July 5, 2014 - July 11, 2014, The Afro-American
D
an and Del Henson met at Edmondson High School and became inseparable. They married in their freshman and sophomore years while both were attending Morgan State College (University). Fifty years later, the marriage and the friendship endures. Their two children, Darren and Dana, have given them three grandchildren, Darien, Bryanna and Daniel who are their constant companions. In earlier days, the parents enjoyed traveling with their children, now the grandchildren are their traveling buddies. Their relationship with their children is one of love, friendship respect and partnership. Del says she talks to her children every day. The couple Del and Del and Dan’s marriage is one of love, Dan Henson thanked work, sadness, happiness and joy, but most of their friends and family all for them, it is a friendship that has grown for celebrating their and blossomed throughout their 50 years of evening with them
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marriage. The couple quoted, “We are best friends forever.” Daniel is currently serving as president of Henson Development Company, a developer of affordable rental housing; Del is retired.
Erica and Michael Cryor
Family members Patrick Kelly, Lauren Kelly, Jordan Kelly, Brenda Kelly, Dominique Kelly, Morgan Kelly-Cohn
Darren Henson, son of Dan and Del
Delphine Henson and daughter Dana Henson
Daughter Shauna with Dad Brian Henson
Henson siblings Brian, Danny, Joy Owens, Edward and Eric
Allen and Paula Eason
Dr. Maya Rockeymoore and her husband, Rep. Elijah Cummings
Lisa Fassett, Del. Nathaniel Oakes, Comptroller Joan Pratt
Patricia and Howard Jessamy Theodore Rodgers, Blanche Rodgers, Ruth Muldrow, Ackneil Muldrow
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
New Shiloh Greater Choir, Patrick Alston, director
Greater Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church Concert Choir, Travis Alexander, director
Wayne Frazier, Pat Frazier, Ron and Joy Owens
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore unveiled figures of renowned African American faith leaders, June 6, at Morgan State University. While the international faith community geared up to celebrate the life and ministry of Senior AME Bishop, the Right Rev. John R. Bryant, the museum was preparing to add his figure to their extensive collection. Additionally, the figures of the late Rev. Harold A. Carter Sr., formerly pastor of New Shiloh Baptist Church and the Right Rev. George Edward Battle Jr., currently Senior Bishop of the AME Zion Church were unveiled to family, friends and associated congregations. And everyone could appreciate seeing the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, looking as if she were poised to burst into song. The Museum was founded in 1983 by the late Dr. Elmer Martin and his wife, Dr. Joanne Martin, who is currently president and CEO.
The Bryant Family with statue
Bishop Battle and family with statue
Bishop and Mrs. Battle Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church, Eugene Brown, minister of music
Bishop Bryant with Jack Young,president of City Council, Carl Stokes, City Councilman and friends
Bishop Battle greeting friends with his son
The Rev. Harold A. Carter Jr. and his wife, Rev. Monique Carter, Rev. Cecelia Bryant, Bishop John Bryant and Weptanoma Carter Davis
Corrogan Vaughn, Dr. Lillian Vaughn, the Rev. Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn, Bishop Bryant and Rev. Cecelia Bryant
Bishop Bryant, National Great Blacks in Wax Museum Founder, President and CEO Joanne Martin and Bishop George Battle Photos by J.D. Howard
July 5, 2014 - July 11, 2014, The Afro-American
Hoping to empower future leaders, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Omega Chapter in partnership with the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation Inc., (PIEF) awarded $44,000 to 12 graduating high school seniors and college
students. Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, the only person to serve as president to both Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, delivered the keynote address at the May 28 reception held at the Xi Omega Center in Northwest, D.C. “By celebrating college-bound students and
Scholarship recipient Courtney McCrimmon (front row), Chanel Smith, April Gaines Jernigan, 1st VP. Dr. Lavdena Orr, President, Debra Liverpool and Scholarship Recipient Harper Randolph; Scholarship recipients Spencer Davis, Jessica Wynn, Grace Ishimwe, Matthew Austin, Samantha Nelson and Ciera Nichol.
