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The Afro-American, May 30, 2015 - June 5, 2015
from being “Boys to Men.” Over 300 witnessed this pageantry of elegance including Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
The Phyllis S. Byrd Youth Fraternity sponsored by The Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter, Order of The Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation held its first Majestic Cotillion for Debutantes and Beaux on May 2 at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Prior to the Cotillion, youth participated in a series of workshops on etiquette, self-esteem/self-development, S.T.E.M. and performed several Demi hours of community service. They also took ballroom dance Debutante classes and were able to perform them as they danced the Alana Cowsert traditional “Parent’s Waltz.” Attorney Mariessa Terrell, presenting executive director of the High Tea Society, welcomed Grand Master the debutantes into society and challenged the young Campbell with ladies to become their own “Super Heroes,” flowers while Worshipful Master Terrence J. Wynn, Jr. Debutantes Ariana Holmes, Sr. gave a charge to the Beaux to move Lyric McCoy and Marlie McCoy 2015 Miss Young and Natural Pageant Winner Dakara Reid congratulating the Majestic Cotillion participants
Jr. Beax and Jr. Debutante winners Malachi Hammnd and Zoe Hackney
Attorney Mariessa Terrell, executive director, High Tea Society welcoming the Debutantes to society
Grand Worthy Matron Bessellieu and Grand Worthy Patron Albert Pope pictured with Majestic Cotillion Committee: Asst. Grand Youth Directress Norma J. Brooks, Past Matron Robin B. Wise, PSBYF Directress Catrice Vandross, Asst. Grand Youth Directress Shirley Evans Cooley, and Past Matron Shari L. McCoy
Worshipful Master Terrence J. Wynn, Sr. of Felix Lodge #3 speaking to the Beaux
Demi Bea Andrew Stroman preseting Grand Worthy Matron Bessellieu with flowers
Prince Patron Arndre “TJ” Hudson dances the “Parent Waltz” with his mother Diane Hudson
Majestic Cotillion Winners Debutante Amber Gofney and Clarence “CJ” Berry
Phyllis S. Byrd Youth Commandress Princess Matron Jenger I. J. Rhone
Grand Lodge the Honorable Norman L. Campbell, Grand Worthy Matron Venecia C. Bessellieu and Grand Worthy Patron Albert Pope of the chapter.
Most Worshipful Grand Master Norman L. Campbell, Grand Worthy Matron Venecia C. Bessellieu, and Grand Worthy Patron Albert Pope
Majestic Cotillion Debutants and Beaux: seated: Amber Gofney, Nia Brevard, KayaZahnna Donaldson, Chandler Martin, Brandy Ross and TyNiqua Harris, standing: Christopher Goffney, Cameron Kemp, Amari Robin, Clarence “CJ” Berry, Christian Ferguson, and Arndre “TJ” Hudson
Seated: PGWM Joan L. White, PGWM Julia F. Edwards. PGWM Jane R. L Robison, Charles Robison Sr. Standing: RWSGW Quincy G. Gant, PGWM Patricia A. Mabry, PGWM Margaret E. Anderson, GC Eunice J. Dingle, GWM Venecia C. Bessellieu, GWP Albert Pope, AGC Sheila A. Smith, AGP Riccardo A. Montague
Grand Worthy Matron Bessellieu and Grand Worthy Patron Pope pictured with all Majestic Cotillion participants Courtesy Photos
The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (NoVAC), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in association with the Northern Virginia Delta Education and Community Service
(NVDECS) Foundation hosted its Third senior justice correspondent, ABC News. capped off with the high tempo music of Annual Trailblazer Awards and Scholarship The evening included a cocktail reception, the Phaze II Jazz band and dancing to the Gala on May 2 at the Renaissance a silent auction, and a gourmet meal. It sounds of DJ Demetrius Gravette. Arlington Capital View Hotel in Virginia. NoVAC and NVDECS awarded scholarships to local high school students and awarded the first-ever Trailblazer Awards in civil rights, Tameka Tunsil and Anna Carter, right, justice and equality chair, Fundraising Committee present the to Rev. Al Sharpton, Trailblazer Award to Pierre Thomas, senior president, National justice correspondent, ABC News Tameka Tunsil, far left, and Taffi Moore, far right, chair, Scholarship Action Network and Committee with NoVAC Scholarship recipients: Nicholas Grant, Ashley Pierre Thomas, Welcome and introduction of emcee by Brooks and Kwasi Darkwah Tameka D. Tunsil, chapter president and Linda Gipson Hitchens, president, NVDECS Foundation
Jimmi Barnwell and Cheron Burns
Soror Shannon Cross, the emcee
