NATCHEZ &045; Concordia Parish’s NAACP branch made a stamp in their chapter’s history Thursday at their first Freedom Fund Award banquet at Ramada Hilltop Ballroom.

&uot;We want the community not only to be together but to come together,&uot; said the Rev. Justin Conner, president of the Concordia Parish NAACP chapter.

The banquet’s theme was &uot;Liberty and Justice for All: The Race Is On.&uot; The ceremony honored lawyers who have used their skills in the fight for equality. Among honorees were Derrick Carson of Ferriday and Satricia Williams-Bensaadat of Lake Charles.

Among NAACP officials and supporters, Rep. Bryant Hammett and Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland spoke at the reception. Hammett gave a legislative update of the last legislative session for the audience. The update included concerns about sales tax on living necessities and state benefits for Louisiana soldiers and their families.

&uot;We’re determined to be a vocal voice and inspiring voice for all races of people and to bridge the gap where all injustices lay,&uot; Conner said.

Due to a cancellation of previous guest speaker Curtis Lee of Southern University, Anne Spell was the guest speaker for the night.

Spell, Covington NAACP branch president, is one of only two white females to hold such a high position in the organization.

Spell said it’s an issue when political leaders are telling the people all these wonderful things and then when you get home and see &uot;it’s really not that great.&uot; Spell, a civil rights attorney, said reforms like racial inequality and educational gaps are needed in all avenues of the community.

&uot;NAACP is a great vehicle for change,&uot; Spell said.

Emerson Slain, journal historian for the Concordia Parish branch, said the main accomplishment the chapter has accomplish is unity.

&uot;My sincere hope is one day there’ll no longer be a need for the NAACP,&uot; he said.