supporting college students who have shown scholastic success, we are planting the seeds for future leaders to grow,” said Lavdena Orr, president of the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation and Xi Omega Chapter. “The scholarship awards are a critical part of our commitment to high academic achievement.” The Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation is the charitable arm of Xi Omega Chapter, which works with its members, donors, and strategic partners to promote academic excellence and scholarly pursuits. For the first time, Xi Omega Chapter will make a $10,000 award to one recipient through the generosity of more than 50 members of the foundation and chapter, collectively known as the “Fab 50.” “The rising cost of higher education requires greater investment from nonprofit organizations,”
said Debra Liverpool, executive director of the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation and a member of Xi Omega Chapter. “We are thrilled to support our young people as they strive for success in the global
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community.” Scholarship awards were determined through recommendations, essays, and panel interviews. All recipients exhibited financial need.
Debra Liverpool, Rev. Nan Peete, former PIEF Scholarship Committee Chair, Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Keynote Speaker, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and Dr. Lavdena Orr
Remarks by Daniel Shea, District of Columbia Public Schools Instructional Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director, Association for the Study of African American Life and History(ASALH), Joy Manley, Vivian Smith and Ebony Bennett Dr. Johnnetta Cole, the keynote speaker gives a very inspirational message to the guests and scholarship recipients
Kathrine Avila, representing the “Prom Attire Giveaway” commending Mattie Sharpless, Former PIEF Scholarship Committee Chair
The Randolph Family providing a musical performance: Cole, Harper, Elliot and Clark
Samantha Nelson (center) with family and friends The Golden Sorors: Marian Tyrance (seated), June Pearson Bland, Bernice Tillett, Evelyn Gray, and Juanita Cole; Mattie Sharpless (standing), Barbara Basrerville and Mattie Jefferson
The Scholarship Committee with Dr. Johnnetta Cole (center) Photos by Rob Roberts
“The Gift”...It Looks On You session facilitated by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Showell, Associate Pastor, First Apostolic Faith Church, Baltimore, MD.
Praise and Worship team
These two attendees are soaking up the Minister’s message
Several hundred women gathered recently for the 30th Annual Spiritual Retreat and Conference at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Md. under the theme, “God is a Wonder to My Heart (Psalm 71), Mind (Psalm 77:11-14) and Soul (Acts 2:14-47).” Under the dynamic leadership of the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, the attendees were treated to a series of workshops and panel discussions that revived and exhausted their worship spirit and solidified sisterhood in their Christian walk. Each day’s activities included combined sessions in the main church sanctuary facilitated by some of the most up-tempo, energetic, and spiritually insightful ministers on the East Coast including AME
Dance Ministry sparkles the audience to shouts of glory hallelujah!
These ministers each preached one after the other...they lit the fire in the hearts of the attendees
Stacie Mills, PIEF Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Cole and Monica Parham, Co-Chair
Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones, Engineering Management and Technology Partnership Consultant presents a special $10,000 scholarship to Samantha Nelson.
Bishop Vashti McKenzie: the Rev. Dr. Marie Braxton; the Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart; the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Showell; the Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake; the Rev. Dr. Ann LightnerFuller; the Rev. Susie Owens; and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, the Episcopal supervisor 10th Episcopal District, A.M.E. Church. To enhance the experience and the atmosphere, a variety of vendors were onsite for the ladies to shop for that Sunday service suit or dress with matching accessories. The three-day conference ended with participants renewed, restored, and ready to tackle whatever the world presents. A big “thanks” to Rev. Dr. Browning for making this indelible, impactful retreat happen. To God be the glory.
