On Sunday, March 8, members and prospective members of the Lafayette Society will gather to celebrate the legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette. A passionate abolitionist, patriot, human rights advocate, French aristocrat, and military officer in the Continental Army, Lafayette’s legacy lives on in his namesake city, Fayetteville.
“Especially during these times, as things have become increasingly difficult, the acts of kindness that Lafayette showed—I see those in our Fayettevillians,” said Ebony Warfield-Graham, president of the Lafayette Society.
Founded by Ms. Martha Duell in 1981 with the goal of raising funds for a statue of Lafayette, the Society continues to influence the Fayetteville community over 45 years later. The statue was erected at Cross Creek Park and dedicated in 1983 during Fayetteville’s Bicentennial Celebration. Now, the Society keeps Lafayette’s memory alive through lectures, performances, balls, creativity contests, and more.
The Annual Luncheon features a lineup of engaging musical and theatrical performances and is the perfect opportunity for both current members and those considering membership to learn more about the Society’s mission.
This year, Dr. Sonny Kelly, instructor of communication at Fayetteville Technical Community College, will give an excerpt from his performative lecture on the life of James Armistead Lafayette. Known as a professional performer, storyteller, motivator, and scholar, Kelly will bring to life the history of enslaved black man James Armistead Lafayette, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War under the Marquis de Lafayette. He was later emancipated and took the Marquis de Lafayette’s surname as his own.
“He’s an amazing performer and amazing speaker,” Warfield-Graham said of Kelly. “He wrote this performance specifically for the Lafayette Society.”
While the entire performance commemorating James Armistead Lafayette’s life is an hour long, Warfield-Graham says attendees will hear an excerpt.
Other performances at the Luncheon include an ensemble from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and singing of the French national anthem. Luncheon will be catered by Two Brothers Catering.
“This is always a treat,” Warfield-Graham reminisced of past luncheons, “Good music, good food and Dr. Sonny Kelly—what more can you ask for?”
Attendance is usually between 100-125 people. This year’s Luncheon will be held at a new location: 226 The Warehouse. Warfield-Graham said they wanted to experiment with a different feel and setup, as well as have access to city parking in the lot directly across the street.
“It just makes it easy for everyone on a Sunday,” she explained.
There are no membership requirements to join the Lafayette Society other than a desire to promote Lafayette’s legacy of patriotism, according to their website. Family memberships are $30/year, individual memberships are $15/year, and student memberships are $10/year.
“We are, as they say, southern charm, kind, and generous and it shows,” Warfield-Graham said “That’s our goal as the Lafayette Society—to continue to help that shine and show kindness to everyone.”
The Lafayette Society Annual Luncheon will be held Sunday, March 8, noon to 2:30 p.m. at 226 Donaldson Street. Tickets are available for $40 at lafayettesociety.org.

(Photo: Attendees come together for the Lafayette Society's annual luncheon in 2025. This year, Dr. Sonny Kelly will be speaking at the event. Photo courtesy of Linda McAlister)