Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens called for service and civic participation as the Oneida County NAACP marked 65 years and honored five individuals and two organizations.
UTICA, N.Y. The NAACP Oneida County Branch celebrated its 65th anniversary at a sold-out Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Five Points Public House and Events Center in the Irish Cultural Center, according to the branch’s November 2 announcement.
The program’s theme, “We, the People,” connected the anniversary to the organization’s continuing civil-rights and community work. Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens delivered the keynote address.
“It is about the work”
“It is not about title, never has been. It is about the work, and it is about the service,” Owens told guests, according to the release.
Owens is Syracuse’s 55th mayor, its first African American mayor and the second woman to hold the office, as confirmed in her official city biography. Her term began in January 2026.
The branch said her remarks emphasized strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity and encouraging residents to take part in civic life. The nonpartisan anniversary program came two days before the November 3 election.
Recognizing local service and a young leader
The branch honored five individuals whose work spans faith, health care, youth services, the arts and student leadership:
- Rev. Sharon Baugh, pastor of Hope Chapel AME Zion Church and executive director of Hope Chapel Ministries.
- Monalisa Fermin-Fennell, Project RISE program coordinator at ICAN.
- Dr. Cynthia Jones, chief medical officer at Mosaic Health Utica.
- Teresa Van Etten, artist and community advocate.
- Marinez Chambers, a Proctor High School senior and youth honoree.
Two organizations, Citizen Action of New York’s Central New York chapter and Indivisible Mohawk Valley, received recognition for their civic and community work.
Dr. Omobonike “Bonike” Odegbami, the branch’s Education Committee chair and Hamilton College’s director of International Student Services, presented Chambers with a youth recognition award. The branch described that tribute as part of its commitment to encouraging emerging leaders.
Photo gallery: Freedom Fund Dinner
Select a photograph to view it at full size.
State recognitions mark 65 years
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon presented a New York State Assembly Citation recognizing the branch’s anniversary and service. State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo presented a Senate proclamation, according to the announcement.
Attorney General Letitia James delivered a video message. Ed Jackson, identified in the release as a former American Legion commander and OCHC Living Legend, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Jill Farnham-Us offered the invocation.
Branch President Freddie Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Woodman welcomed attendees.
Supporting the work ahead
Guests shared dinner and supported the branch through a raffle and other fundraising activities. Tracy Goodman of Mrs. Goodman’s Goodies created an anniversary cake and cupcakes carrying the message “Strong Roots, Bright Futures.”
The branch said the Freedom Fund Dinner supports its work in educational equity, civil rights, youth engagement and community advocacy. The celebration recognized established community leaders alongside a student honoree, linking the branch’s history with the next generation of local service.
Utica Phoenix previously published an advance preview of the dinner. This report covers the completed anniversary program.
Source: NAACP Oneida County Branch’s November 2, 2026, complete anniversary media package and accompanying photograph supplied to Utica Phoenix by Michelle LaGuerre. Event details, the keynote quotation and photograph identifications are attributed to those materials.
