August 17, 2013 - August 23, 2013, The Afro-American
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Pageant contestants Edgar Brookins surrounded by the pageant contestants
Photos by Rob Roberts Karen Arrington and Yvette Johnson
Former pageant contestant giving encouraging remarks to 2013 contestants
The 2013 Miss Black USA (MBUSA) Scholarship Pageant competition formally kicked off with a Red Dress reception on Aug 7 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. as scores of contestants vie to become next Miss Black USA.
Representatives from the Heart Truth Campaign of the National Institute of Health (NIH) were in attendance as a partner (with MBUSA) for the reception and to promote Heart Disease Awareness.
Pageant producer Anthony Vann, Yvette Johnson and Miss Black Alabama 2008 Andretta Rhone
Cara Crosby, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH and Monique Ndenecho, The Heart Truth Campaign, NIH
Pageant organizers with the 2013 contestants
Miss Black Oklahoma, Danelle Payne; Nneka Igbokwe and Lisa Matthews, PhD
The Silver Fox Yvette Johnson with Miss Black Georgia USA Jordan Riles
Monica Valdiviez-Wiley, Edgar Brookins and Lisa Mathews, PhD
Yvette Johnson and contestants
Miss Black Louisiana USA, Chante Rice; Nakia Nelson, Louisiana State Director and Talented Teen Sarette Wilson
Photos by Rob Roberts
The Brookins Family: Edgar Brookins; Linda Brookins; Dexter Brookins, the Promotee; Ciera Brookins and Javier Brookins
Yvonne Thomas Jackson, a careerist in the Senior Executive Service of the Federal Government congratulates Dexter
Pamela Alexander, USAF; Karen Chisolm, USAF; Lt. Col. Priscilla Smalls and Faye Hyslop, BET Networks
Flavius Galiber (cousin); Linda Brookins; Dexter Brookins, Linord Moudou , The Voice of America; Gloria Sawyers, Government Contractor and Edgar Brookins
The Reaffirmation of the Oath of Office being administered by Col. Matt Coleman
Dexter’s son, Javier, helps his Dad don his headgear with the new rank insignia
Lt. Gen. (Ret) William Ward and wife Joyce during the singing of the National Anthem; in the foreground, Lt. Col. (Ret) Alvin Phillips and Col. Tia Johnson
Brookins’ family members, some of whom travelled from Wisconsin to attend the ceremony
Dexter’s mother and father, Linda and Edgar, place the Lt. Col. shoulder boards on his uniform
Cutting the cake
Dexter’s first cousin, Flavius Galiber, congratulates him
Col. (Ret) Dorene Hurt, Maj. Gen. (Ret) George Alexander, M.D., Gabriele Tyler, Joyce Ward, Lt. Gen. (Ret) Julius Becton, Brig. Gen. Henry Huntley, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd and Lt. Gen. (Ret) William Ward
Brig. Gen. Henry L. Huntley, director of human resources policy for the U.S. Army, conducted a ceremony in honor of Dexter M. Brookins’ promotion to lieutenant colonel Aug. 10 at the Women in Military Service to America Memorial in Arlington, Va. Before family, friends and a host of other guests, the Army Promotion Orders were read and shoulder boards for the rank of lieutenant colonel were placed on the epaulettes of Brookins’ shirt and service dress uniform by his parents, Edgar and Linda Brookins. The military Brig. Gen. ceremony Huntley presents included: the the official arrival of the official party, promotion orders to Lt. Col. the singing of the “Star Brookins Spangled Banner,” the reading of the promotion orders, a reaffirmation of the oath of office and the singing of the “Army Goes Rolling Along,” the Army Song. Special guests included retired Lt. Gens. Julius Becton and William Ward, along with retired Maj. Gens. Dorian Anderson, George Alexander and John Hawkins. A receiving line and reception followed the ceremony.
