“Looking Back While Moving Forward” was the theme for the annual Greensburg-Jeannette NAACP Human Rights Banquet, held April 22 at Greensburg Country Club.
It’s a pivotal time in history not just for the organization, but for society itself, said branch President Ruth Tolbert.
“We find ourselves in a period of unrest as a nation,” she said. “We seem to be engaged in a struggle to protect the gains that we as a people have made during the last 50 years, especially the right to vote.”
The NAACP will stand against efforts to roll back programs and policies that provide a social safety net, she said.
Part of the business of the banquet is the presentation of annual awards. This year’s honorees were board members Jean Slusser, recipient of the branch merit award; and Suzanne English, recipient of the community service award.
Greater Latrobe High School senior Olivia K. Meadows, who plans to attend Westmoreland County Community College, was the scholarship recipient.
Attendees welcomed Tim Stevens, president/CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project in Pittsburgh, as keynote speaker.
Anthony Kane, Saint Vincent College assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, served as master of ceremonies.
Nikesha Moore and the Kyle Greene Band with Justin Landers provided musical entertainment.
Along with Tolbert, Slusser and English, branch officers include Ronel Baccus, Gabrielle Skillings and Lurene Moore.
Seen: Imogene Cathey, Arleye Gibson, Andrew Goudy, Robert East, Jim Galik, Yvonne Taylor, Denise Holmes, Tim Robinson, Ruth Woods, John and Gretchen Kline, Bob Errett, Harvey and Denise Ruffin, Ashley Kane, Luther Sewell, Lamonte Wilson, Trifol Headman, Deshawn McClary, Russell Tolbert, Lisa Minney, Russell Meadows, Michael Cary and the Rev. Anthony Murray.
