Norfolk NAACP Hosts 65th Anniversary Dinner

NORFOLK

The Norfolk NAACP hosted its 65th Annual Life Membership & Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday, November 9 at the Doubletree Hilton. Hon. Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Virginia Beach Councilwoman and Founder of the Virginia African-American Cultural Center, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Among many memorable moments during the evening was the Branch’s establishment and awarding of the Dr. Robert G. Murray Legacy Award to its namesake, Dr. Robert G. Murray, retired pastor of First Baptist Church, Bute Street.

Other notable awards were given to community members who have made outstanding contributions in their fields, as well. The Presidential Award was presented to James Rivers for his longevity and long time support of the Norfolk NAACP.

The Norfolk Branch dates to 1938, just 29 years after the founding of the National NAACP, the nation’s oldest national civil rights organization, in 1909. The Branch’s outgoing president Stacie Armstead and her administration were acknowledged for their continuing activism in support of the NAACP’s advocacy mission.

The keynote speaker for the evening was New Journal and Guide Publisher Brenda H. Andrews, whose delivery called for celebration of the Norfolk NAACP’s anniversary as well as sober reflection on the implications on the Black community of the November 5 election results that ushered in a second Donald Trump administration.

Publisher Andrews called on the familiar mantra of Rev. Jesse Jackson, to “Keep Hope Alive” and on President Joe Biden’s declaration, “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.”

“We who believe in a way forward must remember we are always between fights for justice, fairness and equity in America,” she said to rousing applause. “Freedom may win a battle, but the war continues. Defeated issues morph into new issues, creating new battles to fight.

“And, yet,” she continued, “We are not without resources. We are not without power. God did not give us a spirit of fear – and we must remember Blacks in America were never meant to survive nor to be free.

“That’s what makes the story of Black America so precious to me: And Still We Rise,” a favorite reminder to the audience from Maya Angelou’s poem by the same name.

Setting the celebratory tone was music by Ms. Vinnie Knight & the Jazz Riders. Also, Tramaine Spruill, a Booker T. Washington High School student, and an NAACP ACTSO winner, delivered a  soulful rendition of “Total Praise” that won over the audience.

Participants on the program were the Lake Taylor High School Navy ROTC Corps, Jacoby Lewis, Rev. Calvin Brown, LeRon Jones, Harvey Waters, Pastor Veronica Thomas, Dr. Nathaniel Morris, Jan House, and Kay Thornton.

Those who received awards were:

Del. Bonita Anthony: Community Activist Award

Community 1st: Unsung Heroes and Heroes Award

Garden of Hope Adult Education and GED Program: Unsung Heroes and Heroes Award

Mrs. Valencia Moore, Principal, and Ms. Marie Hall, Assistant Principal, Lindenwood Elementary School: Special Presentation

James Rivers: Presidential Award

The Branch’s new Dr. Robert G. Murray Legacy Award was presented and accepted by Dr. Murray, who was described as a Crusader for Christ and the Community. He served 38 years as Senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church, Bute Street, during which time he led the church in the construction of the Murray Taste and See Banquet Center, the READY Academy, the Renew Counseling Center and the church’s administrative wing. He retired in January 2022 and holds the title Pastor Emeritus. He was accompanied by his family members, Mrs. Amanda Murray, and their sons, daughters-in-law and grandson.