(above) Lori Caughman, ESQ., Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., Shakira M. Johnson, Mayor Raymond Giacobbe
NAACP Rahway Branch Commemorates 400 Years Since the First Documented Slaves
arrived in the US at Jamestown to Ourtown Anniversary Celebration
On Friday, November 8, 2019 the NAACP Rahway Branch hosted their 85th Annual Freedom Fund Awards, “Jamestown to Ourtown” Commemorating the 400 year anniversary of the first documented enslaved Africans arrival in the United States.
The 85th year rolled out a new and exciting event format at the Hamilton Stage that encouraged engagement, highlighted local talent and paid tribute to individuals and organizations that exemplify NAACP core values. The event also set a record, raising almost three times the amount from past years.
The Rahway Branch NAACP is regarded as the event of the year for those interested in advancing civil rights in Greater Rahway and attended by a wide array of high profile corporations, elected officials, local businesses, and community leaders. Under the guidance of Rahway Branch President, Lori E. Caughman, ESQ., the event was chaired by Shakira M. Johnson, founder of Johnson PR & Events together with The Honorable Raymond Giacobbe, Mayor of the City of Rahway, and Michellene Davis, ESQ., Executive Vice President & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, RWJ Barnabas Health with major support from RSI Bank, City of Rahway, and RWJ Barnabas Health.
(above) Honorees in the greenroom- Dr. Obinna O. Mgbako, DPM, Derrick Knighton, Richard A. Williams and Master Sergeant Gregory Mintz, USMC. Ret
Honorees and awards included
Outstanding Achievement Award
Kevin D. Judd ESQ.
Attorney & Past President National Bar Association
Distinguished Service Award
The Honorable Donald M. Payne, Jr., Congressman
U.S. House of Representatives, 10th District New Jersey
Rahway Achievers Award
Aisha Thomas Petit
Corporate Executive, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Community Service Awards
Sean White, Rahway Basketball League
Dr. Obinna O. Mgbako, DPM, FACAS, FAPWCA
Darius Singletary, Rahway Police Officer & Youth Basketball Coach
Armed Services Award
Master Sergeant Gregory Mintz
Rahway High School ROTC
Quality of Life Awards
Christine Brown Womack, Progressive Baptist Church
Richard A Williams, Second Baptist Church
Derrick Knighton, Agape Family Worship Center
After an exciting awards program and live ask featuring entertainment from Agape Family Worship Center’s Dance Ministry, Dance Revolution X, and We Are Rahway Arts attendees were treated to delicious desserts and dancing in the Faziolli Room.
During the program honorees and speakers told the storied journey of the 400 year African American experience highlighting many of the atrocities, injustices and victories faced as a people. Also on display were historical photographs of African Americans in Rahway dating back from the 1800s to present. Many attendees expressed it was the best Freedom Fund they had attended in years and looked forward to supporting the organization in years to come.
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic rights of all persons and to eliminate race based discrimination. For more information or to join the local brand contact 732-340-9477 or naacpinrahway@gmail.com.
(above) The ‘History Table’ featuring photos of Rahway’s first black physician and and meeting of the NAACP Rahway-Carteret Branch in the early sixties.
