The Omaha Chapter of the NAACP has announced its plans to celebrate the 2007 Freedom Banquet on November 9 at the DoubleTree Hotel. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour and the program starting at 7:00 p.m. Reverend Selwyn Bachus, Senior Pastor at Salem Baptist Church will be the featured speaker. Rev. Bachus has been recognized as one of the top 20 pastors to watch in our nation by the African-American Pulpit Journal, the leading publication dedicated to covering predominantly African-American churches.

The 2007 Freedom Banquet theme is: “UNITY in the CommUNITY.” The event expects to gather over 500 participants to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness of the Omaha community. Several businesses, individuals, and youth who have demonstrated consistent support to the NAACP cause will be recognized during the event.

“The importance of the NAACP efforts is magnified nowadays due to the increasing challenges our community faces to overcome the pressure of poverty, lack of positive role models and violence,” said Kathy J. Trotter, Chairperson of the event.  “The NAACP 2007 Freedom Banquet provides an excellent opportunity to highlight and celebrate the positive contributions this organization and its supporters have made and the results they have achieved.”  Ms. Trotter leads a committee comprised by about a dozen businesses, educators, and grass root leaders that represent a cross-section of the community.

The 2007 Freedom Banquet offers opportunities for sponsorship for business and individuals. Corporate sponsorships begin at the $1,500 level and up to $10,000. Tables of ten can be reserved at $500 and individual tickets can be purchased at $35 each. Additional sponsorship opportunities will be available to local small business and churches through purchasing of ads in the event souvenir booklet.  For information on how to support the event or to purchase tickets please contact Ms. Kathy J. Trotter at 402-451-8225 or by e-mail at Kathy.trotter@ops.org