[music] -The following progr.. made possible through the generous financial support of viewers like you.

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-Hello.

I'm Peter Noll, the general manager and CEO of WLJT Channel 11.

The program you are about to watch is our station's special presentation of the local NAACP 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet.

WLJT is the only locally-owned TV station in West Tennessee.

As a nonprofit commercial free TV station, we rely on your donations.

They help pay for our production team, cameras, and equipment to bring you local West Tennessee programs.

If you haven't donated yet, please go to westtnpbs.org now and keep shows like this possible.

[music] -Now WLJT Channel 11 is proud to present the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, honoring the past, empowering the future.

This is the 62nd Freedom Fund Banquet coming to you from downtown Jackson.

Let's join the celebration from the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

-Welcome to Downtown Jackson.

WLJT Channel 11 is excited to be at the 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet put on by the Jackson-Madison County NAACP.

It's a night of celebrating community empowerment and civil rights achievements.

WLJT was here last year, and we are proud to once again bring this wonderful event to televisions across West Tennessee.

Joining me now is a friend of WLJT, Harrell Carter, president of the Jackson-Madison County, the NAACP.

Harrell, tell us why this event is so important.

-Well, we do this on an annual event around Memorial Day to celebrate those past who were civil rights achievers for the fight that they endured over the hundreds of years.

Let's keep going with it by empowering our youth.

We have several youth today that's going to be honored, remarkable young men and women who has really just burst out with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of empowerment, not only to their friends, but also to us as well.

We're ready to turn it over to them.

[chuckles] -Well, thank you for allowing us to be here.. and bring this show to everyone that's not able to be here tonight.

Let's get on with the big show.

-Good evening to you, our distinguished guests, community leaders, family, and friends.

-Welcome to the 2025 Jackson-Madison County NAACP Freedom Fund Banqu.. an evening where we honor our history, celebrate our progress, and recommit to the ongoing work of justice and equity.

-We are your hosts tonight.

I'm Darlette Samuels.

-I'm Darryl Samuels.

It is a tremendous honor for us to serve as your mistress and master of ceremony.

-We thank you for being here and for supporting the mission of the NAACP.

Tonight's program is rich with purpose, and we promise to keep it inspiring and moving it right along.

Now, to officially kick off the celebration, we invite our amazing banquet co-chairs, Mrs. Sandra Carter and Dr. Jennifer Wells, for the welcome address.

-Good evening, everyone.

Welcome.

Welcome.

Welcome.

On behalf of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP branch, it is a absolute honor and a true privilege to see many esteemed guests, dedicated allies, and passionate advocates gather here tonight for our annual Freedom Fund Banquet.

Our annual Freedom Fund Banquet theme this year is honoring the past, empowering the future.

-Indeed, Dr. Woods.

I am Sandra Carter, and it fills my heart to look out and see such a powerful assembly of individuals committed to justice, equality, and progress.

We are thrilled you're here to share this evening with us.

-Tonight, we come together for a celebrated legacy, a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the fight for civil rights.

For over a century, the NAACP has stood as a beacon of hope, working tirele.. racial injustice and to ensure political, educational, social, and economic quality for us all.

-The work continues.

From advocating for voting rights and educational equality, to champion economic empowerment and criminal justice reform, the challenges we face are real, but our resolve is strong.

The funds we raise tonight are critical.

They fuel our programs, support our local incentives, and empower us to continue this vital work right here in Jackson-Madison County, the community, and beyond.

-Tonight is a testament to the power of collective action, each of you by your presence being here today.

You're contributing to the future and the generosity of the true freedom for equality, and not just by the aspirations, but lived realities for every single person.

-We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors.

Without them, this event would not be possible.

-We stand up here as two, but we know that putting a banquet together has many volunteers.

Also, to our banquet committee and the entire Jackson-Madison County NAACP executive board and members, your hard work, your passion for bringing this evening to life, let's give them a round of applause.

