Celebrating Legacy, Education and Resilience: The 38th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
{Photos: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
The 38th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, a prestigious gathering dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., took place on the evening of Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 5 PM. The event brought together community leaders, activists, and supporters to honor Dr. King's vision of equality and justice, featuring inspiring speeches, heartfelt performances, and a communal spirit of unity and hope.
Attendees enjoyed a time of reflection and commitment to advancing the cause of civil rights while paying tribute to Dr. King's impact on the nation and the world.
Nestled within the Commons on the Green, the sold-out crowd radiated warmth and camaraderie. The room buzzed with vibrant conversations as guests mingled, their faces lighting up with smiles, enthusiasm and determination. The collective energy was felt as shared ideals filled the space, forging connections and inspiring hope for a brighter future.
Keynote speaker Ronnie Beverly and wife, Tracy
The guest speaker for the evening was an inspiring address by Ronnie Beverly, who captivated the audience with his powerful message about maintaining King-style faith and resilience in the face of adversity. "We are reminded of his powerful conviction that 'the road ahead will not always be smooth.' Dr. King spoke of 'the rocky places of frustration.'"
His words resonated deeply, encouraging attendees to reflect on their journeys and the collective effort needed to continue advancing the principles for which Dr. King stood. He spoke generally of today's political climate and what King called "inevitable" setbacks, keenly reflected in "Old School" songs by Al Green, Gospel artist Tye Tribbett, and contemporary Kendrick Hip Artist Kendrick Lamar.
Beverly pointed to the importance of education. "Dr. King was a dedicated scholar who viewed education as the great equalizer," Beverly explained. "He reminds us that education is not only a tool for personal growth but also a catalyst for societal transformation."
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Exhibition celebrated education and creativity by featuring a vibrant local youth art exhibit. This event provided an inspiring platform for school children in the area to showcase their artistic talents and imaginative expressions. Hosted by Anything for Our Youth, the exhibition displayed a range of artwork.
Leadership expressed disappointment in having to cancel the annual parade due to below-freezing temperatures but encouraged participation in the JLD Community Solutions MLK Day "I Have a Dream" Crafts & Cocoa PopUp. Monday, January 20th, 2 - 4 PM at the Rescue Squad on 115 W 9th Ave. This event is free to the public with on-site and to-go offerings for attendees.
The organization also installed a slate of new officers; Rev. Alan Suber will step in to replace Charles "Pic" Clark as the incoming president. Clark has served as Vice President and President for almost a decade. "I plan to serve as his right hand because that's what he's done for me," Clark said of Suber. Clark highlighted improved relationships for the organization during his tenure. "I would say that education has been a big priority for us. We have direct relationships with the county schools now...We can address racial issues directly."
Left to Right: Incoming president Reverend Alan Suber alongside outgoing president Charles “Pic” Clark
Suber possesses an extensive educational history. He completed his primary and secondary schooling within the Richland School District One Public School System located in Columbia, SC. In 2012, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance from Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, and in May 2015, he was awarded a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. He is pursuing a Master's in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
From 2019 to 2020, Reverend Suber was Pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Lexington, North Carolina. In 2020, he established Faith-Forward Baptist Church in Lexington, NC, serving as its Founding Pastor. Additionally, he participates in various civic and community organizations, including the Lexington City Minister's Conference, GLAMA, the NAACP, Davidson County Community Action, Advocates for Charles McNeair, and the Friends of the Lexington Library Organization.
Beverly concluded his speech by leaving the audience with an inspiring challenge for the holiday weekend: "Now, let's get to Sunday School. Yes, most of you missed church last week due to the weather, so we're going to catch up and have some fun!"