Rev. Susie Owens, Co-Pastor, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, Washington, DC, facilitator for the “Save our Sons and Daughters” session
Rev. Dr. Matthews, facilitator of the “Dancing With Scars...From Failure to Faith” session
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning takes a much needed break as the conference has come to a successful and blessed conclusion
Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis, TN, Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Host Pastor & Visionary for the Women’s Conference and Rev. Dr. Marie Braxton, Missionary Supervisor, Washington Conference, AME Church
The speaker of the Hour, Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor, 10th Episcopal District, AME Church prays for the women who attended the three-day conference; other ministers in backdrop
Tracie Flippins, Felecia Davis and Stephanie Thomas The ministers who tagged teamed there sermonic messages led by Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram (2nd from right)
Jasmin Carroll, Ares Dillard-Bullock, Romana Carroll and Glynes Turner. Photos by Danita Delaney
July 12, 2014 - July 18, 2014, The Afro-American
Muse 360 Arts held The 12 Daughters of Dance, its 10th anniversary gala, June 7 in the Kraushaar Auditorium of Goucher College in Towson. Honorees for the event included:
Kwame Kwei-Armah, artistic director, Center Stage; Gloria Mayfield Banks, entrepreneur and motivational speaker; Loring Cornish, visual and mixed media artist; Stephanie Powell, matriarch of dance in Baltimore and activist and radiohost,
Joyce Jackson, Sharayna Christmas Rose and Dr. Timothy Jones Sr.
Marc Steiner, Center for Emerging Media. Muse 360 Arts was established by Sharayna Christmas Rose to make dance available to the community, from the youngest to the oldest, and continues to do so along with training in art and entrepreneurship.
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Sharayna Christmas Rose, Gloria Mayfield Banks, Stephanie Powell, Marc Steiner, Sylvia Brown and Kwami Kwei-Armah
Terrence Jones, Shameirra Johnson, Eric Hairston and Coney Harriston Jr. Donald Malcolm Smith Ngozi Young, Sylvia Brown, Sharayna Christmas, Gretchen Jeremie and Gloria Mayfielf Banks
Photos by J.D. Howard
Ms. P. Hunter and Ms. Valerie Chongaui
Kwami Kwei-Armah, honoree and family
Alan Kreizenbeck, Sheri Parks, Jeannie Howe, Sylvia Brown and Eddie Brown
Performing artists in the Anniversary Gala of 12 Daughters of Dance
Rhonda Overby and Joseph Haskins
Women in Transition recently held its annual fundraiser, “Everyone Has a Story,� June 12 at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center. The organization helps young women successfully move from foster care to independence. During the evening, which included food, a silent auction and jazz, the group recognized some who
Ken Karpay, Jeannette Karpay, Jane Rodbell and Councilman Nick Mosby
have served as advocates for such young people: Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Thomasina Hier and Jill Taylor. Host committee members in attendance included: Coppin President Dr. Mortimer Neufville, Diane Bell McKoy, CEO, Associated Black Charities; Selwyn Ray, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Hathaway Ferebee, Safe and Sound Campaign.
Peggy Murphy, Foster Parent Of The Year Dina Brown and Dani Johnson
Photos by Anderson Ward
Diane Bell-McKoy (CEO ABC) and Tanya Washington (Annie E. Casey Foundation)
Dean Lyons
Peggy Murphy, Ted Dallas accepting award for Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Dani Johnson
Volunteers, Tiffany Davis and Constance Walker WIT board members: Peggy Murphy, left, WIT executive director/ founder; Alexis Seth, Dani Johnson, event chair; Sade Smith, Anne Chester and Holly Morgan Foster Youth of Excellence Alexandria Rogers and father David Rogers
Rose Gold Experience Band
LaTeri McFadden, Sherrice Davis and Keisa Joyner
Peggy Murphy, Foster Youth of Excellence Shauna-Kaye Simmonds and Dani Johnson
Honoree Jill Taylor, Peggy Murphy and Dani Johnson
Joy Goodie and Alexis Seth
July 12, 2014 - July 18, 2014, The Afro-American
The Prince William VLI team with Ramunda Young, Kimberly Pope, VLI founder Krysta Jones, Donald Scoggins, School Board member Lilliee Jessie (Occoquan); School Board member Betty Covington; Delegate Richard Anderson; Brenda KellyNelum, and Cydny A. Nevillle
Joann S. M. Bagnerise, sharing stories about her good friend, John Harper.
