The St. Louis City NAACP held its Annual Freedom Fund Dinner last week at the Renaissance Grand Hotel. NAACP President Adolphus M. Pruitt II presided over the evening along with Freedom Fund Campaign Chairman Ronald Kruszewski of Stifel Nicholas and Dinner Chair Elaine Harris Spearman, Esq.
The Margaret Bush Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to NBA Legend Bob Love, Chicago Bulls Director of Community Affairs for distinguished lifetime achievement, with special emphasis in the area of diversity and human rights. Executive Leadership Council President Arnold W. Donald, educator Hattie R. Jackson and Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton received the Frankie Freeman/Norman R. Seay Commitment to St. Louis Award for exemplary service, distinguished leadership, and commitment to improve the cultural, social and economic growth and development of the St. Louis community.
The Inspiring St. Louisan Award was presented to eleven individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others and in the life of St. Louis. Honorees included Pastors Jamie and Jeff Allensworth of the St. Louis Dream Center; Rx Outreach President Michael Holmes; Catholic Urban Programs Coordinator Joseph Hubbard; Employment Connections CEO Brenda Mahr and 4th Ward Alderman Samuel Moore.
Also, Southside Wellness Center President Ollie Stewart; Webster University President Elizabeth Stroble; Fathers’ Support Center CEO Halbert Sullivan; Sumner High School Head Football Coach Lawrence Walls and community activist Martha West.
George Muhammad Mitchell, supervisor at the VA Medical Center, received the NAACP Special Chair Elaine Harris Spearman, Esq. Recognition Award for longstanding history and dedication to civil rights and for outstanding workplace leadership and management. Mary Ratliff was recognized for 20 years of dedicated leadership and service as NAACP Missouri State Conference President.
The evening was enhanced with entertainment provided by the Normandy High School Jazz Ensemble and soloist Adrienne Felton. Channel 2 General Assignment Reporter Bonita Cornute and St. Louis City NAACP First Vice President Reverend Elston McCowan were dinner co-hosts.
Lead Gift Sponsors included Centene Charitable Foundation, Stifel Nicolaus, Ameren Missouri, Edward Jones, Express Scripts, The Laclede Group and World Wide Technology.
