Murfreesboro NAACP Branch Celebrates 2026 Freedom Fund Gala, “Rooted in Resilience: Blooming Beyond Barriers,” Honoring Community Leaders and Rising Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominique Fields, Press and Publicity Chair

NAACP Murfreesboro Branch 5605-B

MURFREESBORO, TN (September 10, 2026)  — The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch successfully hosted its 2026 Freedom Fund Gala, themed “Rooted in Resilience: Blooming Beyond Barriers,” on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Ballroom. Guests gathered for an evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition of individuals and organizations whose service continues to advance the NAACP's mission throughout Rutherford County.

The Freedom Fund traces its roots to 1953, when Dr. Channing H. Tobias, then Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, launched the national Freedom Fund campaign under the slogan “Free by '63” to fuel the organization's legal battles and civil rights work to end state-imposed racial discrimination by the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Murfreesboro Branch carried that legacy forward, hosting its first local Freedom Fund Banquet in 1970. Now in its latest chapter as the Freedom Fund Gala, the annual event has become both a vital fundraiser and a celebration of the leaders and visionaries who reflect the NAACP's values of equality, education, civic service, and justice.

This year's theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Blooming Beyond Barriers,” reminded attendees that while significant progress has been made since the Freedom Fund's founding, the work of the NAACP is not finished.

The evening was proudly emceed by local radio personality Da Voice, who guided guests through a program that included a welcome from NAACP Murfreesboro Branch President Pastor David Settles, a musical selection, and a prayer from Chaplain Ernest Newsom. Musical and spoken word performances from vocalist Jessica Taylor and spoken word artist Kyna Kyles added to the celebratory atmosphere, with DJ 50CYN keeping the evening's energy alive. The Gala closed with remarks from Freedom Fund Chair Chay Woods, calling on the community to continue investing in the mission and to carry the spirit of the evening forward throughout the year.

Under the leadership of Freedom Fund Chair Chay Woods, the Gala honored nominees across six categories, recognizing outstanding achievement and service:

Woman of the Year nominees: Mrs. Celest Davis, Ms. Claressa Ham, and Ms. Wendy Hellum.

Man of the Year nominees: Dr. Wesley Carr-Patterson, Dr. Jotrone “JR” Marable, and Pastor James M. McCarroll.

Youth of the Year nominees: Ms. Jada Caruthers, Ms. Zoie Tubbs, and Mr. R.J. Ware.

Organization of the Year nominees: Archie's Promise, Rutherford County Democrats Care, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Murfreesboro.

Greek Organization of the Year nominees: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Sigma Lambda Chapter), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Pi Nu Omega Chapter), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter).

Each nominee's presentation was introduced by dedicated branch members and community partners, including Mrs. Tisa Beard, Mr. Ed Grimes, Mr. Michal Mosby, Dr. Cornell Jenkins, and Mr. Eric Murry, with Ms. Florence Smith recognizing the Membership Recruiter/New Member of the Year and Ms. Marqueta Massey introducing the evening's host.

The success of the Gala was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and community partners whose brands and voices were featured throughout the evening's program. The Murfreesboro NAACP Branch extends its sincere thanks to Platinum sponsor Middle Tennessee Dining–Aramark; Bronze sponsors the Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Patron sponsor Sandie Mastin-Paulson. Additional thanks go to table and program sponsors African American Heritage, the City of Murfreesboro, First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro Muslim Youth, Omicron Sigma Lambda, Pi Nu Omega, Pyramid Foundation of TN, Rutherford County Democrats Care, Sigma Chi Zeta, Martha Bigsby, Sheneka Hernandez, Ernest Newsom, Nolia Newsom, David Settles, Mary & Goldy Wade, and Judy Whitehill.

The branch also thanks its digital ad sponsors, whose brands and personalities were featured throughout the program: Berry Chapel, Elegant Einstein, Violet Cox-Wingo, Magnificent Nails, Nelson & Sons Chapel, Pi Nu Omega, Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter, TSU National Alumni Association, Therapy Suites of Smyrna LLC, Veretta Woods, Wynning Motherhood, Yagyo Coffee, and candidates Angela Wynn for State Senate and Brett Windrow for State House District 13. Their generosity and visibility throughout the evening strengthened the Gala and supported the NAACP's ongoing mission.

For additional information about the Murfreesboro NAACP Branch's programs and initiatives, please contact the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch at www.naacpmurfreesboro.org/ or email boronaacp@gmail.com.

About the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch

The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch is a local unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. The Branch is committed to eliminating racial discrimination and ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons in Rutherford County and the surrounding region.