The Garland Unit of the NAACP recently hosted the 31st Freedom Fund Brunch. Lakisha Culpepper, M.Ed. was the Mistress of Ceremonies and gave the event a wonderful, upbeat feel. She currently serves as the Garland ISD Community Liaison to African Americans. Culpepper serves the community in several capacities. Her bio said that she has “devoted her life to coaching and mentoring others to realize their own vision of success.”
The keynote speakers were Drs. Latonya and Latoya Harris, 2010 graduates of South Garland High School. They were the valedictorian and salutatorian of their graduating class then attended the University of Texas at Austin. Their passion for helping others heal naturally led them to study chiropractic medicine at Parker University. Again, they graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian. They currently have a private practice.
The A Cappella Choir Ensemble from the Austin Academy for Excellence led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
2022 Awards/Scholarships
The Garland Unit of the NAACP chose the following recipients for the adult awards:
- Community Service Award was presented to Constable Bill Gipson.
- Entrepreneur Award went to Linda Johnson.
- Dr. Adrian Leday received the Education Award.
- Ret. Lt. David Swavey received the Bridge Builder Award.
Youth awards and scholarships were presented to Garland ISD seniors.
- Mya E. Dean received the Elaine Bradley Scholarship.
- Derek Chidubem Onyia from Garland High School was the Top African American Senior in Garland ISD and received the Goldie Locke Scholarship.
- Camray’on Sanders from South Garland High School received the John W. Washington Legacy Scholarship.
The Garland ISD African American campus seniors with the highest GPAs in each high school also received scholarships:
- South Garland High School – A’Leena Marie Bradley
- Lakeview Centennial High School – Prescilla Gloria Aniede
- Sachse High School – Yovia Dawit Mehretab
- Naaman Forest High School – Soliyana Alebachew Alemu
- Rowlett High School – Gloria Tolulope Ukattah
- North Garland High School – Tigest Nega Demelash
Garland Mayor Scott LeMay, along with several City Council members and Garland ISD Board of Trustees members were on-hand for the celebration. City Manager Bryan Bradford as well as members of the Police and Fire Departments were also in attendance.