SAN FRANCISCO - September 25, 2011: The San Francisco Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (SFNAACP) will host its "Annual Freedom Fund Dinner and Gala" on Saturday, November 5, 2011, Reception 6:00 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m., at the Hilton San Francisco, 333 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, California. We are pleased to announce that our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Leslie B. McLemore, Chair of the National Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Riders, Interim President of Jackson State University and Director of the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute.
Our theme this year is "The Legacy of the 1961 Freedom Riders' Courage." We will be honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the plight for freedom and justice for all. These individuals will be honored for their work in various fields including health, education, justice and humanitarian efforts. Honorees include: Dr. Martin Brotman, President of West Bay Region, Sutter Health Corporation, Humanitarian Award; Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Western Region, Presidential Medal of Freedom Award; Cheryl Dawson, MA, MDIV, Community and Justice Award; Danny Glover, Actor, Producer and Humanitarian, Philanthropist and Activist Award; Bethel A.M.E. Church (Rev. Edgar Boyd) and Zion A.M.E. Church (Rev. Malcolm Byrd) San Francisco NAACP Founder's Award; and Carol Ruth Silver, Esq., Original Freedom Rider - 1961 and Claude Liggins - 1961, Freedom Riders' Legacy Award.
KQED will partner with the SFNAACP by providing a Pre-Gala screening of the Freedom Riders Documentary. Danny Glover will also add to the evening with a screening of his Soundtrack for a Revolution movie.
The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization with members throughout the United States and the world.
Individual tickets -$150.00. Tables seating 10 -$1,250.00. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For further information, contact the San Francisco NAACP at 415 922-0650 or 415 587-2207.
