On September 26, 2008, the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Doubletree Hotel. The banquet is the organization’s major fundraising event, and proceeds go to pay for scholarships and more. The invited speaker is A. Hugo Bowers of the Bowers Family Enterprise. The evening honored Paul M. Gaston, Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia; and the Johnson Brothers, legendary civil rights leaders and community activists; Reverend Doctor Reginald A. Johnson, Minister of Pilgrim Baptist Church and Reverend William S. Johnson, Associate Minister, Pilgrim Baptist Church. The event is introduced by Robert Gest the Third, the Publicity Chair of the NAACP.
- 1:00 – Introduction from Robert Gest III
- 5:30 – Mistress of Ceremonies Rosa Atkins
- 5:44 – Invocation from Reverend Cosby
- 8:00 – M. Rick Turner introduces the honorees
- 14:00 – Introduction of guest speaker
- 17:15 – A. Hugo Bowers
- 47:00 – Comments from Tom Perriello, Democratic candidate for the Fifth District
- 53:15 – Comments from M. Rick Turner
- 58:20 – Closing remarks from Mr. Gest
- 1:06:45 – Benediction from Reverend Cosby