City of Statesville Proclaims 2025 NAACP Freedom Fund

City of Statesville, North Carolina

Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

2025 NAACP Freedom Fund

WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), established in 1909, is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization; and 

WHEREAS, members of the NAACP continue to uphold the mission of its founders by advocating for equality, justice, and standing against all forms of injustice; and

WHEREAS, in 1953 Dr. Channing H. Tobias, the newly elected chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors, launched the "Fight for Freedom Fund" campaign to address the financial challenges faced by the organization due to the ongoing civil rights struggle and legal battles; and

WHEREAS, the goal of this campaign was to eliminate state-imposed racial discrimination by the 100th anniversary of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, with the convention unanimously adopting a resolution to raise one million dollars annually to support this important cause; and 

WHEREAS, as we celebrate the 91st Anniversary of the Statesville Branch, we acknowledge that the support of our community allows the branch to maintain a powerful presence and positively impact the lives of those in the City of Statesville; and

WHEREAS, the Statesville Branch has earned recognition for its outstanding contributions at the local, regional, and national levels;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Constantine H. Kutteh, Mayor of the City of Statesville, do hereby declare my full support for the "Statesville Freedom Fund Banquet and Awards Program Fundraiser" and honor the continued dedication and accomplishments of the NAACP Statesville Branch in their ongoing work for civil rights and social justice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have set my Hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of Statesville to be affixed this 5th day of May 2025

Constantine H. Kutteh, Mayor