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NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch Celebrates Milestone 60th Anniversary Celebration and 22nd Annual Freedom Fund Luncheon
On a balmy Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026, over 370 guests attended the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch’s 60th Anniversary and 22nd Annual Freedom Fund Luncheon at the iconic Marina Del Rey in Throgs Neck, New York, and to celebrate this year’s distinguished honorees for exemplifying excellence, service, and leadership. The event kicked off with a convivial reception featuring a wide selection of delicious foods followed by an inspiring program presided over by Cheryl Wills, Spectrum News New York 1, who introduced Kyndell A. Reid, Esq., President, NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, who brought warm welcoming greetings.
“As we celebrate the Mid-Manhattan Branch’s 60th Anniversary, I extend my warmest welcome to our members, guests, honorees, partners, and supporters. Today marks a historic milestone – six decades of steadfast commitment to civil rights, community empowerment, and the enduring pursuit of justice. This milestone is a testament to the collective strength of our members, ancestors, and the enduring solidarity of our sister branches across the state and nation.”
The NAACP Freedom Fund was established in 1953 and intended to be a ten-year program. After the assassination of Medgar Evers, a civil rights hero and NAACP Mississippi Field Secretary, the NAACP declared the Freedom Fund would carry on indefinitely in tribute to Evers: “Until the job of emancipating our people is complete.”
Today the Freedom Fund supports the NAACP’s vital work serving the community, both here in Orange County and nationwide, and branches host Freedom Fund events to provide a social atmosphere, honor local community heroes, and raise much-needed funding.
The pristine program featured the Invocation by Rev. Jacques DeGraff followed by a rousing performance of The National Anthem by Nyla Jenkins, LaGuardia High School, along with The Negro National Anthem by Jackie Rowe Adams. Then, L. Roy Williams, President, NAACP NYS Conference. The all-inclusive luncheon featured a lavish full course lunch, open bar, and music by Dave Brown Productions. The event was amazing and everyone had a fabulous time.
The NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch ties its annual luncheon directly to the legacy of civil rights leader Roy Wilkins, recognizing community leaders, medical institutions, and labor advocates who advance educational and professional equity.
This year’s exemplary Annual Freedom Fund Honorees were presented with a Special Proclamation of Appreciation from the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Dedra N. Tate, Executive Producer and Vice President, Event Production, Black Health Matters received the Dr. Hazel N. Dukes Outstanding Civil Rights, Health & Communication Award. Dr. Wendy McClinton, Black Veterans for Social Justice received the Roy Wilkins Veterans and Leadership Award. Rev. Dr. Lakeesha Waldron, Inspirational Speaker Pastor, Educator received the Visionary Leader and Transformation Award. Rev. Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard, Interim Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, Newark, NJ received the Dr. Hazel N. Dukes Visionary Leadership Award. Barbette Lherisson Manager, Regional and Community Affairs, Con Ed received the Roy Wilkins Leadership and Service Award.
In her closing remarks Reid thanked the guests for their unwavering support. “Your presence today affirms that ‘We the People’ remains a powerful truth, that together, we can build a more just, equitable, and hopeful future for the next 60 years and beyond.”
(Photos
by Hubert Williams)
