Sampson County NAACP Celebrates Unity at Freedom Fund Banquet

The Sampson County NAACP hosted its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on March 15, 2025, celebrating unity and the ongoing fight for equality. The event continues to attract diverse community members, reflecting a collective commitment to justice for all residents of Sampson County. The banquet’s success is attributed to the hard work of the Freedom Fund Committee, led by Lee Byam, who also serves as co-chair of the Community Coordination Committee.

The Freedom Fund Committee includes notable members such as Maie Parker, the branch assistant treasurer; JoAnn Howard, coordinator of the banquet booklet; Luther Moore, chair of the Scholarship Committee; and Bernice Cooper, a member of the Executive Committee. Their efforts, alongside the support of the entire Sampson County NAACP membership and local community advocates, contributed significantly to the banquet’s achievements.

Established on September 9, 1955, the Sampson County NAACP is part of the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States, dedicated to advancing democracy through the pursuit of racial equality and justice. The National NAACP, with a history spanning over 116 years, remains a powerful advocate for freedom across the nation. In a statement, Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, emphasized the ongoing nature of the struggle for justice, stating, “The work of making our country just and equal for every American is an ongoing project that requires those of us who can fight to do so in our time.”

As this year’s banquet concludes, organizers express a desire to engage younger generations in civil and human rights advocacy. The commitment to creating a more equitable society begins at the individual level, with members encouraged to actively participate in community initiatives.

The local NAACP aims to achieve its mission by influencing policies that promote equality and justice. This includes engaging in voter registration and education, supporting parents in the education of their children, and advocating for healthcare initiatives. A significant focus is also placed on raising awareness among youth about environmental threats that impact the quality of life in Sampson County.

The successful turnout at the 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet illustrates the community’s solidarity in the pursuit of justice. With ongoing support and engagement, the Sampson County NAACP continues to make strides in addressing societal injustices through advocacy and education. Contributions from local supporters have proven invaluable in these efforts, reinforcing the belief that the fight for freedom is indeed a collective endeavor.

Larry Sutton, a retired educator from Clinton High School, highlights the importance of community involvement in the struggle for civil rights, urging everyone to contribute to the cause. The closing of this year’s banquet marks not an end, but the beginning of renewed efforts to inspire action and awareness in the pursuit of equality for all.