The Monroe Civic Center was filled with celebration, remembrance, and resolve on Saturday evening as the NAACP hosted its annual Freedom Fund Banquet. About 100 guests gathered for the occasion, including Mayor Friday Ellis, members of the Monroe City Council, and longtime figures in the African-American community.
Chaired by Chris Lewis and Rev. Michael Thompson, the banquet highlighted the NAACP’s ongoing mission to advocate for justice, equity, and empowerment. The evening’s most emotional moment came when the Historic Trailblazer Award was presented to Mrs. Kathleen Turner, honoring her decades of work alongside her late husband, Ervin Peter Turner. Together, the Turners dedicated their lives to mentoring youth and creating housing opportunities for disadvantaged families. Mrs. Turner was unable to attend the banquet because of a scheduling conflict.
C.D. Heckard, w…
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