“I got my start by giving myself a start.” Keynote speaker, Moravian University’s Dr. Belinda Waller-Peterson, started her remarks by quoting the first female millionaire in the country.

Dr. Waller-Peterson was speaking at the NAACP Bethlehem’s 80th annual Freedom Fund Banquet March 30 at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem Township.

The award ceremony celebrated the achievements of local Black entrepreneurs.

Waller-Peterson was telling the story of Sarah Breedlove, a Black woman born in 1867 on the same plantation where her parents had been enslaved before the Civil War.

“She would later come to be known as Madam C.J. Walker,” Waller-Peterson said.

“This child of sharecroppers transformed herself from an uneducated farm laborer and laundress into one of the twentieth century’s most successful, self-made women entrepreneurs.”

The story was illustrative of the potential that the honorees, all Black entrepreneurs, have as examples for others who aspire to succeed as business owners.

“Congratulations to the incredible 2025 honorees — this day is a tribute to your vision, your resilience, and your service,” Waller-Peterson said.

“And thank you to Moravian University, especially Dr. Chris Hunt and my other colleagues at the Center for Inclusive Excellence, for the congratulatory ad in today’s program,” she continued. “I appreciate your continued support of my book, ‘Womb Work: Healing Narratives as Reparative Praxis in Black Women’s Literature.’

“What a beautiful day to gather in the spirit of pride, purpose, and progress. I am honored and humbled to stand before you at this NAACP banquet – a space where history, hope and community converge to deliver remarks about A Celebration of Resilience and Black Excellence.”

The event was attended by local elected officials and candidates for public office.

Esther Lee, the immediate past president of the Bethlehem Chapter of the NAACP, used the occasion to introduce the newly elected president, the Rev. Clinton Bryant.

Miriam Frey was one of the business entrepreneurs attending. “I am honored to be recognized by the NAACP for my dedication to serving the African-American community comprehensive hair care and spa services for over 25 years.” Frey is a stylist at Gabriella’s Salon and Day Spa at 1331 Roth Ave. in Allentown.

Also honored was Steve Holloman, the owner of Topsy Turvy, a gift shop featuring artwork handcrafted jewelry, Bethlehem stars and other game boards, vintage and other antiques complete furniture. Topsy Turvy is located at 528 – 530 Main St. in Bethlehem.

Veronica Moore, a celebrated educator, facilitator and award-winning children’s book author with a passion for promoting social emotional learning through plant care and nature, was also honored. Moore owns Leaf & Vine Books, a publishing company. She is also co-owner of The Taste of Smokers, an event space and catering business.

Michael Perry opened Michael Terry’s Hair Studio in 2012. He received recognition for serving on community organizations and boards including the Empire Beauty School Advisory Board and the Pocono Community Theater.

Tyrone Russell was also recognized. He is a cofounder of Faces International and has served in many community service organizations including Northampton Community College as a counselor and instructor and as the coordinator for racial and ethnic justice at the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.

Tyishe Sanderson was named one of the 2025 recipients of honor by the Bethlehem Chapter of the NAACP. Sanderson is the founder and owner of T&R Cleanings, a professional janitorial service providing services to the Lehigh Valley area located in Bethlehem.

Chris Sell was recognized as an entrepreneur at the Green Pond Country Club event. He owns Official Cuts ,which employs three men and himself.

Ulonda Weems, owner of Just 4 You hair salon, was honored at the NAACP Bethlehem Celebration of Resilience and Black Enterprise program.

Among the attendees were Tomacene Nichols; Rosemary Hansel; J. Williams Reynolds, Bethlehem mayor; Rep. Jeanne McNeil; former U. S. Congresswoman Susan Wild; Bethlehem City Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith; Rep. Steve Samuelson, and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva also attended.