59th Founders Day Celebration Journal

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. NORTH JERSEY UNIT

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUBS, INC. was founded in July 1935. The founding members were owners, managers, college graduates, and other professionally licensed women who managed to realize some measure of personal success at a time when there was no national “movement” to improve the lot of Black Americans. The Association’s headquarters in Washington, DC, consists of clubs throughout the United States, Ghana, Nigeria, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

The NORTH JERSEY UNIT of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. was founded by Josephine Keene in 1940.

During the early years, the North Jersey Unit was maintained through the efforts of a small core of dedicated and enthusiastic members. Today, the North Jersey Unit has twenty-seven dynamic and daring active members, including twelve Life Members who are sharing their experiences, exchanging information and encouraging opportunities for African American women and youth in our local and global communities.

Members of the North Jersey Unit play an essential role in achieving the Association’s goals.

We have contributed to community service for seventy five years, addressing concerns through programs, workshops, seminars, and activities in an effort to improve the quality of like in our communities.

• • • • • • • • • • •

North Jersey Unit program directives include.

Health Issues Education/Scholarship programs Employment Economic Development Leadership Initiatives Entrepreneurship Technology Service Women’s History Month Programs Vocal Arts Competition for Emerging Artists

NORTH JERSEY UNIT of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Sherida Inez Evans PRESIDENT

Sheltry Ward 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Francine Wright

It is such an honor and privilege to welcome all of you on behalf of The North Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Women’s Professional Clubs, Inc. to our 59th Founders’ Day Celebration.

This year, we are extremely pleased to recognize women and youth that

COR. SECRETARY

are exemplars of the community. Their ideas and programs have made a

Charlene Johnson

tremendous impact on the community.

FIN. SECRETARY

Merolyn Kelly TREASURER

Congratulations to our honorees, we are very proud of you and your contributions to the community!

To the Founders’ Day committee and the sisters of the North Jersey Unity, thank you for your continued support and limitless effort to sustain our club.

Thank you to our guests, who consistently support all of our endeavors.

Sincerely,

Sherida Inez Evans Sherida Inez Evans, North Jersey Unit President

Greetings from the Founders Day Luncheon Co-Chairpersons

It is my distinct honor and privilege to extend greetings to each of you and welcome you to the 59th Annual Founders Day Luncheon of the North Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. NANBPWC, Inc., founded in 1935 by outstanding women who had made a significant impact on the society, saw the need to lend support and to make a positive difference in the lives of young women and youth who were striving to achieve attainable goals.

Our Founders Day theme, “Women and Youth on the Move: Breaking New Ground” exemplifies who our honorees are. To our outstanding women and gentleman, I applaud each of you for your talented and steadfast community service.

To the Founders Day Committee and my sisters of the North Jersey Unit, thank you for your continued efforts to make this day a success.

To our guest, thank you for your undying support and patronage of our Annual Founders Day. Love and peace, Odessa H. James, Co-Chairperson

Welcome to the North Jersey Unit, NANBPWC, Inc.’s 59th Founders Day Luncheon. It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome each one of you: our past and present distinguished and deserving honorees, family, friends and our B&P sisters.

Your presence here today inspires and encourages us to continue our efforts to provide community service through our programs and to recognize those in the community who provide distinguished service and outstanding contributions to our community. THANK YOU for your participation, encouragement, and support. We are grateful to all of you for your support today and over the years.

On the occasion of the 59th Founders Day anniversary we are celebrating, I wish to extend my greetings to the members whose support and cooperation have made it possible for the leadership to achieve so many notable successes. We are aware that much is yet to be done, and that we cannot afford to remain inert. We realize that a progressive organization must look to the future, more than to the past but, lest we forget from time to time, it is also important that we review our achievements and the failures of the past.

To my NJU sisters, a heartfelt thank you for your dedication, cooperation, commitment, and support to assist in helping to insure the success of our 59th Founders Day celebration.

“Success is to measure not so much by the position that one has reached in the life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."

