On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Negro Education Emergency Drive celebrated 50 years of NEED with an Anniversary Gala at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Hundreds of guests gathered in beautiful cocktail attire to enjoy an evening of celebration. On this special night NEED honored those who have stood at the forefront of supporting the NEED mission: Rabbi Harold Silver, Dr. Herman Reid, Evan Frazier, Pete Mendes, Goldia Dargan Hodgdon, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and the late Sylvester Pace.
For 50 years NEED has assisted in realizing the dream of going to college by awarding over $23 million in scholarships to 20,000 students representing over 200 colleges and universities throughout the United States.
The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a delicious dinner. Supporters then moved into the main auditorium for the anniversary presentation and awards ceremony hosted by NEED President and CEO, Dr. Marcia Sturdivant. The grand night concluded with dessert and a duo of gala after parties. There was something for everyone’s taste in music. The late night lounge party featured the smooth vocals of singer Alice Smith, while Rock and Roll Hall of fame DJ Grandmaster Flash was on the ones and twos for those who wanted to party the night away. Janis Burley Wilson served as the Gala Chair.
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