75th Dayton NAACP Hall of Freedom Awards
Jessie O. Gooding, Judge Walter H. Rice, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Dr. Edwin C. Moses Inducted into the Inaugural Class of Dayton Branch NAACP Hall of Fame Enshrinees.
DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its 75th Hall of Freedom Awards under the theme “Standing Strong Together,” celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the lives of the American people.
Awardees were nominated by community members who believed they deserved recognition for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Members of the Dayton Branch NAACP reviewed the nominations and cast their votes to determine the recipients in twelve award categories, one of the many benefits of membership in the organization. The nominee receiving the highest number of votes in each category was selected as the award recipient.
In addition, the Inaugural Class of Dayton Branch NAACP Hall of Fame Enshrinees was inducted, marking a historic milestone for the organization. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was selected by the General Membership, while the President’s Award and President’s Award of Honor recipients were personally selected by the President.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Vincent M. Ward, Actor, Writer, Host, Creator, Guest Speaker, and Author from Los Angeles, California, and Kayla Farris, Weekend Anchor and Multimedia Journalist for WDTN-TV2, who served as co-hosts for the program. Attendees joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by stirring renditions of the National Anthem performed by Erica L. Clark, First Lady of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, and the Negro National Anthem performed by recording artist Minister John Burg. Rev. Aaron G. McCoy, Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, delivered the invocation.
Before dinner commenced, distinguished honorees made their way down the red carpet: the Honorable Jessie O. Gooding, 31st President of the Dayton Branch NAACP; the Honorable Walter H. Rice, retired federal judge; Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District; and Dr. Edwin C. Moses, renowned Olympian. These distinguished individuals were inducted into the Inaugural Class of Dayton Branch NAACP Hall of Fame Enshrinees, marking a historic milestone in honoring their extraordinary contributions and lasting legacies.
Following dinner, Lu Dale, Vice Chair of the Freedom Fund Committee, warmly welcomed attendees. The first award of the evening came as a surprise to both the recipients and those in attendance, as it was not included in the printed program. The President’s Award of Honor was presented by NAACP Image Award-winning Activist and Dayton Branch NAACP President, Dr. Derrick L. Foward, alongside Dale. The distinguished recipients were Stephanie Norwood, Former President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Eta Omega Chapter; the Honorable Mary McDonald, the first African American elected to the Montgomery County (OH) Commission; Misty McDowell, the first African American elected to the Clayton (OH) City Council; Rev. Dr. Dormetria Robinson Thompson, the first African American elected to the West Carrollton (OH) City Schools Board of Education; and Kettering Health Dayton, celebrating 100 years of providing health care services to citizens throughout the Dayton Region.. The President’s Award of Honor recognizes individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields and earned the respect and admiration of their peers. These outstanding honorees exemplify excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service that aligns directly with the NAACP’s mission, the NAACP Centers of Innovation, and the vision of the Dayton Branch NAACP. These unexpected awards marked the beginning of the Hall of Freedom Awards.
The Louise Troy Excellence in Education Award was presented by Lady Tiwona L. Foward. The winner of the award was Janeisha Finch. This award honors educators with ten or more years of dedicated service and achievement in public education.
The W.S. McIntosh Courageous Activist Award was presented by Donald Domineck, Area Chairman, Dayton Black Panther Party. The winner of the award was Bishop Jerome McCorry. This award honors an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to civil and human rights activism for five or more years.
The Bob and Norma Ross Outstanding Leadership Award was presented by Antoinette Hampton, Family Member of Bob Ross Auto Group. The winner of the award was Darren L. Andrews. The purpose of this award is to honor and recognize outstanding local corporations, businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs that demonstrate their commitment to create partnerships that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Miley O. Williamson Award of Distinction was presented by Makiedah Messam, Executive Director, Advocates of Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE). The winner of the award was Sharon D. White. This award is presented in honor of an individual who has dedicated over 20 years to activism through the NAACP, their church, and other civic organizations. It is named in tribute to Miley O. Williamson, a long-time resident of Dayton, Ohio, and a fearless advocate for civil rights. For more than 60 years, she was a prominent leader in Dayton’s Black community, working tirelessly to improve opportunities and conditions for others.
Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., the 57th Mayor of the City of Dayton, introduced NAACP Image Award-winning Activist and Dayton Branch NAACP President, Dr. Derrick L. Foward. Dr. Foward delivered powerful remarks emphasizing the importance of voting and the urgent need to protect our democracy. He highlighted two powerful concepts: “We the People” and “Standing Strong Together.” He reminded attendees that our nation’s strength has always rested in its people, not in one individual, but in all of us working together with courage, respect, and hope. Dr. Foward then introduced the evening’s Honorary Chairs: Twana Griffith-Faykus, Founder and Chair of the Faykus Foundation; Michael Riordan, President and CEO of Premier Health; and Dr. Eric F. Spina, President of the University of Dayton. Each shared remarks underscoring the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as integral components of organizational success, innovation, and community impact. After the honorary chairs spoke, Regina Holman delivered Congressional Greetings on behalf of Congressman Mike Turner. Colin Kimuli, Secretary of the Dayton Branch NAACP, revealed the new life members during a video presentation.
