NAACP's Freedom Fund Banquet Returns This October

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

August 9, 2021

The Greater Bristol Branch of the NAACP’s Freedom Fund Banquet will once again return.

This year, the President of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Jay Williams will be serving as the keynote speaker.

NAACP officials say the event is slated for Oct. 29 at the Doubletree Hilton in Bristol with a social hour starting at 6 p.m. and dinner following near 7 p.m. The event theme is titled “Race for Equality.”

The foundation and Williams work to bring equity economic and social mobility to the region while also searching to destroy structural racism, said the NAACP. They do so in collaboration with nonprofits and area stakeholders. Williams in the past was also a U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development while serving President Barack Obama and was noted for his leadership with the federal economic agenda. He was also noted for being an Office of Intergovernmental Affairs deputy director.

“Williams is more than qualified on this subject because of his extensive background in getting out into communities and having these oft-times very difficult conversations,” said Bristol NAACP branch President Eric Clemons. “What impresses me most is that being a former federal government official, he expertly handles the issue from all sides. We are in for a treat! He’ll provide much food for thought.”

The banquet is anticipated to pay tribute to Lexie Mangum, past NAACP branch president and area community servant and business leader.

“Lexie has been a fixture in this community for 40 years and I have never heard a negative word. He is still serving, and we want to show our appreciation,” said Clemons.

Event tickets include a year membership with the NAACP, a year magazine subscription and include dinner at $80 apiece.