The time is now. By becoming a member of NAACP, you’ll join a network of activists standing up to injustice, fighting back against systemic racism, and answering the call for equality.
Our Up Coming Events
NAACP Springfield Freedom Fund Banquet 2026
The Freedom Fund Banquet is the signature annual gathering of the NAACP Springfield Branch — a night to honor the work of the past year, recognize the people carrying it forward, and fund the programs that make it possible.
This year we gather under the theme Rising Together. Progress in our community has never come from any one person, organization, or generation acting alone. It comes from neighbors who show up, young people who refuse to accept things as they are, and institutions willing to be held accountable. Rising Together is both a description of how we got here and an invitation for what comes next.
Join us for an evening of fellowship, recognition, good food, and a shared commitment to advocacy, education, and empowerment in Springfield and the Ozarks.
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Silent Auction — benefiting the Youth Chapter and Scholarship Fund |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner & Program |
| 9:00 PM | After Party Social Hour |
Past Events
Springfield, MO Juneteenth Celebration
In 2023, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, in collaboration with the NAACP of Springfield, offered the first city-wide Juneteenth weekend celebration. Multiple members of our public and private sector companies joined in the planning and coordination of the event.
The results were a weekend of events and celebration topped off by a concert with Grammy Award nominees Nappy Roots! Community members and visitors from across our region joining us for the celebration.
This year are planning for bigger and better in 2024! As Springfield continues to strive towards equity and inclusion for all historically marginalized in our community, it is only fitting that we continue to celebrate this important holiday to the best of our ability.
Community Partnership of the Ozarks has a mission to facilitate and promote the building of resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods & communities through collaboration, programming, and resource development. Collaborating with the NAACP on growing the Juneteenth celebration aligns with our mission.
The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Their dedicated workers, organizers, leaders, and members continue to work for social justice for all Americans. They have carried the annual planning of the Juneteenth celebration in Springfield Missouri for nearly a decade.
Our partnership on the Annual Citywide Juneteenth Celebration is a testament to Springfield’s strong culture of collaboration.
Past Juneteenth Event Sponsors
Leadership Team
Kai Sutton
President
Duan Gavel
1st Vice President / Treasurer
Tara Lacio
Secretary
Charleen Fields
Assistant Secretary
Dr. Zipporah Burns
Member at Large
Cody Yanez
Youth Council
Isabelle Walker – Jiminez
Member at Large
Pastor Tracey Wolff
Member at Large
