NAACP Salt Lake hosts 107th annual banquet

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The National Association for the advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted its 107th annual Life Membership & Freedom Fund Banquet today, with ABC4’s own SuRae Chinn as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The NAACP Salt Lake Branch hosted a banquet tonight meant to recognize the efforts and work of activists in the area and the accomplishments of the branch. Over 250 people attended, including civic leaders, business leaders, educators, and the Salt Lake City Police Chief.

During the banquet, the Albert Fritz, President’s, and Life Membership Awards were presented. The Albert Fritz Award was awarded to the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, which provides social services, health programs and vaccines, and hosts community events for Indigenous people.

Photos of the Banquet. Courtesy: George Severson // KTVX

The President’s Award was given to Frances P. Battle. According to NAACP Salt Lake, Battle has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Salt Lake City School District.

The NAACP said, “[Battle] takes much pride in her profession and knows that each day is a new day on the journey of educating our present and future leaders. Her commitment is to instill the importance of helping all youth be respectful, recognize individual potential, strive for excellence and soar among the stars.”

Others spoke about the importance of the NAACP’s civic work.

“Many are attracted to social service – the rewards are immediate, the ratification quick. But if we have social justice, we won’t need social service,” said Julian Bond, Former Chairman, NAACP Board of Directors

More information on the NAACP Salt Lake branch can be found on their website.