[applause] -As we embark on this evening, we invite you to engage, to connect, and to be inspired.

Prepare for a program filled with powerful messages, moving stories, and the collaboration of those who embody the spirit of freedom.

-Thank you again for joining us.

Let's make this an unforgettable night in the pursuit of justice for all.

Enjoy the banquet.

-Welcome, everyone.

[applause] -At this time, let us receive the posting of the colors and the anthems.

The posting of the colors will be presented by the Jackson Police Department, and the anthems will be presented by Vonda Peet, who will lead us in both the national anthem and the Negro national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Will you please stand?

-Say, can you see By the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed At the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched Were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare The bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave [applause] -Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies Let it resound high as the rolling sea Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won God of our weary years God of our silent tears Thou who has brought us thus far on the way Thou who has by Thy might led us into the light Keep us forever on the path, we pray Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us We're going to sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won [applause] -Thank you Jackson Police Department, Color Guards, and also Ms. Vonda Peet.

I used to sing like that- [laughter] -- a few years ago.

I don't know what happened.

[laughter] -Now we're going to turn our attention to a moment of powerful remembrance and honor.

Please welcome Mr. David Carter and Dr. Lawrence Ragland for a salute to the 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment and a tribute to our armed forces.

-Good evening.

The 61st US Colored Infantry of June 1862.

I'd like to recognize the 61st US Colored Infantry.

This was a group of Black men who left the foundations and farms to join the 61st Colored Infantry to fight for their freedom.

They sign up in Jackson-Madison County, Tennessee in June of 1862.

They fought battles in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

This unit was mustered out of active service on December the 25th, 1865, and some of the men became part of the US Army.

A plaque is located on the west side of the Madison County Courthouse in their honor.

-At this time, we're going to play the music for each branch of the military service.

When you hear the music of the branch you served in, I would like for you to stand and receive the token of our appreciation.

[music] -United States Army, please stand.

[applause] -Over hill, over dale We will hit the dusty trail And those Caissons go rolling along In and out, hear them shout Counter march all about And those Caissons go rolling along For it's Heigh!

Heigh!

Hee!

In the field artillery, Shout out your numbers loud and strong, For wher-e’er we go, You will always know, That those Caissons go rolling along.

-United States Navy.

[music] -Anchors aweigh, m.. Farewell to college joys We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay Through our last night on shore, hail to the foam Until we meet once more Here's wishing you a happy voyage home -United States Coast Guard.

[music] -We're always ready for the call We place our trust in Thee Through howling gale and shot and shell to win our victory Semper Paratus is our guide Our pledge and motto too We're always ready do or die Aye Coast Guard we fight for you -United States Air Force.

[music] -Off we go into the wild blue yonder Climbing high into the sun Here they come zooming to meet our thunder At them boys, give 'er the gun Down we dive, spouting our flame from under Off with one terrible roar We live in fame or go down in flame For nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force -United States Marines.

[music] -From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, The United States Marines [applause] -We thank you.

For all that you have served, God bless you, and God bless America, and we salute you.

[applause] -Thank you so much, Mr. Carter and Dr. Ragland.

I would say that this is probably one of my most favorite elements of the Freedom Fund Banquet when we recognize the armed forces and all of those individuals who serve.

Let's give all of our armed forces and the individuals a big round of applause.

[applause] -Very moving tribute.

Again, thank you, Mr. Carter and Dr. Ragland, for that moving tribute.

Next, we will prepare to hear a voice of wisdom and visi.. -Let me say good evening to everyone.

Now, I don't know about y'all, but it really is a good evening.

Let me ask you, how many of you are delighted tonight that your names today appeared on the get up list?

[applause] -It is, indeed, a good evening.

Amen?

Now, I'm not sure if I am to do a speech.

Now, I haven't preached in a while.

Now, although I'm not preaching a sermon, I will take a text.

