More than 400 attendees turned out for the Alexandria NAACP’s 90th Anniversary Freedom Fund Gala Oct. 21 at the Westin Hotel Old Town.

With a theme of “Thriving Together,” the dinner featured NBC4 television personality Tony Perkins as emcee and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan as the keynote speaker.

“Every generation has to do its part to make sure the republic gives everyone an opportunity to participate,” said McClellan, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Commonwealth. “Because in a government by, of, and for the people, we reflect the perspective and therefore meet the needs of the people who participate. And most of this country’s history has been over a battle making sure that included us.”

Local and state elected officials in attendance included U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, Mayor Justin Wilson and members of City Council. The dinner celebrated the founding of the Alexandria chapter of the NAACP on Oct. 10, 1933, at a meeting held at Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Two George Washington Middle School students attended their first dinner as guests of Councilwoman Aliya Gaskins.

“This was a wonderful evening,” said GWMS student Terry Shomari. “I learned a lot tonight about Black history.”

Added GWMS student Tre Dorsey, “I learned tonight about what it was like for Black people in America and how far we have come. I appreciate more all that has been done to make progress.”

The NAACP dinner recognized individuals and organizations with its community service awards for their ongoing efforts impacting Alexandria.

This year’s honorees included: The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project for its citywide initiative to educate citizens about Alexandria’s history of racial terror hate crimes and to work toward creating a welcoming community through equity and inclusion; the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria for providing support to disenfranchised city populations; Ebonee Davis for her work with the Virginia Theological Seminary’s Reparations program; and Kiki Davis and Joe Wenger for their Racial Healing Seminars held for city residents.

Said NAACP Alexandria branch president Darrlynn S. Franklin, “Every honoree is teaching us something about us as a people and about our community and how we only thrive when we thrive together.”