From staff reports
DURHAM -- The Durham Branch NAACP Centennial Freedom Fund Banquet will be 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Durham Marriott at the Civic Center, 201 Foster St.
The theme for the occasion is "We Are 100!" The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of North Carolina NAACP State Conference of Branches will be the keynote speaker.
"This powerful orator will issue a clarion call to attendees and the Durham community to remember the important role the NAACP has played in American history, the civil rights movement and its continued leadership to fight discrimination and improve the social and economic conditions of African Americans," said Fred Foster, the Durham Branch president. "The Durham NAACP Centennial celebration is one of many being held across the nation and throughout this year," he added.
Two life members of the organization with long tenures of service to the Durham community will be honored:
n Attorney William A. Marsh Jr. was active during the Durham civil rights movement, offering pro bono legal services to freedom fighters. He was the first black chairman of the Durham County Board of Elections and the first black elections chairman in state history.
He later became the first black chairman of the state Board of Elections.
He has been inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame and has been honored by the N.C. Bar for more than 50 years of active legal practice.
He is now the general counsel for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
n Chester L. Jenkins, Durham's first black mayor, will be honored posthumously.
"Mr. Jenkins was aware that he would be honored and was excited about it. It saddens us that he died before the honor could be bestowed, but we will share in the celebration of his many life works with his family," Foster said.
Jenkins served on the Durham City Council for seven years before becoming mayor.
In addition, past NAACP vice president John Schelp, a local community activist, will receive special recognition. Schelp is president of the Old West Durham Neighborhood Association.
For ticket, sponsorship and other information, contact the Durham NAACP Branch office at (919) 682-4930.