Booker T. Washington Evelyn Morrison, Co-chairperson

Dr. Iris Banister 16th Northeast District Governor

Sincere Greetings, Oprah Winfrey speaking of women pioneers said, “I have crossed over on the backs of Sojourner Truth and the many stalwart women of her kind. Because of them I can now live the dream. I am the seed of freedom. I intend to bear great fruit!” The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. founded in 1935 by seven of those stalwart women described stand firm and secure in the tradition of Sojourner Truth who left the message to each of us women that we must keep on making things happen, “There is a great stir about….. So I'm for keeping the thing going while things are stirring; because if we wait till it is still, it will take a great while to get it going again.” Sojourner Truth, 1851 It is with extreme pride and honor that I salute the ladies of the North Jersey Unit Club on the occasion of your 59th Founders’ Day; you have indeed for fifty-nine years been consistently stirring things, you’ve not allowed things to be still, and you have been making great things happen in your geographic area of the “Mighty Northeast District. Your 2015 Founders’ Day theme, "Women and Youth on the Move: Breaking New Ground" is indicative of the unyielding determined strength that you have respected and honored the work of our fore-mothers and continue to build upon that work with your eyes keenly fastened on the future as you, hand in hand with our youth, press towards the great things to come. For over fifty-nine years you have been an asset to the New Jersey area; bringing much needed services and programs to residents, encouraged youth to claim their positive futures by working hard in the present that lays a firm foundation upon which to build, and each member of the North Jersey Unit Club, down through the years, has been a living example of the epitome of womanhood, giving back to the community, and doing it with your heads held high and refusing to be stumbled or stopped by the obstacles of life. Year after year the ladies of the North Jersey Unit Club represent our Founders and every member of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. with distinction and the highest standards; you ladies continue to actualize the NED theme by being “Simply the B.E.S.T. (Bold, Empowered, Sisters Together)!

I, your NED sisters, and your supportive guest here today celebrate you for remembering NANBPWC, Inc. Founders and embracing our youth on this, your historic 59th Founders’ Day. We recognize you as twenty first century leaders, bold, confident and fierce sisters, and women that have taken hold of your corner of the world in your dainty but mighty hands and are together turning this upside down world, as our icon Sojourner Truth declared it to be, and turning it right side up again!

Dr. Iris Banister 16th Northeast District Governor

Negro National Anthem

Lift Every Voice and sing till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of liberty Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea Sing a song, full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song, full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sum of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod felt in the days when hope unborn had died yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come, over a way that which tears has been watered We have come, treading out path through the blood of the slaughtered Out of the gloomy past, till now we stand at last, Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast GOD of our weary years, GOD of our silent tears Thou Who has brought us thus far on the way Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light Keep us for-e-ver in the path we pray Lest our feet, stray from the places our GOD where me met thee Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world we forget Thee Shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand

TRUE TO OUR GOD, TRUE TO OUR NATIVE LAND

— James Weldon Johnson —

Teryon C. Lowery

2015 STRIVING YOUTH AWARD

Teryon C. Lowery is a graduating senior at the Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey. If you look at his rĂŠsumĂŠ, it would be hard to believe that he has any time to sleep. At Delbarton, Teryon is enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes; he is the President of the Minority Program, Youth Board President of the More Than Me Organization, senior member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Senior Leader of the Social Justice Committee, and the Coordinator of Life Witness Team. Teryon is an alumnus of the NJ SEEDS program. He is active in service projects such as EPOCH, Adopt-a-Grandparent, and Big Brother. He is a member of the varsity track team at Delbarton and studied Jeet Kune Do, a form of martial arts.

In order to complete a yearlong social justice project, Teryon interviewed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and United States Senator Jeff Chiesa about human trafficking.

As part of the More Than Me Organization, Teryon traveled to Monrovia, Liberia, in 2014 to teach young girls poetry. His mother, Portia Lowery, sent him to Liberia with $300 in spending money. Instead of spending it on the trip, his mother says, Teryon donated $250 to the foundation for school supplies for the girls. The organization hopes to make education and opportunity available for young girls in the West Point slum of Monrovia.

Teryon is a member of Smyrna Missionary in Newark, NJ where he serves faithfully and is a Junior Deacon.

Teryon has already been accepted to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. on a full scholarship. At home, he has two brothers who have been diagnosed with autism, Tyler, 7, and Isaiah, 5, whom he cares for and inspires.

