May 9, 2015 - May 15, 2015, The Baltimore Afro-American
Gloria Mayfield Banks, a Mary Kay Elite Executive National Sales Director was the keynote speaker at the Baltimore (MD) Links luncheon, “Empowering Women in Leadership.” In the Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom at the Morgan State University Student Center, Banks, the number one African-American sales director in the world, was enthusiastically received by the packed room of guests who had many questions for the international motivational speaker. Honorable Patricia Jessamy, president of the Baltimore (MD) Chapter held a conversation dialogue with Banks with questions following from the audience and a book signing session for her book, “Quantum Leaps.” Banks has received worldwide acclaim and recognition. She resides in Baltimore with her husband, Ken Banks. They share four adult children. Councilwoman Sharon Proceeds benefit the Green Middleton, Children’s Programs, Dr. Charlene Cooperscholarships and GRASP Willhelma GarnerScholarships at Coppin State Boston Brown, Patricia Wilson and Morgan State Universities.
Alumnae Links Lydia Mussenden, Minnie Smoot, Cardrienne Griffin, Laverne Turner, Barbara Owings
Adrienne Stokes Orange, Sarah Elias
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Waiting to have their books signed by author Gloria Mayfield Banks (far right)
Dana P. Moore, Kimberleigh N. De Laine, Shirley Kane
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Baltimore City
Fannie Gaston-Johansson, Dr. Crystal Watkins Johansson, Nettie Watkins
Claudette Edgerton Swain, Judy Rainey
Nikita Haysbert, Patricia Jessamy, president, Baltimore (MD) Chapter, Links, Incorporated
Judge Yvonne Holt Stone, Marilyn HarrisDavis, Leigh Adams Slaughter
Lacetta Bowman, Francine Applewhite
Family legacy Veronica Owens, Veronica Joy Owens, Joy Owens, Jill Owens
Shirley Hargrove, Barbara Blount Armstrong, Annette March-Grier, Karen Bond
Myrtle Brown, Doris Brown, Carolyn Brown-Jackson
Roslyn Smith, Mattie Mumby, Kimberly Mumby Green Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
Debutante Tribute Debutantes, escorts, junior escorts and flower girls sponsored by Tri-State Association, Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Improved Benevolent and Protective Order Elks of the World
Debutante Morgan Bland dances with escort De’Shawn Winston
Debutante Sharron Moore with escort Damond Dickens
Debutante Kenisha Williams with escort Keondre Robinson
Debutante Amara Hill and father Stephen Hill performing the Traditional FatherDaughter dance
Father-Daughter Traditional Dance
Brother Carlton W.Stanley,
For the past 55 years, the state president, Daughter Improved Benevolent and Bettie L. Weems, president Protective Order of the Elks of the World has held the Tri-State Debutante Cotillion, which is mostly comprised of children and grandchildren of the Elks and other family members. The TriStates include Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. The coordinators recruit from various schools and churches young ladies in the 11th, 12th grades or first year of college. The student must possess a minimum 2.5 grade point average to apply. With parents’ and principals’ approval, the young ladies go through a rigorous 10-week training in the areas of etiquette, choreography, social interaction tips and dress code. The banquet room at the Sheraton North in Towson was packed with proud parents and relatives who witnessed the young ladies being “introduced to society” in their full skirted white gowns while being escorted by their dates for the evening. One of the most significant portions of the program was the audience watching the gleam in the eyes and smiles on the faces of the fathers or guardians as they danced with their daughters. The cotillion is a memorable occasion for the students and provides lasting experiences and friendships.
Debutante Kyi Katherine Alford with escort Lindsay Freeman
Debutante Amara Hill with escort Martuise Montgomery
Debutante Morgan Bland with escort De’Shawn Winston
Debutante Kai Johnson with escort Darryl Bonner
Cotillion chair Margaret Selby with choreographer Tia Wright
Proud teacher Tammy Mays with her students from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School are from left, Debutantes Amara Hill, Kenisha Williams, Sharron Moore, Tyesha White
Debutante Taniah Harris with escort Kevon Alford
Debutante Tyesha White with escort Tyree Brown Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
May 9, 2015 - May 15, 2015, The Washington Afro-American
Presentation of awards by Mamie King Fields, Julie Lewis and Cherie Young at the microphone
Link A’Lelia Bundles, the guest speaker
The Metropolitan D.C. Chapter Of Links held its annual Young Black Writer's Awards Ceremony honoring students from D.C. area schools on April 11 at the WUSA9 Broadcast House in Northwest, Washington, D.C. This year's contest honored area students, most notably from Ballou High School, and featured Link A'Lelia Bundles, a noted author and engaging speaker, who currently serves as chair of the National Archives Foundation and a trustee at Columbia University. Young Black Writer’s Contest participants submitted writings in both poetry and prose. The contest has been a signature program of the chapter for more than 30 years.
Valerie Maholmes introduces the guest speaker
Closing remarks by Sheila Harley Washington, chapter president
Metropolitan DC Chapter Links Officers and past presidents: Beverly Ann Fields, parliamentarian; Adria Wright Jones, recording secretary; Gladys Mack, past president; Sheila Harley Washington, chapter president; Mamie King Fields, Assist. Secretary; Blanche Currie Stephens, past president; Rosalyn Epps, past president and Dana Davis Mitchell, financial secretary
Kellie Forde, first place winner, Ballou High school with Julie Lewis and Cherie Young
Young Black Writers
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Blanche Stephens and Renee Jenkins
Lovie Johnson accepting Young Master Writers book on behalf of DeShania Jones, the 1st place winner
A’Lelia Bundles autographing her book Senea Arrington, third place winner, from Ballou High School
Some of the Young Black Writers
Chapter members
Moving through the buffet line
Photo by Rob Roberts
The Northern Virginia Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) sponsored its 38th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon on April 12 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in Virginia. This event celebrated the organization’s 40 years of service to the community with over 400 people in attendance. Lovely Lady Boutique of Washington, D.C. provided the fashions and numerous vendors showcased their products and goods. Special guests included Dr. Barbara Shaw, NCNW past board chair and current member of the executive committee; Vivian Smith and Yvette Finney, past board members; Lori Hendricks, special assistant to Dr. Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair, NCNW and Leticia Stallworth, Amerprise Financial Services. Dr. Alotta Taylor and Devera Barnhart chaired the event. Proceeds from the event will be used to provide programs and services affecting women and youth in the local Northern VA community.
Models walking the runway Ready for church
Sharon Goode, section president, lifts a toast to the guests
Photo by Rob Roberts
Mistress of Ceremonies, Dorri C. Scott, publisher, radio host and author
We are stepping out…
Delores Downing, Patricia Woltz, Lavonda Woltz, Latanya Higginbotham, Shelly James, Janis Bryant, Ann Woltz and Dawn Beazer
Let’s give away some gifts...where are your ticket stubs?
The show stopper
Same design, different colors
Young ones take the runway
Dr. Alotta Taylor (center, front) with guests
Paula Cleggett, Delores Williams, Dr. Alotta Taylor (standing), Beverly Nance and Rae Martel
Gladys Pemberton (center) and friends
Rayanne Johnson Vaugh, Lakyia Burnes and Tameika Burrell
Joyce Neal, Colette Hayes, Helen Sterlings, Violet Graham, JoAnn Ruffin and Jean King