The Zanesville/Muskingum County NAACP is preparing to celebrate community partnerships and civic progress during its upcoming 52nd annual Freedom Fund Banquet. The celebratory gathering is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. on October 24, 2026, at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center located in Zanesville, Ohio. Centered around the inspiring theme "Zanesville Rising: Building Power Through Community," the event will spotlight ongoing regional efforts to advance justice, equity, and opportunity for all local residents.
The evening's program features Danielle L. Sydnor, a prominent member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and president and executive director of The Presidents' Council, who will serve as the featured guest speaker. Attendees will also enjoy live musical entertainment provided by Zanesville vocalist Rachel Parker, alongside special presentations honoring former branch leaders Kenneth T. Burker and the late Philip W. Newman. Since its reactivation roughly a year and a half ago, Unit #3209 of the local NAACP has been highly active across Muskingum County, driving initiatives such as voter registration, the Feed the Streets program, civil rights advocacy through its Legal Redress Committee, and direct support for Black-owned businesses.
Proceeds generated from the banquet will directly bolster these vital local programs, ensuring the organization can continue its mission of youth education, economic empowerment, and community service. Tickets for the public event are priced at $30 and remain available for purchase online, inviting community members, leaders, and advocates to unite in support of regional advancement and equity.
For residents of Zanesville and Muskingum County, this milestone anniversary banquet represents an empowering opportunity to engage directly with civil rights leaders and support grassroots initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of the region. Community partnerships forged through events like the Freedom Fund Banquet help ensure that local advocacy, educational outreach, and economic empowerment programs continue to thrive for years to come.
Source: Zanesville Times Recorder