Make a Nomination – MKB NAACP

Make a

Each year, the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP honors individuals and organizations in Kalamazoo County who have positively impacted people of color in our community during the Freedom Fund Banquet. Community members can nominate candidates for the Humanitarian, Distinguished Veteran and Dr. Charles C. Warfield Youth Community Service Awards on a rolling basis.

Nominations for the 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet will be due by midnight on Friday, August 28.

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian Award honors individuals in Kalamazoo County whose significant contributions have improved the lives of people of color in the areas of politics, education, religion, civil rights and/or community service. Candidates must be 18 years or older and be residents of Kalamazoo County.

Two people stand together smiling; the man on the right holds a wooden plaque award, celebrating his recent nomination, while the woman on the left stands proudly beside him.

Distinguished Veteran Award

The Distinguished Veteran Award honors service members whose lives have demonstrated exemplary service to our community and a commitment to bettering the lives of Kalamazoo County residents. Candidates must be Kalamazoo County residents that have served as a member of the Armed Services and the separation must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.

Dr. Charles C. Warfield Youth Community Service Award

The Dr. Charles C. Warfield Youth Community Service Award honors the exemplary efforts of Black high school seniors who are energetically and enthusiastically engaged in community service, community projects and other community-based activities. Candidates must be residents of Kalamazoo County.

Two men in suits stand together; one smiles while holding a plaque award he received through a recent Nomination, as the other stands beside him with a neutral expression against a dark background.

Two men stand side by side indoors; the man on the right, recognized after a nomination, holds a plaque award and wears a dark suit, while the man on the left wears a light floral suit and glasses.

Vanguard award

The Vanguard Award was created to honor local organizations and their teams for their incredible gifts of service and dedication to the residents of our community. This award is given at the sole discretion of the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP president. There is no formal nomination process.

A group of people stands on stage, with one person at the center holding a plaque in recognition of their recent nomination. A podium with a colorful sign is visible on the right.

Two women stand side by side, smiling; one holds a plaque award symbolizing her recent nomination while both wear formal attire against a dark background.

What

Looking to give a friend or family member a gift? How about giving them membership into one of America’s strongest social justice organizations: the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP.