UM NAACP to host Freedom Ball, Mahogany Awards

The University of Memphis chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host their ninth annual Freedom Ball Mahogany Awards tonight from 7 to 11 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

During the ceremony, campus and community leaders, alumni, student organizations and National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek organizations will be recognized.

Between both ceremonies, 14 awards will be given to members of the community and alumni.

Recipients of the awards include Frank Anthony Thomas, senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church; Ladrica Menson-Furr of the English department; Jesse H. Turner Jr., CEO of Tri-State bank in Memphis; and Meah King for the Young Alumni award, who is a teacher at East High school.

"Our students come from all over and they may not know about the rich heritages here in Memphis," said Linda Hall, coordinator of Multicultural affairs.

Following the freedom ball is the Mahogany awards, which will honor current students at The University of Memphis who were nominated by their peers.

Categories for these awards include: best NPHC Greek organization, Artistic Expression, Presidential Leadership, community service for both individual and organizational, and Mr. and Mrs. Mahogany, which will be awarded to two graduating seniors who have succeeded in involvement and academics.

"We want them to know what we recognize them for their endeavors in the communities," Hall said.

Caitlin Fisher, president of the U of M chapter of the NAACP, said that she feels it's important for The student body to recognize those who have paved the way and what they are currently doing for the campus and community.

"As a student leader, you are not always given recognition for what you do, so it is also a time for us to congratulate our peers on a job well done," Fisher said.

Fisher said that the NAACP will honor both students and campus organizations, as well as those who are off campus.

"Students should come to this event because it is always great to see those who have accomplished much be awarded for the things they have done," she said.

Xavier Jones, the co-chair for black history month at The University, said that it's a worthwhile event that students are welcome to attend for free.

"You can't deny the free food and the feel-good environment," Jones said.

Attire is semi-formal to formal.