SOCIALLY SEEN

Around West Tn

By Wendy Isom Mercer

the Jackson Chapter of the Top Ladies Of Distinction, Inc. Dr. Dee encouraged everyone in the audience to make the best choices for their heart, whether that means incorporating healthier foods, making more time to exercise, or checking in regularly with a primary healthcare provider.

“You may have heart disease, but it doesn’t mean you’re doomed,” said the cardiologist, speaking to a capacity crowd inside the Kirkendoll Student Center on the campus of Lane College.

According to the American Heart Association, African-Americans disproportionately have higher rates of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Everyone in the audience wore various shades of red in observance of February as American Heart Month. Dr. Dee engaged the audience and recited in a dynamic way what the following letters in “Go Red” stand for:

G – Get to know your numbers (cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.)

O – Own your lifestyle (Be active)

R – Raise your voice. Be a vigilant advocate of your own health.

E – Educate your family and friends about heart disease.

D – Donate towards heart health research.

She also dispelled some myths about heart disease. “The myth is it only affects men or older people.”

However, “this is one disease that doesn’t discriminate.” In fact, “cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women,” according to the American Heart Association. One in three cardiovascular deaths occur in women. Too often, women may tend to disregard their symptoms or put off seeing a healthcare provider because they are so focused on being the caretaker for everyone else in the family.

Michelle Whatley is a heart disease survivor whose story was among the gripping testimonials shared during the program. She thought she was “too young” to have heart problems. Whatley was 37 when she had a heart attack. She recalled the symptoms she had that included chest and jaw pains. She drove herself to the hospital and barely made it. After flatlining three times at the hospital, she survived, and learned her condition could be treated with medication.

Another very memorable moment at the luncheon was when the Jackson Top Ladies of Distinction announced the Top Lady of the Year award. Founding Nurse Practitioner of the Agape Family Health Clinic Cynthia Early (r) was named the

Top Lady of the Year for her dedication and service as a healthcare provider.

Early, a certified nurse midwife, has delivered more than 1,500 babies in West Tennessee. She was recognized as the first African-American certified nurse midwife with privileges at a hospital in Jackson.

Members of the Top Ladies Of Distinction also have a big heart for mentoring youth. They celebrated the following Jackson Top Teens who will travel to Orlando, Fla. in March to compete at the national Top Teens of America conference: Madison Agomuo (TTA President), Shelby Bond (2 nd TTA Vice President), Kameron Myles, Nyla Myles, Donte Yarbrough, Donte McClain, Londyn Lumas Harmon (Miss Top Teen), Caleb McLemore (Mr. Top Teen), Alexandria Carney, and Elijah Reeves. Theresa Wilson is their TTA advisor.

In 2020, the annual luncheon was renamed in honor of the late Annie Ruth Rogers, who served as a devoted member of the Top Ladies of Distinction. Rogers passed away in 2018 at the age of 95. Tajuana Cheshier-Reed, granddaughter of the late Annie Ruth Rogers, fondly recalled her grandmother’s love for the Top Ladies of Distinction. “She never missed one of these luncheons.”

Sincerely and Socially Seen, Wendy Isom Mercer

Wendy Isom Mercer, a freelance columnist/writer, works as the Southwest TN One Stop Operator at the American Job Center in Jackson. She previously worked at the STAR Center as a job placement specialist. Wendy, a former special education teacher, earned her master’s degree in teaching from the University of Memphis. Wendy also formerly worked as a features reporter at The Jackson Sun. She received her bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Clark Atlanta University. She is active in several community organizations. Wendy currently serves as president-elect of the Jackson-Old Hickory Rotary Club.

RIVERS OF LIFE MINISTRIES CHURCH HOST “SWEETHEART BANQUET

Last Saturday night Kenneth and Carolyn Smith-Caldwell were honored to attended the Rivers of Life Ministries Church “Sweetheart Banquet,” and had a great time! “We entered the best dressed couples contest and won runners up,” said Kenny. “I thought all the couples were winners. Thank you Rivers of Life Ministries family, Fred & Tiffany R. Spight for the invitation.”

Black History At Jackson City Hall

“Our #BlackHistoryMonth Celebration of Black Culture at City Hall continued with performances by Nadia Beard and the Children’s Theatre Company of Jackson Kids with a Cause and recording artist Clifton Smith. Every week we celebrate Black Culture and History, because it’s American Culture and History.” -

Mayor Scott Conger