NAACP Highlands County Branch

SFSC is now accepting applications for the Leadership Highlands Class of 2027 through mid-July. Through Leadership Highlands, you will learn about the businesses, organizations, and people that keep this county running and thriving.

If you are interested, review the program info and complete the quick application at southflorida.edu/leadership-highlands.

We look forward to you joining the next Leadership class!

Summer BreakSpot Provides Free Meals to Highlands Children

Florida Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness Summer BreakSpot offers a place where kids and teens 18 and under can access no-cost meals.

Breakfast, lunch and/or snacks are served up every weekday at more than 3,000 locations across Florida, including schools, community centers, churches, and more.

No application is necessary; all you have to do is show up! So, tell your friends, family, and neighbors, and join us at the coolest spot for kids this summer.

Find a location in your neighborhood at SummerBreakSpot.org/Find-Location/

Please note that food must be consumed on-site; take-home meals are not permitted.

Join the NAACP Florida State Conference for The Fierce Urgency of Now: The New Southern Strategy – Jim Crow 2.0, a powerful two‑day virtual experience focused on faith, democracy, and civic engagement.

Friday, June 12 • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Religious Affairs Session

Saturday, June 13 • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Civic Engagement Session

Hear from dynamic leaders across Florida who are shaping the fight for voting rights, democracy, and community empowerment. Together, we vote. Together, we win.
Our power. Our vote. Our future.

Registration link coming soon.
Visit naacpfl.org for updates.

📣 LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY! 🎉✊🏾

Calling all residents of Sebring, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Lorida, Venus, and throughout Highlands County! Mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate freedom, culture, family, and community with exciting events throughout June!

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🔥 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION – SEBRING

🗓 Saturday, June 13, 2026
📍 Sebring, FL

Featuring:

🍖 BBQ Cook-Off
♠️ Spades & Dominoes Tournament
📝 “What I Know About Juneteenth” Essay Competition
🎶 Live Entertainment
💦 Waterslide Fun
🛍️ Vendors & Community Booths

Come celebrate freedom, culture, and community while supporting local businesses and youth!

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🏀 JUNETEENTH BASKETBALL GAME

🗓 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Boys & Girls Club

🏆 Females & Males Welcome
🏀 All Skill Levels Welcome

Join us for a day of competition, teamwork, and community unity!

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🎉 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION – AVON PARK

🗓 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 207 East State Street, Avon Park, FL

Enjoy:

✅ Live Entertainment
✅ Food & Vendors
✅ Family Activities
✅ Face Painting
✅ Live Music
✅ Waterslides
✅ Community Resources
✅ Fun for All Ages

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💜 “FREE TO BE ME” COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

🗓 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Lakeshore Mall, Sebring, FL

Connect with local organizations offering:

✔️ Health & Wellness Resources
✔️ Educational Support
✔️ Youth Programs
✔️ Community Services
✔️ Family Activities
✔️ Giveaways & More

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❤️💛💚 From Sebring to Lake Placid, Avon Park to Lorida, let’s come together to celebrate freedom, honor our history, empower our youth, and strengthen our communities.

Bring your family. Invite your friends. Support local events. Build community.

Healing is community work.
Join the NAACP Florida State Conference as we launch Healing Forward Florida, our statewide Health Education Series.

Our first session will explore how communities can normalize mental health conversations, reduce stigma, build trust, and create meaningful pathways to support.

Featured Presenter:
Janae Ponder, LCSW-QS - Founder, Life Spire Counseling & Consulting

Special Guest:
Kelley Diona - Secretary, NAACP Florida State Conference

Certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer
Hosted by:
Aisha Alayande - Health Chair, NAACP Florida State Conference

June 15, 2026
7:00 PM ET
Virtual

Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yIQEkTA5R3GcrQs9Z1LNfA

📣 SAVE THE DATE! 📣

❤️🖤💛 2026 Highlands County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala ❤️🖤💛

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate community, leadership, unity, and excellence at our annual Freedom Fund Gala – Red Tie Affair.

📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Island View Restaurant
5223 Tee Time Circle
Sebring, FL 33872

✨ Theme:
Paint the Night Red
The Heart of “US”
One Community • One Voice

🎟️ Tickets Go On Sale June 13, 2026!

🔥 Juneteenth Table Special 🔥

In honor of Juneteenth, we are offering a special discounted table rate:

💲 Tables Only $600
📅 June 13 – July 1, 2026

Regular Table Price: $640

Gather your family, friends, church, civic organization, or business partners and reserve your table early while this special pricing lasts!

🎤 Master of Ceremony: Cynthia Barrett
🎙️ Keynote Speakers: Robert & Gwendolyn Shannon

Stay tuned for ticket purchase information and sponsorship opportunities.

❤️

🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨

The time is NOW! Join the NAACP Florida State Conference for our Summer Quarterly:

🔥 “The Fierce Urgency of NOW”
📢 The New Southern Strategy – Jim Crow 2.0

🗓 Friday, June 12th
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
✝️ Religious Affairs

🗓 Saturday, June 13th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🗳 Civic Engagement

This powerful virtual gathering will focus on:
✔️ Communication & Messaging Workshops
✔️ Preparing for the 2026 Election
✔️ Community Vote Readiness
✔️ Civic Engagement Toolkits for Branches

Together, we vote. Together, we win. ✊🏾
Our Power. Our Vote. Our Future.

Stay tuned for registration details and links!

🇺🇸❤️ The Highlands County NAACP Veterans Affairs Committee proudly invites the community to join us for our Memorial Day Celebration as we honor and remember the brave men and women who served our country.

📅 Monday, May 25, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Southside Veterans Gardens
Tulane Drive & S. Verona Ave, Avon Park, FL

✨ Enjoy music, FREE food & drinks, fellowship, and a time of reflection as we pay tribute to our veterans and fallen heroes.

Let us come together in unity, gratitude, and remembrance. ❤️🤍💙

For more information: 863-385-4813

Register and tune in tonight!!

Attacks on fair representation are happening right now. Legislatures are rushing to redraw maps and silence the political voice of Black communities across the country.

This moment demands organized action and collective power.

Join us on Thursday, May 14, as we break down the immediate threats to our vote and learn more about how we can fight back. https://naacp.org/events/all-units-call-redistricting-next-steps