ASHTABULA — Coming Oct. 10, the Ashtabula County NAACP will host its 51st Annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet in recognition of three local, college scholarship winners.
The event, to be held at 7 p.m. at Martini’s Restaurant and Lounge, 4338 Lake Road W., is expected to draw more than 100 members and guests to help raise money for scholarships and to carry on the organization’s civil rights programs.
“We have a multi-color membership,” said President George Wilson, who has been active in the NAACP for about 50 years. “People of all nationalities are invited, but seating is limited.”
The guest speaker is Sybil Edwards-McNabb, a Columbus native who serves as the Ohio Conference of the NAACP president and is the wife of Ronald B. McNabb, proprietor of the McNabb Funeral Home, one of the city of Columbus’ first minority-owned businesses.
“She’s a wonderful speaker,” said Sally Bradley, second-vice president of the Ashtabula County NAACP. “We are going to have a good time this year.”
In addition, three college freshmen from northeast Ohio will be awarded scholarships at the banquet. They are James Christian, Cody Maxwell and Jordan Sandidge.
Jeanette Coleman, who serves on the local NAACP’s scholarship committee, said the committee spent considerable time reviewing all of the applicants.
“We looked at academics, involvement in sports and reputation,” she said. “All three were recommended by their guidance counselor.”
n Christian, a Lakeside High School graduate, attends the University of Edinboro in Edinboro, Pa. He plans to earn a degree in engineering. He’s the son of Carmella Christian of Ashtabula.
n Maxwell, a Lakeside High School graduate, attends Columbus State Community College. He’s pursuing a degree in education because he would like to be a gym teacher and football coach. Maxwell is the son of Cornell Maxwell and Joann Miller, both of Ashtabula.
n Sandidge, a Madison High School graduate, attends Lake Erie College. He is studying accounting and business administration. He is the son of Melody Lathan Bradley and Jeff Sandidge of Ashtabula.
Wilson said the NAACP is an important facet of any community, but being a member of the Ashtabula County branch has been a wonderful experience for him.
“We are working with people, helping educate,” he said. “What happens to one, affects all. We believe in unity.”
Wilson said the group always works to resolve a problem, not to be a problem.
“We’ve come together,” he said. “We still have problems, but we’ve come a long ways.”
For tickets to the NAACP banquet, call Sally at (440) 645-4532.
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Ashtabula County NAACP to host scholarship banquet
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