NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director

The NAACP’s 75th Marjorie D. Wickliffe Freedom Fund Banquet is Saturday, November 16 at the Memorial Coliseum with the social hour from 5-6pm and the banquet starts at 6pm.

All are invited to attend this event in celebration as the organization acknowledges the works of those who have come before us, said Rev. Bledsoe, NAACP President.

The theme for this year's event is “All in for what we had and what we have!’

This event is named for Marjorie D. Wickliffe who was born in Fort Wayne in 1896 and spent many of her 97 years of life in Fort Wayne helping others. She was instrumental in the start of the local chapter of the NAACP. She served as the chaplain with Rev. Graham, the first local president. She had many firsts in our community as the first black person to attend at Fort Wayne Community school, the first black person to own her own business in Fort Wayne, the first black woman to purchase her own home and several other firsts. Her life was a testimony to caring for others as well as her focus on freedom, family, responsibility and church.

Rev. Bledsoe looks to continue to be a support to families and others in the community for the current problems we are facing including community violence, police shootings and any other support needed by families. Bledsoe says that civil rights is an ongoing battle and the NAACP is here to fight alongside the community members. In her role now for a little over a year, Bledsoe says she’s continuing to trust and believe in God as she leads the organization during these trying times.

Check out the organization online at naacpfwac.org.

Tickets for the event are $65 and can be bought on Eventbrite or bought from any executive committee members. A table of 8 is $520 which is a discounted rate.

This is a red carpet event so come out and support in your best as the organization honors leaders and unsung heroes in the community and celebrates them. Rev. Bledsoe hopes to see you there and she’s proud of the work of the committee on this event!