Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Westland, Mich., September 23, 2023 –The Western Wayne County NAACP will hold its 26th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the SoHo Grand Banquet and Event Center at 34615 Warren Road in Westland, Michigan.

Serving as 2023 Honorary Chairs are Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive; Linda Atkins, CEO of Western Wayne Family Health Centers; and William Wild, CEO of Midwest Independent Retailers Association and former mayor of Westland.

"The Western Wayne Countybranch of the NAACP is an organization that has been a consistent and persistent presence in fighting for the rights and equality of Black communities," said Evans, in encouraging attendance at this annual fundraising event that will provide scholarships for students who live in Western Wayne County.

Evans added, "It is in the spirit of the NAACP and its legacy that we continue to strive for a fully inclusive society where everyone can chase their dreams."

The theme for this year is "We are Here! Moving Forward to Repair and Resolve with Power," and the keynote speaker will be Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the National NAACP.

"Thanks to the attendance and support of Derrick Johnson, our distinguished honorary chairs, notable honorees, generous sponsors, steadfast members and guests, we look forward to celebrating our legacy with an outstanding dinner event," said Gina Wilson Steward, president of Western Wayne County NAACP.

This year's honorees include Judge Karen Braxton, Community Leadership; Mayor Lamar Tidwell, Elected Official, Laura Dudgeon, Freedom and Justice; Robert Wilson, Lifetime Achievement; Saif Alsenad, Trailblazer; Operation Refuge, Exceptional Service to the Community, and Shane Tinsley, Sean Tinsley and Akil Alvin, Great Expectations.

For sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets for the Freedom Fund dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, visit http://www.westernwaynecountynaacp.com. For more information, email [email protected] or call Dakima Jackson at 734-419-1973.

Western Wayne County NAACP is continuing to grow and build partnerships with people, businesses, organizations and elected officials throughout the Western Wayne County area. These relationships are helping us fight to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.