NAACP honors five cited for community involvement

Five Columbians were presented with awards Saturday night for their contributions to the NAACP and to the advancement of the black community.

About 130 people gathered at the Courtyard Marriott south of Columbia to recognize the award recipients at the Freedom Fund Banquet.

“Our goal tonight was to discuss some issues and get out awareness,” said Pamela Hardin, first vice president of the Columbia unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “It’s an opportunity to fellowship together.”

Those recognized were Kathy Crews, Fran Tibbs and Harold Warren Jr., who each received the 2007 Community Service Award for contributions of time or money to the NAACP.

Arvarh Strickland, MU professor of history, received the 2007 Trailblazer Award, which is presented to a person who opens the door for future generations of African-Americans. Strickland was the first black faculty member at MU.

Virginia Law received the 2007 Roy Wilkinson Award, which is the highest honor a local branch of the NAACP can award. Law is an executive board member for the Columbia Unit NAACP and was recognized for informing and giving a voice to the black community.