is a major advocate of community policing and accountability.

Lakeesha has been monumental in helping the City of Newark become a Trauma informed City. She has been a voice for the voiceless by advocating support for a legion of residents like no one else. She has also produced groundbreaking partnerships in the servicing of victims of violence and crime in the implementation of crime prevention strategies through the Department of Health and Community Services and the Department of Public Safety. She manages the Office of Violence Prevention with a 1.6 Million grant through the Department of Justice. Lakeesha has also been an asset to the city of Newark by always being present and asserting her influence to organize and mobilize the people around social justice issues. She is a shining example of someone who was born and raised in a city steeped in the tradition of activism and service.

Lakeesha Eure is a staple in the City of Newark. Her passion, commitment, education, professionalism and grace have been huge in moving our city forward in its most difficult points of challenge. The amazing work that she provides includes her impactful presence, professionalism, ability to see and hear all sides of a challenge, and her willingness to serve and see her commitments through no matter how difficult the challenge. Her endearing ability to help people see past the problems and conflicts has actually made her incredibly popular in the City of Newark. She has been a part of the transformation in the city of Newark.

Ms. Eure is a pioneering change agent especially in the Public Health and Public Safety arena. Her passion, skills, knowledge and abilities is one of the reasons why the image of our City is changing in the right direction. Her willingness to serve under the most difficult circumstances and difficult points of challenge is something rare and special. She is the true example of a Community Based Social Worker moving and shaking to make change.

Dr. Leah Z. Owens

Education Advocacy Award

Dr. Leah Z. Owens has dedicated her life to the struggle for educational justice. As an educator, activist, and organizer, Leah has a deep commitment to ensuring equal education for all children.

According to her educational philosophy, equity plus justice equals equality.

In 2004, Leah was hired by Newark Public Schools through Teach for America to teach high school students in the subject of English. She taught beyond the program’s two-year commitment and became immersed in the Newark community. As a teacher in the district, Leah took on many leadership roles, including writing culturally-relevant curriculum; developing an engaging afterschool program; producing a school-wide Black History month assembly; presenting at district-wide professional development meetings; and co-writing a grant to take students on an overnight field trip to Salem, Massachusetts. Leah is also very proud to have been chosen to be a participant in the first Amistad Summer Institute, which was a program that came about due to the enactment of New Jersey’s Amistad Act. Serving as a teacher in Newark shaped Leah’s political consciousness in a way that centers antiracism, justice, and equity, and rejects the privatization of public education. She credits being a member of the Abbott Leadership Institute at Rutgers University as an awakening to the policy aspects of education. She was inspired to create Teachers as Leaders in Newark, known as TaLiN, an organization for educators who wanted to make an impact outside of the classroom. Through TaLiN, Leah organized informational sessions, rallies, and demonstrations all towards the purpose of securing critical democratic public education and educational equity, particularly in communities in New Jersey that have experienced a history of discrimination and disenfranchisement. Leah has further experience making systemic change through her past work as a community and union organizer with New Jersey Communities United, in partnership with CWA Local 1037, on a campaign to improve the quality of early childhood education and access to affordable child care in the state of New Jersey.

Leah is a member of many social, community, and political organizations, including the Newark Branch of the NAACP, where she serves as the Education Committee Chair. She is a founding member of the Newark Education Workers Caucus, the social justice caucus within the Newark Teachers Union. Abbott Leadership Institute recognized her advocacy for Newark’s children with an Advocacy in Teaching Award, and she also received the Woman of Strength, Honor, and Service Award for her service in the Newark community. Additionally, Leah serves on the Advisory Board of the Urban Education Justice Project at Towson University.

Leah completed her doctoral work in the Urban Systems program at Rutgers-Newark. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Duke University, holds a master’s degree in public administration, with an emphasis on educational policy, and is certified to be a public school principal. Leah has studied, written about, and presented on the layers of education reform in New Jersey—becoming familiar with the intimate details of the Abbott legacy—in addition to national and international trends in education reform. Her research interests include critical democratic education, culturally relevant field experiences for preservice teachers, cultivating social justice dispositions in teacher leaders, and qualitative inquiry.

