Dallas NAACP ties Scholarship Luncheon to Urgent Call for Voter Engagement

By Sylvia Powers
Correspondent
Texas Metro News

With the Dallas primary election approaching on March 3, 2026, the Dallas Branch of the NAACP is reaffirming its longstanding commitment to ensuring political, educational, social, and economic equality for all people while working to eliminate race-based discrimination.

As voters prepare to head to the polls, the organization’s president, Sharon Middlebrooks, said that civic engagement remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting civil rights and advancing equity in North Texas communities.

“I believe wholeheartedly that the NAACP as an organization is just as relevant today and as necessary as it was at its founding,” said Middlebrooks. “While progress has been made, there is still significant work to be done to ensure access, fairness, and justice for all.”

Founded in 1909, the NAACP has played a central role in shaping civil rights policy across the United States, including voting rights protections, education equity, and economic justice initiatives. 

The Dallas branch continues that legacy locally by encouraging voter registration, educating residents about candidates and issues, and advocating for policies that impact historically underserved communities.

Middlebrooks expressed concern over the current administration’s push for a gerrymandering map that could cause the loss of five congressional seats. With ongoing national conversations about voting access, public education, public safety, and economic opportunity, the organization is urging Dallas residents to exercise their right to vote and remain informed about issues directly affecting their neighborhoods.

“Voting is one of our main pillars in terms of addressing voter suppression and social and civic injustices,” she said. “Early voting began February 17 and will continue through February 27 here in Dallas County.

“I think the message has to be very clear. If the vote was not a powerful tool, there would not be continued efforts to take it away. So often, out of apathy, we tend to sit back and think our neighbor or someone else is going to vote. Yet, with the economy in the state that it is, where a gallon of gas is cheaper than a dozen eggs and many people cannot afford insurance, we cannot afford not to vote.”

The day after the Freedom Fund Scholarship Luncheon, youth involved with the Dallas Branch of the NAACP will host a march from Carter High School to Friendship-West Baptist Church. According to Middlebrooks, they have canvassed and recruited 52 students who will be first time voters to participate in the activity.

“It is an exciting time in the midst of what is going on in our country,” Middlebrooks said.

The theme for this year’s luncheon is The Urgency of Now: Is My Labor in Vain?

“I am certain that, like myself, many of us who are laboring for the cause have asked ourselves that question at some point in time,” Middlebrooks said. The program will feature a panel discussion led by moderator Charles O’Neal, with the Honorable Jesse Oliver, the Honorable Dr. Tiffany Clark, and Vincent Hall.

During the luncheon, the branch will also celebrate the legacy of the late U.S. Congressman John Robert Lewis (D-GA). In tribute to his legacy, the organization will honor 10 community leaders with the John Robert Lewis Laborer Award.

 Significantly, the event is being held on February 21, which is his birthday.

In conjunction with the scholarship portion of the luncheon, four graduating seniors will receive scholarships: Madison Carballo, Grace Dodd, L.V. Dyer, and Markeia Terrell.

“The four students we selected have GPAs that range from 3.8 to 4.3. Many of our graduates and scholarship recipients have gone on to attend schools ranging from Howard University to Harvard University. We have a great group of students. The only challenge is that we cannot contribute to all who apply.”

She continued, “When we fight, we win. The NAACP happens to be the oldest and boldest civic organization. Our mission is to fight injustice, social and civic injustices everywhere, especially for people of color.

“Although I am unapologetically Black, our mission is for all people because injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.”

For those who want to support this year’s Freedom Fund and Scholarship Luncheon, sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available on the organization’s website at www.dallasnaacpbranch6169.com.

“It is for a worthy cause,” she said. “It is a cause that helps deserving graduating high school students attend college. When you invest in this luncheon, you are investing in the future of tomorrow.”