NAACP holds annual Freedom Luncheon

The Greater Long Branch Chapter of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Luncheon today at Branches, in West Long Branch.

The keynote speaker for the event was Gov. Jon Corzine, who spoke out about the need to embrace diversity in the state. During the luncheon, Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Victor V. Scudiery was among those who were honored by the chapter.

Other honorees included Lawrence Hamm, a public advocatewho has been working on behalf of human rights for more than 30 years; Dr. Mary Jane Celli, a former member of the Long Branch Library Board and the city's Planning Board; State Police Maj. Wendy Galloway, a graduate of the 99th State Police Class; Hermaine Sue Harrison, a leader in the Long Branch NAACP Youth Diversity Program; Odessa Dangler, a prominent city business woman who has a long history of working on behalf of the Civil Rights Movement; and Mrs. Beulah M. Jelks, a leader in the Mattie E. Johnson Scholarship Committee and the Greater Long Branch Chapter of the NAACP.

About 200 guests attended the event, from both political parties and all walks of life. "It is wonderful to see the support that the chapter has received. This event keeps becoming bigger every year and I am very grateful," said Lorenzo Dangler, chapter president.

Captions: 1: Gov. Corzine and Greater Long Branch NAACP President Lorenzo Dangler. 2: Gov. Corzine and Chairman Scudiery talk before the event.