Sorors…looking sassy and classy
Fawn Coleman, far left, chair, Endowment and Investment Committee and Linda Gipson Hitchens, far right, with NVDECS Foundation Scholarship recipients: Malisha Gyamfi and Caroline Ebuchulam
Carole Stephens and Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre, 24th national president, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Wanda H, Christi Johnson, Ashley Wilson and Karita Richardson
Gabriele Tyler, guest, Karen Croom, Chris Richardson, Dorene Hurt, guest and Gladys Fitzhugh-Pemberton
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) George Alexander and Col. (Ret.) Dorene Hurt; Chapter members and their guests Felecia Harrison, Mrs. Pierre Thomas, Pierre Thomas, Dr. Deborah Foreman and Edgar Brookins Andrea Powell and Donna Epps Namsey
Photos by Rob Roberts
May 30, 2015 - June 5, 2015, The Afro-American
Mayor James D. Crudup Sr., Eagle Harbor, Student honoree Jamira Carper and Elissa Taylor, Miss Black Maryland USA 2015
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Belinda Coleman, president and CEO, The Coleman Group
Honoree Lance Lucas, CEO, Digital All Systems
Student honoree Briana White
Emcees: Shomari Stone, NBC News4, Washington, DC and Ebony McMorris, News and Community Affairs Director, Radio One Washington, DC
Award winner Breana Britt, founder, Bree’s Sweet Treats
David C. Harrington, former Mayor of Bladensburg, Md. Don Miller,Corvias Solutions,public affairs
Joseline Pena Melnyk,state delegate District 21
Student honoree Thai Jackson and Rev. Gail Addison, founder, End Time Harvest Ministries
Student honoree Devante Jenkins Student honoree Anthony Edmonds
Student honoree Chyna Robertson
Delora Sanchez, Kimberly Robinson
Student honoree Linita Blackette
Maryland Black Mayors: Kito James, former Mayor, board member; Lee P. Walker,Landover Hills, member; Tracy Farrish Gant, Edmonston; Jaqueline Goodall, Forrest Heights, president; Lillie Thompson Martin, Fairmount Heights vice president; Petrella Robinson, North Brentwood, treasurer; Marnitta King, Capitol Heights, secretary; Diana Fenelle, Delegate Mayor; and James D. Crudup, Sr., Eagle Harbor, member
The Maryland Black Mayors (MBM) Honors Gala, May 1, at Camelot by Martins Upper Marlboro, was an awesome fundraiser, the purpose of which was to present academic scholarships to deserving students and recognize some outstanding community leaders. The program was filled with great speakers from mayors, MBM directors, and influential business leaders who all shared a common thread of transforming community, expanding economic opportunity, and continuing philanthropic work. The
Hon. Kendra Y. Ausby, Warren Brown, Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts
Hon. Melissa K. Copeland, Nicole Barmore, Carol Ann Smith
Judge Robert Bell, Judge Barry Williams, Judge Arrie W. Davis
Winston Wilkins reads a citation from Governor Larry Hogan.
Photos by Da’Rrell L. Privott
Taren Butcher, Dana Peterson, Beverly Carter
Judge Marcella Holland, Patrick Roberson, Judge Lynn Stewart-Mays
When members and guests of the Monumental City Bar Association (MCBA) gathered, to mark 80 years, they paused to acknowledge lifetime members Derrick Hamlin, Kay Harding, Kendra Randall Jolivet, Edward Smith and Yolanda Sonnier. They also presented awards for minority business achievement and community service and recognized unsung heroes and future history makers.
Founded in 1917 and incorporated in 1935, the Monumental City Bar Association (MCBA) lists among its notable and prominent attorneys names such as W.A.C.Hughes Jr., W. Emerson Brown, Harry Cole, Solomon Baylor, Gerald Smith, A. Dwight Pettit, Elijah Cummings and Stuart O. Simms, just to mention a few who served as past presidents. Over the past 80 years, the MCBA has created and fostered a supportive environment for attorneys throughout Maryland and provided mentoring and networking opportunities for attorneys and law students.
offering of invaluable, inspiring messages was no more evident than when, Breana Britt, 16-year-old entrepreneur and founder of an old fashioned bakery in Accokeek, Md., Bree’s Sweet Treats, shared advice. “I always say the sky’s the limit; as long as you have support you can succeed in anything.” Many student honorees presented with grace, poise, and enthusiasm as they accepted their awards. This is the kind of spotlight that needs to be focused on young people more often.
