Edwardsville Branch NAACP Announces 61st Annual Freedom Fund Banquet and Awards Gala

The May 30, 2026 event at SIUE’s Meridian Ballroom will feature keynote speaker Patrick E. Smith and scholarship awards for high school seniors.

Diona Shelton, NAACP Edwardsville Branch Communications

Apr 30, 2026 3:31 PM

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Patrick Smith.

EDWARDSVILLE — The NAACP Edwardsville Branch proudly announces its 61st Annual Freedom Fund Banquet and Awards Gala, themed “Stronger Together: One Community, One Future.” The event will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Meridian Ballroom at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

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This year’s keynote speaker is Patrick E. Smith, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois, a respected leader known for his commitment to community advancement and equitable opportunity.

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This signature event will honor outstanding servant leaders in the community and award scholarships to high school seniors who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service. The Freedom Fund Banquet remains a longstanding tradition of celebrating progress, uplifting voices, and investing in the next generation.

Attendees will also experience an unforgettable musical performance by J Brew and the Crew (The B.O.C.), featuring acclaimed trumpeter Jason C. Brewer. Known for their high-energy, genre-blending sound, the group fuses jazz, gospel, funk, and R&B into a dynamic, soul-stirring live experience. With exceptional musicianship and a powerful stage presence, J Brew and the Crew delivers more than music—they create an atmosphere that inspires, uplifts, and connects with audiences on a deeper level.

“This celebration is both a reflection of how far we’ve come and a call to continue the work ahead,” said Dr. Traci S. Daniels, President of the Edwardsville Branch NAACP. “Together, we are building a stronger, more unified future.”

Community members and organizations are invited to support the event through sponsorships, advertisements, and ticket purchases. For more information about tickets, visit www.naacpedwardsvillebranch.org, with additional support opportunities outlined on the official website.