That just helps me.

Let me invite your attention to a very familiar passage of scripture, found in the 37th Psalm, reading from the New International Version.

I would like to lift verses 1 and 2.

Reads, Do not fret because of evil men, or be envious of those who do wrong.

For like grass, they will soon wither.

Like green plants, they will soon die away.

Do not fret because of evil men, or be envious of those who do wrong.

For like grass, they will soon wither.

Like green plants, they will soon die away.

On this occasion tonight, I want to share with you some rambling thoughts from this subject, a message from our sponsor.

A message from our sponsor.

Like many of you faithful and dedicated members and supporters of the NAACP, I too am wondering, how can we make it make sense?

You know what I'm talking about, the troubling things that are going on in our nation.

I believe those of us gathered here this evening for the 62nd NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, honoring the past, empowering the future, would agree with me when I say we are seeing a movie we have seen before.

With this in mind, there are times when our watching is interrupted with these words.

Now a message from our sponsor.

Well, my fellow freedom fighters, I have stopped by to tell us that in the midst of this moment in our nation and world, all is not lost.

All is not lost because there is a message from our sponsor.

If you will bear with me, I will try to make the case that the words of the 37th Psalm serve as a message from our sponsor for this moment in our efforts to try to make it make sense.

The truth of the matter is, from where I sit, the opening words of the 37th Psalm help me.

Do not fret because of evil men.

If the real truth be told, we are seeing evil men and evil people doing evil deeds without any apparent consequences.

As I said, we've seen this before, especially when it comes to deeds done against people of color and things that matter to us.

This psalm offers a message of hope in what can easily be defined as a time of hopelessness, even for Bible-caring and freedom-demanding people of color, as we press our way through this terrible and troubling moment.

The 37th Psalm is simply named a psalm of David.

In studying the psalm, we discovered David at the writing of this psalm has become a man of advanced years.

In his using this psalm to offer wisdom in the form of a psalm, he lays out the 37th Psalm by using the Hebrew alphabets.

In other words, each line of the psalm begins with a Hebrew alphabet from beginning to end.

In a sense, if he were using the alphabets we are accustomed to in the English language, he would begin with the letter A and continue to the letter Z, or at whichever letter he stops.

This psalm is more of a wisdom psalm than a devotional one.

It is not directed toward God seeking something on behalf of man.

Rather, it is a wisdom psalm whose purpose is for teaching and conversation.

It leans more toward instruction than prayer and [?].

It is a teaching psalm.

The psalm's job is to teach and admonish the hearers to understand the providence of God.

David wants it understood that no matter how dark it is in the present moment, everything is all right already for those who love and fear the Lord.

This psalm offers a message from our sponsor for us as a people in the midst of all that's transpiring before our eyes.

If we didn't know better, we as a people are reliving in far too many instances scene from movies from our past.

Who would have thunk, who would have thunk that in 2025, we as a people of color would still be fighting for diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Who would have imagined in 2025, we as a people, in far too many instances, would still be judged by the color of our skin rather than the content of our character?

Who would have imagined laws across this nation seeking to make it illegal to teach African-American history in public schools and state educational institution?

Who would have seen the day come when legislators are hell-bent on diverting public tax dollars away from public education to fund private schools, which is a code for quality education for their children and sub-education for our children.

The budget passed by the House of Representatives the other day is poised to be one of the meanest, pain-inflicting budgets in recent years to come out of our nation's capital.

This and many other actions and words from the people in power bear witness to the fact that we are in the midst of a moral, spiritual, and political collapse in this country unlike anything we've seen before.

Before we throw in the towel, let us conclude that we are in the midst of a season wherein we need a message from our sponsor.

We need a message saying, it may be dark now, but morning is coming.

[applause] -We need a message encouraging us that we may be down, but we're not out.

As we gather for the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet honoring the past, empowering the future, let us praise God for all He has done for us and how far He has brought us.

