The NAACP Gary branch celebrated its 52 annual Life Membership banquet at the Gary-Chicago International Airport on Saturday, June 3. Founded in 1916, the branch continues to be in the vanguard of organizations influencing positive change in the lives of Black people.
Gary branch President Stephen Mays acknowledged the support of community members, and business and political partners who he says are always working for positive change in Northwest Indiana. Mays said the “community has some tough obstacles ahead but personal liberty, health, happiness and economic opportunity still exist.”
Bakari Sellers, a political commentator for CNN was the keynote speaker. A Morehouse College graduate, Sellers is a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
During the evening Gary dignitaries and NAACP officials honored the 25 new Class of 2017 Life Members. Awards were presented for community activism, civic leadership and church membership. Scholarship awards were also given.
