The Hutchinson branch of the NAACP is preparing for its annual Freedom Fund Dinner, set for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
NAACP Hutchinson Branch President Calvin Wright and Vice President Darryl Pope said the dinner is the organization’s only major fundraiser of the year, providing essential support for its mission to advance equity, eliminate discrimination, and promote political, social, and educational inclusion in the community.
“We work to make sure that Black voices are heard, demands are met, and Black excellence is amplified—from classrooms and courtrooms to City Hall and Congress,” Wright said.
The evening will feature keynote speaker Dirk Lawson, a civil rights attorney and former general counsel for the NAACP’s national office. Attendees will also hear a presentation on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s journey through Alabama from community partner Jim Davis of Common Ground.
The Freedom Fund Dinner begins with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the program at 6 p.m. The event includes a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are available by donation at $75 per person or $144 per couple. Tables and sponsorships are also available. Business attire is requested.
Beyond the fundraiser, the Hutchinson NAACP hosts events throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances, Black History Month programs for USD 308 students, and commemorations of Fair Housing and Brown v. Board of Education anniversaries. The branch also supports Emancipation Day activities in August.
The group meets monthly at Hutchinson Community College, usually featuring guest speakers in addition to business updates. On Oct. 2, just days before the fundraiser, the branch will host Dr. Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, to discuss voting rights and civil liberties.
Those interested in attending the dinner, donating, or becoming a member may call the local NAACP office at 620-669-7202 or visit 23 East First, Office 7 in Hutchinson.