A.J. Duggar III, The Murfreesboro Post, July 28, 2013
Ernest B. Newsom (pictured here) said the crowd will be entertained by the Marable Twins before various awards are presented at the Freedom Fund Banquet, set for Aug. 17 at MTSU. (Photo submitted)
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Murfreesboro Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will present its annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the James Union Building at Middle Tennessee State University Stones River PB Church, located at 2315 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., in Murfreesboro.
This year, the keynote speaker will be Darrell Freeman Sr., the chairman of Zycron, an information technology services and solutions firm that he founded in 1991.
“We have the Marable twins scheduled to sing, and we have four awards that we’re going to present,” said Rev. Ernest B. Newsom, chairman of the Freedom Fund Banquet Committee. “One award goes to the outstanding male in the community, another goes to the most outstanding female. We’ll present an award to the most outstanding civic worker for the community, and we have an award for the most outstanding youth in the community. We will also give an award to the person who has acquired the most members in the NAACP. The speaker (Freeman) will also get an award.”
Born in Chattanooga in 1964, Freeman earned a bachelor’s degree in computer technology and master’s degree in industrial sciences at MTSU. He also works as a pilot for Angel Flight, a company that arranges free air transportation for medical emergencies and charities.
Freeman is a busy man.
In addition to being the chairman of Zycron, he is the co-founder of Pinnacle Construction Partners and Reliant Bank, which has become one of the fastest growing banks in Williamson County.
Pinnacle Construction Partners is known for giving many options of pre-construction planning and construction management services for both public and private needs. Freeman is also known for being a runner, having completed 10 marathons and several half marathons.
Recently, Gov. Bill Haslam appointed Freeman to a four-year term as a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, representing the 7th Congressional District.
In addition to the festivities involving Freeman, Albert Richardson will perform a musical selection, and there will be a video presentation of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly referred to as the African-American anthem.
“If anyone wants tickets they can get in touch with me,” Newsom said. “Anyone wanting to purchase a table for eight, it is $320 dollars. They can acquire the tickets from me.”
Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for people 24 years old and younger.
The banquet will begin at 6 p.m.
Anyone interested should contact Newsom at 615-893-6219 or [email protected].