The Roanoke Branch NAACP invites all to come join in on Saturday, Dec. 6, for its 64th Life Membership Luncheon. This event will be held at the Tanglewood Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 4468 Starkey Road in Roanoke, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The Roanoke Branch NAACP was chartered on July 10, 1933 and for 81 years continues to make a difference in the Roanoke Valley. The organization strives daily to improve the quality of life by addressing issues of Education, Health, Political Empowerment and workplace discrimination.
This year’s distinguished speaker is Mr. Da’Quan Marcell Love, an exceptional experienced community activist, organizer, and leader in the non-profit and corporate sector.
Da’Quan received his B.A. with honors in Political Science from Hampton University where he also minored in leadership studies as a fellow of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute. At Hampton, Da’Quan served as Student Government Association President (2013-2014), Captain of the School of Liberal Arts Debate Team, Manager of the Little Theatre and Parliamentarian of both the Political Science/Pre-Law Society and Residents Assistants’ Association.
One of Da’Quan’s passions is civil rights, evidenced by his strong connection to the work of the NAACP of which he is a Life Member and has served in various leadership roles since 1999. He currently serves as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, where he represents the youth membership of the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this position, he also serves as Vice Chair of the Convention Planning committee and as a member of the Health, International Affairs, Labor, Youth Work, Political Action/Legislation and Constitutional Review committees. Prior to this position, Da’Quan served as president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP Youth and College Division. During his tenure as president, he led an effort during the 2012 US Presidential Election that successfully defeated attempts by the Virginia Board of Elections to invalidate over 16,000 voter registration applications.
Da’Quan is actively involved in numerous community service and advocacy organizations, most notably: SCLC, March of Dimes, and Faces of Our Children. He also serves on the board of Hands Helping Hands Outreach Program in Richmond, VA and currently teaches Sociology, Civics and Economics in the Northampton County School system as a corps member of the prestigious Teach For America program.
Da’Quan is also a member of several professional organizations and honor societies, including: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. In 2014, The Root named Da’Quan as one of its 25 Young Futurists,” a listing reserved for high achieving youth leaders who have made a significant impact in their community. Da’Quan aspires each day to achieve his personal mission to “Empower and Uplift others through Service, Leadership and Excellence.”
For tickets, call Brenda Hale (540) 989-2164, or visit the Roanoke Tribune, 2318 Melrose Ave., NW. Tickets are $30 each (a table of 10 for $300).
