NATCHEZ — Three locals were honored Saturday for their work with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The 64th annual Mississippi State Conference NAACP convention was in Natchez this week, and the convention ended with an awards ceremony at the Natchez Convention Center.

Former Natchez Mayor Phillip West was awarded the Goodman-Chaney-Schwerner Award, which is given to an individual, institution or organization contributing most to the improvement of political power for all people.

West served as mayor, an Adams County Supervisor and a Mississippi state legislator.

“Mayor Phillip West broke the color barrier by becoming the first black mayor of Natchez,” Mississippi State Conference President Derrick Johnson said.

“There was no way the NAACP could come to Natchez without honoring Phillip West.”

West said he was surprised and honored to receive the award.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of all those who came before me,” he said.

While many political gains have been made, the fight is not over, West said.

“We must stay on the battlefield until all us children can judge a person on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin,” he said.

The Fannie Lou Hamer Award was presented to Mamie Lee Mazique. The award is presented to those demonstrating a genuine care for those in need.

During more politically turbulent times, Mazique used her sister’s café to organize NAACP meetings. She also worked for many years as the director of the Head Start program.

Mazique’s fearlessness worked to help many Natchezians to vote, Johnson said.

“She is definitely a lady to be admired and loved,” he said.

Mazique said she was surprised to receive the award.

“I thank all of you for thinking of me,” she said.

The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Alfred Hunter.

“I have never seen anybody as committed to the state cause (as Hunter),” Johnson said. “At one point, the Natchez branch dropped below 50 members, but he said, ‘That will never happen while I am here.’”

Hunter has worked tirelessly for the NAACP’s causes through the years, and was the one who volunteered Natchez to host the convention, Johnson said.

When Hunter accepted the award, he did so with self-effacing humility.

“I didn’t do this alone,” he said. “The NAACP committee worked hard and said, ‘She won’t fail.’”

Other award recipients included:

4Master Maurice Lucas, who was given the Edgar Bridges Sr. Lifetime Membership Award.

4David Johnson, who was given the Jerry Mauldin Corporate Award.

4Alma Warren, who was given the Vernon Dahmer Award.

4Carlton Reeves and Patricia McDonald, who were given the NAACP Legal Award.

4Janette Self, who was given the Sam Bailey-Long Distance Runner Award.

4Janice Hopkins, who was given the Medgar Evers Award.

4George Roberts, who was given the Dr. Aaron Henry Lifetime Service Award.