Life Membership Banquet

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their mind cannot change anything." George Bernard Shaw

Welcome Letter written by Katrina for the 38th Annual Life Membership Award Banquet organized by the Monterey County Branch of the NAACP and held on February 27, 2010.The key-note speaker was Mr. Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO. The fundraising event was very successful and sold out.“We the members of the Monterey County Branch of the NAACP sincerely welcome  you to this annual event. We are deeply thankful for your ongoing participation, especially tonight. For tonight you will witness a historic cycle, one that will be revealed before your very eyes.Tonight, for a short period, we will all be transformed in time, exploring the history of Mrs. A.T. (the award recipient). Together we join in celebrating and honoring this special lady, –  a believer, a fighter, a doer, and an achiever. During her entire adult life, this wonderful 95-year-old lady stood up for justice and equality for all, and through her work she has earned our respect, our admiration and our appreciation.After our transformation from the 20th century, we all will quickly return to the present days of the 21st millennium. As with Mrs. T., we will be delighted to meet a young, energetic, enthusiastic achiever, Mr. Benjamin Todd Jealous. He represents a continuation of the struggle for justice and equality, combined with renewed strength and a belief in the betterment of all. Throughout history, the business community, in various stages and levels, has always been a cornerstone in the promotion and support of good causes.  Our Monterey County Branch NAACP is extremely fortunate to have Dr. D.S.(award recipient), a senior representative of the — Corporation, as a strong ally. Through her, we recognize and appreciate their help. I can assure you that Dr. Samuel Moskowitz, an initiator and co-founder of the NAACP organization in 1909, certainly would be enchanted with our present strength and our progress. In his co-founding work, he has interwoven the most important elements of Talmudic teaching. His steadfast determination to keep and preserve ONE NATION, ONE DREAM concept is still alive. As we enter the 21st Century, we cannot rest on past accomplishments because, there is still a mountain of work yet to be done. We must continue our drive for justice and equality for all people. In this spirit of inclusion, participation of all and continuation for the justified causes, we thank you sincerely for your ongoing generous support. Note: The same group of five members made sure that the copy of this letter do not be filed along with the copies of all previous program letters written by local past Presidents. Katrina, Eppie and our two colleagues – members of the Executive Committee  filed the copy of the program with this letter exactly 10 times and every time the letter was removed!!