As we do, we need to hear again the words of Psalms 37, 1 and 2.

Do not fret because of evil men, or be envious of those who do wrong, for they like grass will soon wither.

Like green plants, they will soon die away.

We need to hear these words because they remind us of the one who brought us through danger seen and unseen.

These words demand our attention this evening because they help us to know that we are children of God, and we need to put our trust in Him.

We need the words of this psalm because they assure us that further along, we'll understand it all by and by.

Further along, we can make it make sense.

In the meantime, we want to revisit this 37th Psalm and hear the writer as he offers a message from our sponsor to us.

As we have had a front row seat to this madness before, and when all the dust settled, we found we are still here.

Not only are we still here, but we are still making progress, still fighting the good fight of faith, and we're still here.

Yes, no matter how dark and dim it looks now, we have seen this midnight before, and we've seen morning come before.

-Our God is awesome, He can move mountains Keep me in the valley, hide me from the rain My God is awesome, heals me when I'm broken Strength where I've been weakened, forever He will reign Let's sing that again.

Because My God is awesome, He can move mountains Keep me in the valley, He'll hide me from the rain Yes, my God is awesome, heals me when I'm broken Strength where I've been weakened, forever He will reign Let's sing that together.

Because my God is awesome.

Oh, awesome.

Yes, He is awesome.

You are God awesome.

My God is awesome.

Oh yes, you are awesome.

Yes, awesome.

He is awesome.

Said my God is awesome, Savior of the whole world Giver of salvation, by His stripes, we are all healed, yes, we are.

Said my God is awesome, today we are forgiven His grace is why we're living, praise his holy name Because my God is awesome.

Yes, He is awesome.

You are God awesome.

Oh yes, you are Jesus awesome.

My God is awesome.

Oh yes, you are Jesus awesome.

Yes, awesome.

He is awesome.

Hey, and he's mighty.

He's mighty.

He's mighty.

He's mighty.

Awesome, awesome.

You are God awesome.

Oh, and he's holy.

He's holy.

He's holy.

He's holy, awesome.

Yes, you are.

Yes, you are Jesus.

Oh, and he's my deliverer.

Deliverer.

Deliverer.

Deliverer.

Awesome.

Yes, He is.

Yes, He is.

Yes, He is.

One more time, y'all.

Oh, and He's my provider.

Provider.

Provider.

Provider.

Awesome.

Awesome.

Yes, He is.

Awesome.

Can we give God the biggest shout of praise in the room?

[applause] -Please welcome the members of our Freedom Fund Awards Committee, Mrs. Sherika Bunton, Mrs. Patricia Porter, and Dr. Lisa Wilkins.

They will come for the presentation of the awards.

Please receive them.

[applause] -Good evening.

Tonight, we pause to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals who have not only talked the talk, but consistently walked the walk, leaders whose lives echo the very mission of the NAACP, to secure justice, equality, and opportunity to all people.

To our honorees, you are more than just community leaders.

You are torchbearers.

You are changemakers.

You are builders of bridges between struggle and strength, between challenge and triumph.

Your leadership has been felt in classrooms, in schools, in boardrooms, in sanctuaries, in the streets, and in the hearts of the people.

You have shown us what it means to serve with integrity, to lead with compassion, and to uplift others, not for applause, but from a place of deep purpose.

At this time, would the honorees please join me to the right of the stage.

Earlier we had a VIP reception for our honorees, and we made sure that they were ready to receive this award because we had a celebration.

At this time, President Carter, Ms. Patricia Porter, Ms. Sharika Bunton have joined me on stage.

As I call your name and your award, please come forth, and let's celebrate these honorees.

Presenting the 2025 Medgar W. Evers Legacy Award, ladies and gentlemen, it is with immense pride that we present the Medgar W. Evers Legacy Award, the highest honor of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP, to Dr. Robert Winston.

