Columbus NAACP to Host 50th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet with Stacey Abrams as Keynote Speaker

By Janell Williams

The Columbus NAACP chapter is hosting its 50th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center.

The Freedom Fund Banquet is a historic event that showcases to the community the impact that the local NAACP has had. It is also a fundraising event used to further the actions of the local NAACP chapters. All funds collected will assist with community outreach programs organized by the Columbus NAACP chapter. 

“The NAACP works to help support issues in the community; issues where people have been mistreated on the job, racially profiled, educating them on the issues that affect them and mobilizing and registering voters,” said Columbus NAACP Co-Chair Ed DuBose.

This year’s keynote speaker is former State Representative Stacey Abrams. Abrams is an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist and author who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017.

“We choose speakers like Stacey Abrams because we want to make sure that they identify with the mission of the NAACP. The mission of the political, social and educational rights of all people. She (Abrams) fits that description,” DuBose said.

This banquet is being directed by Co-Chairs Ed DuBose, State Rep. Carolyn Hugley, along with Honorary Chairs U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop, former State Rep. Clavin Smyre and Faith Cirlce Director Pastor Valerie Thompson.

Tickets for the Freedom Fund Banquet are on sale now for $100 each. They can be purchased at 1300 Wynnton Road, Suite 104, or by calling (706) 358-9202.