The Cheltenham NAACP honored several deserving members of the community at this year’s Freedom Fund Scholarship Dinner held on June 10, 2018.  The event was indeed a huge success, hosted by highly esteemed news and media personality, Bill Anderson of Fox 29 News.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

This year’s keynote speaker, Nikki Johnson-Huston shared her powerfully moving message in which she shared her very personal life story “from homelessness to attorney” and all of the obstacles that she overcame to get to where she is today.  She also stressed the importance of paving the way for the future youth.  In true fashion, her words moved attendees to a standing ovation.

There was a great sense of love and affection in the air.  DJ Rickey Sharp helped to create a jovial atmosphere, as well.  Door prizes were a big hit, especially those with the winning tickets!

The evening could not have taken place without the gracious support of the following supporters and sponsors:

Millenium3 Management, Blair County Branch NAACP, Holy Royal Arch Masons, The Philadelphia Seminar, The Dovetail Artisans, Dr. Joseph Dickinson, Chelenham Township Republican Organization, Student Welfare Council, Inc., Shauna Hopkins (State Farm Insurance), Dr. Gregory Stephens, Brown’s Shop Rite, State Representative Steve McCarter, the Cheltenham Democratic Committee, Bethlehem Baptist Church, the Office of State Senator Daylin Leach, S.G.S. Paper Company, Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School of Music, Morehouse College Parents Associations- Philadelphia & Delaware, Alpha Phi Alpha –  Zeta Micron Lambda Chapter, Salem Baptist Church- Jenkintown, The Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Michael A. Mosley (Allstate Insurance), Luminate Consulting and Web Design, Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School and the Colonial School District, Willow Grove Branch NAACP, Starbucks-Jenkintown, Whole Foods-Jenkintown, Shoprite-Cheltenham, Giant Foods Store- Roslyn, The Fresh Market- Chestnut Hill, Cynthia Wilkins (Avon Baskets), Naturalis at Salon L’ETOILLE, Jenkintown, State Senator Art Haywood, Judith I. Dalton (Arcadia University), Robyn J. Murphy (Thirty-One Consulting), Cheltenham Township Commissioner Irv Brockington, Reverend Dr. Louis P. Attles and the LaMott AME Church Family, Terravida Holistic Centers, Jacqueline R. Huggins

Gabrielle Jackmon, Senior, Jenkintown High School  Harvey L. Crudup Memorial Scholarship Recipient

…I am a Project leader in the World Language Honor Society, a member of the Student Council and the National Honor Society….One of my greatest achievements this year was that I became the founder of the Jenkintown Black Student Union.  In a school with little diversity, I felt the need to make minorities shine bright in our light that is dimmed with the community….I hope to leave a positive mark and make change as I did at my school, while I continue by education at LaSalle University studying to be a neonatal nurse.

Deassath Koukou, Senior, Springfield Township High School   Frederica D. Hale and Monique Hale Baby Scholarship Recipient

Through the course of my high school career, I have really found where I want to be in life and how I wasn’t to spend my life after high school.  I am the president of Voices of Excellence and that opportunity has blessed me to b where I am today.  I was the director of the Hurricane Harvey relief collection where we collected over 10,000 pounds of goods for the people of Houston.  I’ve been the VOE Showcase MC for the past two years, where we hae collected over $5000 of scholarships for VOE members.  I am the VOE representative for the 6th annual Life Skills Spring Dance at Springfield.  I am the co-director of VOE’s Maturing 2 Manhood program….[M]y first love is an entrepreneur….I have my own clothing line named Bannie Co-Ran with my brother and I am working on continuing the promotion for it.  Springfield Township High School has taught me many valuable lessons that I will apply in my continuation of entrepreneurship.  I will be attending Montgomery Community College this fall…for business.

