Los Angeles, CA (May 4, 2007)
- The single belief that guides Bernard and Shirley
Kinsey is that “to whom much is given, much is required.”
As a result, the Kinsey’s have dedicated their lives to
preserving African American history and creating educational
opportunities for future generations. Under the theme,
“Protecting Our Civil Rights,” leaders from the education,
social, economic, legal and political sectors will be
presented awards in dedication of their talents, time
and energy to making a difference.
Bernard and Shirley are known for their collection
of 19th and 20th Century African American Art, and historical
documents. “The Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey”
are presently on a two year national tour. Throughout
their 40 year marriage, the couple has helped numerous
people and organizations. The College Bound Program
has benefited from their leadership with over a million
dollars for scholarships, while funding the Bernard
and Shirley Kinsey Scholarship. In addition, their fundraising
efforts raised over $125,000 for the Rosa Parks Foundation.
The Kinsey’s will be honored as recipients of the President’s
Award and are among six individuals to be recognized
by the Los Angeles NAACP for their talents, time and
energy to making a difference on Thursday, May 17 at
the 2007 Annual Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Awards Gala.
Festivities will take place at the Millennium Biltmore
Hotel, 506 South Grand Ave. in Los Angeles with a reception
at 5:45 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at
7:00 p.m.
Under the theme “Protecting Our Civil Rights” the local
branch will also honor United States District Judge
for the Central District of California, Judge Terry
J. Hatter (Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Journey To Justice
Award); newspaper industry veteran and CEO/Publisher
of Our Weekly newspaper, Natalie Cole (Ida B. Wells
Medal of Courage Award); the first African American
elected to office in the city of Culver City, Saundra
Davis, Culver City School Board (Emerging Leadership
Award); and 20 year Los Angeles NAACP member and retired
educator, Addie Arbor (Volunteer of the Year Award).
Yvonne B. Burke who is serving her fourth four-year
term as Los Angeles County Supervisor for the Second
District, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award
During the past 93 years, the Los Angeles Branch has
fought against discrimination and continues to support
the programs and policies of the NAACP with aggressive
action at the local level. In addition to ongoing initiatives
in the areas of civil rights, social and political equality,
local priorities revolve around education, economic
development and health.
The NAACP is the oldest and largest organization with
a focus on civil rights for people of color. For additional
information about the Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Awards
Gala, call (323) 857-0869 or the L.A. NAACP office at
(323) 296-2630.