An audience member commending John Harper for his accomplishments in Prince William County.
John Harper, being presented with a “Trailblazer” award from Krysta Jones, founder of the Virginia Leadership Institute (VLI).
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On June 22, The Virginia Leadership Institute (VLI) gathered community leaders, friends and family of John Harper at the Northern Virginia Community College, Manassa campus, the first African American to serve on the Prince William County, Va. school board, to recognize him as a trailblazer in the community. In addition to his election to the school board in 1995, Harper was also the first African American to serve on the board of directors for the Prince William County Park Authority, the first African American to serve as the Grand Marshall for the Dale City 4th of July parade, and a dedicated member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Several members in the audience applauded Harper for his impact throughout the years, not only as a leader, but as a mentor to the next generation of changemakers. In his remarks, Harper stressed that future candidates should continue to remain involved in the community and make a difference in the lives of others before they pursue elected office. VLI was founded in 2006 by Krysta Jones to increase the number of Black elected and appointed officials in Virginia.
Curtis Porter and John Harper
School Board member Betty Covington chatting with Brenda Kelly-Nelum John Harper’s sisters with Cydny A. Neville, center
Courtesy Photos
Marriott International Hotel senior leadership with family and friends Aniekan Udofia, painter and illustrator with one of his pieces of art
Dr. Willie and Dee Taylor Jolley and Cammye and Norm Jenkins
Guests enjoying a sumptuous buffet
Dr. Willie Jolley, standing, and Dee Taylor Jolley. Misty Johnson Oratokhai, seated, Chateaubriond Redding and Monica Hall Bullock
Carson Edwards, Angela Clarke, Marriott International; the Rev. Dr. George Holmes, National Clergy Leadership Group; D.C. Councilperson Vincent Orange and Debbie Bragg
Performance by Les Oiseaux Du Paradis
Marking a milestone in the city where it all began, Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International officially celebrated Paulette Jackson, UNCF, the highly anticipated grand opening of the company’s 4,000th Maurice Jenkins, EVP for National Development, UNCFR hotel – the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. The day kicked and Desiree Boykin, VP/General Counsel and Assistant Secretary off with the official dedication led by J.W. Marriott Jr., executive of the Corporation, UNCF Guests enjoying chairman, along with city officials the festivities and other dignitaries who helped welcome the 1,175-room hotel to the company and city. In a salute to the company’s origins, the ceremony featured a root beer toast and a performance by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Upon arriving for the evening reception, guests were given high-tech RFID bracelets, which allowed everyone to interact with elements of the party. Guests sipped different variations of the “DC Mule”, a new take on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, and voted for their favorite. The winner – The Virgin-gin – will now be served at the hotel bar. Throughout the evening, guests also offered their own inspiration and co-created live with local D.C. muralist Aniekan Udofia, what it means to be “Traveling Brilliantly in Washington, D.C”. D.C. native DJ Stylus drove the pulse of party, spinning tunes throughout the evening with many a reflection of the city’s vibrant music culture. The event was punctuated with an exclusive and mesmerizing aerial ballet performance by Les Oiseaux Du Paradis.
