NAACP fundraiser pushes on through rain or shine to benefit ACT-SO students
by G. Randolph
Despite the intermittent rain, the “Jazz on the Lawn” event held Sunday, July 7, went on as scheduled at the home of Clint Barlow under a series of big tents.
As an NAACP ACT-SO fundraiser, the proceeds garnered serve as financial assistance for local gold medal winners attending the National ACT-SO (Afro Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics) competition to be held July 18-21, 2019 in Detroit, MI.
Just before the event began, the rain came shortly before the performers, followed by supporters who braved the summer downpour and the show went on. A sizable crowd of ACT-SO well wishers were there to support this 5th Annual fund raiser as DJ Jerome Bucker summoned them in and got the party going.
Performers kept things jumping with a taste of several varieties of music including: blues, gospel, soul and a little jazz.
Headlining the event was Solacoustix’s featuring front-man Jo-Jo Stockton. Due to the absence of bandmember–Stuart Brown, (who was a little under the weather), JoJo, a vocalist and guitarist, was joined by other performers who together created a spontaneous jam session.
Outstanding vocalist Bernadette “BJ” Brown performed several soul favorites accompanied by, DeRon Lark, keyboard, and back-up singer, Amazetta Anderson. Other performers included: James “JJ” Jackson singing a favorite, “I Shot the Sheriff,” David “Chuck” Miller, keyboard, along with Chris Eural and Rodney Randolph on drums.
The cooking team, led by Clarence Hilton and Jerel Rhodes and a staff of assistants kept the fried fish dinners good, hot and ready as any attendee will attest to.
Demonstrating her scientific knowledge and showcasing her STEM project; local gold medalist London Paige explained why she chose her project “The Effects of Yeast on the Decomposition of a Starch Based and an Algae Based Bioplastic.” Her presentation was well received and encouraged by the audience – bolstering her confidence as she prepares for nationals.
Three gold medalists were unable to attend. They are: Chadwick Davilsaint, Performing Arts-Dramatics; Antoine Jefferson, Humanities-Original Essay and Duy Pham, Performing Arts-Music-Vocal Contemporary.
Several Roanoke Youth Council members were in attendance and assisted with a 50/50 raffle. The winner, Dawn Bryant, donated her winnings to the youth.
Anyone interested in supporting the mission may purchase an ACT-SO T-shirt ($10). For order information contact branch president Brenda Hale (798-1387)
For more information on being an ACT-SO supporter, contact Gloria Randolph-King, ACT-SO Chairperson (793-0811), or ACT-SO Co-Chair, Sheila Herron at 540-853-6203.
