Dress Attire (Formal)
37th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet
Greater Texarkana Branch
Theme We the People
Time: 6:30 pm Meet & Greet
7:00 pm Banquet
Venue: The Canvas Special Events Center
2101 Texas Boulevard
Texarkana, Texas
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
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) OPTIONA)
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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
Introducing the Keynote Speaker and the committed Awardees who contribute to meaningful progress within the Texarkana community. Learn about the distinguished individuals honored as recipients at the 37th Freedom Fund Awards Banquet. Congratulations to all Awardees!
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Click 2026 Souvenir Booklet to view Program​
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Keynote Speaker
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.
Dr. Pauline Haynes Lifetime Achievement Award
​Mr. Robert A. Jones
Religious Affairs Award
​Pastors Denorise and Cornell Hamilton
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Dr. G. W. Thompson Professional Award
Dr. Lori George
Dr. Shirley Finn Trailblazer Award
Mrs. Mattye Gouldsby Jones
Benjamin Dennis President Award
Dr. Doug Brubaker
A. E. Alton Educational Award
Mrs. Thelma Metcalf-Forte
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Dr. Calvin Rolark Business and Economic Award
Lovin Life RV Park
Sirron and Nicole Bailey
John J. Jones Sr. Community Service Award
Dr. Evelyn Abhulimen
Dan Haskins Torchbearer Award
Mayor Bob Bruggeman