William Richardson was the Master of Ceremonies for the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Rev Moses Carter gave the invocation for the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Mary McClean lead the audience in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

NAACP Youth President Jahtayia Faison welcomed everyone to the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Brenda Saunders offered greetings at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Roxie Royal recognizes the many dignitaries at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Patty Sofocles reads "Stepping Through Time...The first 50 years" history of the NAACP at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Gina Dee, accompanied by the Steve Raleigh Trio, performs for the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

David White Sr reads "Stepping Through Time...From 50 Until Now", the history of the NAACP at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Pastor Elder Thermond Herring offers the closing prayer at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

David White Jr, Daniel White, Roxie Royal and David White Sr at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

The 2009 Freedom Fund Banquet Committee: Lola Melvin-McDoe, Valerie Ruffin, Shalanda McLean-Fox, Roxie Royal and Evangeline Edwards at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009. (not pictured: Daphine Williams)

The 2009 Freedom Fund Banquet Committee with youth at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Orange County Legislator Harvey Burger at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

State Assemblyman Frank Skartados at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.

Karen Mejia, candidate for Newburgh City Council at the Newburgh Highland Falls chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 76th Freedom Fund Banquet at Colden Manor @ Spruce Lodge in Montgomery, NY on Friday, May 8, 2009.