Maj. John Ransom and wife, childhood friends of Dexter
Lt. Col C. Wayne Brittian (chaplain) and Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd gave the invocation and Renee Allen sang the National Anthem
April 10, August 201017, - April 2013 16,- August 2010, The 23, 2013, Baltimore TheAfro-American Afro-American
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Toya Renee Robertson, 15, an 11th grader at Wilde Lake High School, received several awards for her dancing
The Baltimore County Chapter of the Pierians held an exhilarating Saturday afternoon event with various artists of the visual and performing arts. Students from the public schools of Baltimore County, high school graduates, and colleges entertained Bennett Ketter, native Liberian, reads from the attendees at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Museum in Catonsville, Md. his autobiography,My Scholarship recipient Jordan Alia Garlic, a graduate of the George Washington Center for Arts and Technology, Life Story, Histoire de impressed the guests with her work in painting and art media. Jordan will attend The Pennsylvania Academy of the ma vie Fine Arts (PAFA) and plans to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. Graduating in the top 20 percent of her class, Jordan received the Carver Center Senior Award for drawing and painting. The Pierians’ national theme, “Survival of the Arts: A Way of Life” is the focus for recognizing individuals in the community for their contributions to the arts, and to encourage further study of the arts by awarding scholarships to students of music, art, the theatre and dance. Merlene Adair, president, Pierians presents a check Native Baltimorean Rachel
Adia Hill, 12, who's been dancing at Baltimore Dance Tech for eight years, receives accolades from the audience
Pierians Lydia James, Reva Lewie, Alice Sue Cooper Lee
to scholarship winner, Jordan Alia Garlic with Pierians Rose Wiggins, Scholarship Chair and Beverly Booth Brown, Vice President
Pierians Doris Holmes, Shirley T. Hill, Flossie Johnson Pierians Bernardine Johnson, Fanny Goodwin, Shirley Kane
Performers Jordan A. Garlic, Shayla Conaway, Adia Hill, Toya Renee Robertson, Rachel Winder, Justin J. Taylor
Winder is an up and coming saxophonist at Peabody Conservatory
Pierians Anne West Clark, Frances Armstrong, Dr. Felicia Armstrong, Peggy C. Drayton
Jordan Alia Garlic, recent graduate of the George Washington Carver
Center for Arts and Technology explains her painting to the audience, assisted by Pierian Rose Wiggins
Justin J. Taylor, a piano player since the age of 8, performs all over the East Coast
Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine talents should be shared with others—for people all over the world.” She continued, “Doing whatever we are able to do, no matter how small should be our goal.” She concluded by indicating to the guests that “You are a blessing to me, I love you all.”
Jimmie Gittings, president, PSASA
Colleagues Patricia Pender and Deveial Foster
Carolyn Bryant with Leola Bryant and James Tomlison
Colleague Rachel Slacum and her husband Earl Slacum
Nelson Parker, cousin, Isaac Jackson, brother, Gregory Powell
Accolades for Dr. Jamie M. Brown continue to pour in from teachers, principals, church members, relatives and friends who spoke of her integrity and friendship, and called her “a wonderful coach and teacher.” Members of Dr. Brown’s church, Beth-el Temple Church of God, spoke of the retiree’s service to the church in many capacities. “She is a prayer warrior”, “I can see God all over her,” they said. Others added that “she provides inspiration to everyone, provides spiritual uplifting, that she has a welcoming smile, and a quiet spirit.” Speaking of her attributes as principal, colleagues said, “You give it your all.” Betty Carter and Betty Mills Moore, Dr. Brown began her teaching career friends from church in Baltimore City Public Schools, rising through the ranks to administrator. Colleagues praised her ability to “not only touch the lives of the children, but she touched our lives as well.” After the singing of “There is a Hero in You” by her relative, Barbara Jones, Bernard Jack Young, City Council the honoree spoke president, presents certificate Colleagues Joyce Buchanan, Margaret Diggs, lovingly of her first Marjorie Wade teacher...her Mom. Photos by Dr. A. Lois De Laine Dr. Brown emphasized that “our gifts and
