The East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP presented
its 47th Annual Freedom Fund / Life Membership Banquet and VIP
Reception on October 14, 2001 at the St. Louis Millennium Hotel.
Nearly 1200 persons attended the event, at which the main speaker
was famed Civil Rights leader Congressman John Lewis (of Georgia),
after having been introduced by Congressman Jerry Costello (Illinois).
KMOV-TV Newsman Donn Johnson was the Master of Ceremonies. Businessman
Joe Wiley was the banquet general chair. His wife, Banker Marquita
Wiley was co-chair. Judge Milton Wharton and Casino Queen official
Dr. Cheryl Childress were coordinators. Rev. Johnny Scott is branch
President. Anheuser-Busch companies hosted the VIP reception that
was chaired by Dr. Katie Wright and co-chaired by Dr. Lillian
Parks who presided at the reception. Rev. Annie Clark was the
banquet Invoker and Benedictor.
Steering Committee of the 47th Annual NAACP Freedom
Fund
Life Membership Banquet
October 14, 2001
Attorney Christopher Cueto (center) holds his plaque
as he is congratulated by Congressman Costello, Judge Lloyd Cueto
(his brother), Chairman Wiley and Rev. Scott
Gina Golliday was the Charles Lawson Award winner.
She is pictured holding her award plaque (center).
She is being congratulated by Awards Chair Lora Jones
(second left) and Awards Co-chair Sylvia Yandle (second right
) and Congressman Jerry Costello
ESL educator Katrina Thomas chaired the Essay Contest,
assisted by Election Board Executive Director James Lewis, Winners
Aaron Lambert (first place) standing next to Congressman Lewis
then Rev. Scott; Jeanette Sutton (third place) and Helen Allen
(second place) are congratulated. Young Mr. Lambert recited his
essay at the banquet.
The banquet had a patriotic theme. Flags adorned the
tables. Georgia Costello (Mrs. Jerry) standing at the right leads
her table in waving the flags, during an inspirational moment
by Dr. Cheryl Childress