Ebony J. Potts

2015 STRIVING YOUNG ADULT AWARD

Ebony J. Potts is the daughter of Beverley Jackson and John Potts and the proud granddaughter of Daisy Potts. She is a member of the Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Allen S. Potts where she enjoys being a part of the A.S.P Dance Ministry.

Ebony is a student at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey and is a part of the Dual Degree Dual Certification Program. While in this program Ebony graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s Degree in English in May 2014. She is currently averaging a cumulative 4.0 G.P.A while pursuing her Masters in Teaching and a certification in teaching students with disabilities, which will be attained this upcoming May. She is a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. While at M.S.U, Ebony serves as a Resident Assistant for 40 sophomore students and takes advantage of community service opportunities. She believes in the power of selflessness and taking the time to share knowledge and love with others. Ebony participates in the National Day of Service, which allows her to volunteer at food banks, schools, shelters, etc. She has also volunteered as a tutor and mentor for the Suburban Cultural Education Enrichment Program, the Emerging Leaders Learning Community and M.S.U’s Annual Special Friend’s Day. Ebony is an aspiring English teacher who looks forward to making a difference in the lives of children in urban school districts. She believes “race, ethnicity, and poverty are poor excuses for low expectations” and that all children deserve a chance to succeed.

Monica Y. Darko

2015 WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AWARD

Monica Y. Darko is a Mentor Manager and Site Based Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex Hudson and Union Counties of New Jersey. She is extremely passionate about developing the potential of children and young adults and creating opportunities for at risk youth in her surrounding communities.

Ms. Darko received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. She is a candidate for the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degree from Rutgers University.

Ms. Darko completed the Paralegal Certificate at Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey in 2012. Since then, she has helped residents throughout the community to complete Pro-Se Expungements to increase their employment opportunities.

Ms. Darko has worked for various nonprofit organizations in Newark, New Jersey including Youthbuild Newark and Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies of Essex County. She believes educational, culture and arts experiences exposes and empowers inner city youth to opportunities and enables them to embrace and discover their full potential. Growing up as an inner city child, it took the courage, commitment and belief of her high school principal and mentor to push her towards overcoming the obstacles stacked before her in order to pursue her own success and help others do the same along the way. In her spare time she assists others with finding resources and opportunities to enable them in achieving their own personal success.

As a young breast cancer survivor, she treasures and values every moment of life and spends her free time enjoying each moment with her 4 children Adrien 12, Emani 7, Johnay 5, and John 4.

Rita Delores Butts

2015 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD As a specialist in human services, Ms. Butts captivates audiences with her enthusiasm.

Ms. Butts has served more than 18 years as a high level executive manager for organizations specializing in supporting urban families. Rita strives to provide innovative and high quality social services to meet the early and advanced life needs of the entire family. She develops a healthy environment which promotes enthusiasm, flexibility, and a willingness to change and adapt.

Early in her professional career, Ms. Butts worked as a Head Start Volunteer. Thereafter, she served in various capacities within the realm of early childhood education (Mount Hebron, Montclair, NJ) Education Director, (Friendly Fuld, Newark, NJ) High Scope Trainer of Teachers and High Scope Trainer of Trainers, (East Orange Child Development Corporation) and Head Start Director (Grand Street Settlement House, Brooklyn Child and Family Services and Friendly Fuld Head Start). Additionally, she served as a Consultant to several non-profit organizations.

Accomplishments most significant to Ms. Butts were leading a team in the development of a Head Start grantee in the City of Newark, NJ (Friendly Fuld Neighborhood Center, Inc. /Head Start) and establishing collaborations and partnerships with the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, the New Jersey Department of Education and Newark Public Schools to provide child and family services to the children in the Central Ward of Newark, NJ. Currently, Ms. Butts serves as the Manager of Senior Services for the City of East Orange, NJ where her mission is to serve residents 60 years of age and older and disabled adults by providing quality outreach services, resources, events, activities and information, in a nurturing manner, in order to fulfill the needs of the senior population.

Ms. Butts graduated from Montclair University with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics with a concentration in Child and Family Studies (Montclair University). As a graduate student, she earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Administration and Supervision (Kean University).

Ms. Butts has received numerous community recognitions for her services. She received the Shirley Chisolm Award for her years of service in the field of Early Childhood Education, by the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Speaker Emeritus, and New Jersey Assembly. Also, that same year, she received the Community Services Award, presented by the Grandparents’ Association, Paterson, NJ. In addition, she has received letters from elected officials recognizing her accomplishments in the field of Human Services.

