The Rockdale County branch of the NAACP recently honored Attorney Gary Washington with the “Jean Williams Community Service Award” in recognition of his community service. The award, named to in recognition of the branch’s first president, is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a person.
Washington regularly conducts workshops to help make young people and the public at large aware of what to do when encountering law enforcement officials. He presents the workshops, “Act like a Student,Think like a Cop—Know Your Rights” and “What to do When Encountering Law Enforcement” to civic organizations, churches, high schools and colleges.
Tommy Plummer, vice president of the branch, was honored with the “Keeping the Dream Award.” Plummer is committed to mentoring youths at the Department of Juvenile Justice. He encourages the youths to continue their education, change their behavior so that they will become productive members of society. He enjoys taking the youths pizza dinners and sharing experiences with them.
The Rockdale NAACP presented the awards at its 29th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, a fundraiser that provides scholarships to deserving high school students. The theme of this year’s banquet was “Learning to Build the Life Envisioned.” State Rep. Vernon Jones, District 91, was the keynote speaker.
Thomas Brantley, Jr., who serves as president of the Rockdale NAACP, thanked committee chair Allene Eatman and committee members Gladys Brown and the Rev. Phyllis Hatcher for planning a program that focused on educating youths and recognizing community members who continue to give tirelessly to them.