Garland, TX – The NAACP Garland Unit held its 34th Annual Freedom Fund Brunch on September 20, 2025, at the Hyatt Place in Garland, bringing together community members for a morning of inspiration and recognition. The event featured powerful speakers, including Ashley Stampley and Payton Dean from the NAACP Garland Youth Council, and a keynote address by 22-year-old Ericka Drinker, an accomplished investment analyst and recent valedictorian of Paul Quinn College.
“If there isn’t a seat for you at the table, then build one and sit down.”
Ericka Drinker
Drinker captivated the audience with her personal journey, detailing her experiences in foster care and the challenges she faced before being adopted by her young uncle. Despite these obstacles, she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and established a program to provide her and her peers with essential education in investment and finance. “If there isn’t a seat for you at the table, then build one and sit down,” she urged, inspiring attendees to take initiative in their own lives.
The brunch also honored the memory of the Honorable Weldon E. Bradley and Mrs. Elaine Bradley, recognizing their contributions to the community.
Throughout the event, several scholarships were awarded to deserving students, including:
- 2025-2026 Elaine Bradley Scholarship: Payton Dean, NAACP Garland Youth Council Honoree
- 2025-2026 Goldie Locke Scholarship: Jason C. Warren II, Garland High School, recognized as the Top African American Senior Scholar in Garland ISD with a 4.8 GPA
- 2025-2026 John W. Washington Legacy Scholarship: Quianna Wilson, Dallas College – Richland Campus
Additional scholarships were awarded to the 2025-2026 Campus Scholars, recognizing the highest African American GPA achievers in several Garland ISD schools, all maintaining GPAs of 4.2 and above:
- Rowlett High School – Kaela Johnson
- Lakeview Centennial – Imani Sims
- South Garland High School – Isabella Mensah
- North Garland High School – Samrawit Bekele
- Naaman Forest High School – Nadia Smith
- Sachse High School – Feteh Anteneh
The adult award recipients were also celebrated during the brunch:
- 2025 Community Service Award: Triniti Chitman, who, at just 17 years old, has donated over 20,000 toys to children in the Dallas area during the holiday season and organizes drives for school supplies for families in need.
- 2025 Education Award: La’Darrion Keith Swanson, a distinguished educator in the Garland Independent School District with multiple academic degrees and currently pursuing doctoral studies.
- 2025 Entrepreneur Award: Sharonda Green, founder of Linson Eye Investigation and Linson Academy, who is dedicated to equipping individuals with skills in the security industry.
- 2025 Bridge Builder Award: Amy Rosenthal, Cultural Arts Director for the City of Garland, recognized for her role in achieving a Cultural District designation for the Bankhead Cultural Arts District.
- Volunteer Service Award: Garland Parks & Recreation, honored for their dedicated volunteers who contributed to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day float.
In his closing remarks, Ricky C. McNeal, President of the NAACP Garland Unit, acknowledged the dedication of Assistant Secretary April Ross, highlighting her commitment to the organization and the community.
The Freedom Fund Brunch not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the spirit of unity and resilience within the Garland community, inspiring attendees to continue striving for progress and excellence.
