On a recent Saturday evening, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Banquet Hall in Round O, South Carolina, was the scene of the Colleton County Branch’s 39th NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. Retired Colleton County educator, Central Williams, served as master of ceremonies. He is a life member of the organization and also serves as the Legal Redress and Political Action Chairman. In his opening remarks, he gave some historical information about the organization.
The NAACP’s mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. “Advancing Freedom, Justice, and Equality for All” was the theme for this momentous occasion.
Reverend Dr. Andrew Cooper, Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, who is also the Religious Affairs Coordinator, delivered the invocation, blessing of the deliciously-prepared meal, and the benediction.
Led by Jayla Johnson, the audience joined her in singing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” This song, often called the Negro National Anthem or the Black National Anthem, was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and later set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson. It was first performed in 1900 by schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of a celebration honoring President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Over time, the song has become a powerful anthem of faith, resilience, hope, and freedom for African Americans, especially because it speaks of struggle, perseverance, and trust in God. Its message continues to remind people that even through pain and injustice, a people can rise, sing, and keep marching toward liberty and equality.
The audience was welcomed by Branch Secretary, Antoinette Kinsey, after which greetings were given by Mrs. Brenda Murphy who is the South Carolina State NAACP President, and Representative Michael Rivers. Mayor James Broderick brought greetings on behalf of the City of Walterboro. Attending with him was Councilman Paul Siegel, along with their wives. The delectable “Chef’s Table Experience” was catered by PANNA E CIOCCOLATA, LLC, managed by Nicole S. Holmes. Minister Anna S. Bright, a member of the organization, author, and a retired educator, recited a personally prepared poem, “The Blood Still Speaks: We’re Not Going Back,” in which she involved the audience at the conclusion.
During the evening, sisters First Lady Melissa Clayton and Evangelist Rosalee Simmons, sang two awe-inspiring, uplifting Gospel selections. Entertainment was provided by DJ Phat Belly and Ashley Bryan.
Edward Williams, Colleton County educator, life member, and President of the Colleton County Branch, gave the Presentation of Honorees. Colleton County School Superintendent Jessica Williams was recognized for her outstanding service in education to the county for 41 years. Accepting the award on her behalf were Florrie Edwards, principal of Hendersonville Elementary School, and Patricia Williams, Colleton County educator. Superintendent Williams sent words of appreciation and congratulations that were read to the audience.
The Member of the Year Award was presented to Willie White for his selfless, dedicated service to the organization.
The guest speaker of the evening, Mr. Lynwood F. Givens, (above) Most Worshipful Grand Master for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina, was introduced by Herman G. Bright, member, banquet photographer, US Army veteran, and retired educator. Lynwood Fitzgerald Givens was born in Florence, South Carolina and grew up in the Pamplico area of Florence County. He is the son of Annette and the late Moses Smoot of Florence, SC and Rev. Dr. John and Freddie Mae Givens of Paterson, NJ. Lynwood is married to JoAn Givens, and they have three daughters: Lyndsey, Jada, and Jordan.
A graduate of Hannah-Pamplico High School, he earned his B. S. Degree in Business Administration from Voorhees University in Denmark, SC, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Lynwood is employed by the City of Florence as the Purchasing Agent.
His church affiliation is Pee Dee Baptist Church in Pamplico, where he serves on the Deacon ministry. Further, he is a former member of the South Carolina Utility Billing Association and a Past President of their Board of Directors. His additional professional memberships include the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,® Inc.
Mr. Givens is a 33º Mason and is Past Master of St. Luke Lodge #171, St. Luke Chapter #116 Order of the Eastern Star, Pee Dee Chapter #32 of Holy Royal Arch Masons, Hiram Council #4 of the Royal and Select Masters, Alpha & Omega Commandery #7 of the Knights Templar, Past Commander-in-Chief of McDonald Consistory #226 of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Past Illustrious Potentate of Bejilah Temple #163, and Past Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Marion South Carolina of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Lynwood has served the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina as a Worshipful Assistant to the Prince Hall Voice, Special Deputy, Worshipful Aide to the Grand Master, District Deputy of the Ninth Masonic District, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master, and presently serves as the Most Worshipful Grand Master. His motto is “I’m just a man, doing the best I can, while I can, as long as I can.”
The Membership Appeal was given by Amber Ferrette after which closing remarks were shared by Edward Williams. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the organization, please contact any of the members mentioned in this article or any other member that you may know personally. The Colleton Branch is already looking ahead to the 40th Annual Celebration, which has been planned for Saturday, April 10, 2027.
The Colleton Branch cordially thanks all who attended the banquet and donated to this year’s celebration, and for all that you continue to do for this organization and its mission. Sponsors per category were as follows: Platinum: Walterboro IGA, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Lucy and Tom Stec, and Mount Olive Baptist Church; Gold: Senator Margie Bright Matthews, and The Press and Standard & The Shopper; Silver: 1st Federal Savings Bank, City of Walterboro, Theodore and Audrey Henderson, Colleton County School District, Oakman Branch Baptist Church, Dukes Barbecue, Rickey Brown, and Russell Dunham; and Patrons: Enterprise Bank of SC, Kesia L. Brown, Bank of the Lowcountry, Salley’s Concrete Finishing, LLC, PRTC, Kathleen Foster, Martha Ebel, Carolyn Burns, Kathleen Amundson, Nathaniel and Dorothy Boykin, Steven C. Varnado, James G. Varnado, Kelly M. Varnado, Margaret E. Bright, E. Juanita Gerald, Herman and Anna Bright, First Freedom Baptist Church, and Ace Basin Community.
