Local NAACP unit celebrates 105th anniversary

WEST ORANGE, NJ — On Sunday, April 29, from 3 to 7 p.m., the Oranges and Maplewood Unit of the NAACP will celebrate its 105th anniversary. The 105th annual Freedom Fund event will be held at Wilshire Grand Hotel, 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange. The evening’s theme is “Freedom is Never Granted but Won. Justice is Never Given but Taken.” The NAACP has made strides in the advancement of all people and is still relevant in the struggle for social justice. The Oranges and Maplewood Unit is the oldest in New Jersey.

New Jersey City University professor Antoinette Ellis-Williams will serve as keynote speaker. Rev. Terry Richardson of First Baptist Church in South Orange will receive the Spiritual Award. The Committee for an Elected Orange School Board, which is chaired by Rev. Anthony Johnson, will receive the Education Award. Star-Ledger columnist Barry Carter will receive the Community Award. Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman Leroy Jones will receive the Political Award. Reb. Ronald Slaughter of St. James AME Church in Newark will receive the President’s Award.

Freedom Fund events are the major fundraising activity of all units of the NAACP. The proceeds from this event finance the yearlong programs sponsored by the unit in the areas of education, housing, economic development and youth. Prices for advertisements, sponsorships and tickets are available upon request.

For more information, contact Mary Puryear at 973-675-5325 or OMFreedomfund@gmail.com. The Oranges and Maplewood Unit of the NAACP represents 11 municipalities: Orange, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Verona, Maplewood, Livingston, Bloomfield, Belleville, Millburn and Nutley.