NAACP Honors Several at Annual Banquet

The local chapter of the NAACP held their annual banquet, the Freedom Fund Awards, Sunday night. They awarded several prominent Maconites with special honors.

Their biggest is the Shinholster Award, usually given to a local civil-rights pioneer.

This year, Reverend Jacob Parker of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Macon will get the honor. Al Tillman, President of the local NAACP, calls him "The Godfather" of the city's pastors.

The NAACP says the purpose of the Freedom Fund event is to recognize people who have improved the quality of life for many and who've given dedicated service in the struggle for justice and equality for all Americans, regardless of race, color or creed.

"There was a great explosion of joy, of happiness, and a surprise to them. But they are very grateful. They are very supportive to me, as their pastor for the past 42 years," Reverend Parker explained how his congregation reacted to the news.

Along with the Shinholster Award, the Community Service Award went to Pam Lightsey with Project Safe Neighborhood, Tremont Temple Baptist Church won the Community Church Service Award, and the NAACP Life Members Awards were given to George Henry and Rufus Akridge.