Monticello, Ar. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Drew County Branch 6042 continues to move the mission forward in the city and county with several events for the month of October.
The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The local branch will host a townhall meeting on Sunday, October 17 at 4 pm at the Sadie T. Johnson Community Building. Speakers and their topics include Chief Jason Akers, Domestic Violence, and the Law; Jerome Pace, Recognizing Students of Domestic Violence; Special Sanders, Intimate Partner Violence and Adverse Childhood Experiences; Bishop Michael Jones, The Churches Response to Domestic Violence and a special prayer for victims and protection by Pastor Daryle Daniels.
NAACP members, LaToya Yarbrough, WIN Committee Chair, Jason Akers, Special Sanders, Political Action committee members, and President, Clarissa Pace, are the coordinators of the event. They invite the community to attend to gain knowledge, hear testimonies, and learn how to deal with domestic violence as a community.
The Education and Economic Development committees, chaired by Angelia Anderson and Dr. Christopher Allen, are hosting a College Financial Prep Night on Thursday, October 28 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Monticello Branch Library. Topics of discussion will be completing the FAFSA, funding, single parent scholarships, and more. The guest presenters will be Dr. Allen, Cortez Smith – Director of Career Pathways, and Kerron Simpson, President of the Drew County Single Parent Scholarship Fund.
Finally, the Freedom Fund Committee, chaired by Peggy Orr, are hosting their annual fundraising event. The 2021 Freedom Fund Virtual Gala will be held Friday, October 29 at 7 pm via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Honorees will be recognized in these categories: Man and Woman of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, Essential Workers of the Year, Business Service of the Year, Community Service of the Year, and Educational Service of the Year.
The guest speaker is Bessie Lancelin, co-interim and director of clinical services of the Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare Inc. of Pine Bluff.
The theme is “Fighting Forward in the Race for Justice.” The community is asked to make a $30 contribution. The norm is to hold the event in-person and it is a once-a-year fundraiser for the work of the local branch. Contributions may be made online at www.dcnaacp6042.org/freedomfund or contact Peggy Orr at 870.224.2416.
