NAACP Murfreesboro Branch Announces 2026 Freedom Fund Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominique Fields, Press and Publicity Chair

NAACP - Murfreesboro Branch 5605-B

MURFREESBORO, TN (May 3, 2026) — The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch is proud to announce its 2026 Freedom Fund Gala, an annual celebration honoring the courageous leaders and organizations advancing justice, equity, and community empowerment throughout Rutherford County. The Gala will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the MTSU Student Union Ballroom, located on Middle Tennessee State University's campus.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Blooming Beyond Barriers,” reflects a defining moment that calls upon our community to stand firm in courage, lead with purpose, and rise above the barriers that continue to shape inequality in our region. The Freedom Fund Gala is not just an event—it is a declaration that the work of freedom is ongoing, and the changemakers among us are unstoppable.

In alignment with this year’s theme, the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch is actively seeking nominations for individuals and organizations that embody resilience in action. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

• Freedom Fund Woman of the Year & Freedom Fund Man of the Year — Recognizing a Rutherford County humanitarian whose volunteerism and civic engagement advance political, educational, social, or economic equality.

• Freedom Fund Youth of the Year — Honoring a young leader (ages 14–22) whose contributions have strengthened the community while upholding NAACP social justice principles.

• Freedom Fund Community Organization of the Year — Celebrating a community, civic, or faith-based organization committed to advancing economic growth, educational equality, and/or social justice.

• Freedom Fund Greek Organization of the Year — Honoring a Rutherford County fraternity or sorority demonstrating outstanding leadership, community service, and commitment to social justice.

The nomination submission deadline is May 31, 2026. Nominations may be submitted online at form.jotform.com/260647053709157.

Tickets are on sale now and available through August 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pricing is as follows:

• General Admission – Adult: $100.00 per ticket

• General Admission – Youth (ages 5–22): $75.00 per ticket

• Table (8 admissions): $800.00 per table

  
  

Organizations and community leaders interested in sponsoring the 2026 Freedom Fund Gala are encouraged to review available sponsorship packages at naacpmurfreesboro.org/general-5.

“Together, let us celebrate the leaders who make freedom not only possible but unstoppable.” The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch looks forward to welcoming the community to an evening of celebration, recognition, and renewed commitment to the fierce urgency of justice.

For media inquiries, nominations, sponsorship, and ticket information, visit www.naacpmurfreesboro.org

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.