Middlesex County NAACP Celebrates 80^th Anniversary

Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman Emeritus National NAACP is Keynote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middletown, CT- September 9, 2026 — The Middlesex County Branch of the NAACP will mark 80 years with its Annual Freedom Fund Membership and Awards Dinner on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 6:00pm at The Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT.

The keynote speaker is Chairman Emeritus Roslyn M. Brock. In 2010 she held the honor of being the youngest person unanimously elected to the position of National Board Chairman for the NAACP.She has been a leader in the NAACP for decades and is known for her mantra, “Courage will not skip this generation! ^® ”

Appropriately this year with a focus on youth, the annual Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Business Award will be presented to the Police Athletic League of Middletown (PAL).

The branch will also recognize those who have been members for 20 years or more. Special acknowledgement will be shared by David Roane, a former president and Anthony Gaunichaux, Sr., a former vice president of the Middlesex County Branch. They played pivotal roles in the early days of the branch, broke racial barriers in Middletown when it was unsafe and unpopular. “Their service is admired and revered,” said Michael Alleyne, president of the branch. “Neither have ever lost sight of the importance of social justice. They are examples of the fortitude we should all have in this fight.”

The Emcee for the evening is WFSB Channel 3 Reporter Cierra Jordan.

Seats can be reserved by going directly to Eventbrite. Checks will also be accepted and should be made out to: Middlesex County NAACP – P.O. Box 378 – Middletown, CT 06457. Businesses and organizations that would like to purchase advertisements, please contact the branch at info@middlesexctnaacp.org.

There will be no ticket sales at the door.

In 1946 concerned African Americans formed the Portland/Middletown NAACP Branch. Years later, the branch became officially known as the Middlesex County NAACP encompassing 16 towns in the county. Now in 2026, this branch continues to advocate and serve as a resource for women and children during difficult times, stand for students’ right to equitable education experiences, and seek solutions to health disparities that plague our community.

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