Rising Resistance Celebrated at Jackson City NAACP Branch Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet

Jackson, MS — The Jackson City NAACP will host its 97th Annual Freedom Fund Awards & Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the historic M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, 1072 J.R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS. This year’s theme, “Resistance on the Rise,” is a call to celebrate the power of resilience, courage, and justice.

“Resistance is not just about saying no—it’s about building a future where justice, equity, and opportunity are real for every family in Jackson. This year’s Freedom Fund Banquet is both a celebration and a call to action. As we honor the legacy of Medgar Evers and lift up leaders who embody resilience, we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for civil rights in our city and across Mississippi,” said Nsombi Lambright-Haynes, President, Jackson City Branch NAACP.

In place of a keynote speaker, the banquet will highlight a celebration of arts and activism. The evening will feature performances by the Jim Hill High School Choir and Montage Theatre of Dance, uplifting the voices of local artists whose work embodies the spirit of change.

The event will also honor community leaders and organizations making a lasting impact:

• Dr. Corinne Anderson – Ineva May Pittman Award. This award, named in honor of the late Mrs. Ineva May Pittman—a trailblazer whose leadership helped shape the soul of Jackson—recognizes an individual who leads with compassion, courage, and conviction. Your tireless advocacy, servant leadership, and steadfast commitment to justice embody the very spirit of Mrs. Pittman’s legacy.

• Women for Progress of Mississippi, Inc. – John Dixon Community Service Award. This award, named for civic leader John Dixon, honors organizations with a longstanding commitment to civic engagement, education, and social justice. Through your tireless dedication to advancing the rights and opportunities of women, families, and communities across Mississippi, you exemplify the enduring legacy of John Dixon’s vision and service.

• Bonita Mosley – Delores Orey Lifetime Service Award. This award honors the legacy of Delores Orey, a fearless servant of the movement who dedicated her life to grassroots activism, mentorship, and resilience. Your lifetime of leadership, sacrifice, and advocacy reflects her spirit and stands as a beacon for generations to come.

This year’s gathering also carries historic significance as it marks the 100th birthday of Medgar Wiley Evers, Mississippi’s civil rights martyr and icon, whose legacy continues to guide the struggle for justice.

Proceeds from the banquet will support scholarships for local students and sustain the Jackson City NAACP’s ongoing advocacy for racial justice, voting rights, and economic equity.

Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact jacksoncitynaacp@gmail.com or (601) 566-4300.

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The Jackson City Branch of the NAACP has been at the forefront of the struggle for civil rights, justice, and equality in Mississippi. Through advocacy, community engagement, and youth development, the Branch continues to build on its legacy of resistance and resilience.