INDIANAPOLIS — South Bend Mayor and presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg will be the keynote speaker at the Greater Indianapolis NAACP 50th Freedom Fund Banquet.

The Greater Indianapolis branch of the NAACP's banquet will be held on October 4.

“The Greater Indianapolis NAACP empowers citizens to become active voices in their community and enact change,” said Chrystal Ratcliffe, branch president. “We look forward to welcoming Mayor Buttigieg as we celebrate this significant milestone in our organization’s history.”

“More than 100 years after the race riots that led to the founding of the NAACP, our progress as a nation continues to take place under the shadow of systemic racism and inequality,” said Buttigieg. “I’m honored to address the Greater Indianapolis NAACP’s 50th Freedom Fund Banquet and to join all those working to make the dream of a more just and equal society a reality for every American.”

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The Indianapolis branch says they have spent the past year focused on advocacy, early voting access, ethnic standards for Indiana schools, the passage of hate crime laws and police reform.

“This year’s banquet will celebrate not only the progress we’ve made this past year but throughout our more than 100-year history,” said Cordelia Lewis-Burks, longtime community leader, union activist and chair of the 50th Freedom Fund Banquet. “We welcome anyone who feels strongly about activism and civil rights to join us as we look toward the future and continue to fight for change.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett will serve as honorary chairman for the event.

“For more than a century, the NAACP has helped to move communities forward, ensuring greater political, educational, social and economic equality for our neighbors,” said Hogsett. “The Greater Indianapolis branch has fought tirelessly for legislative and policy reforms here in Central Indiana, and it’s an honor to be a part of this year’s celebration as they mark the 50th year of the Freedom Fund Banquet.”

Individual tickets are available for $75 and can be purchased online through the Greater Indianapolis branch’s webpage at indynaacp.org or by calling Branch Secretary Phyllis Carr at 317.925.5127. Both sources can also provide information on a variety of sponsorship options, including premium, table and host sponsorships.