Shawnee County’s first black district court judge will speak this month at a fundraiser for the Lawrence-Douglas County Unit of the NAACP.

Joseph D. Johnson is scheduled to speak at the Oct. 20 Freedom Fund Banquet at the Kansas Union’s ballroom. The banquet benefits the unit’s scholarship fund and branch operations.

The banquet’s theme is “Power beyond Measure,” and will focus on motivating youths. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and dinner. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Sonya Johnson, the fundraising chairwoman, said the unit is also encouraging anyone who works with young adults to attend. The program includes community awards, and the 2007 scholarship award recipients will also get special recognition.

Adult tickets are $30, and are available by calling 979-4692 or sending an e-mail to info@douglasconaacp.org. Youth tickets – ages 18 and younger – cost $15 and are available by calling (785) 462-2204.