[applause] -This award recognizes his lifelong commitment to justice, education, and the relentless pursuit of equity for all.

Like Medgar Evers, Dr. Winston has stood unwavering in the face of adversity, inspiring generations through his leadership and courage.

Tonight, we honor not only his achievements, but the enduring legacy of civil rights he so powerfully carries forward.

Please join me again in celebrating this great honor bestowed upon Dr. Robert Winston, the recipient of this year's 2025 Medgar Evers Award.

[applause] -Presenting the 2025 Jo Helen Imani Beard Community Service Award, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride that we present the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Jo Helen Imani Beard Community Service Award.

This award is presented to the national sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, the Gamma Psi Chapter, which sister Mrs. Karen Phelps, please join us at this time.

[applause] -Through tireless civic engagement and self.. the Gamma Psi Chapter has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in our community.

Their work has brought about positive constructive changes and embodies the very spirit of servant leadership.

Please join me again in celebrating the 2025 recipient of the Jo Helen Imani Beard Community Service Award, Phi Delta Kappa.

[applause] -Presenting the 2025 William D. Smart Race Relations Award, ladies and gentlemen, it is with immense pride that we present the Jackson-Madison County NAACP William D. Smart Race Relations Award, established by David Halla in tribute to the legacy of Reverend William D. Smart.

This award is being presented to Jackson (TN) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

[applause] -As a passionate advocate for un.. and justice, Mr. Williams has worked tirelessly to promote positive .. and racial harmony throughout and has brought diverse communities together.

Please join me again as Frenchie Fuller receives the award for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and in celebrating this phenomenal recipient of the 2025 William D. Smart Race Relations Award, the Jackson (TN) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Presenting the 2025 NAACP Meritorious Service Award, ladies and gentlemen, it is with immense pride that we present the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Meritorious Service Award.

This award is being presented to none other than Mr. Eddie Wilson.

[applause] -Mr. Wilson has rendered outstanding service to our branch through years of tireless dedication, unwavering support, and a deep commitment to the mission of the NAACP.

His spirit of selflessness and volunteerism has strengthened our organization and inspired others to serve.

Mr. Eddie Wilson has worked faithfully to uphold the goals and ideas of the NAACP, making a lasting impact on both our branch and our broader community.

Please join me again in honoring Mr. Eddie Wilson, the deserving recipient of the 2025 Jackson-Madison County NAACP Meritorious Service Award.

Presenting the 2025 Rising Phoenix Award, the Jackson-Madison County NAACP is proud to honor Jeremyah McGill- [applause] -- with a prestigious Rising Phoenix Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to leadership and service within our community.

Jeremyah McGill exemplifies the very essence of this award, rising from challenges, igniting hope, and inspiring transformation.

As a young adult, he has already made a profound impact by leading with .. compassion, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of our people.

Again, join me in honoring our 2025 Rising Phoenix Award recipient, Jeremyah McGill.

[applause] -Presenting the 2025 Youth Excellence Award, and there are two awardees, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride and heartfelt admiration, and as we present the 2025 Jackson-Madison County NAACP Youth Excellence Awards.

This distinguished honor celebrates two exceptional young women, one at the high school level, and one at the collegiate level, who embody academic excellence, strong moral character, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community excellence.

Our 2025 College Youth Excellence Award recipient is the remarkable Ms. Nyla Berry.

[applause] -Nyla is a senior at Lane College and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Ms. Berry exemplifies academic excellence ,leadership on campus and in the community, and a passion for service that sets her apart as a true change maker.

Again, let's celebrate Ms. Nyla Berry for the Youth Excellence Award.

[applause] -We are also proud to recognize our 2025 High School Youth Excellence Award, Ms. Kaitlyn Ellis.

[applause] -Kaitlyn was also Ms. Madison Academic High School, and an Alpha Scholar for outstanding community service.

Kaitlyn's dedication, integrity, and community involvement reflect the best of what our future..

