Contributed commentary by Clarksville Branch NAACP President Jimmie Garland Sr.:
On Oct. 16, the Clarksville Branch NAACP #5582 will host its 65th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet dedicated to recognizing and celebrating those dedicated to fighting for equal rights for all citizens in and around Clarksville and Montgomery County Tennessee.
While the Clarksville Branch sustains its vigilance in protecting the rights of all citizens, this signature event will continue the tradition of providing essential resources necessary to continue to carry out its mission of social advocacy and protecting the rights of all people. Being held at the CMCSS South Facility, this fall’s event will highlight the sacrifices and service of the many who have served and sacrificed in the spirit of equality. Community members, adults and children, are invited to partake in an appetizing meal along with entertainment and an inspiring keynote message while enjoying the precious gift of fellowship.
The Freedom Fund Banquet will be an opportunity for community members to gather, be enlightened, inspired and to celebrate Branch accomplishments, exceptional service and membership milestones. The Freedom Fund Banquet is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) major fundraiser. Funds raised from this event provide our Branch access to essential trainings, resources and materials needed to shape our advocacy programs in support of residents of our community. The Freedom Fund Banquet is a means by which branches (for adults), chapters (for collegiates) and councils (for youth), across this nation, acquire funds to do the much-needed work of the NAACP while keeping membership fees accessible and affordable for people of all ages and on all socioeconomic levels.
While the immediate purpose and intent of the banquet is to keep the branch solvent and to provide a platform for the local organization to apprise our supporters of current and future actions to be untaken by their branch, it all comes down to engaging members of our community, to educate community members on areas of concern particularly on issues where people are disproportionately affected, to motivate and mobilize community members to get involved to effect positive social change, then assess the results and focus on continuous improvement, all while embracing diversity, in precept and practice, and appreciating its added value to the rich fabric of our unique community.
The banquet is the opportunity for our branch to reflect on past successes and opportunities while focusing on the health and welfare of our local, state and federal levels of governance. The Clarksville Branch of the NAACP has a longstanding history, more than 65 years, in the community and across the nation sometimes thought to be “dated” in its purpose, but the worth and relevance of an organization is not valued by the length of its existence. The relevance of the NAACP can only be calibrated by the current effect it has on issues germane to its mission.
Civil rights are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Today, civil and personal rights of people are being attacked by unethical policies and other acts of ill will against voting rights, healthcare accessibility, judicial parity and social justice, to name a few. As long as the rights of American citizens, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin and sexual preference are under attack, the NAACP will remain a beacon of hope and a means of advocacy on behalf of their plight.
The NAACP is not exclusive to Black or brown citizens, it is a civil rights advocacy organization. Citizens across this nation and universe have mistakenly aligned the worth and focus of the NAACP by concentrating on two words in the corporate name “Colored People.” People come in all colors, and because they do, we accept membership and the active participation, as well as financial support, from any like-minded individuals who choose to join us in our struggle for equality for all.
To get involved, just express a desire to join our team. You will be welcomed with open arms and hearts. We do have youth components; they are called the Youth Council and the College Chapter at Austin Peay. They are the extension of the adult branches across the nation. We are relying on them to be the keepers of the dreams of notables such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hammer, Rosa Parks, the Rev. Jerry G. Jerkins (our own) and others civil rights heroes and heroines. Their components are provided the same rights as the adult branches. Youth from age of birth to 18 are encouraged to become active participants of our youth councils, and college chapters have members to 21. As members they will be exposed to leadership skills that will assist them as they transition from adolescence to adulthood and to help mold them into responsible citizens.
The Freedom Fund Banquet is a program with a seated meal, but it is a ticketed event. Tickets are available, but onsite seats are limited. CDC guidelines will be in place, touchless temps will be taken upon entry and masks will be required. For the first time we will provide a virtual experience for the benefit of those who are more comfortable in a more isolated setting and will serve as an overflow in the event that onsite tickets are sold out.
For tickets, tables and more information, contact President Jimmie M. Garland Sr. at 931-216-6745; for membership information contact Loretta Morris at 904-504-8916; and for inquiries on sponsorships and promotional opportunities for publication in the Commemorative Souvenir Booklet contact Kathleen Evans 931-378-9422.
Jimmie Garland Sr.