The Salisbury-Rowan NAACP is hosting its 30th annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Peeler Crystal Lounge at Catawba College.

The milestone event will feature Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, as the keynote speaker. The theme for this year’s banquet is “All In,” representing the Branch’s commitment to ensure that all people have equal political, educational, social and economic rights and to eliminate racial discrimination in Rowan County.

This year, the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP honors three local organizations with the Champion of Change Awards for their dedication to advancing equality and supporting community well-being. The recipients include Next Generation Academy, Salisbury Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Women for Community Justice.

Courtney Sawyer-Smith will be presented with the Lady Justice Membership Award, the highest award a local branch can bestow. Her contributions and advocacy have impacted our community, embodying the spirit of resilience and positive change.

The Freedom Fund Banquet is a long-standing tradition that helps fund programs such as the Financial Literacy Series, the Color of Change Youth Initiative, and Voter Education Outreach. Get involved by attending or sponsoring the event to play a crucial role in initiatives, including combatting voter suppression, supporting students, and building a diverse and inclusive community.

Tickets are available online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/salisburyfreedomfund. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Freedom Fund Committee at freedomfund@salisburyrowannaacp.org.