About this Event
NAACP Oneida County Branch - Annual Freedom Fund Dinner
Theme: “We, The People”
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Location: Irish Cultural Center, Utica, NY
This year’s national theme, “We, The People" speaks to the NAACP’s commitment to using our collective ingenuity, creativity and strength to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice, underscoring the need for active engagement in our communities at a time when our democracy is most at stake.
Our Annual Freedom Fund Dinner is more than a fundraiser! It’s a gathering of hearts, minds, and hands, ready to do the work and commit to what matters most: justice, equity, and opportunity for all.
Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration, reflection, and empowerment as we honor individuals and organizations who exemplify the spirit of this urgent moment in our history.
Keynote Speaker: Mayor Sharon Owens
The 55th mayor of Syracuse, NY and the first African American and second woman to serve as Mayor in the city’s history, Mayor Owens has a vast array of experiences and leadership positions in the nonprofit and government environments, creating lasting impacts throughout Syracuse and Central New York.
Individual Honorees
- Rev. Sharon Baugh: Pastor at Hope Chapel AME Zion Church & Executive Director of Hope Chapel Ministries, Inc.
- Monalisa Fermin-Fennell: Project RISE Program Coordinator at Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN)
- Dr. Cynthia Jones: Chief Medical Officer at Mosaic Health Utica
- Teresa Van Etten: Artist and Community Advocate
- Marinez Chambers: Youth Honoree and Local Youth Leader
Community Honorees
- Citizen Action New York - Central New York Chapter
- Indivisible Mohawk Valley
Come together with community leaders, advocates, and neighbors as we uplift one another and advance the mission of the NAACP.
Event venue & nearby stays
Irish Cultural Center, 623 Columbia Street, Utica, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.