Pandemic No Deterrent to Service for Ahmed Court No. 134

Contributed by PC Karen Young Kirksey Ahmed Court No. 134 Tallahassee, Fla.

This time last year, who would have thought so many of life’s daily activities could be conducted virtually? It is possible! Ask any Daughter in Ahmed Court No. 134. The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed progress, when it comes to getting things done. And Zoom has become a second language.

Even in these times, community service is top of mind. Illustrious Commandress Dt. Nancy Paul is a frontline healthcare worker at a Tallahassee hospital. As a respiratory therapist, she understands the need for providing service to the community in a way that is safe for everyone. “There are certain projects we do annually,” said IC Paul. “It’s just important to follow the guidance of Imperial, the CDC and local officials. And that includes wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands regularly and staying away from crowds.”

High Priestess Dt. Dr. Vanessa Q. Wade, a pharmacist on the frontline, set the tone for the months ahead, by arming the Court with words of encouragement and wisdom in the wake of the pandemic. Her email, “Weekly Word with the High Priestess,” has continued since April 13, 2020:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

“Daughters, with all that is going on in the world, this passage of scripture is timely, at best. There is a tremendous amount of fear surrounding this pandemic called COVID-19 and rightfully so. There are many unknowns regarding this deadly virus. But God...He has equipped us with all we need to protect ourselves from serious illness; a sound mind to listen to healthcare professionals and follow the directives of the experts, power to make the right decisions for ourselves and our families, and a spirit of love and compassion to assist those who cannot help themselves. During this time of quarantine, let us keep one another lifted in prayer. Many are dealing with job loss, compromised health, financial strain. Let us use this time to listen to the voice of God and strengthen our connection with Him. God knows our every weakness; He will answer when we call on Him for guidance and wisdom.”

August

Voter Education/Registration

From August until Election Day on Nov. 3, Ahmed Court was focused on Get Out the Vote activities. HPC Dt. Lorraine James chairs the Court’s Voter Education/Registration Committee. She participated in Vote By Mail Training, led an online voter preparedness workshop and provided a voter information sheet for Court members to share with family and friends.

Blessing Bags for the Homeless

Ahmed Court Daughters donated toiletries, razors, combs and brushes, face masks, socks, gloves and more for homeless women and men at the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.

October

Quarterly Street Cleanup

Ahmed Court helps to keep Saxon Street beautiful, even during a pandemic. As participants in the City of Tallahassee’s “Adopt A Street” program the Court has cleanup duties quarterly, sharing with Nims Middle School, a neighboring Bond Community partner.

Virtual Breast Cancer Walk

First Lt. Commandress Dt. Shauna Robinson coordinated a virtual breast cancer walk for Ahmed Court, in support of the Desert of Florida’s observation of Women’s Health Awareness Month. Ahmed Court makes an annual contribution to “Thinking Pink,” the Imperial Court Daughters’ initiative to benefit the American Cancer Society and other organizations that help those affected by breast cancer. Daughters were encouraged to wear pink to walk, post their pictures on social media and use the hashtags: strideforstrideAhmed Court and WeareFlorida. Five random posts were selected for a gift card giveaway.

Leon Court Judge Speaks to Ahmed Court Youth Club Virtually

Leon County Florida Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson is no stranger to Ahmed Court and its Youth Club. They first met her in 2019 when she invited the young ladies to her courtroom to see her at work. This time she participated in a Zoom meeting and talked to them about self esteem and other issues of particular interest to girls. A scavenger hunt was the icebreaker for the event. “Judge Nina” looks forward to her next meeting with the Ahmed Court youth.

November

“Souls to the Polls”

On the final day of Early Voting in Florida, Sunday, Nov. 1, Ahmed Temple and Court walked to the Leon County Civic Center at the invitation of Florida Senator Al Lawson to cast ballots and encourage others to vote.

Election Day

Nine Ahmed Court Daughters received training and worked the polls on Election Day.

Project Annie Thanksgiving Dinner

For more than 20 years, Annie Johnson has provided a Thanksgiving meal for about 1,200 people in Tallahassee’s Frenchtown community, most of whom are homeless. With the help of volunteers like Ahmed Court she gets it done and does the same thing for Christmas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of a sit-down dinner, Ms. Annie provided takeout meals. This was Ahmed Court’s 6th year assisting the effort. Daughters donated turkeys, hams, and ingredients to make all the side dishes. On Thanksgiving, IC Nancy Paul and PC Juan Cox helped to serve the meal.

Rockathon

Ahmed Court is a regular supporter of the annual Rockathon—a rocking chair marathon to benefit the John G. Riley Museum/Center (for Black culture). But this year, it too was held virtually. The Court made its donation and was invited to videotape a 30-second holiday greeting that would run on WCOT, the City of Tallahassee’s television station. IC Paul and PC Paula Roberts were featured in the commercial.

Project Annie Christmas Dinner

Ahmed Court donated money to Project Annie to purchase turkeys for the annual community dinner.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Fundraiser

Ahmed Court Daughters have served as Red Kettle bellringers for the Salvation Army since 2015. December 2020 was the first time we were unable to participate in person, due to COVID-19. PC Fannie C. Bellamy coordinates the effort. She encouraged Daughters to go online and make donations on behalf of the Court. Money raised helps needy individuals and families in Tallahassee.

Masks for Students and Teachers

Ahmed Court Daughters teamed up with Ahmed Temple No. 37 to donate 500 face masks to students teachers and staff at the Jefferson Somerset Charter School in Monticello.

Christmas gifts for Ahmed Court’s Most Senior Daughters

The Court gave Christmas gifts to our Golden Years Mentoring Daughters—they are 73-years and older. Nine Daughters received gift bags filled with slipper socks, face masks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, eyeglass cleaning cloths, cookies and a Christmas card. IC Nancy Paul made drive-through deliveries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ahmed Court No. 134 Daughters look forward to a New Year of continued community service, God willing.