On Friday October 18, 2019 at the Natural Bridge Hotel over 230 guests came out to honor local legend Irma B. Thompson at the 2nd Annual Rockbridge NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet.
The still sprightly 102-year-old Ms. Thompson has dedicated her life to education. She herself attended the Buena Vista Colored School, and began her career teaching white students in Goshen in 1938, well before local schools were integrated. Thompson finished up her teaching career in 1985 at Parry McCluer Elementary.
Lexington City Council member & Vice Mayor Marylin Alexander with Irma B. Thompson
Our local chapter of the NAACP was proud to present Ms. Thompson with a donation of $500 to assist with the restoration of the Buena Vista Colored School building, a project she has undertaken in her retirement.
The Freedom Fund Banquet is a fundraising event, proceeds from which go to support the national NAACP, our local chapter, and legal advocacy the organization undertakes to advance civil rights.
The Rockbridge NAACP would like to thank everyone who made the evening such a rousing success – and in particular our platinum sponsor Washington & Lee University, whose generous financial contribution made the evening possible. Also, much thanks to our silver sponsors Larry & Sally Mann as well as our bronze sponsors: The Red Hen restaurant, Bank of the James & Lexington Eye Care.
In addition to our lead sponsors, many local businesses, churches and political candidates were represented in the Banquet Brochure, and special thanks must go to the members of Rockbridge NAACP’s Freedom Fund Committee who worked so hard to put together this 2nd annual Freedom Fund Banquet and make it an even bigger success then last year’s inaugural event!
Below are photos from the banquet courtesy of Rockbridge NAACP chapter member John Driscoll….
Awesome! Another great event. Thank you Dennis.
Many thanks to John Driscol for the beautiful pictures capturing the essence of the banquet.