Cass County residents honored at NAACP banquet

The 2023 NAACP Freedom Fund Award Banquet honored local heroes who made a difference in their community.

The Greater Texarkana Branch of NAACP had a Banquet to honor exceptional awardees who have been selected for their remarkable achievements and dedication to advancing equality and justice. This year three Cass County residents were honored from the Greater Texarkana branch of the NAACP.

The keynote speaker was Reverend Steve Miller. Awards were given to eight participants: Dr. Alford C. Williams, pastor of Enon First Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta, Texas with the Religious Affairs Award; Ms. Linda Arnold, Mount Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Queen City, Texas with the Dr. Shirley Finn Trailblazer Award; Nuddie P. Jones Chaplain at Wadley Regional Medical Center, and member of St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Atlanta, Texas, with the John J. Jones, Sr. Community Service Award.

The Religious Affairs Award is designed to recognize a member of the clergy who demonstrates a passion for fighting for justice and equality through their ministry. “The Civil Right Movement was primarily successful because of the courage of our churches.” The John J. Jones, Sr. Community Service Award represents an individual benevolent goodwill toward the love of humanity.

Aid is given to those in need: providing generosity and helpfulness, especially toward the underprivileged and/ or suffering; engaging in institutional relief of the underprivileged; and community service. The Dr. Shirley Finn Trailblazer Award recognizes an innovative individual who has made their mark in education, the community and leadership, therefore paving the way for others. Congratulations are in order for the recipients of the 2023 Greater Texarkana Branch Freedom Funds Awards…. “Thriving Together!”