NAACP Atlantic City Branch Holds 50th Annual Freedom Fund Gala
Some 400 people converged on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the NAACP Atlantic City Branch 50th Annual Freedom Fund Gala. Atlantic City Focus was there to capture the milestone moment.
ATLANTIC CITY—The Atlantic City Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its 50th Annual Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday April 27, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Some 400 people converged on the Seminole Ballroom, on the second floor, to recognize community members honored with awards for their work in various fields including: government, civil rights and social justice, health, business, education and community service. The NAACP also raised an additional $2,000 in scholarship funds through a raffle of prizes donated by the business community.
NAACP Atlantic City Branch President Kaleem Shabazz said the annual event helps advance the organization’s goals throughout the year.
“The Freedom Fund Gala helps us with our operational budget,” said Shabazz. “The turnout was good, and I think the people enjoyed themselves.”
Many wore traditional tuxedos and gowns to the black-tie affair. Others showcased more contemporary fashion.
Photo Credit: Mark Tyler
Throughout the year, the local branch hosts non-partisan voter registration drives, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative march and Day of Service and helps train the next generation of community leaders through its youth council. The NAACP also coordinates health equity projects and other community events.
Shabazz said the work that the NAACP does is important because it is committed to protecting democracy.
“We are a nonpartisan organization, but we do encourage people to register to vote,” Shabazz said. “We’re trying to have a fair and just election so that everyone who is eligible to vote has the right to vote.”
Sponsors are largely responsible for helping the NAACP advance its cause. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino President George Goldhoff said Hard Rock works well with the NAACP because they are mission aligned.
“All is one,” Goldhoff said, highlighting the casino’s motto. “Love all. Serve all.” Shabazz thanked the casino for its sustaining support. “Hard Rock has raised the bar on corporate impact,” Shabazz said.
The Gala drew business owners, community leaders, activists, and dignitaries who expressed their commitment to the cause of freedom.
Photo Credit: Mark Tyler and Raymond Tyler
CHORUS, the Business Impact Group for African Americans and their Allies at Caesars Entertainment, representatives attended the Gala to show their support. Keith Purnell, director of Guest Experience at Caesars and Chorus Chairman of the Board, Phil Terry, Casino Operations Shift Manager at Caesars and Chorus Vice Chairman and Ahmed Halim, Hotel Operations Manager at Harrah’s, who is the Chorus 2nd Vice Chair each said Caesars, through CHORUS, is committed to Atlantic City.
The ACX1 Studios team also attended the gala because they want to do their part to make Atlantic City a better place.
“We are very honored that we were invited here and we’re looking forward to working with the people of Atlantic City,” said Kofi Bannerman, chief creative officer for ACX1 Studios.
Bannerman, who was invited by local business woman Pamela Thomas, is part of the new ownership group that reopened the former The Pier at Caesars/The Playground Mall on Sept. 14, 2023, as ACX1 Studios. The plan is to use the former mall for movie and television projects in addition to offering programming that benefits the community. The unique concept includes a mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, and educational space. Two of the top tenants at ACX1 Studios will be the Simpson Restaurant & Bar and the Legendary Laff House Comedy Club.
Mark Tyler
Celebrity Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson, known as Chef Patrick, will open a sports bar at AcX1 Studios similar to his flagship location on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Chef Patrick donated a $200 gift certificate for the NAACP raffle. He plans to open the restaurant on June 1, 2024.
“It’s definitely a pleasure being part of the community and the community is welcoming me,” said Chef Patrick.
Mark Tyler
Roderick Millwood, affectionately known as “Mr. Rod,” of the Legendary Laff House, has helped launch the careers of several famous comedians including Kevin Hart, Mike Epps and J.B. Smoove. He anticipates opening about the same time as Chef Patrick.
Mr. Rod is working on various television projects including the Fresh Faces of Comedy and Welcome to the Fellowship that will be filmed in the city. The Laff House will also host Laugh Therapy Thursday, to give patrons a place where they can unwind and jumpstart the weekend.
Mark Tyler
“Being here tonight introduced the Laff House to a wide variety of people,” said Mr. Rod.
The National NAACP, founded in 1909, is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. It was established in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois.
Aimed at securing political, educational, social, and economic equality, the organization has played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, including the push for voting rights and desegregating public schools. On a national level, the NAACP continues to fight to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.
NAACP Atlantic City Branch Vice President Rosie Segura, who was largely responsible for organizing the event, said the success came because everyone worked together.
“It’s our 5oth so it’s a milestone for us,” said Segura. “Everyone supported us in different ways and our sponsors were amazing.”
Honorees included:
- Government Awards: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Atlantic City Council President Aaron “Sporty” Randolph
- Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Award: Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt, the Distinguished Professor of Africana Studies and Social Work at Stockton University
- Health Awards: Dr. Olatunji Peter Kuponiyi, MD, of Island Medical Associates, and Dr. Inua A. Momodu, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Behavioral Health at AtlantiCare Health System
- Business Award: Cathy Burke, Co-founder of the Irish Pub
- Education Award: Brenda Braithwaite, leader, educator and advocate and National Education Association Board Director
- Community Service Awards: Atlantic Cape Community College Worthington/Atlantic City campus and Henrietta Wallace-Shelton, President & CEO of Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc.
Sponsors included, but were not limited to:
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Caesars Entertainment
- The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
- Cooper Levinson Attorneys at Law
- The Hawkes Family Businesses which include WEHA Gospel 88.7, and Hawkes Janitorial Contractors
- ACT On Weight & Wellness Care and CEO Dr. Jon M. Regis
- Local 54
- The Atlantic City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Apha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Congressional Candidate Tim Alexander
- Atlantic County Commissioner Andrew Parker and a host of others.
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