Family members Sylvia McCann, Helen Edison, Valerie Brown, James Williamson, Dr. Leola Washington, Kevin Brown, Kurt Brown, Cynthia Crowder, and Helen Williamson, mother, seated next to honoree Dr. Jamie Brown
Neighbors Jacqueline Ford and Sheila Green
Honoree Brown with grandsons Kris Brown and Devin Arrington
Kevin Brown gives his Mom a hug
Wahsee Evans, Barbara Griffin, Fannie McCullough, standing
August 24, 2013 - August 30, 2013, The Afro-American
2013 Miss Black USA Talented Teen Contestants: Courtney Warren; JoceLien Whitehead; Chandler Foreman; Jobrielle Winfrey; Saretta Wilson; Shamerah Norman and Jetta Smith
The Performing Arts Center at the University of the District of Columbia in Northwest, Washington, D.C. was the site of the finals of the Miss Black USA(MBUSA) Scholarship Pageant where Amanda McCoy, Miss Black North Carolina, was crowned Miss Black USA 2013. Who competed in personal interviews; health and fitness; evening gown; talent and question and answers categories. The People’s Choice Award went to Miss Black Texas. Additionally, JoceLein Whitehead was crowned Miss Talented Teen 2013. It was all organized Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2012, Naya by Karen Arrington, director of MBUSA and her staff. Coard; Princess Taylor; Miss Black USA
Dance routine by contestants
Talented Teen 2013 winner, JoceLein Whitehead; Miss Black USA 2012, Selena Watkins and Miss Black USA 2009, Alexis Jasmine
The 2013 MBUSA Judges: John Blassingame, Today’s Black Women publisher; Alpha Tyler, BET casting agent; Deya Smith, The Tom Joyner Morning Show producer and Nikki Kimbrough, fitness expert
Pageant MCs: Brian Christopher and Kalilah AllenHarris, Miss Black USA 2007
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Dr. James Lyons, acting president of UDC gives welcoming remarks
Crowning the new Miss Black USA 2013, Amanda McCoy by Selena Watkins, Miss Black USA 2012
The 2013 Miss Black USA, Amanda McCoy (center) with the runner ups
Photos by Rob Roberts Army Col. Wendy Rivers, her daughter, Brandy, Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2013, JoceLein Whitehead, Cordice Saunders, PNC Bank and Jay Turakhia, PNC Bank
Teen Judges: LaDedra Drummond; Vickey Ivory-Orem and LaPorsha Lowry, Founder/Editor/Publisher, “Sista’s Keeper Magazine”.
Evening gown competition
The Anniversary Planning Committee
Emcees Sis. Karen Swain and Bro. Dennis Kemp with Stephanie Johnson, Chair, Planning Committee and Deaconess Phyllis H. Davenport
Musical selection by Gospel Singer and Psalmist, Vicki Yoh’e
The family, friends, and community of The People’s Community Baptist Church (TPCBC) in Silver Spring, Md. celebrated 35 years of ministry on Aug 2, 2013 with a gala at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center to remember the works of God in the life of the church and community and to inspire going forward, the spirit of love and service established under the leadership of God’s men: the founder, the late Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Baltimore, Sr. and Dr. Haywood A. Robinson, III, current pastor. The event, chaired by Stephanie Johnson, featured ministry at its best in song with gospel recording artist and psalmist Vicki Yoh’e, the spoken word delivered by Rev. Matthew L. Watley, executive minister of Reid Temple AME Church, and the mime ministry of Jerome Sesson and dance artistry of Jaymesa Michie. Photos by Rob Roberts
S.A.V.E.D Mine Ministry: Jaymesa Michie and Bro. Jerome Sesson
Inspirational message given by Rev. Matthew L. Watley, Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, Md.
