Hello All:
September is a busy month for Black people - we have so many events that are designed to empower and inform us - and the wonderful thing about these events is that they make it clear that we have the capacity to move the needle forward considerably, as long as we not only talk the talk, but walk it as well.
And no where is there a more shining example of this than the NATIONAL CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN, who celebrated their 34th Annual Awards Brunch in Washington, DC, on September 16, the Sunday following the Congressional Black Caucus. This year the Brunch was held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel's elegant ballroom.
Founded nearly 35 years ago by the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Woman to hold a seat in Congress, and to run for president of the United States; and Dr. C. Delores Tucker, the first Black Secretary of State for Pennsylvania, the non-profit organization is dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of African American women and their families.
Current President, CEO and Hostess for the morning's ceremonies was Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., who also hosts her own radio show on Wednesday mornings at 10:00AM entitled, Wake Up and Stay Woke, on WPFW-FM, 89.3.
The Awards pays homage to African American women and men who have made contributions to society through their dedication and professionalism, that are either minimized or overlooked by the meanstream media.
Anyone who attends the NCBW Brunch Awards knows they are going to be treated royally - and this was certainly no exception: the food was fabulous - Eggs, chicken sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits, croissants, various fresh fruits, preserves, and some of the best coffee (I love good robust coffee) ever. Additionally, while it was served buffet style, the food was replenished so that it was never cold or overcooked.
Over 700 African American women and men from all over the US convened to be a part of the awards, with an additional 40 vendors, from furriers to jewelers, fashion designers/suppliers, health and wellness experts, business developers, were set up in the mezzanine outside the ballroom to tempt us with their unique wares. There was ample time before the Brunch and after it ended for attendees and participants to shop.
The twelve honorees represented a broad range of backgrounds and accomplishments, and included:
SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis: President of Benedict College:
Jan Adams, President/CEO of JMA Solutions:
Not only is her consulting company the go to for high tech solutions, but she has had a material role in assisting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other clients in areas of acquisition, planning, air traffic management, financial management, information technology, program management, professional and technical training. The former USAF Chief Master Sergeant, has been profiled in O Magazine, Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine. Among her other great accomplishments, she serves on the boards on several charitable and municipal organizations and contributes personally to over 40 charities.
Sandra Bundy, Successful Sexual Harassment Complainant:
Four decades, in 1981, before the MeToo movement, Mrs. Bundy helped make sexual harassment illegal, when she fought back against the lewd supervisors at her DC job - and WON! Her case, Bundy v Jackson, established Sexual harassment in the workplace as a violation of the Civil Rights Act. Of course, victory did not come easy, she was initially denied because she remained on her job, and the District of Columbia Department of Corrections ruled that her Civil Rights nad not been violated. She was also later demoted. But she refused to give up, filed and appeal, and 5 years later Chief Appellate Judge Skelly Wright ruled that her treatment qualified as a violation, because an employer could sexually harass a female employee with impunity by carefully stopping short of firing her.
Jordan Andrews, Student Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania:
Ms. Andrews is clearly one of the busiest and most accomplished students at UPenn, Philadelphia. Not only is she a Junior studying Political Science, French, and American Public Policy, she also is the founding board member of Beyond Arrests: Rethinking Systematic Oppression - a criminal justice reform organization. She is developing an afterschool program called Black Girl Linguist (something that is sorely needed in our communities), she has been honored twice by Onyx Senior Honor Society - a Historically Black student organization that recognizes academic excellence in underclassmen. Jordan was elected by the student body as the first Black woman to lead the main branch of Penn's Student government, as the Vice President of the Undergraduate Assembly.
Veronica Joyner, Chief Administrator of Philadelphia Charter Schools:
Ms. Joyner began her educational career in 1974, but eventually realized the need for greater parental involvement in what was then substandard Philadelphia schools, and founded Parents United for Better Schools, a non profit, multi-racial, parent advocacy program, which currently has a membership of over 20,000 parents. She subsequently founded the Mathematics, Civics, and Science Charter School of Philadelphia (MCSCS) - one of the largest Charter Schools in Pennsylvania - nearly 20 years ago, where she serves as Founder and Chief Administrative Officer. More than just a premium center for education, she has also pledged to feed and clothe over five hundred homeless citizens in the city of Philadelphia every week. "It is our duty to provide the learning tools that help students lead rewarding lives, help citizens, and make changes to improve education and the quality of life for others; and their success is the best reward of all," Veronica Joyner.
Janaye Ingram, Director of National Partnerships for AirBnB:
First Lady Michelle Obama called her an "impressive leader who plays an important role in our progress toward the mountaintop." She was named one of the 2017 Glamour Magazine Women of the Year, a member o the #Woke100 by ESSENCE Magazine; and has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, Vogue, ESPN, TV One, The Huffington Post to name a few. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, wth a BA in Psychology, and a MS in Non Profit Management, she is also the National Executive Director of the National Action Network (NAN). After positions with a Medicaid insurer in Philadelphia, she currently serves as Director of National Partnerships for AirBnB, an home sharing platform that connects travelers with unique homes and experiences around the world, while creating economic and entrepreneurial opportunities for hosts and communities.
