(l-r) MSR Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard, Jackie Cooper and Atum Azzahir 
MSR Publisher/CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard was among this year’s honorees. Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
KMOJ’s Freddie Bell Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Estes Funeral Home’s Tracy Wesley (with his aunt) Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Jerry Williams Jr. of J & J Furniture Plus Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Activist Al Flowers Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Minneapolis NAACP President Cynthia Wilson Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn 
Minneapolis NAACP President Cynthia Wilson (center back), surrounded by the executive team Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
On Saturday evening, September 16, at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, the Minneapolis NAACP held a “Night of Black Brilliance” celebration at its Freedom Fund gala.
Among those recognized at the event for their entrepreneurial excellence, achievements, and contributions to the Twin Cities were the Spokesman-Recorder’s Publisher and CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard, Estes Funeral Home’s Tracy Wesley, KMOJ radio’s Freddie Bell, Glover Insurance Agency’s Bernard Glover, Jerry Williams Jr. of J & J Furniture Plus, and Insight News’ Al McFarlane.
Minneapolis NAACP President Cynthia Wilson recognized Freedom Fund award-winner Kevin Reese, director of criminal justice at Voices for Racial Justice and a former columnist with the Spokesman-Recorder. Reese also founded Until We Are All Free, a human rights organization led by formerly incarcerated criminal justice experts.
Fellow Freedom Fund award-winners Verna and Shane Price, founders of The Power of People Leadership Institute, were also honored at Saturday’s gala. In addition, the NAACP recognized longtime Minneapolis community leaders Mahmoud El-Kati, Spike Moss, Verlena Matey-Keke, and Al Flowers.
Scroll through below for more photos by Chris Juhn.
