Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Urges Vigilance in Protecting DEI at Atlantic City NAACP Freedom Fund Gala
at the Atlantic City NAACP Freedom Fund Gala at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell speaks at the Atlantic City on Saturday, April 26, 2026. Photo by AC JosepH Media
Keynote Speaker Warns Against Efforts to Roll Back Diversity and Inclusion
Atlantic City NAACP Honors Community, Business and Civic Leaders at 52nd Annual Gala
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell urged supporters of diversity, equity and inclusion to remain vigilant against efforts to dismantle progress made under those principles, delivering a forceful message at the Atlantic City NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday, April 25.
Caldwell, the former president of Centenary University, served as keynote speaker for the annual gala at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which drew about 500 attendees. The ceremony honored numerous community leaders, including Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Atlantic County Commissioner Rev. Collins Days.
While not mentioning the administration of President Donald Trump by name, Caldwell said civil rights advocates must stay committed despite actions by the federal government to roll back DEI initiatives across government, education, business and other sectors.
He said he believes momentum is already shifting back toward those who support diversity and inclusion.
“Those who know history knows that the pendulum is already swinging from anti-DEI to pro-DEI,” Caldwell told the audience. “Organizations like NAACP need to be ready for that. That is the time we are performing. You should not give up. Too many of us have given up.
“Now is the time for us to come together, to double down on what the NAACP stands for, to double down on our organizations, our black organizations and other organizations.”
Caldwell noted that he has helped establish five Halls of Fame honoring African Americans — including business leaders, authors and athletes — to ensure their history is preserved.
“Challenge those people, those people that are already pushing back on opportunities for equity, and making sure that everybody has the rightful opportunities that they deserve.”
The gala annually celebrates individuals who have opened doors to opportunity in their own communities. This year’s honorees included:
- Government Award: Rev. Collins Days, Atlantic County Commissioner
- Community Service Award: JuWana McNear, Avanzar
- Education Award: Stacey Sweeney, Stockton University
- Business Award: Authentic City Partners, Evan Sanchez and Zenith Shah
- Business Award: Byrdcage, Jason Tell, Richard Helfant, Giulietta Consalvo
- Corporate Award: Keith Purnell, Caesar’s Atlantic City
- Health Award: Dr. Desiree May, AtlantiCare
- President’s Award: Marty Small Sr., Mayor of Atlantic City
There supporting the mayor at the event was his wife, Atlantic City Schools Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta Small, while Days was supported by his daughter, Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance “Mandy” Days-Chapman.
Atlantic City NAACP Vice President and gala chair Rosie Segura said the honorees are what make the event meaningful.
“Every year we have outstanding speakers, outstanding honorees and outstanding guests because the Atlantic City NAACP Freedom Fund Gala is outstanding,” Segura said. “This is our 52nd anniversary gala and we’re so proud to have the lieutenant governor but we have exceptional honorees as well.”
Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan, who attended the event, said her presence was a way to acknowledge the organization’s support during her successful campaign last year. Rowan defeated a Republican incumbent in November to win her seat in the New Jersey Legislature.
“The NAACP has been very supportive of my candidacy and now that I am an assemblywoman and I wanted to show my appreciation of that,” Rowan said. “I did bring different coalitions together because they are very important to me. I live in Atlantic City and diversity is important. I don’t think diversity, equity and inclusion are dirty words. It should be celebrated and I think my coalitions proved that we can get it done and support each other.”
Hard Rock Atlantic City President George Goldhoff invoked the legacy of the late civil rights icon John Lewis, noting that he “never, ever stopped” fighting for justice “despite immense struggles.”
“Here’s my personal promise to all of you in this room and to everyone that I have influence with. I’m going to continue to live the Hard Rock motto, ‘All is one,’ and level the playing field within my sphere of influence, wherever possible, at Hard Rock Atlantic City, with our 4,000 strong team members, but most importantly, I stand with the strong leaders in this room.”
Atlantic City NAACP President Kaleem Shabazz, who also serves as Atlantic City Council President, acted as master of ceremonies. He emphasized the importance of the event in bringing the community together and uplifting young people. The branch’s youth council greeted guests and ushered them to their tables throughout the evening.
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