NAACP Chicago Westside Branch Announces 2025 Freedom Fund Concert to Support Community Programs

The NAACP Chicago Westside Branch has announced its 2025 Freedom Fund Concert Fundraiser, marking the organization's first such event in seven years. Scheduled for September 20, 2025, at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, the concert represents a significant moment for the organization's advocacy efforts and community support initiatives.

Under the theme "The Fierce Urgency of Now: Reignite! Rebuild! Recommit!", the event serves as a critical call to action at a time when communities are facing unprecedented rollbacks in funding, civil rights, and supportive policies. Funds raised will directly support the branch's year-round programs in housing, education, economic development, and criminal justice reform, addressing systemic inequities on Chicago's West Side through sustained advocacy and community engagement.

Sacella M. Smith, Co-Chair of the Freedom Fund Concert Committee, emphasized that "this concert is more than a fundraiser—it's a rallying cry for justice, unity, and Westside revitalization." The event will feature headline performer Terisa Griffin and a special performance by the world-renowned Hiplet Ballerinas, creating an evening that combines entertainment with meaningful social impact.

The concert will honor four community leaders for their contributions to civil rights and social justice: Vera G. Davis, recipient of the President's Award; Nathaniel Gaither of Lawndale Christian Legal Center; Angela Taylor of Garfield Park Community Council; and Schanel "Princess" Shaw of Light Up Lawndale. These recognitions highlight the ongoing work being done at the grassroots level to address community needs.

Tickets are available through the organization's website at https://www.cwbnaacp.org, with VIP tickets priced at $125 including premium seating and access to a pre-reception, and general admission tickets at $50. The event offers valet parking and free shuttle service from the CPD 15th District Parking Lot to ensure accessibility for all attendees, demonstrating the organization's commitment to inclusive participation.

The return of this major fundraising event after a seven-year hiatus signals renewed commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Chicago's West Side communities. The timing is particularly significant given current challenges to civil rights protections and community funding, making this event not just a celebration but a vital mechanism for sustaining essential programs and advocacy work.