Thursday, August 20, 2026 / Eugene-Springfield
NAACP’s 50-year dinner also puts one local award to a vote
The Eugene-Springfield branch celebrates Aug. 29, while online voting for its Dallas Boggs Connector Award closes Aug. 26 at 11:59 p.m.
The Eugene-Springfield NAACP is marking 50 years with its Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 29 at The Shedd. The branch began in 1976 as a volunteer organization without paid staff, a permanent office or established programs.
Its anniversary account traces work in housing and employment discrimination, youth mentoring, health outreach, environmental justice and the BIPOC Food Pantry. The dinner supports current civil-rights advocacy, youth development, health equity and food-access programs.
There is a nearer deadline inside the celebration. Voting for the Dallas Boggs Connector Award closes Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 11:59 p.m. The award recognizes people who connect residents to relationships, resources and opportunities; the official page lists four nominees and their biographies.
Field notes
What changed: The local NAACP announced its 50th-anniversary program and opened public voting for the 2026 Dallas Boggs Connector Award.
Why it matters: The event funds ongoing local civil-rights, youth, health and food-access work while documenting a half-century of Lane County history.
Who may be affected: NAACP members, program participants, supporters and Lane County residents following local civil-rights work.