NAACP Alexandria Branch Hosts Freedom Fund Dinner
Rooted in Justice, Rising in Power
Alexandria, VA — October 3, 2025 — The NAACP Alexandria Branch proudly announces its annual Freedom Fund Dinner, to be held on Thursday October 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. A special highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Defender of Democracy Award to Terry McAuliffe, the 72nd Governor of Virginia, in recognition of his dauntless leadership in restoring voting rights to over 170,000 Virginians, including more than 1,100 Alexandrian’s. His commitment to democratic access and justice continues to inspire civic engagement across the Commonwealth.
The keynote address will be delivered by Reverend Professor Quardricos Bernard Driskell, of Beulah Baptist Church, a respected voice in both theological and policy circles, whose insights will challenge and uplift attendees.
The evening will also feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and honorees:
• Reverend Dr. Cozy Bailey, President of the NAACP Virginia State Conference
• John Taylor Chapman, Alexandria City Councilman
• Charnel Herring, Virginia House of Delegates
• The Honorable Donald S. Beyer, Virginia’s 8th Congressional District
This year’s theme, Rooted in Justice, Rising in Power, is both a tribute and a charge. It honors the strength of activists, elders, and everyday citizens who have tilled the soil of change. It also asks a vital question: “What of American Democracy?” This question will echo throughout the evening, urging reflection on the promises of freedom, the fractures of inequality, and the role each of us plays in shaping a more just tomorrow. Join us as we celebrate progress, confront challenges, and rise together in power.
The NAACP Alexandria Branch Freedom Fund Dinner will be held at the elegant Hotel Heron, located at 699 Prince Street in Alexandria, Virginia. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m., For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or to learn more about the NAACP Alexandria Branch, please visit www.alexandrianaacp.org/events.
Established in 1909 the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights to eliminate race- based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.