New Haven NAACP to hold Freedom Fund Dinner May 17

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Greater New Haven Branch will hold its annual Freedom Fund Dinner beginning at 7 p.m. May 17 at the Omni Hotel at Yale on College Street. “From the keynote speaker to this year’s honorees, the branch NAACP will provide its guests and members with a full array of educators from different academic platforms” at the dinner, according to statement. “This year’s theme, Affirming America’s Promise: Equality through Education will be punctuated by one of America’s most notable civil rights champion and educator, Julian Bond, (shown in the file photo from a 2012 event) the featured keynote speaker for the evening,” the statement said.
The Branch also will honor will honor the Honorable William Dyson, longtime state representative and holder of the Governor William A. O’Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practice at Central Connecticut State University; James Barber, Southern Connecticut State University; Marilyn Ford, Quinnipiac University Law School; and Lula White, member of the New Haven Federation of Teachers and former Freedom Rider. “We are proud of this illustrious group of academic and civil rights focused honorees that will share our dais that evening” said Greater New Haven NAACP Branch President James E. Rawlings, also in the statement. “Those in attendance, especially the youth, will have the fortune and opportunity to hear some very inspiring remarks from living legends that many of the adults have looked up to throughout their young lives” The Branch also will recognize First Niagara Bank for its support of the NAACP in assisting community development, the statement said. “First Niagara has pledged a total of $6.85 million over (five) years in loans and down payment assistance through a newly formed partnership with the NAACP, as part of its overall CRA commitment for the New Haven region. The New Haven Branch will serve as the referral agency for both the home ownership assistance and small business loan programs to ensure that all applicants meet the established criteria.” The event is $100, which includes a one year membership and subscription to Crises Magazine. For tickets and information call 203-389-7275 or email info@naacpnewhaven.org Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.