Redditt Hudson the NAACP Field Director, Region IV was the keynote speaker at the 98th Annual Wichita Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet held Sept. 30, at the Wichita Marriott. The evening included a wine reception, award ceremony and dinner.
The 2017 honorees were
• Dr. Robert Weems, the HN Sims Excellence in Education Award.
• Pastor Roosevelt DeShazer, Clergy of the Year Award.
• Emalyn Rogers, Janett Jackson Community Service Award.
• Dr. Micah Kubic, Executive Director of ACLU Kansas, Theo Cribbs Political Action Award .
• Lai-L Daugherty, Ron Walters Leadership Award.
• Habitat for Humanity, Chester I Lewis Distinguished Service.
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Community/Neighborhood/Civic Association Award.
• Westar Energy, Business of the Year.
• Wichita City Manager Robert Layton, Person of the Year.
• A Legacy Award was presented to: Larry Dennis.
The emcee’s for this year’s banquet were; Channel 12 Reporter, Akeam Ashford and former NAACP Youth & 2013 National Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Club of America.
Performances this year included the National Anthem sung by Chanel McCray, The Negro National Anthem led by members of the NAACP youth council and “Glory” performed by Brock Booker and Jaye Johnson.