Congresswoman Maxine Waters Receives Keys To The City At NAACP Event

Washington, D.C. – On November 15, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, received the Marcy Church Terrell Award at the NAACP of Henry County Branch 25th Annual Freedom Fund Gala. The award honors fearless advocates whose lifelong commitment to justice and equity reflects the legacy of a founding member of the NAACP and a pioneering civil rights leader who fought for racial and gender equality.

“As a lifetime member of the NAACP, I would like to express my deep gratitude for being a part of such an incredible legacy”, said Congresswoman Waters. For 113 years, the NAACP has been on the front lines of every major fight for Black freedom and equality, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the fight for equity in education, housing, and the workplace. The Freedom Fund Dinner is a celebration of an institution that has given us 113 years of courage, sacrifice, and victory. The Marcy Church Terrell Award belongs to the voiceless many who came before us, and to all those who followed. Those who marched, protested, voted, and sacrificed so that we could stand here free”.

Congresswoman Waters’ address energized attendees and bridged both legacy and rising generations of community activists, in the presence of many distinguished guests, including Ambassador Andrew Young, Mrs. Billye “Hank” Aaron, Lonnie Jackson, and Mack Wilbourn.

“For more than 30 years, Congresswoman Maxine Waters has led with courage, compassion, and an unshakable love for our people, said Candace Walker, Branch President of NAACP Henry County. She has always taken care of her community, lifted others as she climbed, and stood boldly on the front lines of justice. She did exactly that at our Freedom Fund Gala by encouraging us to stand and fight for justice. I am deeply proud to call her my friend and “Auntie” – Candace Walker, President, NAACP Henry County Branch.

Additionally, during the event, Mayor Sandra Vincent proclaimed November 15th Maxine Waters Day and presented the Congresswoman with Keys to the City of McDonough.
“Presenting the Key to the City to Congresswoman Maxine Waters is not only a celebration of her remarkable impact but a reminder of how far we have come as a people”, said Mayor Vincent. “As the first African American and first female mayor of McDonough, I am deeply moved to honor a woman whose bold leadership has inspired countless others, myself included, to rise, reclaim our time, and authentically speak truth to power as we build community”.

The Congresswoman solidified her remarks with this commitment:

“I promise you this: I will keep fighting with every ounce of strength I have to defend our people, protect our democracy, and secure a future worthy of our Children”.