Fort Smith Mayor George McGill is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2023 Clark County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

The theme for the 32nd annual event is “Thriving in Times Like These.” The banquet will be held at the Banquet Room at Henderson State University beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

Elected in 2018, McGill is the first African American to be elected as mayor of Fort Smith. The City of Fort Smith’s website calls McGill a “trailblazer who has used his dedication to public service to advance the common good at the federal, state, and local levels.” Like Arkadelphia, Fort Smith has a city manager form of government; the mayor presides of city board meetings.

Prior to serving as mayor, McGill represented his hometown of Fort Smith in the Arkansas House of Representatives for three terms. During that time he served as Deputy Speaker Pro-Tempore for the House. 

“The Clark County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has been instrumental in making a difference in Arkadelphia and the surrounding communities,” local branch president Bruce Bell said. “Over the years, with the generosity of corporate, businesses, civic and community partners, we have sponsored health and voter registration events advocated to eliminate racial prejudice and to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups.” 

The Clark County NAACP has also provided contributions for holiday and military meal boxes, Junior Auxiliary, American Legion and other organizations.

Individual tickets for the event are $50. To reserve a table or for more information, contact Bell at 870-403-3081 or Rosboro Hendrix at 870-403-2246.