Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C,I-Lafayette) recently joined the Auburn/Cayuga NAACP chapter for the 55^th Annual Freedom Fund Gala, an event with a changing theme every year that looks to promote community engagement and activism. This year’s theme was “Power: Respect it. Claim it. Vote it.,” and aimed to educate the community on the importance of voting, mobilizing for change, fighting against inequality, and helping others. Lemondes was grateful for the invitation and glad to see such community spirit in his district.

“In today’s world, it can feel at times that despite the interconnectivity of social media, the internet, the digital interface, we’re still lonely, but organizations like the NAACP help keep the dream of a supporting and community-focused neighborhood alive thanks to their tireless and ongoing activism and mobilization,” Lemondes said. “I consider it a personal joy to be able to get out across the district to meet and partner with various communities and organizations, and all of their hard-working Americans fighting the good fight.”