Lee Fisher Congressman Donald Payne, Sr. Social Justice Award Lee Fisher graduated from South Side High School, Newark, New Jersey in 1969 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Rutgers College, New Brunswick, in 1973. Retiring in 2018, from the County of Essex after serving in numerous positions, beginning as counselor, Mr. Fisher subsequently worked for the county as Coordinator, Dislocated Worker Orientations and Recruitment, Coordinator Vocational Exploration for unemployed Youth, Director of the Essex Youth Services Commission, Administering Grants Contracts, and Implementing Juvenile Justice Programs. Mr. Fisher served briefly as the Acting Director of the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, responsible for the management of daily operations of the facility in addition to the Youth Services Commission and the Division of Youth Services Social Services Unit.

One of his most memorial achievements was working with the late esteemed attorney Raymond A. Brown, in obtaining approval from the State Juvenile Justice Commission approval of its plans for a new Juvenile Detention facility which helped to eliminate overcrowding of the juvenile facilities.

Mr. Fisher served as a county committeeman for thirty two years under the tutelage of the Chairmanship of the Honorable Donald M. Payne, served as president of the South Ward Young Democrats, and was given the opportunity to participate in a trip abroad with a group of Young Political Leaders of America, hosted by a the German Youth Group that was working diligently at the time to see the unification of one Germany. During the trip to Germany, he visited a session of the German Bundestag (German Congress) East Germany (American Embassy) prior to fall of The Berlin Wall…via “Check Point Charlie” and many cities in Germany, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Bonn, West Berlin, that included a stay in Belgium, and NATO Headquarters in Brussels Belgium.

Mr. Fisher currently serves as a Commissioner on the Essex County Board of Elections, serving as Secretary, Member of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, a deputy state chairman, former member and Chairman of the South Ward Democratic County Committee (Newark) for thirty two years He has also served as a member and Chairman of the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment, former member and chairperson of the New Jersey State Association of County Youth Services Administrators, and former member, of the New Jersey Detention Reform Task Force.

Mr. Fisher has spent the majority of his life involved in politics and serving his community beginning in 1974, and worked in every county, state and federal election since that period. His very definition is drawn on this foundation of participatory democracy, working for the betterment of his community, state and the nation. The overwhelming influence in this regard stems from his long association with and being mentored by the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., a man of uncommon commitment to mankind, which countries and leaders across the globe and diaspora knew and benefitted from his tireless efforts to bring peace and relief from suffering caused by strife and upheaval. Mr. Lee Fisher is humbly grateful for receiving this award from the NAACP, especially, due to it being in the name of his mentor, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr.

Charity Haygood Education Award

“If you live in Newark and you’re going to do what needs to be done, you have to be brave enough to act in faith. It’s not about being the boss, but being the servant willing to wash other people’s feet. More than anything, it’s about understanding you don’t have all the answers. This is so much bigger than me. It’s bigger than Cory Booker. It’s bigger than Barack Obama. It’s recognizing that you have to be humble.” —Charity Haygood in “The Prize” (2015) Charity Haygood has been a public school educator for more than two decades, serving thousands of students and families throughout Newark, New Jersey.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Charity began her teaching career as a Teach for America Corps Member at a K-8 public school, where she taught science, literacy, and social studies to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders for nine years. During her last two years in the classroom, Charity received the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program Award for her educational excellence and exemplary service.

Charity then served as a vice principal for five years at Chancellor Avenue School, before becoming the principal of Achieving Victorious Outcomes Now (“Avon”) Avenue School, a traditional district school in Newark’s South Ward.

Over the last ten years, Charity has worked closely with parents, students, her team of colleagues, and the community to move the school from the lowest performing school in Newark, and one of the ten lowest performing schools in New Jersey, to one of Newark’s middle-performing schools.

A passionate and transformative educator who believes in the power of proximity, Charity lives in Newark’s South Ward, where Avon Avenue School is located. And she loves every minute of it.

Charity is deeply invested in her community, mentoring young people through Christ’s Heart Offering Satisfaction for Every Need (“C.H.O.S.E.N.”), a teen youth group that she leads with her husband. C.H.O.S.E.N. seeks to prepare young people for purpose-driven living by developing and encouraging spiritual growth, character, educational excellence, leadership skills, and community and social consciousness.

Charity has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, and as a heroine in “The Prize,” a New York Times best-selling book. Charity earned a Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from St. Peter’s College and a B.A. in Psychology cum laude from Colorado College. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Colorado College.

