The Kenosha Branch NAACP announced that its 65th annual Freedom Fund Dinner will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, in the University of Wisconsin‑Parkside Student Ballroom. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by the formal program at 6:30 p.m.
Theme and Purpose
This year’s theme, “We the People,” highlights the power of a diverse and inclusive citizenry to advance civil‑rights and social‑justice work. Organizers say the dinner will celebrate outcomes from the branch’s recent Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, showcase the achievements of the NAACP Youth Council, and recognize individuals and organizations that have made measurable differences in Kenosha County.
Keynote Speaker
The Honorable Rev. Judge Everett Mitchell will deliver the keynote address. Judge Mitchell serves as pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church and presides over the Juvenile Division in Dane County Circuit Court Branch 4. He is widely regarded as an advocate for education and equity within the judicial system.
In his remarks, Judge Mitchell will reflect on the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, chief counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who used the courtroom to make the Constitution’s promises real for people the nation had excluded. Mitchell will draw on that legacy to ask what it demands of communities today, especially as voting‑rights protections and other hard‑won gains face renewed challenges as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
Award Presentations
Two long‑standing branch awards will be presented during the evening:
- The Rev. Olen Arrington, Jr. Excellence Award
- The Brother John Wright Justice Award
Both honors recognize individuals or organizations that have advanced civil rights and justice in the Kenosha area.
The NAACP Youth Council will also present two newer awards that debuted at the 2025 dinner:
- The Heart of Service Award – honoring a young adult for dedicated community service.
- The Rising Star Award – honoring a young adult (age 25 or younger) who excels in the arts, STEM, or leadership to advance social‑justice goals.
“We are proud and honored to celebrate the 65th annual Freedom Fund dinner and showcase the exceptional work accomplished by fellow youth and young adults in the Kenosha community,” said Jada Monè Robinson, NAACP Youth Council President. “It is my hope that the Youth Council awards presentation becomes a long‑standing tradition that encourages young people to join the social‑justice movement while participating in this historic event.”
Tickets and Sponsorship
Adult tickets are available at two price points: $90, which includes dinner and an NAACP membership, or $50 for dinner only without membership. Youth tickets (age 25 and under) cost $45 and include dinner and a youth membership.
Tickets can be purchased online through the Kenosha Branch NAACP Eventbrite page. For information about sponsorships or advertising opportunities, contact Anthony Davis at [email protected] or call 262‑358‑7783.
Original reporting: Kenosha.com — read the source article.
