The Salina Branch NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Luncheon on Sat. March 4 at the Salina VFW.
This year, the luncheon’s theme was “Then is Now” with guest speaker was Dr. Micah W. Kubic, Executive Director of the Kansas ACLU.
Dr. Kubic stated that the civil rights movements is on the front lines and that the NAACP and ACLU must stay vigilant in our pursuit of the civil rights of all citizens. Dr. Kubic also reminded the audience that Kansas has the worst voting rights laws in the country and that our criminal justice system is in shambles with African Americans being 55% of the prison population.
The opening welcome was done by the branch’s recently installed president, Bryan Frazier. Jon Blanchard, the treasurer of the branch, served as the Master of Ceremony, For entertainment, Ethan Martin provided acoustic guitar music, a poignant spoken word performance that gave everyone something to think about was done by Emery Diercks. Kansas State Conference of NAACP Branches president, Kenya Cox was also in attendance.
Lunch was provided by the ladies of the Salina Branch NAACP.