Hon. Stuart O. Simms, Justin Williams
Honorees Jake Oliver, AFRO CEO/publisher; Dr. Joanne Martin, co-founder, National Great Blacks in Wax Museum; Beverly Carter (for Reginald F.Lewis Museum) received the “Telling Our Story” Award
James H. DeGraffenreidt Jr., Beaun Wilson, Harry Johnson
Blanche Steele, CEO Steele Consulting, event coordinator and Kito James, former Mayor, board member
Diane L. Bell McCoy-keynote speaker, president & CEO, Associated Black Charities
Anthony W. Robinson, Judge Shirley Watts, Frederick Grant, Judge Yvonne Holt-Stone
Elizabeth Julian, Judge David Mitchell, Diane Mitchell, Hon. Jan Alexander, Judge Alfred Nance
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
Donald Tobin, Lazette RinggoldKirksey, Hon. W. Michel Pierson, Elizabeth Hafey
Asha Jefferson, Judge Kevin Wiggins
Yolanda F. Sonnier, Kendra Randall Jolivet, Robyn Scates
Young attorneys honorees
Michelle K.
Judith Cox, Hon. Marilyn Wilson, president, Mosby, Baltimore City State’s MCBA; Judge Videtta A. Brown, Attorney; Kathy Alexander Circuit Ct., Baltimore City
Hon.Yvette Bryant, Hon. Sylvester B. Cox Jr.
May 23, 2015 - May 29, 2015, The Baltimore Afro-American The AFRO-American gave recognition to the members of the Baltimore Chapter of The Links for their program initiative, the GRASP (Graduation, Retention, and Support Program) which provides funds to support HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) students who are at risk of dropping out of school because they are unable to pay financial obligations of $1,000 or less. A pre-reception was held for major donors and supporters
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before Jake Oliver, AFRO publisher, gave the welcoming remarks to the guests. Hon. Patricia C. Jessamy, Links president, indicated that since GRASP’s inception, the Chapter has contributed $10,000 and raised an additional $7,900 from Links, friends of Links, organizations and corporations. The Fund has helped 10 students at Morgan with two more awards pending this semester. Six students have been assisted at Coppin, with four additional awards anticipated this semester. All students assisted the first semester have graduated. All others are on schedule to graduate. Dr. Thelma T. Daley and Marsha Reeves Jews served as emcee. The program was sponsored by BGE, an Exelon Company.
Debbie Brogg, Faith Thomas, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, Peaches and Winky Camphor
Betty Clark, Landa McLaurin, Nikita Hayesbert Ashley Serune, student, Patricia Roberts, Saretha Sessomes
Hon. Patricia C. Jessamy, president, Baltimore (MD) Links, Francine Stokes-McElveen, Dr. Charlene Cooper-Boston
Donna Howard, director, Development, Morgan State University with students Dion Thomas, Briana Butler, Satta Mustapher
Briana Butler, scholarship recipient, Virgie Williams, Elizabeth V. Bole
Wendell Sutton, Marsha Jews, “Keep it Moving” radio host
NAACP officers Hope Randall, Tessa Hill-Aston, president, Baltimore City Branch, Joyce N. Harrell, Kathy A. L. Robertson
F. Aileen Taylor and Judge Miriam Hutchins
Jake Oliver with Marsha Reeves Jews, left and Dr.Thelma T. Daley, mistress of ceremonies
Leah Warren, Morgan State senior, Larcell Pannell
Members of the National Coalition of Black Women, Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter with AFRO Publisher Jake Oliver.
