POCATELLO — The Pocatello Branch of the NAACP cordially invites you to attend and support the Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet Nov. 16 at the Juniper Hills Country Club, 6600 Bannock Highway in Pocatello.

The evening will begin with a reception with a no-host bar at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the program. Business attire is requested.

“Our theme this year is ‘All In’,” said Branch President Virgie Arambarri. “Our membership has voted to present seven awards at the banquet, and the recipients are all in for social justice.”

The evening’s master of ceremonies will be Pocatello Police Lt. Akilah Lacey. The featured speaker will b James M. Yizar Jr., who recently retired after a distinguished 40-year academic career at Idaho State University.

The awards to be presented and their recipients include Rosa Parks Award for lifetime achievement, Brian Holmes; Medgar Evers Award for distinguished service, Donald Allen; Community Educator Award, Kathryn Lopez Luker; Social Justice Award, Amanda Zink; Supporting Business Award, JustServe of Pocatello; and NAACP Members of the Year Award, Jan Gillette and Virgie Arambarri.

A new award will be introduced this year, the Ken Monroe Memorial Award, which remembers and commemorates long-time Pocatello NAACP Branch President Ken Monroe. The first recipient will be Pocatello’s Bonneville Neighborhood Association, recognizing its support of the city’s Lasting Legacy Festival.

Tickets are now available for a $50 donation by sending a check to Pocatello Branch NAACP, P.O. Box 4192, Pocatello, ID 83205, or at the College Market, 604 S. Eighth Ave., Pocatello, and Bru House Galilei, 502 N. Main St., Pocatello. No tickets will be available at the door.

For additional information or with questions, email pocatellonaacp@live.com or call 208-478-2150.