NAACP Murfreesboro Branch Hosts Annual Freedom Fund Gala to Honor Local Leaders and Organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominique Fields, Press and Publicity Chair

NAACP - Murfreesboro Branch 5605-B

Murfreesboro, TN (September 23, 2025) — The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch proudly presented its 2025 Freedom Fund Gala, held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

The Freedom Fund has a proud history of sustaining the NAACP’s mission. This year’s gala continues that tradition by recognizing remarkable men, women, youth, and organizations whose contributions strengthen Rutherford County and inspire us all to carry forward the legacy of civil rights. The evening was emceed by Da Voice, guiding attendees through a program that uplifts community leadership and celebrates collective progress.

In 1953, Dr. Channing H. Tobias, Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, launched a Fight for the Freedom Fund campaign to fuel the organization’s ongoing legal battles and civil rights work. Out of that charge and rocky road to recognition, the Freedom Fund Banquet was born, becoming both a fundraiser to sustain the NAACP's mission and a celebration of those whose lives and work reflect the values of equality, education, civic service, and justice. Here in Murfreesboro, our branch proudly hosted its first Freedom Fund Banquet in 1970. This year, we continue to honor not only that legacy, but also the leaders and visionaries among us. The work is not finished, and freedom is non-negotiable.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From its earliest battles against lynching and segregation to today’s fight for equality and voting rights, the NAACP has remained steadfast in its mission: to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all people, and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

Honorees & Nominees

This year’s honorees and nominees include:

• Woman of the Year: Tisa Beard, Violet Cox-Wingo, Mylikia Franklin, Christina Jackson, Raquel Peebles, Andrea Sheffield, Chay Woods.

• Man of the Year: Germayle Franklin, Clyde Gresham, Ed Grimes,

• Youth of the Year: Ethan Carson, C.J. Johnson, Malaysia Sibert.

• Organizations of the Year: African American Heritage Society, Murfreesboro Rescue Mission, Patterson Park Community Center, The Pyramid Foundation of TN.

• Greek Organization of the Year: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho.

  
  

Sponsors & Advertisers

The Freedom Fund Gala is made possible with the generous support of community sponsors and advertisers, including: Turners Transportation Travel, Pi Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue, Uncle Nearest, Lilly’s Hot Chicken, #GardenTalks, Franklin’s Fruit Tea, Happy’s Sports Lounge, Puckett’s Restaurant, Celestial Delites, and Jefferson’s Restaurants.

About the NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st-century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.