Rosemary H.Atkinson and Sara H. Smalley
Morgan Alumni Association officers Gloria Wayman, Chubeli Arroyo, student, Janelle Silver, student, Cherlyn Mitchell, Carole Jeffries
Scholarship recipients Kendell Costley, Michael Travers, Natasha Newmois, Taylor Evans, Aunya Brown
The Annual Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by the Morgan State University Foundation was held, April 16, in the Tyler Ballroom of the Student Center on Morgan’s campus. Morgan President David Wilson, in his remarks to the crowded room of scholarship donors, friends and student recipients, noted the success of former graduates of the University and cited Morgan’s ranking among the top 20 categories in the United States. “We are taking students where they are and taking them to the world’s stage where they will shine,” Dr. Wilson said. The scholarship recipients were able, some for the first time, to meet the generous donors who provided the financial support needed for them to complete their academic journey and graduation.
Scholarship recipients Ahjahnae LaQuer, Noah Johnson, Joselyn Tabora
Scholarship recipients Jhenelle Anglin and Nico Cloyd
Howard Jessamy, Benjamin M. Phillips IV, AFRO president
Scholarship recipients Victoria Carson, Skye Malone, Whitney Niguel
Joyce Turnipseed, Carl W.Turnipseed, chair, Development Committee, Board of Directors; Joyce Brown, Alumni Director
Scholarship recipients Alexis Holmes, Verena Reece, Kiah Lucas (Tyler Scholar)
Scholarship recipients Ragime Young, Angela Njob, Joaab Ogunbiyr
Scholarship recipients Lynnee’ Tucker and Jeanette Wade; class members Nia Wikes and John Ruffin; Dr. Quentin Wilkes, 1963 class president
Morgan sponsors and Foundation officers are Reginald Thomas, Trena Taylor Brown, Anne Davis, Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson, Cheryl Hitchcock, executive director
Scholarship recipients Cierra Carter, Dmitri Clemons, Dejah Miles, Michael Shiferant
Scholarship recipients Kyra Harvye, Natavia Brady, Yelvel Johnson II
Morgan alumni Roddie Smith, Vivian G. Salters, Gloria Frost Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine
May 23, 2015 - May 29, 2015, The Washington/PG Afro-American
On the runway in a Spring ensemble
Chapter members modeling furs
Scholarship recipients with Charlene Matthews (center), chair, scholarship committee
Margaret Mitchell, Tracy Salaam Sofia and Toni Cloud
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Khadija Barkley and Genevieve Floyd
On April 18, Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosted its annual Fashion Show and Scholarship Luncheon at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland. “Fashions in Bloom “ was this year’s theme for this signature fundraiser. In over 30 years of existence, Xi Sigma Omega has awarded over $142,500 in scholarships. This year, 16 graduating Montgomery County seniors were awarded scholarships based on distinguishing themselves as leaders, excelling academically and as exemplified in their community service. Among the scholarships, over $8000 was awarded to students attending HBCU’s. This elegant affair showcased couture fashions from Ida’s Idea based in Washington D.C. and beautiful Furs by Gartenhaus in Bethesda, Md. Guests enjoyed the mistress of ceremonies, Alfredas, from WKYS. Over 900 guests were in attendance.
Michele Thompson, Carla McNeal, Tara Jacob Martin and Melissa Jetts Coley
Chapter president (7th from right) with the planning committee Jai Bonner, Mechelle Johnson-Webb, Erica Myers, Luana Dean, Ruth Myers(seated), Jessica Gray, Nicole Harrison and Tiffany McEwan
Classy silhouette
Jacquelyn Rose, chair, fundraising committee and Roberta Haines chapter president Photos by Rob Roberts
Alfredas, RadioOne, Mistress of Ceremonies
Colorful yellow gown
Catherine Leggett and Roberta Haines, chapter president
Stacey Mangham (3rd from left) and her guests
Janet Lavalle, Venattia Vann, Dr. Lorraine Banks, Deborah Hobbs, Sandra Fleming, Dr. Aria Bentley, Bridget Harrison, LaDonna Howell and Beverly Brooks Anderson
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, T. Diane Prris, Amber Okusaga, Catherine Van Hollen and Jorre Hernandez (both standing), Catherine Leggett and Melissa Smith
Eric Holder, Taylor Branch, Laura Murphy and Mee Moua
Rose McKinny, Nickey Knighton, Angela Ewell-Madison, Sandra V. Richardson, Annette Sanks, Pauletta Walker, Brittani Blackwell and Robert E. Richardson
Charita Mariner, Dara Baldwin, Charles Sims Jr., Jacqueline Sims and Donna Foster
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights held its 39th Annual Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Awards