The Youth Development Award was presented by Lloyd D. Martin, President of the Littlejohn Junior Youth Council; Christina D. Jones, President of the Dayton Youth Council; and Braylan James, President of Central State University College Chapter. The winner of the award was Darren Byrd. This award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in youth development for ten or more years. The recipient has mentored, coached, guided, or instructed youth through various informal and formal programs such as athletics, afterschool initiatives, NAACP, Big Sisters/Big Brothers, juvenile courts, arts, music, chess, STEM, and Christian clubs, making a measurable positive impact on young people in our community.
The Frederick Bowers Public Policy Award was presented by State Senator Willis E. Blackshear, Jr. and State Representative Desiree Tims. The winner of the award was Quincy E. Pope, Sr. This award honors exceptional public servants who have delivered meaningful and lasting results on behalf of the American people. It is named in recognition of Bowers, the first African American to represent Montgomery County in the Ohio House of Representatives.
The Judge Arthur O’Neil Fisher Fair and Just Award was presented by Tracy Fisher Singletary and Landon Singletary. The winner of the award was the Brandon C. McClain. The purpose of this award is to honor and recognize an individual who has been a true trailblazer, breaking barriers as a “first” while performing their duties with fairness, impartiality, and courage. also played a key role in helping to abolish segregation in the armed services.
The Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley Award was presented by Judith Earley, daughter of Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. The winner of the award was Charles “CK” Williams. The purpose of this award is to honor and recognize an outstanding individual who has demonstrated on-going leadership in any branch of the United States Military or within the Veterans Administration; or has been instrumental in fostering the continuing relationship between the Dayton area and the military and veteran’s communities.
The Breakthrough Award was presented by Nikol Miller, Executive Director, Miami Valley Urban League (MVUL), and Adriane Miller, Executive Director, National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton (NCCJ). The winner of the award was Vincent M. Ward. This award aims to honor and recognize Unsung Heroes, exceptional individuals who have made a positive impact on the lives of others but have not received widespread recognition for their remarkable contributions. It was established to uphold the vision of the Dayton Branch NAACP: to fulfill the dream of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by capitalizing on the 2nd “A” of the NAACP, which stands for “ADVANCEMENT.” When one of us advances, we all advance! Ward is an accomplished actor, writer, host, creator, guest speaker, and author whose career spans television, film, theater, and original storytelling.
The President’s Award was presented by Dr. Foward. The recipient of the award was Jessie O. Gooding. This award is one of the highest honors presented by the President of the Dayton Branch NAACP. It recognizes individuals whose service and commitment embody the core principles and mission of the NAACP, both locally and nationally. This distinguished award honors those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions in advancing the NAACP’s Mission, Strategic Goals, and the Vision of the Dayton Branch. Recipients have made significant impacts across key areas such as Economic Sustainability, Education, Health, Public Safety and Criminal Justice, Voting Rights and Political Representation, Youth Development, Membership Recruitment, and Financial Support.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Dr. Foward. The recipient of the award was Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. This award is the highest honor conferred by the Dayton Branch NAACP. This prestigious recognition is reserved for exceptional individuals whose lifelong dedication and leadership have profoundly advanced the cause of civil and human rights. These honorees represent the most influential voices in the ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and dignity for all. Through their enduring commitment, they have inspired generations and helped shape a more just and equitable society.
Following the presentation of the awards, Rev. Dr. Xavier L. Johnson introduced the Honorable Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, as the evening’s keynote speaker. Before Russell took the stage, Minister John Burg delivered a moving musical selection, filling the room with reverence and anticipation. Russell delivered a powerful keynote address, “Standing Strong Together,” emphasizing unity, collective responsibility, and civic engagement. Using the metaphor of a “bad tree on Pennsylvania Avenue” that has poisoned gardens across the nation, he challenged attendees to recognize the consequences of harmful leadership and its impact on communities nationwide. Russell urged everyone to turn their commitment to democracy into meaningful action by taking at least five people to the polls to VOTE. His message inspired renewed purpose and determination, reminding attendees that protecting voting rights requires collective action.
He reinforced the evening’s central theme: Standing Strong Together means mobilizing our communities, protecting democracy, and ensuring every eligible voice is heard for generations to come.
The closing remarks and benediction were delivered by Rev. Brandon R. Clark, Sr., Pastor of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. In his heartfelt message, Rev. Clark offered words of inspiration, reflection, and encouragement, leaving attendees with a sense of spiritual renewal and unity as the event drew to a close.
Comments