NAACP Freedom Fund Gala Reflection
On September 12, 2026, I attended the NAACP Long Beach Branch Freedom Fund Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring leaders, advocates, and students whose contributions continue to strengthen the Long Beach community.
For more than 86 years, the NAACP Long Beach Branch has worked to advance equity and opportunity throughout the city. Founded in 1940 by Ernest McBride and three other community activists, the branch was instrumental in advocating for the hiring of African American police officers and challenging discrimination in employment and housing. Since its founding, the organization has remained committed to civil rights advocacy, education, and community empowerment.
The gala recognized eight honorees whose work has made a lasting impact on the community. Distinguished Alumna Dr. Naomi Rainey ‘72, ‘80, ‘81, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, stood out as a powerful example of service and leadership.
Dr. Rainey first became involved with the NAACP as a pre-teen and later served as President of the NAACP Long Beach Branch for 24 years. During her leadership, she implemented the Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Program, which promoted graduation, school attendance, academic achievement, and equitable learning environments for students. She also supported a First-Time Homebuyers Program for more than fifteen years, helping renters, educators, individuals with credit challenges, and underserved families improve their financial readiness and pursue homeownership.
In addition, Dr. Rainey led the branch's nationally recognized Law Day Program, expanded STEM and STEAM opportunities for young women and youth of color, and helped the Long Beach Branch earn an impressive 32 Thalheimer Awards, among the NAACP's highest honors recognizing outstanding achievement by branches across the nation. Her impact has also been recognized by California State University, Long Beach, which awarded her an honorary doctorate, and later named the residence hall where she once lived in her honor.
Another noteworthy moment of the evening was the recognition of Paris Gravett, President of the NAACP College Chapter at CSULB. Gravett has played a key role in revitalizing the NAACP's presence on campus and engaging students in advocacy and leadership. Her recognition was especially meaningful given her family connection to the organization: she is the granddaughter of Ernest McBride, co-founder of the NAACP Long Beach Branch. Her work reflects the continuation of a legacy that began generations ago and remains impactful today.
The gala also celebrated student achievement through the announcement of the 2026 Freedom Fund Gala Scholarship recipients: Traci Ausby, Nyah Ogden, Tiffany Bell, Nathaniel Robinson, Camiya Batts, Sydney Agbakoba, Shanisha Hodge, Imani Ferrell, and Iman Hicks.
The recognition of Paris Gravett alongside the CSULB scholarship recipients highlighted the NAACP's ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders. By honoring trailblazers such as Dr. Naomi Rainey while investing in the success of students and emerging changemakers, the Freedom Fund Gala celebrated not only the rich history of the NAACP Long Beach Branch, but also the promising future of community leadership in Long Beach.
