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NAACP: 79th Freedom Fund banquet

Published May 07. 2024 11:16AM
by Jenn Rago Special to the Bethlehem Press

NAACP Bethlehem President Esther Lee presided over this year’s Freedom Fund banquet April 7, themed, “Legacy of Resilience: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.”

Lee said there is still much work to be done, referring to recent Supreme Court decisions that “have rolled back rights in which the NAACP helped ensure would be protected under Federal law. We are not going back – people get ready, get on board – our democracy is on the ballot.”

In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded. The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. It has played a significant role in fighting racial inequality and discrimination. The Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP was established in 1934 with the Bethlehem chapter being formed in 1945. Seventy-nine years ago the NAACP-Bethlehem had its first Freedom Fund Banquet.

The 79th banquet was held at Green Pond Country Club, with over 200 guests in attendance. Keynote speaker State Senator Sharif Street, who represents the 3rd Senatorial District of Philadelphia, expressed his personal concerns regarding voting rights and affordable housing. His personal experience with urban development, eminent domain issues, and low-income housing has made him a well-known advocate for these issues.

Recipients of the NAACP-Bethlehem Humanitarian awards were Pastor Robert Rapp Jr. and Wayne E. Whitaker Jr.

Rapp is the executive director of Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Inc., as well as the co-pastor of Christ Church UCC. Rapp is currently working on a strategic plan for a permanent year-round homeless shelter. He also serves on the board for the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board and the Bethlehem Community Advisory Board.

Whitaker has been an educator for the last 20 years, 16 of which were with the Bethlehem Area School District. Whitaker is the assistant principal at Liberty HS. In addition to his work within the school, he acts as a mentor and coach to students and families in the community. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

The event concluded with the inspirational music, “We Shall Overcome.”

Tomacene Nickens, NAACP Bethlehem Branch vice president, presents Liberty High School Assistant Principal Wayne E. Whitaker an NAACP Bethlehem humanitarian award.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JENN RAGO Jessica and Esther Lee prepare to speak at the 79th Freedom Fund Banquet hosted by the NAACP of Bethlehem. Esther Lee is President of the NAACP Bethlehem.
Pastor Robert Rapp Jr. receives his NAACP humanitarian award, presented by Tomacene Nickens, NAACP Bethlehem Branch vice president,
Two hundred people attend the 79th NAACP Freedom Banquet at Green Pond Country Club.
Eric Sumpter performs a musical selection at the NAACP Freedom Banquet.
Keynote Speaker PA State Senator Sharif Street speaks at Green Pond Country Club during the NAACP 79th Freedom Fund banquet. Street is a huge advocate for affordable housing and community development.