Marilyn Massey Ball, Lawrence Graham, Mrs. Virginia Baltimore, and Pastor Haywood Robinson(far right) receives proclamation from MD State Delegate Craig Zucker
Church members and friends of People’s Community Baptist Church
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett presented the proclamation
Phillip Baltimore, Mrs. Virginia Baltimore, mother of the founder of the church and Dr. Calvin Baltimore
Will Johnson, Sheridan Hill, Ann A. Edwards and Carolyn Jackson
Richard and Debbie Davis with Sandra and Louis Kelly
(standing)Dorothy Graham; Katerine Torrence; Ethel Lawhorn; Diane Cotton; Charmaine Fasusi; Gerald Roper and Rayla Cotton (seated) Tina Lee and Lorna Ford
Delores Lincoln Willis, Mia F. Greene and Cynthia Greene
August 24, 2013 - August 30, 2013, The Afro-American
Rev. Dr. Haywood Robinson
The United Council of Christian Community Churches of Maryland and Vicinity recently commemorated 50 years of ministry and celebrated those who have consistently served with distinction. The Jubilee Banquet, held Aug. 9, at Morgan State University, recognized Past Legends, deceased Pastors Tommie L. Jenkins, Charles White and Earl Tucker. Pastor Edward McClurkin and the Rev. Dr. Agnes Alston received Living
Mother Sadie Baldwin, Pres. Jimmy Baldwin, First Lady Charlene Baldwin, Outstanding Service from Council as President of UCCCC Churches
Elder Mary Lucas
Rev. Lawrence Bryant and First Lady Diane Bryant
Pastor Antoine McClurkin
Rev. Daphiney Clark Williams
Legend Awards. The Rev. Dr. Haywood A. Robinson III was the banquet preacher for the event chaired by the Rev. Helen B. Mayo. Pastor Jimmy C. Baldwin Sr., pastor of Shiloh C.C. Church, has served as the council president for nearly a decade. The founding pastors of the UCCCC were: Rev. Sidney Daniels, Rev. Theodore C. Jackson Sr., Rev. George W. Baynard and Rev. Edward M. Revels, pastors of Emmanuel, Gillis Memorial, Shiloh and St. Paul Christian Community Churches, respectively.
Lavern Baldwin and Jimmy Baldwin
Cathy White, Lyndell White, and Margaret Murray
Jabria Wilson, Amiyah Tucker, Kyelle Johnson,Mia Ramos, Rev. McClurkin, Victoria Price and Darien Wallace
Photos by J.D. Howard
Mr. and Mrs. Vance Tillery and Carla Lightsey
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Washington
Rev. Andre Hale Rev. Jacqueline Williams
Past Legends Presentation to Wives, Pastor Baldwin, Mrs. Earl Tucker, Mrs. Charles White, Mrs. Tommie Jenkins Sr. and Sis. Diane Bryant
The garden party was replete with fancy hats and dresses, desserts and piano music to celebrate the 50th birthday of Carla Lightsey, who wore the most adorable hat of the afternoon. The outdoor setting was perfect, as was the weather on that July 27 afternoon. And the Panama Band was on hand to provide more entertainment.
Sis. Diane Bryant, Pastor Lawrence Bryant, Sis. Florence Graham, Sis. Sharon Sellers and Sis. Robin Johnson
Sis Renee Payne, Bro. Lee Davis and Sis. Florence Graham
President Baldwin, Rev. Edward McClurkin and Rev. Helen Mayo, Living Legend recipients
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Sharon Dent, Lee Davis and James Smith
Cousin Marsha Gladden and Debbie Sutton
Lazette Porter, Honoree and Sherry Cindric
Gloria Christian, mother of the honoree
Renea Camper and Ronetta Stringfellow
Desserts by owners of Bahea and Company
Honoree and Cousin Minister Vernon Harris Panama band members, Horace and husband Dwayne Lightsey
Mr. and Mrs. Douglass McKenzie
Mr. and Mrs. Marlon Wise and Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Lightsey Photos by J.D. Howard