Vivian A Dickson, Sr. Program Manager for USDA-NRCS Outreach and Advocacy Division:
This is her tenth year in this permanent position with USDA-NRCS. Prior to that she served as legislative assistant to former Congressman Mike Espy who was appointed Secretary of Agriculture. She subsequently held a position with the Clinton Administration with the Under Secretary for Food and Nutrition Services. Among her other official capacities, she serves as the North Carolina A&T State University Bio-Engineering Student Task Force.
Special Award to the Women Hosts and Reporters of MSNBC: Unfortunately the award could not be presented because the recipients were covering Hurricane Florence and were not able to attend the Brunch as originally planned.
Ayanna Gregory - Singer, Dramatist, Educator and Activist:
Dick Gregory's daughter - making it plain where her talent came from shares her talent with the world through writing lyrics that have meaning and impact, designed to help audiences heal. While growing up as the daughter of the comedy great, she interacted with the likes of Bob Marley, Marvn Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and others. Raised in the Freedom Movement, she knew early on thather gift of song would be her gift to the struggle - she is as much an educator, motivational speaker, teaching creative arts and skills t school chlden. Among songs are Beautiful Flower (2003), Ballad for My Father: Tribute to Dck Gregory" (2007), "Mama This One's For You," (2014). She has the DNA of both her Dad and wonderful mom, Ms. Lillian running through her veins, and is poised to make her mark on the world.
THE DICK GREGORY GOOD BROTHERS AWARDS, named in honor of the great activist, sage, comedian, intellect, the late Dick Gregory, who made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angels in 2017 at the age of 84.
The DICK GREGORY GOOD BROTHERS AWARDEES exemplify the qualities that made Dick Gregory a beloved example of Black manhood.
Paul Butler, Georgetown Law Professor:
Subject matter expert and legal analyst for MSNBC, he has been profiled on 60 Minutes, Nightline, ABC, CBS, NBC Evening News, he is the Albert Brick Professor in Law at Georgetown University Law Center. He holds an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from City University of NY. His books include "Let's Get Free: A Hip Hop Theory of Justice," "Chokehold: Policing Black Men," which won critical acclaim from the New York Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and the NAACP. He has served as a federal prosecutor with the US Dept. of Justice, where his specialty was public corruption. His prosecutions included a US Senator, three FBI agents, and several other law enforcement officials.
Quincy G. Gant, Superintendent of Railcar Service and Inspection Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA):
He has provided a measurable amount of improvement in service, after having worked at TESST Electronics, where he received his accreditation in computers and electronics. He worked as Field Engineer at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, where he studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology. While he continues to expand his technical retinue, his real passion is for life is serving and empowering citizens nationally. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and is affiliated with Redemption Lodge No. 24 Fee and Accepted Masons PHA, where he currently holds the Grand Lodge's second highest position, and positively impacts society by conducting workshops, conferences, and participates in various philanthropic organizations.
Ron Simmons, Actor, Producer, Philanthropist:
Four time Tony Award Winner, Simons holds degrees in theatre and computer science from Columbia University, NY. He is one of the producers of the Dick Gregory play, "TURN ME LOOSE," which currently performing at Arena Stage in DC. The four time Sundance Film Festival selected producer and actor of stage, screen and television, he is also the Founder and CEO of SimonSays Entertainment. where he leads the strategic planning and development of theatrical and film projects. Among his productions are the critically acclaimed films: "Night Catches Us," "Gun Hill Road," "Blue Caprice," and "Mother of George (all premiered at Sundance). As an actor, he has appeared on stage, in film and on TV. He won the London Stage Award for Acting Excellence for the play, "Boy Steals Train." He holds a BFA from Columbia College, MBA from Columbia Business School and MFA from the University of Washingtons' Professional Training School.
One of my favorite entertainers, Dr. Sylvia Traymore Morrison, Female Impressionist, provided great comic relief (hope they make her a perennial - she's wonderful). She is the first Black female impressionist - there is absolutely no way to describe her work, except to say you have to see it for yourself. The veteran writer for Saturday Night Live has impersonated some of the biggest names in the industry, including Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, among others.
Shyra Arrington (2nd from left) recipient of President's Angel Award, is a devoted member of the organization.
The wonderful thing about the National Congress of Black Women is that each year their capacity increases, their outreach grows, and Black women are benefited exponentially. If you were not able to attend this year's Brunch, make it your business to attend in 2019 - the 400th commemoration of the landing of the slaveships in Virginia - contact your local organization,
or log on to www.ncbwf.org - 1250 4th st, NW STE WG-1 Washington, DC 20024
There is so much you have to contribute to keep the momentum going,- this is the most politically and socially significant period ever for Black Women - the time to put our stamp on history and the direction of this nation, our communities and our families. It's your time/our time to do everything to ensure the success of the future of our families. Make it your business to be a part of the NATIONAL CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN
| Me with Dr. E. Faye Williams President & CEO of the National Congress of Black Women |
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 
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