These two young ladies are not only inspiring leaders today, but also symbols of a brighter tomorrow.

Please join me again in celebrating and congratulating Ms. Nyla Berry and Ms. Kaitlyn Ellis, our 2025 Youth Excellence Awardees.

[applause] -We have one other award that we will be presenting, and Mr. Carter has given me the honor to present the last award.

This award is the Presidential Award.

Presenting the 2025 Presidential Award, it is with great pride and deep admiration that I have the honor presenting the 2025 Presidential Award, the highest recognition given by the president of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP.

This prestigious award honors outstanding leadership, transformative impact, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment, qualities embodied by this year's recipient.

The recipient is Ms. Matia Powell.

[applause] As the first black president of both the Davidson County and Tennessee Young Democrats, Ms. Powell has broken barriers and set a new standard for civic leadership in our state.

Her boundless energy, strategic vision, and commitment to building a multicultural democracy have made her a powerful force for equity and justice.

Again, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the recipient of the 2025 Presidential Award, Ms. Matia Powell.

[applause] -Thank you.

Let's give them another round of applause.

[applause] -Before we conclude tonight's program, we invite the president of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Branch, Mr. Harrell C. Carter, Jr. to offer closing remarks.

We will then seal this night with grace and welcome Chaplain Brandon Stewart, Esquire, for our benediction.

-On behalf of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP Branch and all of tonight's participants, thank you for spending this evening with us.

As we leave here tonight, let us remember, the work continues, the dream lives on, and justice must always prevail.

Please receive our branch president.

[applause] -Well, I want to say, first of all, thank you for being here and being your whole self, and thank you for this marvelous message from the bishop.

[chuckles] What was the title of it again?

A message from our sponsor.

I'll tell you, we are blessed to have you as our sponsors.

Membership is key in any organization, particularly when you're fighting for civil rights.

I think the history is clear.

I'm supposed to read something, excuse me.

I'm not supposed to-- I got it, y'all.

I heard you.

Where is it?

It's not in here.

Just kidding.

I want to, first of all, thank our co-chairs.

Let's give them a big round of applause again.

Thank you so very much.

[applause] -All of our helpers out there,..

Thank you to the caterer for being so efficient this afternoon.

We appreciate you.

This has been an epic event.

As we bring this unforgettable night to a close, I want to take a moment to speak from the heart and offer a deep and resounding thank you to everyone who made this evening not just possible, but truly extraordinary.

First, to our phenomenal co-chairs, Ms. Sandra Carter and Dr. Jennifer Wells, thank you.

Your vision, leadership, and dedication to this year's banquet has been nothing short of .. You worked tirelessly to bring this night to life, and we are all better because of it.

Thank you for raising the bar and making the 62nd Freedom Fund Banquet one of the most memorable in our history.

Would all our Executive Committee members please stand?

Banquet Committee chairs and members of the Jackson-Madison County NAACP, please stand.

Please stand.

[applause] -This is family, y'all.

It takes most of us an opportunity to rise to this occa.. by having emphasis on freedom.

We've been fighting this battle for 400 years, and some of us are still here.

We do need your support.

Now, your message tonight, Reverend, echoed.. honoring our past.

Y and you thank our young people and thos..

They need your support in order to keep us going, so we want to empower them.

Spirits are lifted.

If you weren't fired up when you came in here, you should be fired up now.

[applause] -This is not the time to sit silently by and do nothing.

Say something, do something.

[applause] -Thank you for joining us for WLJT Channel 11's presentation of the 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet, put on by the Jackson-Madison County NAACP.

We hope you've enjoyed watching the show, and if you want to continue seeing more local programs and quality shows, we need your donations.

WLJT Channel 11 is a commercial-free, non-profit TV station that relies on your support.

We need it now more than ever.

Go to westtnpbs.org today and donate.

Don't just watch, donate, and help keep Channel 11 strong.

[music]