NAACP Branch 3049 of Fort Wayne and Allen County will host its 72nd Annual Marjorie D. Wickliffe Freedom Fund Banquetin Fort Wayne. The event will be on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at IPFW- International Ballroom (Walb Student Union Building), 2101 W. Coliseum Blvd. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

The annual Marjorie D. Wickliffe Freedom Fund Banquet serves as a fundraiser for the Fort Wayne Allen County NAACP and aims to raise local awareness about ongoing civil rights issues. The evening will include an awards ceremony and brief remarks by award recipients, summarizing their work in the community. The awards will recognize achievements in the areas of health, education, higher education, community service, justice, overall lifetime achievement and support of the NAACP.

“For over a century, the NAACP has worked to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination,” said President Larry Gist. “Our local branch stands ready and willing to uphold those values, while leading with compassion and integrity, in keeping with our founding mission.”

The list of awards include:

Cecil Ellis Academic Award;

Preston A. Lyons Sr. Freedom & Justice;

Medgar Evers Lifetime Achievement;

Marjorie D. Wickliffe Community Service;

Dr. James Breedlove Education;

Dr. Bernard Stuart Health; and

NAACP Unsung Hero Award President’s Choice

Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for students. For more information, call 260-421-2836.