Freetown Native Receives NAACP Freedom Fund Award

When Angela White learned she would receive the Freedom Fund Award at this year's Anne Arundel County Branch-National Association for the Advancement of Colored People banquet she was shocked.

"It was a surprise. Sometimes you don't know that people notice the things that you do, but I guess someone did," the Pasadena resident said.

White was one of 13 people, both adults and students, to receive awards at the Anne Arundel County Branch-NAACP's 66th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at La Fontaine Bleue.

She has worked with the Freetown Village Boys & Girls Club since 2006 and serves as the branch director. She is also the area director for the Anne Arundel County Clubs.

White said the program she is most proud to work with at the Boys & Girls Club is the Keystone Leadership program. The program, which focuses on character and leadership, works with 14- to 18-year-old students who participate in different community service projects.

The Torch Club, which is the junior version of the Keystone program, works with 11- to 13-year-old students who participate in similar activities.

White, who grew up in Freetown, believes in the philosophy of "don't let where you live define who you are." She uses this message to remind the children at the Freetown Boys & Girls Club that she grew up in the same community as they did and was about to make the best of her situation to get to where she is today.

"You are a humble and compassionate leader to the children of the Freetown Boys & Girls Club. It is you we trust our children with [to receive your wisdom]," said Tonja McCoy, second vice president of Anne Arundel County Branch-NAACP.

Also receiving an award was Alyesha Mundell, junior at Meade High School. She was recognized for her leadership with Empowering Believers Church of the Apostolic Faith in Glen Burnie. The church has a strong youth tobacco awareness program and Mundell serves as the president of the tobacco-free coalition Project Exhale chapter at Empowering Believers.

To be eligible for the Freedom Fund Award, White had to be an Anne Arundel County Branch Member in good standing who demonstrates community service and leadership, gives his or her time and energy to support community projects, supports the Anne Arundel County Branch-NAACP and is a Lifetime Member.