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.






























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