Local NAACP 1st Vice President Ms. Sophie Dixon (left), seated with Shirleigh Moog, recipient of the 2008 NAACP Grace Dorn and Sophie Dixon Award.
from Staff reports
The Asheville branch of the NAACP recently hosted the Freedom Fund Awards Banquet celebrating the 75th anniversary of the local chapter. The keynote speaker for the evening was Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President of the North Carolina NAACP State Conference of Branches and pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in Durham.
Dr. Barber is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and holds a Doctorate of Divinity from Duke University, and he currently serves as an adjunct professor at both universities. Dr. Barber’s speech addressed “why people should vote,” leaving the audience on their feet applauding his thought-provoking message.
This year’s Grace Dorn & Sophie Dixon Award was presented to Ms
Shirleigh Moog, retired educator and former wife of the late Robert
Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer. Ms Moog honored her mother as
the motivating force behind her passion and commitment to social
action. For almost twenty years she has committed her time to social
change and served with such organizations as Building Bridges, UNCA’s
Social Action Committee, International Link, the Unitarian Universalist
Church’s Thomas Jefferson District’s anti-racism conference, the Mt.
Zion Missionary Baptist Church Board of Directors, and the Asheville
NAACP Community Outreach Committee. She is also a lifetime member of
Asheville-Buncombe NAACP.
The Outstanding Membership Drive Award was presented to Sycamore Temple Church of Asheville.
Retired educator Mr. O.L. Sherrill, Asheville NAACP membership chair,
spoke to the audience about the importance of becoming a member of the
NAACP. He noted, “it is important that you consider becoming a member;
the challenges and injustices are not over!”
For more information about the Asheville NAACP please contact John Hayes or Sophie Dixion at (828) 281-3066.
Arts & EntertainmentInternational Ambassador of Hip-Hop, Rennie Harris PuremovementWednesday, 11 January 2012
The preeminent hip-hop dance company in the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement brings pure, contagious stage magic to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, 2012.
Win Tickets to this Performance!
Click here for details + Full Story
Arts & EntertainmentWin Tickets to the Rennie Harris Puremovement performanceTuesday, 10 January 2012
For Local Middle School or High School Students Only
Question: Please tell us in 200 words or less why Hip-Hop should be considered an art form. Your essay will be judged by the staff of the Urban News, and featured in the February edition, along with your picture. The... + Full Story
Our TownThe People’s Scholar, Dr. Boyce Watkins, to Keynote Prayer BreakfastWednesday, 11 January 2012
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County announced that Dr. Boyce Watkins will give the keynote address at the 31st annual Prayer Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The breakfast will be the highlight of a series of events from Wednesday,... + Full Story
Our TownGetting to Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competence in Multicultural EnvironmentsWednesday, 11 January 2012
by Don C. Locke
Why “getting to?” Every organization is dynamic in terms of diversity and inclusion. Every organization is in the process of becoming diverse and inclusive. If we really believe in the importance of all people and groups, then every organization has room to... + Full Story
CommunitiesMLK Week Events & CelebrationsWednesday, 11 January 2012
31st Annual Prayer Breakfast - 8:30 a.m.
The Prayer Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand
Ballroom of the historic Grove Park Inn & Resort at 290 Macon
Avenue. Guest speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins will be joined by the Unity
& Fellowship Choir and other distinguished guests.... + Full Story