Sophisticated Settings Lifestyle May 16th, 23rd, 30th

B2

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

B1

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

B1

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

B1

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

B1

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”

B2

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