Drew Hubbard, DC Department of Employment Services; Faith Gibson Hubbard and Ken Fealing
Carson Edwards Jr., global account executive, Marriott International; Kim Wilson, National Black MBA Assoc., Minnie Wilson, Terrence Culhoun, Almeda Hardy, senior account executive, Marriott and Maruiel Chavis
Valerie and Monty Nixon
Doxie McCoy and Dorinda White from the Office of Communications, Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia
A sculpture at the new Marriott Marquis Hotel
Photos by Rob Roberts
July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014, The Afro-American
Jennifer Thompson, Shalea Thompson
Cousins Eugene Porter, Jordan King, Rosalind Gamble, Lena Leona Porter
Margaret speaks: Floyd and Margaret Ballard celebrate 65 wonderful years of “In 1946 Floyd used to deliver ice in the neighborhood where marriage Margaret lived. On Tuesday, June 7, 1949 Floyd got down on On Tuesday, June 21, 1949, Floyd married Margaret one knee and proposed. Floyd obtained permission from my Laurene Keene at Floyd’s oldest sister’s home with a father; and we were engaged for three weeks. Floyd gave me celebration of family and close friends. $29 to buy my wedding gown at Rosenthals’ and I paid $7.95 for my shoes from Lowenthals’ on Baltimore Street.” Floyd speaks: “When I delivered ice at Margaret’s house, it was ten cents up to 20 pounds. Margaret was a beautiful girl. We would walk to Franklin Square and sometimes to Carroll Park. On October 4, 1948 I started working for A&P warehouse on Franklintown Siblings of Margaret and Floyd Ballard Sr. are Road, making $42 a week. Margaret Powell, Linda Peete, Michelle Wiley. Back The marriage license was $3; row, Kim Ballard and twin brother, Keith Ballard, Floyd Ballard Jr., Lisa Hamm I paid $29 for my wedding
Colleen Wiley
Ballards grandchildren are Portia Davis, Bomani Ivy, Brittany Hamm, Takasha Ivy, Tynisha Ballard, Colleen Wiley, Monique Ballard, Cheryl Peete, Michael Ballard Jr. Lynete Peete, Breyona Ballard, seated
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Gwen Tubman, Shirrell Aiken.
band. A good friend, Standing, Charles Tubman, Monique Ballard William Sewell, loaned me one of his suits and a pair of shoes. My best man was Aaron Thomas and I gave Rev. James Green $5 for performing the ceremony. My sister, Charlestau, baked the cake for the reception; we also had soda. We spent our honeymoon at Niagara Falls.” What sustaining this long-lasting relationship? They each responded, “understanding--- the best thing in life! You can’t take life seriously!” The family’s tradition has continued over the years; the first Sunday of each month, all family members meet at the Ballards to have dinner, sing songs, play games, and listen to music for a great day of bonding.
Great grands are Trevon Ivy, Saadiq Ivy, Zaakira Ivy, Marquise Bell, Stephen Bell, Zari Ivy standing between the Ballards
Margaret Ballard’s sister, Ruth Keene Faulcon
Robin Ballard, Pearl Ball
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
2014 Rays Of Hope Scholars reciting their pledge
Honoree Gersha Porter, president National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
Everyone gathered to congratulate the Man of the Year, Teddy Coates and other honorees of the Black Professional Men’s 21st Annual Rays of Hope Awards and Scholarship breakfast held June 14 at The Valley Mansion, in Cockeysville, Md. This is the event that helps Black Professional Men to award scholarships annually to deserving young men. The group’s mission, since its establishment in 1991, has been the issues and needs of the African-American community, but especially those of the men. This is accomplished through mentoring, community service, creative and effective alliances and the ongoing recognition of those who make a difference.
Rev. Dr. Hoffman Brown, Wayland Baptist Church; “Peaches” Camphor, Joyce Mack, Honoree James “Winky” Camphor and Christopher Mack
Honoree Kendrick Tilghman
Dr. Jayfus Doswell
Charles F. Robinson III, emcee
Will Holmes, BPM Rookie of the Year and his son
Edwin Avent, BPM President Ted Coates, Man of the Year and Scott Phillips
Honoree Emmanuel Cephas
James Stevens and scholarship awardee Aria Williams Photos by Anderson Ward
July 19, 2014 - July 25, 2014, The Afro-American
The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) partnered with the non-profits Our House and Bowie Bulldogs Women Bowling
Team (the CIAA 2013 champions), for a fundraiser at Laurel AMF Bowling Lanes, that was one of the event sponsors. Dwayne Renal Sims, the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame founder, believes that when serving the community
NBC 4 Reporter Shomari Stone takes a quick break from the lanes with Gwen Tolbart
Alvin Jones, producer/ host of PlanetVehicle. com, takes a selfie with Traci Braxton
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non-profits should combine their resources, enabling them to bring more to the table. The goal of NLLHOF 2014 is to continue working with other non-profits to join in concepts that will make it is easier to implement fundraising opportunities.
