New London — The New London branch of the NAACP honored several residents with Lifetime Achievement Awards on Thursday during its annual Freedom Fund Dinner, the civil rights organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The theme of the dinner, which was held at the Port 'N Starboard Restaurant at Ocean Beach Park, was “Defeat Hate - Vote,” which New London NAACP President Jean Jordan said represents the goals and initiatives of NAACP branches on a local, state and national level.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipients included Spencer Lancaster, John Harris, the Rev. Herman Pollard and Albert Garvin. An Education Award was presented to the Hempsted Houses. Shirley Gillis, a past president of the New London NAACP, a former New London teacher and a former state teacher of the year, was presented with the President’s Award.

Day Staff Writer Greg Smith contributed to this report.