Otis S. Johnson The Savannah Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) bestowed its highest honor on Mayor Otis S. Johnson and Chatham County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis during its 29th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet.

The theme for the evening was “Celebrating 100 Years of Service 1909- 2009, Bold Dreams, Big Victories.” The affair was held in the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Savannah on Saturday, November 21, 2009. It was a pleasant evening highlighted by the recognition of the accomplishments of the NAACP over the past 100 years and a recommitment to building an even stronger organization for the future.

Savannah attorney Lester Johnson, III presented a history of the Savannah Branch, and the audience enjoyed a video presentation prepared by Desmond Duval of D& D Photography, as they reflected on the struggles and achievements of both the national NAACP and the Savannah Branch.

Pete Liakakis The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Freedom Award recipients. Paul Johnson, brother of Mayor Johnson presented him with the award, and Dr. Priscilla Thomas, Vice Chair of the Chatham County Commission presented the award to Chairman Liakakis.

Immediately after Chairman Liakakis' acceptance speech, Mayor Johnson returned to the podium and the two men embraced, and raised their hands high in a demonstration of personal friendship and community unity.

Music for the evening was provided by Juanita Tucker, accompanied by Kenyatta Tucker on saxophone, and Daryl Parris on keyboard. They were exceptional.

The invocation and benediction were delivered by Rev. Da'Henri Thurmond, Sr., Pastor of St. Paul C.M.E. Church.

Savannah Branch First Vice President Richard T. Shinhoster, brought greetings and presentation of the Life Member certificates during the affair. Carver State Bank President, Robert E. James, served as Master of Ceremonies and delivered the closing remarks.

He challenged those in attendance to not only use this time to reflect on our past struggles and achievements, but of even greater significance, as a time for us to develop new strategies for the future. James commended Dr. Sandra McCord Best, General Chairperson of the NAACP Freedom Fund Committee, and all of the individuals who helped make the event an overwhelming success, and for making sure the Savannah community does not forget the valuable work of the NAACP. He said, “The enemies of freedom and justice are still with us. It is abundantly clear that there is still work to be done.”