Real Times CEO, Chronicle Publisher Co-chairs NAACP Dinner

The Detroit Branch NAACP held a press conference this morning at the local headquarters to introduce the chairs and the honorees for the 59th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.  It will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2014, 5 p.m. at the newly renovated Cobo Conference Center.
The Reverend Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch NAACP, spoke at the kick-off press conference and he also announced Hiram E. Jackson, chief executive officer of Real Times Media and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, as a general co-chair.
“I have the distinct pleasure of having been honored to be a chair or co-chair for my third time and I don’t take this lightly,” Jackson said. “It’s not just another assignment, it’s not something that I had to be convinced to do. This is an honor.”
While taking his turn at the podium, Jackson also made mention of how much people from around the nation were starting to take notice and appreciate Detroit’s resurgence.
“People know that Detroit is on the comeback. It’s not just something that we talk about, we’re starting to live and feel it. People are starting to feel good about our city, and it’s encouraging,” Jackson said.
Jackson has the distinction of co-chairing the Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner more times than anyone to date. He has been a lifetime member of the NAACP for the last 20 years and currently sits on the Detroit Branch NAACP Executive Board.
Donna Stallings, community activist and entrepreneur, is also a general co-chair. The Corporate chairs for this year’s dinner include Gary Torgow, chair, Talmer Bank; and Michael T. Richie, president, Michigan Market, Comerica Bank.
The Honorable Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, was on hand to show his support for the Detroit NAACP and he also got the ball rolling by purchasing the first ticket to the Freedom Fund dinner.
“It’s extremely important. I’m honored to be here with such a distinguished group, I hope its not the last time we get multiple banks joining together,” Duggan said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
During the Press Conference, President Anthony also announced that the NAACP will honor The Reverend Dr. William Barber, President of the North Carolina conference of the NAACP; The Detroit 15 (D15), U.S. Congressman John Dingell and U.S. Senator Carl Levin at the dinner.
The theme for this year’s dinner is “1964- 2014….50 Years Later, One Man’s Commitment, One Nation’s Promise.” The theme encompasses several major events that took place in 1964, including the jailing of Nelson Mandela in South Africa because of his commitment to freedom, justice and equality; the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and the launch of the War on Poverty.
It also reflects the promise of American democracy in the election of President Barack Obama.
The Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner was launched in April 1956 under the leadership of Branch President Edward M. Turner, Arthur L. Johnson and Dr. Lionel F. Swan, co-chairman. Today it is the largest sit-down dinner of its kind in the world, serving approximately 10,000 guests a first class meal, and presenting renowned keynote speakers as well as world class entertainment.
For ticket information please call the Detroit Branch NAACP at (313) 871- 2087(313) 871- 2087.