NASHVILLE, Tenn, — Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH)
invites faith leaders, advocates, and community members committed to advancing justice and
equity across Nashville to its annual fundraising banquet on Thursday, June 4 at Trevecca
Nazarene University’s Boone Convocation Center at 6 p.m.
This year’s keynote speaker is Taure Brown, director of the James Lawson Institute for the
Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements at Vanderbilt University. Brown is a Ph.D.
candidate whose research focuses on media, racial ideology, and political development. Prior to
entering academia, he organized around housing justice, education equity, and community
safety—issues that closely align with NOAH’s mission.
Walter T. Searcy, III , a respected civic leader whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to
justice, service, and the strengthening of community locally, nationally, and globally, will receive
the Flame of Hope Distinguished Leader Award at the event. He currently chairs the Mayor’s
Advisory Committee on Transportation, serves on the Metro Community Review Board, and
co-chairs the Economic Equity, Jobs, and Transportation Task Force for NOAH.
NOAH is a faith-led, multi-racial, and interdenominational coalition comprised of congregations,
community organizations, and labor unions. Through community engagement, leadership
training, and direct public action, NOAH works to combat systemic injustices and amplify the
voices of traditionally marginalized communities.
“NOAH recognizes that each of us has power—and when we come together, we are even
stronger,” Rev. Linda Brown-Saffore, NOAH President. “Our collective power is transformative,
and this event is an opportunity to celebrate that impact while continuing to build momentum for
change. We are grateful for the work our co-chairs Susie Ries and Valeri Otey Nellis and their
committee are doing to ensure a meaningful impactful evening.”
Tickets for the banquet are $150 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets,
visit: https://noahtn.org/2026banquet/ or scan the QR code below. Sponsorship packages are also
available for organizations and individuals who wish to further support NOAH’s work. For more
information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit:
https://secure.everyaction.com/RH4hPZA3Jkqia9YXwOM-qw2.
Event Details:
What: NOAH 2026 Annual Fundraising Banquet: Faithful Resistance, Rooted in Justice, Rising
in Hope!
When: Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m.
Where: Boone Convocation Center at Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN
