The Bryan County Chapter of the NAACP hosted its fourth annual Freedom Fund gala at Belhaven Acres this past Friday night, September 12.

The event was a fundraiser for the NAACP education scholarship as well as the upcoming Veterans’ Resource Fair, set to be held Saturday afternoon, Sep. 20, at the Richmond Hill City Center.

The keynote speaker was Jay Jones, an author, actor and activist. Jones is also a member of the NAACP in Fayetteville and his sister is on the board with Bryan County Chapter and so he felt this was a tremendous opportunity to offer some insight on this occasion.

Jones spoke on never forgetting and remaining resilient through life. 

"The power of memory is a superpower," Jones said. "When we lose our memory, we lose something very valuable beyond our memory which is not only who we are but what we are."

Jones is an award-winning theater actor with over 30 credits to his name. He has been featured in numerous TV shows such as Tom Swift, Saints & Sinners, Atlanta and Creepshow.

Jones is the founder of K.I.N.G. (Keep Inspiring Next Generations) which serves to foster male empowerment mentoring programs. He is also a founding member of the Black Gents, a male empowerment organization using the arts and entertainment as a change event. Jones also founded the organization ONSTAGE Life Skills Training and is a highly sought after acting coach that utilizes stage, screen and television techniques. 

Luella Sanders, the President of the Bryan County Chapter, was there for the occasion. Sanders was enthusiastic about the event being one where the NAACP is willing to help others of every kind and let them know who they are. 

"This event is an opportunity for the people in our community to come together," Sanders said. "It is an opportunity for us to build and continue relationships and see and know more about what the NAACP does."

Governor candidate Olu Brown for 2026 was also in attendance. Brown was crisscrossing throughout the state campaigning and to show his support for the NAACP.

Brown says an event such as the Freedom Fund, he saw it as an opportunity to recognize diversity of individuals and it shows where he believes Georgia is heading in the future. His goal is to have coalitions where they can solve the issues that are facing the state.

"I am supporting the quality of life for all Georgians," Brown said. "I want to focus on small businesses, healthcare affordability and accessibility and protecting the rights of all people." 

Several awards were presented to various individuals for their contributions. These awards were given to individuals who have shown continuous support and devotion to the chapter to the initiatives that they put forth. 

Keisha Ford and Nisha Giustino were presented with the Visionary Award. They received this award for having the support of the visions that the chapter has such as the scholarships and the veterans.

Paul Thurston, Johnnie Miller and Patti Hewitt were the recipients of the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ Award. This award is for those who have always lended a helping hand. 

Daphanie Harris, Dionne Rhodes and Laquan Martin were honored with the President's Award. The President's Award is given specifically to those who have supported the President's goals and objectives and have been there to help. 

The Bryan County Chapter began giving out scholarships back in 2021 with the NAACP Power Education Scholarship with 48 being given out in the amount of $55,000.

Justin Hall is a freelance correspondent.