Oneida County Branch Of The NAACP To Host Annual Freedom Fund Dinner

On Sunday, November 3, the Oneida County Branch of the National Association for the  Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will hold its annual Freedom Fund Dinner. Founded  on the beliefs embodied in the Constitution of the United States of America, the mission of the NAACP is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and  practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

This year’s theme of “All In” reaffirms the NAACP’s commitment to using our collective  ingenuity, creativity and strength to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice.  Mrs. Freddie Hamilton, President of the Oneida County Branch of the NAACP, sees this theme of “all in” as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate 63 years of dedicated community  service in central New York through volunteerism.

This year’s keynote speaker is Willjavian Dawson. A dynamic leader and advocate with a deep  commitment to fostering global education, civic engagement, and community empowerment, Mr.  Dawson currently serves as the International Admission Advisor and DSO at SUNY Polytechnic  Institute.

Recognizing community members has also been an integral part of past Freedom Fund Dinners  and provides an opportunity to express our appreciation to those who have taken the initiative  and extra step to achieve positive change. In keeping with the theme “All In”, the branch will  take the opportunity to recognize several community members for their active involvement in the  affairs and activities of their community, often working behind the scenes to open up spaces for  others to be seen, to have their voices heard, and fulfill their potential. Our honorees’ work  encompasses a wide range of actions and behaviors through which they have contributed to the  functioning of democracy, the betterment of their community, and/or the advancement of shared  goals and values.  

Honorees include:

• Diane Berry
• Shana Dahlin
• U’nice Elliott-Jefferson
• Joseph Johnson
• David Jones
• Ace Morreale

This year’s Freedom Fund Dinner will be held at the Five Points Public House and Events Center  in the Irish Community Center at 623 Columbia Street from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Doors will open at  12:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $60 per person for adults (ages 21 and older) and $40.00 for  youth (ages 20 and younger), which includes NAACP membership, and $30 for NAACP lifetime  members.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite through Monday, October 21, or by contacting Dawn  Michelle Laguerre at laguerremedia@gmail.com /(315) 266-7548.