Asheville NAACP Recognizes Local Leaders
By Johnnie Grant
The Asheville NAACP recently held its 81st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Reverend Curtis E. Gatewood, whose message was that of an old R&B song titled “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.”
Not pictured are lifetime members O.L. Sherrill, Elka McDowell, Claudia M. Tucker,
James King, and Martha K. Gardenheight. Photo: Urban News.
Gatewood stressed the importance of loving your neighbor as you would love yourself. “Even in the face of adversities, it’s important to maintain your integrity,” Gatewood noted. “When your fellow man accuses you of wrong-doing, and you know you are innocent, love them anyway. Remember, Love Won’t Let You Wait.”
As Gatewood continued to speak, he stressed the importance of the election and how the outcome would affect all people in North Carolina. “We must stay vigilant,” Gatewood said, “even if the outcome is not in your favor.” “Many people are addicted to Koch,” and you know how addictions can be.”
In 1995 Rev. Curtis E. Gatewood was elected as President of the newly charged Durham, NC branch of the NAACP. In 2011, Rev. Gatewood was hired to serve as the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) Coordinator, working closely with NAACP President Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and the team of Moral Monday organizers, which became known as the Forward Together Moral Movement.
Rev. Curtis E. Gatewood holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor Degree of Theology from Apex School of Theology. He is married to his supportive wife Odessa; and is the father of a son (Anthony), a daughter (Demera), and four granddaughters.
