

Dress Attire (Formal)
37th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet
Greater Texarkana Branch
Theme We the People
Time: 6:00 pm Meet & Greet
7:00 pm Banquet
Venue: The Canvas Special Events Center
2101 Texas Boulevard
Texarkana, Texas
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL RESPONSE
THE BANQUET IS SOLD OUT
Sponsorship Opportunities
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Click here to download Banquet Flyer
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Pay for Banquet Seat(s), Table(s), Patrons and/or Ad ONLY to Cash App: $J3401
(Dr. James Anthony Morris) OPTIONAL
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Please indicate the item(s) for which payment is being made.
***Art Specification: .jpg, .gif, .tif or .pdf (preferable).
***Artwork Submission Deadline is October 4, 2026. Please forward artwork or if you have questions to banquet.naacp@gmail.com.
THE BANQUET BOOKLET WILL BE PROVIDED IN AN ELECTRONIC/DIGITAL FORMAT
To support the Branch, click SPONSORSHIPS or ADS/TABLES/SEATS to download, complete and email the form.
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About The Banquet
We the People come together for the Greater Texarkana Branch’s 37th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet to advance a shared commitment to justice, opportunity, and community progress. As the Branch’s primary fundraiser, the Banquet supports programs, advocacy, and outreach that serve Texarkana and Northeast Texas, promote well-being, create pathways for growth, and protect individual rights. This annual celebration also honors outstanding community leaders whose service, leadership, and positive impact strengthen the lives of the people they serve.
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2026 Keynote Speaker and Awardees
We proudly introduce our distinguished Keynote Speaker and dedicated Awardees, whose leadership, service, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire meaningful progress throughout the Texarkana community. Join us in celebrating the remarkable individuals honored at the 37th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet. Congratulations to each of our deserving Awardees!
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Click 2026 Souvenir Booklet to view Booklet
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Keynote Speaker
Judge Jayne Chandler

A. E. Alton Educational Award
Mrs. Melodie White

Dr. Shirley Finn Trailblazer Award
Ms. Mary Philips

Dr. Pauline Haynes Lifetime Achievement Award
​Mrs. Canary Bursey

Dr. Calvin Rolark Business and Economic Award
Ms. Vickie Lacy

Benjamin Dennis President's Award
Dr. Jason Smith

Religious Affairs Award
​Pastor Solomon C. Phifer​

Dan Haskins Torch Bearer Award
Ms. Beverly Walker Shannon

NAACP Special Achievement Award
Mrs. Josclyn Jones Wiley
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John J. Jones Sr. Community Service Award
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc
Beta Tau Sigma Chapter
