Human Rights Commission approves $1,600 sponsorship for NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner

The Eugene Human Rights Commission voted to sponsor the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner by purchasing an $1,600 table and donating all eight dinner seats to local nonprofits, the commission decided Wednesday.

Irene Rasheed, representing the NAACP, described two sponsorship options to the commission and requested a donated table to open access for community members who could not otherwise attend. "The proceeds from the concert and the dinner will be used to support the NAACP's work, specifically their support of the protection of human rights and also to support their legal redress," Rasheed told commissioners.

Commissioner Cynthia Poindexter, who said she is volunteering on the Freedom Fund planning committee, moved the motion to approve the $1,600 table and donate the seats; a commissioner seconded the motion. Commissioners voted in favor; no commissioners voted no and Chair Dr. Booker said he would abstain because of a potential conflict of interest tied to his nonprofit work. "I will abstain from voting," Dr. Booker said during the meeting.

Staff clarified the commission's sponsorship rules and logistics: the HRC's biennial community events budget is $20,000 (about $10,000 per year), and past practice has required commissioner participation for awards presentations or donated tables. City staff said a donated table typically includes eight seats; options Rasheed presented included a $1,600 table (donated seats), a $2,500 sponsor level with concert tickets, and an expanded $5,000 sponsor level. Individual dinner tickets were listed at $200.

Commissioners discussed how the donated seats would be distributed. Rasheed said the NAACP could offer some donated seats to Black‑led nonprofits in Lane County and would reserve the right to fill those seats. The commission also agreed to check with city legal staff about perceived conflicts of interest after Chair Booker noted that a representative from his nonprofit might attend if he cannot.

Commissioners noted that HRC participation at community events often includes providing printed resources and volunteer support; Rasheed asked that the commission provide materials and consider volunteering at the event. The commission asked staff to follow up with Rasheed on logistics and with the city attorney's office about the abstention/conflict question.

Outcome: motion to purchase a donated $1,600 table and give away the eight dinner seats — approved (ayes; chair abstained). The commission will follow up with staff to confirm seat assignment, any legal‑conflict guidance, and distribution of promotional materials at the event.