Local NAACP to welcome Landry

The St. Mary branch of the NAACP (will hold its annual banquet Saturday at the West St. Mary Civic Center, 1472 La. 318.
The evening begins with a social gathering at 6 p.m., followed by the banquet dinner and awards at 7 p.m. The theme for this year is “All in for Justice and Equality.”
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in February 1909 and is the largest and widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. The vision of the NAACP is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.
The keynote speaker for the event is Col. Terry C. Landry, a retired professional law enforcement officer and, currently, the first state representative for the newly created House District 96. Landry, a native of New Iberia, retired from the Louisiana State Police in 2004, after 20 years of service. Upon completing the State Police Academy, he served in a number of strategic positions as well as having earned several promotions through the ranks. As he advanced through various roles and years of dedicated service during his affiliation with law enforcement, he received many awards and honors from his community and state. Additionally, he is the recipient of numerous commendations for exemplary performance of duty.
As state representative, Landry serves the parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and Lafayette having been elected in November 2011. Functioning in this position, he has initiated a strong advocacy for public education, affordable health care, the expansion of Medicaid, responsible gun control, fair sentencing, and prison reform. His legislative office affords membership on committees which administer to the state, region, and local communities.
The St. Mary Branch NAACP will recognize outstanding community, business and civic leaders for their contributions to the communities of St. Mary Parish. Recipients who will be recognized for their contributions are Herman Hartman, Roberta Brown Community Service Award; Philo “Joe” Keller, PA, the Edward Jaquet Sr. Medical and Health Award; Ricky Armelin, Marion Perry Education Award; Rodney Grogan, William Bradford Sr., Politics and Government Award; David McCoy, NAACP Law Enforcement Award; Rev. Larry Frank, DeForest Brown Religion Service Award; Byron Jones, Hebert Joseph Business/Entrepreneur Award; Howard Castay, Hillard Buckner Media and Journalism.
Tickets for the banquet are $30 per person. The St. Mary Branch NAACP meets the fourth Monday of each month. For information on becoming a member contact President Reginald Weary at 985-381-6588.