The Barbour County Branch #5075
Holds its
2nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

The theme of Barbour County NAACP’s 2^nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet was “It’s Harvest Time,” which was a fitting phrase considering that it was on this night that the organization reaped what it has been faithfully sowing since its reemergence in Barbour County two years ago.

It was on this night, of September 8, that members of various ethnic backgrounds got together to celebrate the achievements of the Barbour County Branch, which has been vigorously working toward racial harmony and equality since its reorganization. And judging from the atmosphere in the Eufaula Community Center ballroom, its efforts have not been in vain.

The spirit of unity was in the air, as more than 350 NAACP members and supporters came out in their finest to hear one of the NAACP’s finest, Alabama Conference President Edward Vaughn, deliver a rousing speech that urged the crowd to fight to see that America achieves its promise of ensuring that all Americans—regardless of skin color or socioeconomic background—partake in the benefits that this country has to offer.

There was a lot of song and celebration during the Freedom Fund Banquet. Featured performer Cheryl Morrow performed a number of inspirational songs and a troupe of children ranging in age from 3-16 performed a skit written by local author Cynthia Franklin entitled “Many Colors.” As the title suggests, the purpose of the skit was to celebrate the various ethnic groups that make up the melting pot that is Barbour County and is America.

The NAACP branch members were pleased to have members of the Dothan Branch in attendance, as well as members from the NAACP American Indian Affairs Committee. The members were also excited to have Eufaula Mayor Jay Jaxon speak at the banquet for the second year in a row.

In addition to Mayor Jaxon, there were many other prominent politicians and influential citizens and business owners in attendance. Rev. Allen Forte, Barbour County Branch President, said many of these people were so moved by the night’s events that they informed him of their intentions to join the NAACP.

Rev. Forte said he was further humbled by the generous support of major sponsors such as Wal*Mart, law firm Penn & Seaborn, and MeadWestvaco, as well as several other corporations that have seen the good things that the Barbour County NAACP branch is doing and are eager to be a part of such a worthy organization.