Alexandria — The Alexandria, Virginia Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is hosting its 79th Annual Membership and Awards Banquet, themed "Your Power, Your Decision - Vote", on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Alexandria - Historic District, 625 First Street, Alexandria. Reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by banquet dinner and live entertainment at 7 p.m.
The guest speaker is Sonia Sanchez — poet, activist, and scholar. Sanchez was the Laura Carnell Professor of English and Women’s Studies at Temple University. She is the recipient of both the Robert Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime service to American poetry and the Langston Hughes Poetry Award. Sanchez is the author of 16 books.
Her other awards include:
1984, Lucretia Mott Award
1985, Outstanding Arts Award from the Pennsylvania Coalition of 100 Black Women
1985, Community Service Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators
1985, American Book Award for Homegirls and Handgrenades
1988, Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Humanities
1989, Peace and Freedom Award from Women International League for Peace and Freedom (W.I.L.P.F.)
1992–1993, PEW Fellowship in the Arts
1999, recipient of Langston Hughes Poetry Award.
Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.naacpalexandriava.org or by mail at 253 S. Pickett St, #301, Alexandria, VA 22304.