Join the NAACP Louisville Branch as we celebrate 112 years of justice, equality, and opportunity, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Gerald L. Smith, distinguished historian and University of Kentucky professor. Together, we honor our legacy and build a brighter future.
WE THE PEOPLE
2026 NAACP Louisville Branch Freedom Fund Banquet
Celebrating 112 Years of Service, Advocacy & Community Impact
Join the NAACP Louisville Branch on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM for an inspiring evening celebrating our 112-year legacy of advancing civil rights, equality, and opportunity in Louisville.
This year's theme, “WE THE PEOPLE,” reflects our shared responsibility to protect and preserve democracy while continuing the work of building a more just and equitable community.
Enjoy an evening of fellowship, community recognition, and entertainment featuring the Simmons College Jazz Ensemble and other distinguished artists.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gerald L. Smith
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gerald L. Smith, Professor of History at the University of Kentucky, as our 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet keynote speaker.
Dr. Smith is a distinguished historian, scholar, educator, and author whose academic work includes African American history, race and sports, the Black Freedom Struggle, African American education, and Kentucky African American history. He earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky and returned to UK as a faculty member in 1993.
A respected authority on Kentucky’s African American experience, Dr. Smith has authored, edited, or co-edited multiple books and has published more than 40 articles, essays, and book reviews. He co-edited the award-winning Kentucky African American Encyclopedia, a landmark reference chronicling the people, institutions, movements, and events that have shaped Black life and history across the Commonwealth.
His scholarship and service have earned numerous honors, including induction into the University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, the UK Great Teacher Award, the Charles W. Anderson Laureate Medal, and recognition from the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus. He has also shared his historical expertise through documentaries and programs appearing on CBS, NBC, KET, CBS Sports Network, and TruTV. University of Kentucky History
Dr. Smith’s scholarship on Black history, education, faith, leadership, and the struggle for freedom provides a meaningful connection to this year’s “WE THE PEOPLE” theme.
Your Investment Makes a Difference
The Freedom Fund Banquet is the Louisville Branch’s primary annual fundraiser. Support from individuals, businesses, and community partners helps sustain the Branch’s work in voter registration and civic engagement, youth development, educational opportunities, legal advocacy, and community outreach.
Platinum — $10,000
Gold — $5,000
Silver — $2,500
Bronze — $1,500
Sponsorship Commitment Deadline: October 9, 2026
SOUVENIR JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS are available: (All Ads Must Be Camera Ready - PDF, JPEG, TIFF Format)
□ $500 Full Page 8.5” X 11” Full Color
□ $300 Half Page 8.5 " X 5.5” Full Color
□ $175 Quarter Page 4.25” X 5.5 Full Color
Event Details
Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Louisville Central Community Center
1300 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Contact: louisvillebranch@lounaacp.org
Purchase your ticket. Become a sponsor. Invest in the work.
112 Years of Service. One Continuing Mission. WE THE PEOPLE.