Hilton Rawls, III Outstanding Youth Award

This little prodigy is a gift to nations! Gifted with incredible oratory skills, a bright personality and a love for all things “God“, this little guy has taken social media by storm!

With several videos (amassing views well over 3 million), little Hilton Rawls III is a dynamo! An avid reader, his influences are his father and grandfather (respectively Hilton Sr and Hilton Jr), Abraham Lincoln and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King! It is certain that this anointed young man is well on his way to becoming a world changer!

Hilton has also garnered the respect of Congressman Donald Payne Jr,, as well as the Mayor of the City of Newark, Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Mayor Baraka is a supporter of Master Hilton and invites him to share at multiple annual events for the city. Last year a video posted of Hilton opening the Newark State of the City Address with an amazing prayer offering went viral. Hilton was also selected to make a final pitch to Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon in a video entitled “Dear Mr. Bezos” in attempt to secure Newark’s bid for Amazon’s Headquarters 2 selection.

Featured speaker at several corporate events for Beth Israel Hospital of NJ, Federal Express Corporate of TN and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital of TN, this small wonder has also appeared in several TV commercials (Toys R Us and Liberty Mutual) as well as The Netflix series “Seven Seconds” featuring Emmy Award winning actress Regina King.

Elegant Eyes™

Small Business Award Elegant Eyes™ is a family owned and operated optical center with a rich history that dates back to 1987. The family business began with James and Doris Slaughter of Slaughter’s Opticians in about 1960. In 1987, Denise, opened the flagship Elegant Eyes store on Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey. In approximately 1992 Elegant Eyes presented its second location in East Orange, New Jersey and it stayed opened until 1999. In 2003, Denise and her children Utenzi, Cabral and Jameel re-launched the East Orange location based on pure demand by their loyal clientele. The Legacy of Vision continued with the spring 2010 Grand Opening of the Plainfield Elegant Eyes Eyeglass Store.

Denise Slaughter, President A “daughter of vision,” Denise Slaughter has led the growth and expansion of Elegant Eyes since its inception in December 1987. A graduate of Essex County College and a licensed Optician, Ms. Slaughter’s entry into the field of ophthalmic dispensing began as child, assisting her parents in their eyeglass store after school. Denise came up during a time when working was not an option for everyone in the family, and this is how she raised her children. As business blossomed in her parents business, Slaughters Opticians, she received special permission to complete her final year of high school at night. This allowed Denise to work in the family optical store full-time during the day. This exposure to the daily operations of an optical center was the ideal foundation for her success at Elegant Eyes and ultimately solidifying the growth of the Elegant Eyes optical chain. She is a recipient of the Grace Reformed Church, “Business Woman of the Year” award, East Orange YWCA, “Adult Achiever,” award Utenzi Miller, Optician Utenzi Miller, is a part of the daily operations of the Elegant Eyes optical centers. Utenzi has been in the optical field since she was very young. A 1996 graduate of Essex County College’s ophthalmic dispensing program, Utenzi’s primary goal when assisting customers is to “listen to what they want and help them find the right “look”, the right look can be an amazing self-esteem builder.” Utenzi’s additional goal is to ensure the well being of their vision and the overall health of their eyes Cabral Miller, Brand Manager With over 30 years in the eyewear industry, Cabral Miller understands first-hand what a satisfying optical experience requires. Alongside his commitment to excellence, Cabral embodies a welcoming spirit and a strong degree of patience – making each customer’s encounter valuable.

His ability to form such strong connections has helped Cabral craft what he calls “The Eye Whisperer” Experience, an optical intervention.

Cabral is no stranger to the Fashion & Entertainment Industry. In year’s past, he’s has partnered with well-known personalities like June Ambrose, R&B Artist Chrisette Michele, Bevy Smith of Bravo’s hit show, Fashion Queens, and NBC Today Show’s Style Contributor, Lloyd Boston, to offer eyewear and fashion lovers an unforgettable trunk show experience.

