Since its grassroots founding on Feb. 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has spread its arms of influence to reach and affect supporters and members both across the country and internationally.

Tomorrow, the University’s chapter of NAACP will celebrate 100 years of success by honoring students and people from the Athens community in the Third Annual Image Award Ceremony.

“It’s really good that we honor the student groups, individuals and faculty,” said Roshaunda McLean, a graduate assistant at the African American Cultural Center. “Each of these people works really hard on campus to uphold the ideas of NAACP.”

The Image Awards will recognize those who have made significant contributions toward social justice advocacy. Student group awards, such as ones for Outstanding Cultural Performance, Best Diversity Initiative and Outstanding Organization, will be given. NAACP also will acknowledge individuals who have continued to make a difference.

“The most outstanding organization and the outstanding leader award are two of the most prestigious awards given,” said Monifa Williams, NAACP Public Relations Co-Chair.

“To receive the award, the group could be nominated by a random person or by an individual in that group. For the individual awards, the recipient has to be nominated by someone else.”

Georgia state representative Alisha Thomas Morgan will attend and assist as the keynote speaker for the event. She was the first African American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives, and at 28, she is the youngest member of the Georgia General Assembly.

Another special guest, Dr. Tracey Ford, will make an appearance tomorrow. The Dr. Tracey Ford Adviser award will be given to someone who has donated their time to the education and development of social justice leaders.

“The students really appreciate her,” McLean said. “She is one who does a lot, but people don’t acknowledge that all that often.”

The theme for the night is “Milestones of the Past, Gateway to the Future: A Century of Progress.”

“It has been 100 years, but the question that we face now is, ‘What’s next?’” McLean said. “We are rethinking our mission and goals.”

In the past, the University’s chapter of NAACP has rallied the community and students to vote, introduced health issues on campus that deal with minorities and involved other organizations, such as UGA HERO, in its achievements.

“Between the past 100 years and now, you see an influx in participants,” Image Awards Committee Co-Chair Nikki Dement said. “A bunch of people all around on different campuses are getting involved.”