Special to IFN
Moving forward with a powerful call to civic action, the Statesville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted its annual Freedom Fund & Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 17, at the Statesville Event Center.
The evening served a dual purpose: celebrating monumental milestones in civil rights history and investing in the future leaders of Iredell County. The program commemorated the 117th anniversary of the National NAACP organization, as well as the 92nd anniversary of the Statesville Branch. First granted its charter on July 9, 1934, the local branch has operated continuously for nearly a century, serving as a steadfast voice for residents fighting injustice and striving to improve the quality of life across Statesville and Iredell County.
Tyler Swanson, chairman of the Wake County Board of Education, delivered the keynote address. Delivering a stirring message centered on the theme “We the People,” Swanson issued a passionate charge for community-level civic engagement. He urged attendees to actively participate in local government by attending county commission, school board, and city council meetings, while emphasizing the critical importance of exercising the right to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by saxophonist, Will Lee.
Scholarships
A major highlight of the banquet was the investment in local youth, with the presentation of $7,000 in academic scholarships. Seven area students were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support their higher education journeys. The 2026 scholarship recipients include:
• D’yna Copeland (South Iredell High School) – Attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University;
• Andrew Harris (South Iredell High School) – Attending Western Carolina University;
• Promise Lovelace (Statesville High School) – Attending University of North Carolina at Charlotte;
• Kimberly Nunez (South Iredell High School) – Attending North Carolina State University;
• Harsh Patel (Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership) – Attending North Carolina State University;
• Iyona Reid (Crossroads Arts and Science Early College) – Attending Howard University; and
• Josian Smith (Crossroads Arts and Science Early College) – Attending North Carolina State University
Awards
The branch also recognized local champions of civil rights and community service. Honoring the legacy of its former leadership, the branch presented the prestigious Woody Woodard “Stick & Stay” Award to Marva Elaine Woods, and the Wilson W. Lee “You Can Make A Difference” Award to Margaret Nelson.
Sponsors
The success of this year’s historic event was made possible through the generous support of various organizations and corporate allies, and featured Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Food Lion as the event’s presenting sponsors.
LEARN MORE
For more information about the Statesville NAACP Branch, its upcoming initiatives, or how to get involved, contact Todd Scott, President (bedrock10@att.net) or visit NAACP Statesville Branch’s Facebook page.