Founder Dwayne Renal Sims, World Champion Sharmba Mitchell, Traci Braxton, Gwen Tolbart, Roger “The Dodger” Leonard, R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn, Tamika C. Sims
Members of the CTV Prince Georges Community Television team Andre Mathew, Erica Cumber, and Breon Hobbs are joined by Fred Smoot
Traci Braxton and Fred Smoot join Tamika C. Sims, Dwayne Renal Sims, with partners Kenneth Scott, coach of Bowie State University, and Gwen Tolbart, Fox 5 weather anchor and advocate for “Our House.”
Raheem DeVaughn is presented an autographed NLLHOF collector’s baseball in case and photograph of James “Jake” Sanders, Negro League player for the Kansas City Monarchs
Sharmba Mitchell, Herb Fame(of Peaches and Herb), Traci Braxton and Roger “The Dodger” Leonard take a break from the bowling lanes
Sharmba Mitchell, Dwayne Renal Sims, and Gwen Tolbart with the members of Mopar Elite Auto Club
Sharmba Mitchell, Dwayne Renal Sims and Gwen Tolbart pose with the members of Ground Zero Car Club, out supporting the bowling event.
Sharmba Mitchell, Traci Braxton, and Roger “The Dodger” Leonard in the fighter stance
Designers of “the Original Sweat Box” use steam to clean bowling balls and are joined by Traci Braxton
Fox 5 Bowling Team including the weather team Tucker Barnes, Gwen Tolbart, and Sue Palka; back row from the left is Audrey Barnes, director of communication, City of Laurel, and Dwayne Renal Sims
Photographs credits: Tonie Photography
The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), Washington, D.C. Chapter, the National Sales Network (NSN), DC/Baltimore Chapter, and the Black Public Relations Society (BPRS), D.C. Chapter, hosted a premiere summer networking day-party for District professionals. The guests enjoyed a lavish buffet, happy hour beverages, and plenty of great networking. Kudos to the planning committee of Candice Charles, NBMBAA; Keith McMillian, NSN; and Alana Hill, Chris Epps, and Faye Hyslop of the BPRS. Guests grooved to the jamming music from the deejay and danced to the jams, including line dancing with wobble baby wobble. The club, AQUA, was the site for the day-party in Northwest D.C. John James II – president of Washington Chapter NBMBAA; Bill Jones – president of DC/Baltimore Chapter of NSN, and Faye Hyslop – president of BPRSDC lead the partyKara and Andrae Dunston goers in having a great time. Photos by Rob Roberts
Angie Kindred, John James and Alana Williams Al Swiels, Dave Johnson and Keith McMillan
Lavette Townserd, Velde L. Johnson and Susan Wellington-Bland
Shelton Williams, Ronald George and Jerome Williams
Keysha Brinson, Lynn Ping, Abdul Henderson, Lady Spears and Nanette Doughas
Robin Davis, Yvette Rooks, Faye Hayclip, Oyinkan Marguis, Terri Peterson and Alana Hill
Adliyah Khan, Anthony P. Carigo Sr. and Myata Cousins
Deanna McCray-James, Monica L. White, Monica Bates and Tamara Moore
Oscar Madis, Alana Hill, Michael Dutton, Chris Epps and Faye Hayclip
Levon Richardson, Michael A. Smith, Lisa Porcher and Lori Porcher
Vivian Harrison, Rochelle Price and Miriam Hayes