Gloucester County NAACP Announces 2026 Black & White Gala, Celebrating Game Changing Leaders
Photo courtesy of Mayor John Wallace LinkedIn
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
DEPTFORD – Glassboro Mayor John Wallace, union leader Shawn Ludwig and singing legend Wilbert Hart will be honored at the Gloucester County NAACP’s 2026 Black & White Gala on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford.
The gala annually spotlights some of the region’s most influential voices, advocates, and changemakers. The event, where the doors open at 5 p.m., said the gala will be an evening dedicated to honoring excellence and elevating those who strengthen the civic and cultural fabric of South Jersey. Award-winning community leader Loretta Winters is the president of the Gloucester County NAACP.
Widely regarded as one of the NAACP’s signature annual celebrations, the Black & White Gala recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership reflects the mission of equity, justice, and community advancement.
This year’s honorees represent a broad spectrum of service — from civil rights and education to government, public safety, media, and faith leadership.
Honoring Excellence Across South Jersey
The President’s Award, one of the NAACP’s highest local honors, will be presented to three leaders whose work has left a lasting imprint on their communities:
*Wilbert Hart, celebrated member of the legendary Delfonics
*Shawn Ludwig, President of CWA 1038
*Mayor John Wallace, Mayor of Glassboro
The organization will also recognize two dynamic duos as Power Couples of the Year:
*Fatihah & Michael Dixon, Perfecting Church, Sewell
*Charyn & Gregory Martin, Council Members, Carney’s Point
This year’s Lifetime Legacy Award will be bestowed upon Denise Williams, National President of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, honoring her decades of leadership and advocacy.
Game Changers Making an Impact
The NAACP’s Game Changer Awards highlight individuals and organizations whose work embodies innovation, courage, and community uplift:
*Excellence in Communication – Atlantic City Focus, Mark and Raymond Tyler
*Wilfredo Rojas Civil Rights Award – Veronica Santina Rojas
*Dr. Irene Hill Smith Civil Rights Award – Dr. LaDerrick Bullock
*Law and Public Safety Award – Aquasia Davis, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office
*Excellence in Government Award – Tahje Thomas, Paulsboro Council
*Medical Excellence Award – Dr. George Scott, Rowan University
*Next Generation Award – Dalin Hackley, Office of Congressman Norcross
*Veterans & Armed Forces Award – George Bethel, U.S. Navy Veteran
*Excellence in Education Award – Cody Miller, Rowan College of South Jersey
*MVP – Gloucester County NAACP – Sonny Winters & Russell Alteritz
Each honoree reflects the NAACP’s commitment to recognizing those who not only excel in their fields but also work tirelessly to uplift others.
A Night of Celebration and Purpose
The Gloucester County NAACP invites the public to join in celebrating these extraordinary leaders whose contributions continue to empower communities across the region. The gala will feature tributes, fellowship, and recognition of individuals who embody the spirit of service and justice.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional event details, visit gcnaacp.com.
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