“Eyewear and fashion are timeless partners….You can wear a 1980s frame today and still match the current trends.” – Cabral Miller

Reverend Dr. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones

Rev. Dr. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones is the Pastor of the historic Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. A son of the church, Reverend Adkins-Jones was led to faith in Christ at an early age by his grandfather the Rev. Leroy Jones at Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Before being called to Bethany, Rev. Adkins-Jones faithfully led congregations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, building a young legacy of community activism and Christian service. He gladly serves as part of the leadership team for the New Jersey Black Multi-Faith Alliance, Faith in New Jersey, and is a trustee for the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice.

Embodying the best of the Black preacher-scholar tradition, Rev. Adkins-Jones has a PhD in Practical Theology with a Homiletics concentration from Boston University. He also holds a BA in Psychology from Amherst College, and an MDiv from the Boston University School of Theology. A sought-out lecturer and speaker across the nation, Rev. Dr. Adkins-Jones is an Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Union Theological Seminary after previously teaching courses in homiletics and polity at Yale Divinity School. He was featured on the “For Your Soul Sunday” Broadcast on SiriusXM UrbanView, and continues to serve his alma mater Amherst College as the Graduate Fellow for the Hermenia T. Gardner Christian Worship Series, a bisemester worship celebration of the Black Church tradition.

Rev. Dr. Adkins-Jones is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is also the proud husband of Dr. Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones and the father of four loving and amusing souls, Sofia, Ezekiel, Isabella, and Judah Nwà who keep him young and busy.

NEWARK NAACP

106 Annual Freedom Fund Awards Virtual Gala Program th

Welcome ...............................................................................Deborah Smith Gregory, President Newark Branch NAACP Introduction of Justin Newell .........................................................................................Moderator Invocation .............. Elder Judith Favors, Religious Affairs Committee Chairperson “Lift Every Voice & Sing” ...................................................................................................... Lady Rose Greetings ................................................................. Derrick Johnson, CEO/President NAACP Ras J. Baraka, Mayor - City of Newark Introduction of Guest Speaker ................................................................................Justin Newell Guest Speaker ........................................................... Reverend Dr. Timothy L. Adkins-Jones Senior Pastor - Bethany Baptist Church “When Will America Bless God?” .................................................................................. Lady Rose

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Presentations —

Scholarships presented to Patricia Powell and Kareem Bain

by Lynn Cummins, President - Essex County College Adjunct Faculty (Sponsor) Carl L. Gregory Scholarship to Bradley Gonmiah presented by Deborah Smith Gregory (Sponsor) James Pulliam Scholarship presented to Nasir Y. Jones by Robin Pulliam (Sponsor) Health Award................. Dr. Shereef Elnahal - University Hospital Sally G. Carroll Lifetime Award ................................. Joyce Simmons Community Service ..............................................................LaKeesha Eure Education. .............................................................................. Charity Haygood Donald Payne, Sr. Social Justice Award........................... Lee Fisher Educational Advocacy ..................................................... Dr. Leah Owens Outstanding Youth ...............................................................Hilton Rawls III Small Business .........................................Elegant Eyes™, Cabral Miller Spoken Word Performance ........................................................................................ Alexis Green Closing Remarks............................................................Kathleen T. Merritt & Robin Pulliam Freedom Fund 106th Co-Chairperson Benediction ...................................... Elder Judith Favors, Religious Affairs Chairperson

Youth Initiatives

Newark Youth Council 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 Salute our Scholarship Recipients Yasir N. Jones is a dance major enrolled in his first year at Johns Hopkins University.

He is a 2020 graduate of Arts High School, who has studied with numerous dance companies including Alvin Ailey Repertory. He received the James Pulliam Scholarship.

Bradley Gonmiah is a 2019 graduate of Science Park High School. He is currently a Sophomore enrolled at Harvey Mudd College in Upland, California. He is planning to major in Math and Physics. He received the Carl Gregory Scholarship.

Patrice Powell is currently majoring in Paralegal Studies, at Essex County College. She aspires to become a Family Law attorney. She says “I plan to put all my effort and energy into fulfilling that goal. Both of my sons are pushing me even more to obtain this goal. I will be a living example to them.�

Kareem L. Bain Currently he is a student enrolled in his last semester at Essex County College, Newark New Jersey. His academic major is Paralegal Studies. At the completion of this semester he will be graduating with his Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. Both students received the ECC Adjunct Faculty Scholarships.

