“The urgency of now”

Senator LaVon Bracy Davis, left, and Wantanisha Morant, right, pose for a photo during the 44th-annual NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch Freedom Fund Awards and Banquet at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center At Reed Place in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, April 24, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

The 44th annual NAACP Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet was held April 24 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in northwest Ocala.

At least 300 guests gathered for the primary fundraiser for the Marion County branch of the national civil rights organization and the presentation of awards for community accomplishments.

The theme of the event was: “The Urgency of Now,” a line from Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech of 1963. Speakers at the banquet referred to the quote and the importance of immediate action to protect voting and civil rights. 

Jerone Gamble, president of NAACP Branch 5114 of Marion County, reworded a well-known political slogan.

“It really means ‘Make America White Again,’” he said, criticizing federal and state administrations in the handling of minority related issues. “You can’t stay at home,” he said, urging action by the community. He said voting rights are “the challenge now.”

The keynote speaker, Florida State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis, challenged the attendees to take action to protect their rights. She said her family’s roots were deep in the NAACP, “the oldest civil rights organization in the country.”

“Are there any good troublemakers in the house?” she asked, reflecting the words of civil rights activist, the late U.S. senator John Lewis. “What about defenders of democracy, truth tellers. any Freedom Fighters?” Bracy Davis said to loud cheers from the audience.

“America right now is in a state of emergency… our communities are in a state of critical condition, from youth to working families. We need to answer the call,” she said.

Bracy Davis used the example of an urgent text from her husband about a family emergency, which she gave immediate attention. She indicated the state of politics in America demands the same treatment. She called for a “rapid response team” to react to some current political moves, like a medical team rushing to provide critical care.

Bracy Davis urged action against severe or unfair immigration policies, hindering voting rights and political redistricting to favor one political party.  

“(Some politicians) want to rewrite history. When the moment is urgent, your movement must match it,” she said.

Former branch president and NAACP member since the 1970s, Loretta
Pompey-Jenkins, said at her table that methods to deny or restrict rights are often more hidden and covert than in the 1960s and 1970s. 

The evening included a Cornish hen or salmon dinner catered by Elegant Wedding Caterers. The banquet committee included Beverly Braxton, Narvella Haynes, Rev. Reginald Willis Sr., James R. Green, III, and John and Barbara Samuel.  

Haynes said the NAACP is relevant now “more than ever.”

Ocala City Councilman Ire Bethea presented a city proclamation noting the more than 100 year heritage of the NAACP as a national organization dating to 1909. The local branch was established in 1923.

“Advocating the cause of equality,” he said about the NAACP.

Abigail Rose McCoy, president of the Marion County NAACP Youth Council, told the audience that youth are “raising hope and raising voices” and do not want their voices to be “ignored.”

She said the NAACP feels “every voice matters” and youth “want to work with their elders.”

“Service has no age,” McCoy said. 

The Branch’s 2026 Community Awards were presented for Community Service Uplift, Positive Social Awareness and Minority Business.

Luzonia Waters, executive director of Childhood Development Services, Inc., was presented the Community Service Uplift Award. Along with training and educational programs for families, CDS manages the USDA Food Program that provides free meals to youngsters in childcare, according to the event program.

Kimberly P. Wilkerson was recognized with the Positive Social Awareness Award. Wilkerson founded War Cry 4 Peace in 2014, an organization that provides “support, healing and advocacy” for the families of victims of gun violence. She has served for 33 years as an elementary and middle school educator and coach for several sports, including basketball and football. Wilkerson was recognized as a “dynamic leader, compassionate mentor and tireless advocate whose life’s work is rooted in education, faith and a deep desire to create positive,” according to the program. 

Wayne “Bo” Brown Jr. was presented the Minority Business Award. Brown operates SunMountain Animal Health Supply. He has been called a “pillar” of the Southeastern Youth Fair for his 25 years of support to students in agricultural programs. He also has been a leader in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and served as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Allied Committee, the program stated. 

Brown thanked “God and family” for the award. 

Jacques Rafael, Marion County Pan Hellenic Council, Eric Cummings of the Marion County School Board and Second Bethlehem Association made presentations and Wantanisha Morant, 3rd vice president of NAACP 5114, introduced the keynote speaker.

Florida State Rep. Yvonne Hinson was among the honored guests.

Davida Randolph and Erionna Gordon gave a presentation about the Howard Academy Community Center’s Dare 2 Be Great Mentoring Program.

Olympic athletes Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe of Ocala were also recognized at the event. 

Gamble made closing remarks, noting that people should register to vote but go to the polls and place their vote and that, in some cases, getting transportation may rely on personal relationships.

“We must not miss the chance to vote (in the upcoming mid-term election) and make change from the governor’s mansion to the White House. The struggle continues,” he said.

NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch Freedom Fund Awards

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