Lifestyle Sophisticated Settings May 16 to 23 2015

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