Dinner on May 13 at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Honorees included Bob Dole, former ACLU Washington Director Laura Murphy,
Bill Keyes, Lola Keyes, William H. “Billy” Murphy Jr. and Laura Murphy’s son, Bertram Lee
the recently retired U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Several congressmen and other delegates attended the dinner. The Humphrey
Award is presented annually to outstanding individuals who best exemplify Senator Humphrey’s selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality— an honor roll that, over the years, has included President Bill Clinton, Congressman Michael D. Calhoun, president, Center for John Lewis, Responsible Lending, Wade Henderson, former chair president and CEO, The Leadership of the Federal Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Bill Deposit Robinson, Michael J. Remington, Drinker, Insurance Biddle and Reath, LLP
Corporation Sheila Bair, civil rights champion Dr. Dorothy Height, disability advocate Tammy Duckworth, and labor leader Dolores Huerta, among others. Photos by Rob Roberts
Debbie Bragg and Leon Townsend
Former Attorney General Eric Holder and AFRO publisher Jake Oliver
Vanita Gupta, acting Assistant Attorney General
Bob Dole receives the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award
Rev. Marvin M. Silver, Pastor of Jubilee United Church of Christ
Taylor Branch and former Attorney General Eric Holder, recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award
Mee Moua, Laura Murphy, recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award and Wade Henderson
Mistress of Ceremonies, Maureen Bunyan
Congressman John Conyers Jr. and Monica Conyers
May 16, 2015 - May 22, 2015, The Afro-American
LaTricea Adams, 2015 Thursday Network Volunteer Award winner
The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) Donza hosted its 2015 Nichols, Membership 2015 Meeting and Dinner Outstanding Reception on April Volunteer 29 at the George Washington University Marvin of the Year Ballroom Center in Northwest Washington, Award D.C. Under the dynamic leadership of Michael winner P. Akin, chairman, board of directors and George H. Lambert Jr., president/CEO, guests and members were given operational reports, introduction of scholarship recipients and presentation of the the Presidential Life Membership Award, the Chairman’s Award, the President’s Award, the Outstanding Employee Award, the Outstanding Volunteer Award and the Thursday Network Volunteer Awards. The evening was capped off with a Thursday Network members buffet dinner.
2015 scholarship recipients with sponsors and GWUL Leadership
Presidential Life Membership Award winner Susan Fowler
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Chairman’s Award winner Stephen A. Horbitt GWUL Board of Directors
Photos by Rob Roberts President’s Award winner Emmanuel S. Bailey
Edgar Brookins, AFRO American Newspapers and George Lambert Jr., president/ CEO, GWUL
Westley Dickerson, Pepsi Cola Bottling Group and scholarship winner Briana Walker Audrey Epperson, Charis Geoff, president, Thursday Network with the Empower scholarship recipients Denica-Lynyl Santos, Benjamin Banneker High School and Jamirah Jackson, Friendship Collegiate Academy, George Lambert Jr., president/CEO, GWUL, Michael Akin, chairman, GWUL board of directors
Renee McPhatter, GW University; Kimberly Corbin, CFO, GWUL and Loretta Caldwell, executive board member
Five winners of the 2015 Industrial Bank Small Business Grant Initiative were recently awarded grants totaling $80,000 – one valued at $20,000 and four at $15,000–in celebration
of the bank’s 80th anniversary. Winners included: The Wealth Factory, a University of Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute member company that offers services like
multiplayer fantasy games to improve users’ financial literacy, received a $20,000 grant, while ECORE Living, Union Kitchen, Advance Employee Intelligence and Goodies Frozen
Custard and Treats each received $15,000 grants. Industrial Bank is the oldest and largest African-American-owned community bank in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Photos by Rob Roberts
Winners of Industrial Bank small business grants, back row: Jonas Singer, Brian Uher and Zachary Pogue; front row: Judy Amsolem, Angel Rich, Imani Blackmon, Ashlea Hedland and Brandon Byrd Rev. Jonathan Weaver,board chair, Industrial Bank, grant winner Rodney Chambers, B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president/CEO, Industrial Bank, Patricia Mitchell, executive VP of Strategic Programs, Industrial Bank
