One-hundred-and-fifty years after the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, which prohibited federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” current and former African Americans elected to office in Richmond will be honored this month.
The Richmond NAACP plans to celebrate the and embolden the future at its 33rd Annual Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Hosted by Miranda Wilson, KBLX radio host, the event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include dinner and entertainment. Tickets are $100 and sponsorship opportunities remain available.
With the 2020 election less than seven months away, the NAACP is stressing the importance for everyone, including the African American community, to vote. The gala is honoring the achievements of local African Americans, some of whom were elected to office thanks to voting rights. The event will give Lifetime Achievement awards to Richmond Councilmember Nat Bates, former Richmond Mayor Irma Anderson and former Richmond Councilmember Jim McMillan.
In addition, receiving Community Service awards at the gala will be Jerrold Hatchett, Menbere Aklilu and Larry Lewis.
The first hour of the gala will feature a no-host cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., dinner and awards from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and dancing from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Entertainment will be provided by the Terrence Elliott Trio featuring Amanda Elliott.
For more information or to purchase tickets please contact event chair Linda Whitmore [email protected] or 510 221 6880; or President Willie Robinson [email protected] .
