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Stew Lilker’s

Columbia County Observer

Real news for working families.

Columbia County News


(These two youngsters, lifetime members of the NAACP, are looking at a different future, thanks to those who came before them. Observer Photo)

Keeping the Dream Alive
NAACP Freedom Lunch

Walking in the footsteps of giants in the history of the NAACP and America, the 28th annual Columbia County Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Luncheon went off without a hitch this past Saturday.

Fannie Lou Hamer would have been gratified to see Columbia County's branch secretary, Glynnell Presley's remarks in the program: "It is imperative that we continue to remain vigilant to the obstacles of economic recession, political narrow-NAACP's Secretary - Glennyll Presleymindedness, social injustice, civil rights infringement and bigotry. The NAACP has blazed uncharted trails, despite the insurmountable obstacles."

NAACP annual dinners are a time of fellowship, good humor, recognition and award giving, and a time for politicians to show that they are interested in the issues that Mr. Presley mentioned.

Observing some of the areas in and around Lake City, it would appear that this interest, as it is with many politicians throughout the land, is a one day event.

Walmart was honored for giving back to the community day in and day out and  received both a community service award, which was accepted by Lake City store manager Dennis Morse and a Corporate Award, received by Zack Paulk, the Walmart Logistic Center's general transportation manager.

About the Walmart awards, Secretary Presely said, "Walmart has been good – real good... we are so pleased – I am bubbling over.

Rev/Com Bill ProctorThis year's annual dinner was attended by a host of Columbia County's luminaries, who enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship and an instructive address by keynote speaker, the Rev/Commissioner William "Bill" Proctor of Leon County, who gave an interesting and informative presentation of the history of the law and the black man in America, going back to the founding fathers and ending up with today.

Judge Julian Collins, State Attorney (SA) Skip Jarvis and Sheriff click to listenMark Hunter hopefully listened as Mr. Proctor spoke about the 14th Amendment to the Unites States Constitution and the importance of equal protection.

State Attorney - Skip JarvisFour officers of the Lake City Police Department, along with Tax Collector Ronnie Brannon and SA Jarvis enjoyed the luncheon, sharing the same table. Noticing the absence of Lake City's Police Chief Gilmore, Mr. Jarvis told the Observer that the Chief couldn't make it and quipped that it should be noticed that it took four of Lake City's finest to fill in for the Chief – everyone smiled at the State Attorney's good humor.

At the conclusion of the meeting Columbia County's top law enforcement official, Sheriff Mark Hunter told the Observer, "This is a good way to stay in touch with the community and I learned today that we have a very good support group in our minority community and they are working hard for change and I am all for it."

 

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