Antonio Doss, Small Business Administration
Cathy L. Hughes, founder and chair, Radio One
Audience members
Harry Wingo, president, DC Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan Weaver, Chairman of the Board, Industrial Bank, B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president/CEO, Industrial Bank and Antonio Doss from the Small Business Administration
Nyya Bance, Industrial Bank; Kwasi Irving, Industrial Bank; Michelle Vessels, Radio One; Tina Carter, Industrial Bank; Crystal Johnson, Industrial Bank; Melanee Woodard, Industrial Bank; Elduise Johnson, Industrial Bank
Jeffrey Wilson, senior regional VP, Radio One, Patricia Mitchell, executive VP of strategic programs for Industrial Bank, Melanee Woodard, Industrial Bank and Michelle Royal Vessels, senior integrated marketing executive, Radio One Rev. Weaver(left) speaking with winners and attendees
Shelly M. Gross-Wade, president/CEO, FSC First, Edgar Brookins, AFRO American Newspapers D.C. general manager, Patricia Mitchell and LaTrina Antoine, AFRO American Newspapers D.C. editor
Krystal Brumfield, VP/COO, DC Chamber of Commerce and Eugene Cornelius Jr., SBA
LaTeisha Williams from “Kid & Culture Camp”
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The Afro-American, May 16, 2015 - May 22, 2015
T he South Baltimore Learning Center hosted its
Honoree Sonia Soncha and Rep. John Sarbanes
Wonder of Learning Gala, Apr. 11, at Montgomery Park Business Center. The celebration featured cocktails, wine, beer and tasty dishes provided by Baltimore’s best restaurants and caterers with a silent and live auction. The gala honored longtime SBLC board member and donor, Jonathan Melnick, president and CEO, Melnick/Newell and longtime SBLC Executive Director, Sonia Socha, for their commitment, dedication and support for the Center, its learners, and adult literacy. The South Baltimore Learning Center is a community-based nonprofit organization providing functional literacy and life skills training in addition to career preparation services to educationally disadvantaged adults in the Baltimore area. It has been in operation since 1990 and now serves over 1,000 adults annually
Sali McCampbell, Vanessa McCampbell and Soncheree McCampbell Honoree Sonia Socha talking with Learning Center graduate John Parker Tony Pridgen and Fran Allen
Chyanne Toppin, Kyetra Toppin, Hydeia Toppin, Curley Whitaker, Veronica Evans, Gloria Smith and Shirley Hernandez (standing) Barry Blumberg, Honoree Sonia Socha and Anne Heesters Schroth
Marcia Coakley, Frank Coakley, Dell and Dan Henson
Michael Davenport, Marsha Davenport, Marie Crawford and Gary Crawford
Honoree Jonathan Melnick with Susan Sachs Fleishman and Anne Heesters Schroth
Wanda Pearson and Takiea Hinton Photos by Anderson Ward
An elegant champagne reception was held in the atrium at the James E. Lewis Museum of Art on Morgan State University’s campus for invited patrons who
afterwards attended the premiere of “Reparations,” a play directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap held in the Turpin-Lamb Theater in the Murphy Fine Arts Center. The script and music
for “Reparations” were written and produced by Joseph Edwards who maintains that there is “a connection between slave labor and the birth and development of the infrastructure of cities, states, the national and world economies that were based primarily on a multitude of products and services solely dependent upon the labor of enslaved Africans.”
And it was Edwards’ intent that the patrons listened to the voices of the theatre and music majors, former theatre students, and other actors, and arrive at the logical conclusion that reciprocity must be paid to the descendants of those who suffered many years of slavery, Jim Crow, separate but equal and more years of
racist housing policy. A very lively question and answer session was held after the play ended. The proceeds from the production provide scholarships for students to attend Morgan State University.
June Dennis, chair, Dr. Earlene Roberts, president, Marion Patterson
Roseanna Davis, Ada Alston, Delores Harvey Ethel Stewart, Mary Ellen Smackum, Alice G. Downs, Dr. Flossie Windley Patricia Tunstall, Dr. Donald and Olivia Stewart
Dr. Denise Simms Graves, Essie Banks, Ann Custis, Patricia Collins
Shirley Jackson, Lorraine Young, Joyce Fuller
Vivien F. Burnett, Cynthia Clemmons, Henri A. Daniels, Dr. Edmonia Yates
Howard and Deborah Winfield
Patricia West and Barbara Adger
Charles and Jean Greene Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine