Members of Lawrence’s NAACP branch want to celebrate the past and look to the future as part of an event next month.

As the local branch honors the national civil rights organization’s 100th anniversary, its members say the NAACP still has plenty of work to do, including helping Kansas school districts reduce their drop-out rates.

“It’s still needed now more than ever,” said Ursula Minor, the Lawrence branch’s secretary.

At a time that the 50 current branch members are trying to increase their numbers, they are inviting past and present members to a Nov. 7 gala at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. As part of the celebration, the branch will take a historical picture of all past and present members at 7 p.m.

“It is a celebration. It’s an opportunity for two generations of history to come together,” said Sonya Johnson, the branch president.

The celebration includes semi-formal attire, and it will be from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $25, and they are available by calling Minor at 785-749-1712 or sending her an e-mail at ujminor@sunflower.com.

Ticket sales fund scholarships that the branch offers each year to local students, and sales help the chapter’s operating fund. In addition to dancing and food, the branch aims to have a display of historical pictures at the event.

Current branch members are doing their best to track down older members who now don’t actively participate in meetings. Any members who want to attend are encouraged to contact Minor by phone or e-mail.

“It certainly lets them known that the branch is still very much alive and that we are still very much concerned and involved in what’s going on in our community and on a national level as well,” Johnson said.