Scholarship Recipients & Sponsors L.To R. Robin Pulliam, (Sponsor); Patrice Powell, Student Scholar, Kareem Bain, Scholar; Essex County College Professor Lynne Cummins, (Sponsor); and Deborah Smith Gregory, (Sponsor).

Congratulations

to the Newark Branch of the NAACP on the 106th Freedom Fund Gala and to All The 2020 Honorees John Sharpe James South Ward Councilman

920 Broad Street room 304, Newark, New Jersey 07102 Office: 973-733-3753 Fax: 973-733-6130 Email: majorjames10@gmail.com

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. 10th District - New Jersey

Salutes

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People —Newark Branch— On Your

106 th Freedom Fund Gala Awards Brunch

CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Newark Branch of the NAACP

Celebrating 106 Years of Civil Rights Activism at their Annual Freedom Fund Dinner

Although we are not able to be physically together, we are together in spirit!

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive

Paid for by Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. for County Executive, Inc.

THE AMISTAD CURRICULUM IS THE LAW IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY!!

IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 20 YEARS SINCE ENACTMENT OF THE AMISTAD LAW...

YET, IT IS STILL NOT BEING TAUGHT!!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

We demand that the Amistad Law be enforced in every school district in the state of New Jersey... Now!!

Don’t stand on the sidelines...

We all have a role to play in ensuring the implementation of the Amistad Law. Attend the Board of Education meetings in your district and demand that the Amistad Curriculum be taught... Now!!

THE POWER IS IN OUR HANDS ... LET’S USE IT!!

William D. Payne Former Assemblyman and author of the Amistad Bill

“The Court Scene” by Hale Woodruff

U N IVER SIT Y | N EWAR K

In Newark, of Newark

Rutgers University – Newark proudly joins the Newark NAACP in working to defeat hate and in celebrating this year’s Freedom Fund Gala honorees!

BEST WISHES TO THE NEWARK NAACP

ON CELEBRATING OUR 106TH ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND GALA AWARDS VIRTUAL CEREMONY We recognize and celebrate our 2020 Honorees for their service.

We also recognize and acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and faithful leadership of our Branch President, Deborah Smith Gregory, the hardest working Branch President anywhere. She is a leader who is committed to her family, friends, church, community and Branch.

LOOKING BACK: Voting Rights Act of 1965, was passed after many years of African Americans enduring harassment, intimidation, literacy test, economical reprisals, physical violence and/or death.

MOVING FORWARD: November 3, 2020 General Election.

PLAN YOUR VOTE! Vote like your life depends on it, because it does.

So many of our ancestors were beaten, jailed, hung, and some brutally killed for just trying to register to vote. We Must Vote!

God Bless The Newark NAACP Branch and All of The Work It Does.

IN SOLIDARITY AND STRENGTH Kathleen Turpin Merritt - Diamond Life Member Arthur Nelson Merritt - Silver Life Member Ashton Turpin Merritt - Silver Life Member Kendall Nelson Merritt - Silver Life Member

Congratulations

to the Newark Branch NAACP Reverend Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. Senior Pastor

Gerald Owens Trustees Chairman

Best Wishes‌ International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68

Thomas P. Giblin Business Manager Business Representatives

Edward P. Boylan Salvatore Costanza Thomas J. Coyne Patrick T. Gilrane

Michael D. Lewis Charles J. McDonald Michael B. McGlynn Keith Weicker

Assistant Business Representatives/Organizers Kevin S. Kenney * Frank A. Korszoloski * Andres M. Restrepo * Dahlia Vertreese

TED & NINA WELLS

CONGRATULATE THE NEWARK BRANCH NAACP & The 2020 Freedom Fund Honorees ELEGANT EYES LAKEESHA EURE LEE FISHER CHARITY HAYGOOD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL DR. LEAH OWENS HILTON RAWLS, III JOYCE M. SIMMONS

TO THE 2020 FREEDOM FUND HONOREES

Best Wishes and

IN SUPPORT OF THE WORK OF THE NEWARK NAACP The Hayes Family Vanessa, Vincent & Valerie

Congratulations

TO THE NEWARK BRANCH NAACP AND THE 2020 FREEDOM FUND HONOREES

University Hospital Joyce M. Simmons LaKeesha Eure Charity Haygood Lee Fisher Dr. Leah Owens Hilton Rawls, III Elegant Eyes

The Ruben Johnson Family