Yeyya Wane Staff Writer 
Next Wednesday, October 27th, the Blair County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will be hosting the first annual Freedom Fighter Gala. Kicking off at 6 pm, the event will begin by honoring late president Don Witherspoon. President Witherspoon passed away late-December of 2020. The long-time president was known for his advocacy for diversity within the community, racial equality and the rights and protection of disadvantaged people, particularly inmates.
When asked how he plans to further his predecessor’s legacy, current president Andraé Holsey told me, “Don was a giant in the criminal justice and legislative reform fields. I intend to continue his work towards drastic reform for the betterment of all, while emphasizing the embrace of culture that led him and others like my father to be part of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.”
In addition to honoring the late president, President Holsey hopes this gala will “issue in a new Era of ACTIVEism in Central PA… As part of that new Era, we will utilize the Gala annually to fundraise from corporate sponsors to give to those in need.” I asked the president what he was looking forward to the most about this event. He told me that he is excited to host “…people of all statuses, all positions, all backgrounds in one place.” Although this event is mostly celebratory, the new president is not planning to shy away from uncomfortable conversations. Holsey is determined to confront and “…speak [about] the issues that some of the attendees have caused, while giving solutions that many of them can put into action.” 
The NAACP has invited several notable figures, including former Lieutenant Governor and lo ng-time senator Robert Jubelirer, who will be tuning in via Zoom, Representative Lou Schmitt, Senator Judy Ward, and Judge Timika Lane. Dr. Zane Gates and Steve Sheetz will be giving speeches, with the Chief Editor of the Altoona Mirror, Neil Rudel, serving as the emcee. Additionally, representatives from the Alliance for Police Accountability, Project Matters and the organizers of Pittsburgh Pride, and Black Lives Matter Pittsburgh-Southwest PA will be in attendance.
President Holsey is also working on creating a bridge between the Blair County NAACP Branch and Penn State Altoona’s very own Black Student Union (BSU). To this end, the NAACP is offering two full-ride scholarships to PSU Altoona to minorities in the area, reflecting Witherspoon’s advocacy for the recognition of young people’s achievements.
The event will also include a catered meal, musical entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are still available for $30 on centralpatickets.com. All proceeds from ticket sales will be put towards local scholarship funds. The NAACP welcomes all to attend and usher in Blair County’s new era of “ACTIVEism” as a community.
