NAACP 10th annual Freedom Fund gala presents new generation of Black leadership

At the podium, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes III delivered his keynote address lyrically, like a rapper, while others looked on with excitement – Karen Roye, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Butler, Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown clapping with exuberance. – Photo: Rev. Arnold Townsend by Kevin Epps A new generation of Black leaders, locally and nationally, took center stage when the San Francisco NAACP held its 10th annual Freedom Fund Gala at the Hyatt Regency on the Embarcadero on the first of December. Still ringing in the ears of the hundreds in attendance are the poetic words of Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes III, the new dynamic leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the chosen successor to its founder, the renowned Rev. Jesse Jackson.& Mayor London Breed graced the reception from 6 to 7 p.m., the main program following at 7.& She set the tone with her “Where Fillmoe at” chants, ending with, “I’m looking for some real transformative change with this new generation of leadership.” The Embarcadero provided a fitting backdrop for an event that brought together over 700 attendees, a diverse community united by a shared commitment to uplift and fight for a better future. Rev. Amos C. Brown,...