Safiyah Bourguerra, Senior, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School   Scholarship Recipient (Sponsored by the Most Excellent Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons)

Throughout my four years at high school, I was on the track team, I participated in the junior varsity girls soccer team, I am the Vice President of the Muslim Cultural Awareness Club, and am a member of Anti-Domestic Violence Club.  My ambition to help and serv justice to others in need has pushed me to pursuye a degree in Law.  This upcoming fall, I will pursue a degree in Law and Society with a minor in Arabic and forensic science at Jefferson University in Philadelphia….I possess the drive to do what is necessary to help minorities and immigrants….Most individuals who are granted court appointed lawyers, serve un-needed time, cannot speak fluent English, and or do not know their rights….It will be my duty to help them understand their rights, service justice ot the community or to the defendant and help to degy the statistics of minorities that are incarcerated.

Malachi Somerville, Senior, Cheltenham High School   Frederica D. Hale and Monique Hale Baby Scholarship Recipient

….[I] am a honor roll student….I am passionate about leadership, service, and entrepreneurship….I founded the Black Male Leadership Program at Cheltenham High School.  Prior to that, I served as the president of the Black Student Union.  I am active in my church, Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, where I am also a youth leader.  I also serve as a mentor and tutor at More Than a Game, Inc…..During my sophomore year, I launched my own photography and videography company.  This fall, I will attend Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University where I will pursue studies in business marketing, which will help me get closer to my ultimate goal of becoming the first majority black owner of an NBA or NFL team.

Leo Kates, Senior, Woodlynde School   Book Award Recipient

….[I] am a senior at Woodlynde School, a school for students with learning differences near King of Prussia, PA….I am involved in student government and serve as President of Student Council.  Additionally, I founded a student group known as the DCAC, or Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee, that addresses issues of race and cultural awareness within the school community and promotes awareness of societal disparities and inequalities.  I have been a member of the NAACP since January of 2017, but it wasn’t until the summer that I joined the Cheltenham Area branch.  My favorite part about being in the NAACP is that I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people.  All of the member have been extremely kind and welcoming, and the guest speakers have been fascinating and inspiring.  Outside of school and the NAACP, I am an avid rock climber and plan to continue in college.  In the fall, I will attend the University of Pittsburgh with plans to study pre-med.

Imani Bradford, Senior, Bishop McDevitt High School   Book Award Recipient

[She] has served as President of the Student Council, Black Student Uniion and particpates in extracurricular activities such as Woment’s Leadership Club, Entrepreneur Club and STudent Ambassadors.  She is an all honors student with dual enrollment at Arcadia University.  At age four Imandi pbulished her firt book entitled “People Can’t Save You” which has ben placed in The Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, New York Public Library, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library and Duke and Hampton University libraries.  Imani is blessed with the gift of song.  At age five she joined the Pennsylvania Girls’ Choir and has continue her singing career to present.  She has completed internships with CBS/KYW News Studies Program and Dusquehanna University’s Leadership Program.  She provided community service to Abington Hospital, Abington Fire Company and local religious organizations.  Her role models are her mother and grandmother, two God-fearing women she has always looked to for help, advice, and prayer.  Imani will continue her education at Hampton University to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  Her dream is to start a mentoring program to empower and encourage success for young people facing foreclosure and eviction.

Bill Chambres, Historian Laureate , Unsung Hero Award Recipient

Bill Chambres is a retired U.S. Army veteran who is the editor-in-chief the history-based website, www.historic-lamott-pa.com, one of the largest websites of its kind on the internet.  He served several years on the Senate’s appointed Armed Forces Academies Select Committee which interviewed and made selections of candidates applying for admission to each of the four Armed Forces Academies.  He has completed many writings including an in-depth series of articles covering the political history of the US from 1830-1861 and My War Too! which is a brief review of African American contributions during World War II.   He holds the title of Historian Laureate of Cheltenham, PA and is a member of the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, the Company of Military Historians, and the Society for Military History.  He is also an Associate Member of the Foreign Policy Research Institute which is among the top think-tanks in America.

Anthony Luker, Education and Outreach Specialist-Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Community Service Award Recipient

Mr. Luker has an extensive background including work as a legislative assistant with the state government, then becoming a District Director and Community Relations Director with the U.S. House of Representatives.  His passion for service led to him spearheading the development of Urban Sports Zone/Urban Literacy Zone, a non-profit designed to service economically disadvantaged youth.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University in Criminal Justice and Political Science.

Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Senior Pastor, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church  President’s Award Recipient

Highly sought after revivalist, lecturer, musician…visionary who has be described by Upscale Magazine (February 1999) as…”an individual who has been called to operated far beyond the the restraints of traditionalism.

• Graduated from the Ohio University in Athens with bachelor’s degree in Music Business
• Masters of Divinity- Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville Kentucky
• Doctor of Ministry to Marriage and Family- Palmer Theological Seminary
• Honorary Doctorate- Lincoln University
• Responding to the specific needs of the local community, Dr. Waller led Enon’s membership to establish the Enon-Coulter Community Development Corporation (ECDC), a non—profit community development corporation that provides educational and support services to children and families.
  • ECDC sponsors Innovative programs, including a pre-school preparatory program for neighborhood children, an after school advanced computer program for teens, and a Christian summer camp experience
• With a varied and extensive ministerial background, Dr. Waller has lectured at numerous institutions throughout the United States
  • including Union Theological Seminary in New York City,
  • Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and
  • the Center for Urban Theological Studies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and
  • The National Bible Conference presented by The California State Baptist Convention.
  • He also continues to minister in song, both as a soloist, and with the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir
  • In November 2004 — Radio Outreach began on WURD 900 AM in Philadelphia; Sunday evenings “Hour of Power” —
  • also on Wednesdays (2005) — “It’s Family Time” his co—host, his lovely wife, Mrs. Ellyn Jo Waller.
  • In August 2007, the WURD Outreach ministry ended and the Lord blessed — with another broadcast on Praise 103.9 FM WPPZ., which officially began September 8, 2007.
• Pastor Alyn E. Waller wrote his first book “Enjoy Your Journey”— International release date was March 28, 2006; Philadelphia book release date — April 5, 2006
• December 13, 2007 — a Journal for this book was published, released and available for purchase. This publication was printed in Korean — June 2008.
• Pastor Waller spent ten days in Seoul, South Korea — preaching the Gospel at the Myung Presbyterian Church, the Yoida Full Gospel Church and The Suwon Full Gospel Church. The attendance for these worship services ranged from 80,000 persons to 100,000 persons.
• July 29, 2006 — the Lord answered the prayers of The Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church with the completion of the new edifice and the Inaugural Worship Service. Enon Tabernacle is now one Church in two locations. — Enon West and Enon East — A Place Where People Encounter God”. — Dedication Service was held on Saturday, September 16, 2006 The Lord blessed Enon and as of October 2007 — Enon has 12,000 plus members.
• October 2006 — Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller was nominated by the Mayor of Philadelphia to serve on the new City Board of Ethics.
• Pastor Waller in 2007 and in the summer of 2008 has led and will lead members and friends of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church congregation to Kenya, Uganda and Capetown, South Africa; to serve, to give a helping as well as to share in Ministry — spreading the Word and sharing The Gospel of Jesus.
• October 2008 — Pastor was appointed to the Kimmel Center Board of Directors, Kimmel Center, Inc., Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Dr. Waller is involved with numerous service organizations and has been awarded countless honors for his leadership in the community.

Reverend Marshall Paul Hughes Mitchell, Pastor, Salem Baptist Church   President Award Recipient

• 1994 appointed to Chief of Staff of US Representative Floyd Flake (making him the youngest chief of staff at the time on Capital Hill)
• Co-author of New York State’s charger school law in 1998
  • Served as Board Chair of State’s first charter school, Sisulu Public Charter School
• 11th Pastor of Salem Baptist Church, Jenkintown
• 2008 founded Different Drummer as an alternative and innovative voice in Hollywoods’ film industry
  • one of Hollywood’s leading film marketing and publicity companies
  • clients include George Lucas, 10th Century Fox, the Jonas Brothers, Disney Animations
• Provided leadership roles in historic campaigns such as Waiting for Superman, Life of Pi, Red Tails, and Good Hair
• Served as Executive Vice President of Wilberforce University
  • under his leadership, Wilberforce experienced enrollment acceleartion, student imporvement, and creation of millions of dollars in lab creation and physical enhancement
• Always seeks a balance between the interests of both markets and consumers, seeking to grow wealth, opportunity, and access simultaneously