By Gwendolyn H. Daniels NAACP Garland Unit
Garland Journal Correspondent
Despite three giant obstacles, the NAACP Garland, Texas Unit recently hosted one of its best-ever events, the 35th Annual Freedom Fund Brunch and Silent Auction.
Two weeks before the event, one of the adult honorees passed away. The Honorable Billy Joe (B.J.) Williams, past president of the NAACP Garland Unit and former District 4 Garland City Council member was scheduled to receive the unit’s 2026 Community Service Award.
By unanimous vote, B.J. was selected due to his outstanding 15 years of service as President of the NAACP Garland Unit and for recently completing his tenure as the longest serving councilperson in the city of Garland. The award was presented posthumously.
One week before Freedom Fund, both the keynote speaker and the MC had to be replaced due to unforeseen circumstances. The Unit is most thankful that our God had not one, but two “rams in the bush!”
Charles O’Neal, president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce, was recommended by Garland resident Alvin Blakes. President O’Neal graciously accepted the last-minute invitation to speak. His address to a packed ballroom was phenomenal, as he spoke truth-to-power that resonated among the attendees.
Dr. Adrian Leday, Garland ISD Human Resources Administrator gladly agreed to serve as MC of the brunch. A former student of the district, Dr. Leday did an outstanding job reflecting on his own personal experience growing up in Garland, receiving student recognition from the NAACP, and becoming a Garland ISD graduate.
The Garland NAACP Youth Council participants included Samantha Moore who introduced the dais; Ashley Stampley gave the welcome and occasion; and Alyse Anderson introduced the keynote speaker. A total of eight NAACP Youth Council members served as ushers to assist in seating the guests.
Unforgettable opening and closing prayers were delivered by Pastor Wesley Perine of Sims Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
A standing ovation was given to soloist Skylynn Mims, a sixth grader from Garland ISD’s Austin Academy for Excellence. She sang an amazing rendition of the song “I’ll Rise Up!”
Louis and Kay Moore received the 2026 NAACP Bridge Builders Award for their untiring efforts to bring awareness of Garland’s previously “overlooked” Black and Latino history. Drs. Jessie Pelts and Shaunise Pelts Alford were recognized as 2026 entrepreneurs for co-founding Poised for Success Learning Academy, a childcare center and K-8 microschool in Garland.
Mr. LeJuan Richardson received the 2026 Educator Award. He teaches architecture, engineering and robotics at South Garland High School and has 20 years of experience in product development and creative innovation.
A total of nine NAACP scholarships were presented. Eight went to deserving seniors in the Garland ISD and a current student at Dallas College (Richland Campus) received the ninth scholarship.
Recipients of 2026-27 Legacy Scholarships included: Ashley Stampley ($1,300 Elaine Bradley Scholarship); Leah Bailey ($1,200 Goldie Locke Scholarship); Adysen Brown ($1,000 John W. Washington Scholarship).
Seniors receiving 2026-27 GISD Campus Scholarships included: Jadyn M. Jones ($1000 North Garland HS); Olayemi P. Shobande ($1,000 Rowlett HS); Kelsie A. Smith ($1,000 Sachse HS); Kamsiyochukwu A. Nwodo ($1,000 Lakeview Centennial HS); Tamia R. Hargrave ($1,000 South Garland HS); and Caleb M. Robinson ($1,000 Naaman Forest HS).
Robert Ben and the NAACP Silent Auction Committee presented an outstanding 2026 Silent Auction that ran for one week and closed shortly before the keynote speaker was introduced.
The NAACP Garland Freedom Fund Committee is led by Chair Lady Ruby Adams and Vice Chair Lady Carol Blakes.
President Ricky C. McNeal thanked all program participants and announced Vice President – The Honorable Annie Dickson as the recipient of the 2026 NAACP Garland Unit President’s Award.
Corporate and community sponsors of the NAACP Garland Unit include: Trophy Nissan of Mesquite; Mitchell Tufts Funds from the Dallas Foundation; Frost Bank; Garland Power and Light; Garland Housing Finance Corporation; Cali Saigon Mall; Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union; Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635; Mr. Milton & Dr. Gracie Whitley; The Honorable Weldon Bradley; Mr. & Mrs. Herbert & Kelly Buford; Ms. Carol Montgomery; The Honorable B.J. & Dorothy Williams; Mrs. Gwendolyn Clemmons; and NAACP Garland Unit officers and executives.
Contact President Ricky C. McNeal and members of the national award-winning NAACP Garland Unit at: 972-381-5044 or visit their website at: garlandtxnaacp.org.
