Since its inception, the NAACP’s annual Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit has been known as the largest sit-down dinner in the world. The illustrious list of notable keynote speakers have ranged from presidents, including Bill Clinton, to would-be presidents as in then-Senator Barack Obama. The 2011 dinner continued that grand tradition with this year’s address given by Georgia Congressman John Lewis at the 56th annual NAACP “Fight for Freedom” Fund Dinner.
“John Lewis is living history,” said the Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the NAACP Detroit branch, the largest and most active branch in the nation. “He’s a walking museum of civil rights. Here’s a gentleman who was arrested over 40 times for us; beaten almost to the extent of losing his life for us. It’s incumbent on us to allow young people, and even adult folk, to see, hear and touch those heroes who remind us that we didn’t get to where we are by accident. Some blood was shed.
“He is a current example of what propelled Barack Obama to the White House [and] what propelled Eric Holder to U.S. attorney general.”
Rev. Anthony also discussed the current attack on collective bargaining units and other controversial topics that are currently in the news. He reiterated the fundraiser’s theme: “We’ve changed the guard. Now, let’s guard the change.”
Lewis, a living symbol of the civil rights movement, then took the stage and spoke to the crowd of nearly 10,000 supporters. “You couldn’t let violence or the threat of death keep you from doing what you knew was right,” he said. “At some point, you just lost all sense of fear.” Lewis went on to encourage all Americans, but in particular African Americans, to recognize the dignity and worth of every human being, emphasizing the importance of creating a society at peace with itself.
Other dinner highlights included Detroit-born entertainer Kid Rock, who received the Great Expectations Award for his commitment to Detroit. A small group of protestors outside of Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit burned the confederate flag to denounce Rock’s participation. The singer has, in the past, waved the flag during his performances in the South.
“I’ve never flown that flag with any hate in my heart at all. Not one ounce,” said Rock, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. As he left the podium, the singer shouted, “I just want to say I love America, I love Detroit, and I love black people.”
Through his “Made in Detroit” apparel line, Rock established the Made in Detroit Endowed Scholarship to assist eligible Wayne State University students with tuition costs. He is also a supporter of several local area charities and recently contributed $50,000 for victims of the tornadoes that ravaged the South in late April. –roz edward
