Unity, Purpose, and Progress: Spotsylvania NAACP Celebrates Service at the 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet
On October 24, 2026, the Spotsylvania NAACP Branch #7117 brought people together at River Club Church in Fredericksburg for its Freedom Fund Banquet—an evening dedicated to fellowship, recognition, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.
The banquet’s theme, “We Have Come Too Far… We Have Paid Too Much… ‘WE WON’T GO BACK!’” connected the sacrifices of earlier generations with the responsibility to protect progress today. It reflected a shared commitment to building a community where opportunity is accessible to everyone and fairness, justice, and equality are everyday expectations.
Led by Branch President Rev. Moe Petway and Banquet Chairperson Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Wormley, the celebration honored individuals whose collective contributions represent more than 350 years of service and advocacy. Their work spans civil rights, ministry, criminal justice, voter engagement, public service, and support for families.
Recognizing Lives Dedicated to Service
The honorees reflected the many ways dedicated individuals can strengthen a community:
Deacon Leonard Parker, Jr., the branch’s vice president, was recognized for his leadership in labor advocacy, public policy, criminal justice reform, and voter engagement, including his work coordinating a “Souls to the Polls” initiative.
Juanita Shanks, founder and CEO of Fail Safe-ERA, was honored for more than 30 years of service to marginalized individuals and families affected by incarceration. Her work supports successful reentry, strengthens families, and addresses youth violence.
Rev. Otis L. Kay, Sr. was celebrated for six decades of civil rights advocacy. As a former Spotsylvania NAACP president, he helped challenge discriminatory employment practices and advance fairer hiring and promotion policies.
Attorney Eugene H. Frost was recognized for his commitment to principled legal representation and advocacy for people facing financial hardship, discrimination, and barriers to justice.
Roberta Comfort, designated a Community Leader of Distinction, was honored for her dedication to voter education, civic participation, and community organizing that brings people together across backgrounds.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Woodson, III was recognized for more than 50 years of advocacy for underserved and disenfranchised people, alongside his work in pastoral leadership, writing, and community engagement.
Rev. Hashmel C. Turner, Jr. was honored for more than five decades of service through ministry, civil rights advocacy, elected office, youth programs, and support for veterans.
Rev. Dr. Charles W. Wormley, Sr., named Civil Rights Leader of the Year, was celebrated for more than 50 years of community service. His contributions include bringing churches together across racial and cultural lines, addressing youth violence, and advancing the teaching of authentic Black history.
Together, these honorees demonstrated how sustained service can open doors, defend dignity, and create lasting change.
Faith, Fellowship, and Shared Purpose
The evening’s featured speaker was Bishop Joseph D. Henderson, Sr., a pastor, community leader, author, and civil rights advocate. As founder and executive director of The Family Life Center, his work focuses on families, youth, education, and outreach. His record of faith-based community engagement reflected the banquet’s emphasis on service and collective responsibility.
The program also included prayer, dinner, presentations by the Beulah Baptist Church Flag and Dance Ministry, and a musical selection featuring Early Jackson on trumpet, Deacon Sylvester Spencer on vocals, and Skip Gatlin on keyboard.
Carrying the Mission Forward
The Freedom Fund Banquet celebrated extraordinary contributions while reaffirming the work that continues. Each honoree’s story offered a concrete example of what advocacy can accomplish—helping a returning citizen rebuild, ensuring a voter can participate, challenging unfair policies, or standing beside someone who needs an advocate.
The October 24 celebration underscored the Spotsylvania NAACP’s enduring commitment to political, educational, social, and economic equality. Through unity, fellowship, and continued action, the branch carries that mission forward, building on the service of those honored and creating opportunities for generations to come.
