– Photos courtesy of Jason Diggs
The NAACP – Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County Branch held its 49th Freedom Fund Banquet on September 27 in the Ballroom of The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center. The theme of the banquet was “Moving Forward.” Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, Silver Life Member and Assistant Treasurer of the Branch gave the welcome. Custom Vibes, directed by Dr. Glen Holmes, pianist, Ronnie Laws, drums, and vocalist Denise Smith led the group in singing, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem.
President Deborah H. Travis greeted the audience and recognized several town and county officials including the Mayors of both Town of Blacksburg and of Christiansburg. The candidates running for various town and county offices were also acknowledged. She emphasized that the branch will continue the work and focus on strengthening the NAACP advocacy programs such as voter education and protection, health wellness, community collaboration, educational opportunities for our youth, veterans’ rights to benefits, and interfaith interactions. She encouraged the audience to continue to stand up for justice for all and commit to the Branch in “Moving Forward” in achieving the goals of the Branch. The Membership Chair of the NAACP VA Tech Collegiate Chapter, Kyla Ngeno, and NAACP Youth Council President, Melvin Palmer, were introduced and they both shared about the work of their units.
A memorial tribute with candle lighting was led by Reverend Elsie Wright, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. in Blacksburg and Melvin Palmer, remembering those Branch members who passed away since last banquet.
After dinner, Deborah Travis and Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop conducted the Nannie B. Hairston Community Service award presentation. In honor and “Recognition of her Most dedicated and Distinguished Service to her Community,” The NAACP Montgomery Co-Radford City-Floyd Co Branch gives a community service award to a member who has contributed extensively to the New River Valley community and advances the mission of the NAACP. The 2025 recipient of this prestigious award was Jessie Eaves of Blacksburg. She is a long-term member of the Branch and Community, a retiree from Virginia Tech, an Elder of the United Holy Church of America, and Associate Pastor of Greater Mount Zion United Holy Church.
The program continued with a message of the National NAACP theme, “Fierce Urgency of Now,” by Karen E. Jones, chair of the Branch’s political action committee. She shared that there is power in the vote, and it must be implemented. She shared info on those on the ballot both at the State or locally and emphasized that our “vote matters” and called for a plan of action to get votes casted.
The Branch annually awards up to five Samuel H. Clark Scholarships of $2000 to local youth connected with the NAACP who are pursuing post-secondary education. Irene Peterson acknowledged the 2025 Scholarship recipients who were Nayzia Terry from Blacksburg High School attending New River Community College; and Leila Haley, Christiansburg High School now attending Davidson College. Deborah Travis assisted by Rhonda Rogers and Nathaniel Bishop recognized the 2025 Sponsors of the banquet.
The banquet keynote speaker was Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Rev. Bailey was elected as the Virginia State Conference President in 2023 and has served as president of the Prince William County Branch of the NAACP since January 2017, and 1st vice president of the VA State Conference Region 3 in May 2022. He is associate minister at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia.
Rev. Bailey gave an extensive and powerful presentation on the theme, “Moving Forward in Community.” He shared that we must forward in “Community.” The historical sense of community as has been the bedrock for Black Americans and means that we come together as one. There are efforts to dismantle this infrastructure. He stated that “we must build a wall of resistance,” which supports our efforts to continue moving forward for the achievement of justice. This “power of community” will help us to survive as it has in the past.
President Travis presented a gift of appreciation to Rev. Bailey and urged all those gathered to continue to work together to build a strong community for all.
Elder Marlin Reeves, pastor of New Pentecostal United Holy Church closed the program with a unity prayer.
