BY DR. JOHN H. CUMMINGS
ORANGE COUNTY – The Orange County Branch NAACP # 5120 held its installation of 2023-24 officers ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of January 17 hosted at the Dorrie Miller American Legion Post #331, Orlando, FL. Post Commander Atty. Larry Colleton welcomed the group and extended their hospitality. The Honorable Judge Belvin Perry officiated at the installation of newly elected Branch President Kran Riley, other elected officers and Executive Committee At-Large members.
Former Branch 1st Vice President Russell Drake capably served as the Master of Ceremonies for the program that included starting with invocation by Elder Jabwrie McDonald of West Orlando Christian Center and followed by the soaring classical voice of former branch officer and vocalist Alvin Bell leading a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice And Sing”. Judge Perry gave greetings during his installing and addressed the new officers by thanking them and issuing the importance of undertaking their jobs well and gave them challenge to work rigorously for the benefit of our community. Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill congratulated all the new officers and voiced appreciation to the NAACP for the needed ongoing work that they always do so very well and enthusiastically pledged her continuing assistance and service in working with the Branch for the good of our area.
President Kran Riley also expressed his thanks to the new officers, attendees and greater community for their continuing support and assistance. He further addressed plans for immediately advancing and promoting the NAACP vision, mission, and actively furthering Civil Rights causes and community involvement. The program ended with closing by Executive Committeeman Rev. Marcus McCoy of The Greater Refuge Memorial Church of Orlando preceding a reception that featured delicious food, exhilarating music and a chance for the appreciative audience to relax, meet and greet.
For further NAACP information and details including meetings, membership or other services contact 407-272-1596. We need you and would love to have you join in active branch participation. “Membership Is The Life Blood Of The NAACP”
