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You are invited to join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Monroe County Convention Center for our 45th Freedom Fund Banquet. Social hour begins at 6:00 pm and dinner starts promptly at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available via Givebutter.
Funds raised from the dinner financially support the branch’s activities such as the Scholarship Program for local high school seniors, public forums on significant civil rights issues, and community programs that advance the mission of the NAACP. This year’s theme is We, The People…
2026 President's Award Honoree: Dr. Audrey McCluskey
Each year, the Monroe County Branch NAACP president selects a person to recognize for their special achievements and distinguished public service. This year's honoree for the President's Award is Dr. Audrey McCluskey.
Dr. McCluskey is professor emerita at Indiana University-Bloomington where she taught and conducted research in several fields including Gender Studies,African American Cultural History ,Media, Representation, and the lives and work of Black women educators. Her academic work has centered on African American cultural history, media representation, and the lives of Black women educators. As a writer, educator, and public intellectual, she has played a vital role in illuminating the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans, particularly women, to the nation’s educational and social foundations.
2026 Keynote Speaker: Mr. Denzil Ross
The keynote speaker for the 2026 Banquet is Mr. Denzil Ross.
Mr. Ross joined IU Health as president of the South Region in February 2024. In this role, he leads strategic and operational avenues for IU Health Bloomington, IU Health Bedford Hospital, IU Health Morgan, IU Health Paoli Hospital, and over 60 ambulatory clinics and joint ventures encompassing more than 5,000 team members in seven counties.
Sponsorships & Advertisers:
We invite you to be a supporter of the work of the Monroe County Branch of the NAACP by being a banquet sponsor or an advertiser in our souvenir booklet.
As a sponsor of the NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, you will be listed on the Branch’s website, and receive the following benefits:
Platinum ($5000) – a full-page ad in the Souvenir Booklet, listed in all social media advertisements, recognition at the dinner, and up to eight tickets for the banquet on request.
Gold ($1100)– a full-page ad in the Souvenir Booklet, listed in all social media advertisements, recognition at the dinner, and up to four tickets for the banquet on request.
Silver ($800) – a half-page ad in Souvenir Booklet, listed in all social media advertisements, recognition at the banquet, and up to two tickets for the banquet on request.
Bronze ($550) – a quarter-page ad in Souvenir Booklet, recognition at the banquet, and a ticket for the banquet on request.
Souvenir Booklet Advertisements only are:
Full Page Ad - $175
One Half Page Ad - $125
One Quarter Page Ad - $85
You can submit your underwriter (sponsorship or souvenir booklet ad) order by mail or electronically. All artwork must be received no later than Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to guarantee publication in the Souvenir Booklet.
To pay, request an invoice or submit your materials electronically please complete the Givebutter form at https://givebutter.com/mcnaacp2026
To Mail your information or payment, please use the following address:
MC Branch NAACP
PO Box 243
Bloomington, IN 47402-0243
For more information or questions, contact us at contact@mcbnaacp.org .
General Admission, Friends of Dr. Audrey McCluskey, Sponsor a Student, Donations
Visit the banquet Givebutter site at https://givebutter.com/mcnaacp2026 and click the blue "Tickets, Ads and Sponsorships" button at the upper right of the page to purchase tickets or contribute financially to make this Freedom Fund Banquet a success.
Previous Banquets
Previous Banquets
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