Entry 633 of 1039
By Think! Christiansburg On October 7, 2009 at 5:02 PM
"Riding the Past into the Future" was the theme for the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP Branch's 34th Freedom Fund Banquet. This was part of the national organization's 100 year celebration, with the local branch established 50 years ago.  Mr. Alfonso James served as the branch's first president.

The Rev. Glenn Orr, current president, said "As we remember those who served before us it is very fitting that we honor their sacrifices for racial justice." Corporate sponsors and life membership award recipients were recognized before approximately 450 guests.

The 15th Nannie B. Hairston Award was presented to Allen W. Palmer recognizing his extensive service and dedication to the community, who accepted the award by saying he "hoped to persevere" and continue his service to others.

Following a dinner and fellowship, guests enjoyed a brilliant musical performance by Roxanne Beamer and were then enthralled by world-renowned poet, writer, and local resident Dr. Nikki Giovanni.

Giovanni began with an acknowledgement "we are living in troubled times" while noting lynching was a regular form of terrorism just a generation ago, yet brutal beatings are now becoming all too common. She spoke of Virginia Tech as "the grand old lady of Appalachia" and stressed the "NRV is essential to the health of Virginia."

Staying in tune with the evening's theme, Giovanni subtly shifted from a general introduction to a poem about traveling by train as a child with her older sister, and the unknown protection and unseen benefits provided by the African-American Pullman Porters.

"I heard they got a train going from Lynchburg to Washington, DC, and I'm happy for Lynchburg," she said. "But I want one in Cambria."

Giovanni's poem lamented "what a loss there are more black men in prison than on trains" today and told the audience to forgive and love.

Concluding the evening, attendees were encouraged to vote in the Nov. 3 elections and reminded the Census 2010 determined resource allocation, so citizens should view this as something to participate in rather than to be suspicious of.

Rev. Orr asked public servants to stand and be recognized. Numerous local and state candidates were present, as well as representatives from Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg government.  "See who is present tonight, and remember their support of us on election day," he said. "Just as the Census 2010 card at your table says, it is in our hands."