Ms. Butts maintains several local and national professional memberships including but not limited to, Member of the National Head Start Association, NJ Education Association, National Association of Family Life and Consumer Sciences, American Senior Citizens Association, National Elderly Association and a member of AARP.

Lady Madelin L. Dargan

2015 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Lady Madelin Dargan is the daughter of a loving and supportive mother, the late Zenobia Danner and Biochemist and Tanzanian political activist, Ernest Danner.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Lady Madelin spent her early years in Tanzania, Africa, and later the family moved to Montclair, New Jersey where she attended the Montclair, New Jersey School system.

Lady Madelin is a woman of many gifts. Professionally trained as a dancer from the age of 9 until 17, Lady was selected and performed as a Principal Dancer with the Alfred Gallman Newark Dance Theater, and performed with the Garden State Ballet, and the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theater School. She attended Penn State University achieved high honors and graduated with honor and distinction from Rutgers’ University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Lady Madelin has been employed in Sales & Marketing specializing in production, color, and printing technology for nearly two decade and has been a “President’s Club” recipient several times ranking as high as number two in the country in her field.

Lady Madelin has implemented her strong creative energy into launching her own desktop publishing company, MLD Communications with no prior work experience or background in the field. The business was blessedly successful and sovereign within a few months. MLD Communications has been the publisher of choice for many religious, social and civic organizations over the company’s 25 plus years. First Lady gives all glory to her LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ for the anointing and favor He has blessed her with in her business savvy.

With her winning attitude, determined spirit, and bright smile, she brings her unique perspective and skill to whatever she approaches. Lady Madelin’s calling is the gift of Helps (1 Corinthians 12: 28). She is a faithful and dedicated missionary and a mission-minded person. She uses her personal, professional and spiritual skills to aid the lives of the people in her sphere of influence wherever GOD sends her.

Lady Madelin has been married to Reverend J-Anthony Dargan for over 25 years. She is the mother of two wonderful and magnificent children: James Anthony and Christine Jannie-Lorraine who is the apple of her eye. First Lady Madelin has worked in various ministries in her Church experience and now as the First Lady of the Congregational Church of GOD, Harlem, New York. First Lady Madelin Dargan considers it a privilege and honor to serve God and her church in this capacity.

Dr. Francine Wright

2015 PROFESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR Dr. Francine Wright started her professional career in Newark, NJ, at Girls’ Center of Essex County, a private, residential facility for adolescent girls placed by Children and Family Services (formerly Division of Youth and Family Services), where she excelled to the level of Business Manager. During this early period in her professional career, there were many pivotal moments for Dr. Wright that influenced her professional experience in the workplace. There were many valuable lessons learned not found in textbooks that helped to guide her professional path in years to come.

Over a period of approximately twenty-five years, Dr. Wright served in diverse, professional roles: Dr. Wright served in the position of Instructor Counselor for New Jersey State Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice Residential Program located in Newark, NJ. In this role, she provided life skills instruction to at risk youth (all boys), and facilitated collaborative relationships with the juvenile justice court system, government agencies, educational institutions, and local community-based organizations. Dr. Wright continued her professional journey at National Black United Fund, Inc. (NBUF) located in Newark, NJ, where she served as Manager of Administrative Services and provided technical assistance to NBUF’s local affiliates and grass roots originations located around the country.

Dr. Wright is a lifelong learner and a believer that education can serve as a key to opening doors of opportunities. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education/Office Administration from Virginia State University; a Master of Public Administration degree, and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Seton Hall University. Dr. Wright earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, she holds administrative certificates from the State of New Jersey for principal/supervisor and superintendent, and business administrator. She is a Notary Public, State of New Jersey.

Dr. Wright currently is an Education Program Development Specialist in New Jersey State Department of Education, (NJDOE), Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance. In this role, she saves as a member of the Consolidated Monitoring Team for the Northern region of New Jersey. The team acts on the Commissioner’s behalf to monitor the implementation of federal programs by sub recipients and determine whether the funds are being used by school districts for the intended purpose and achieving the overall objectives of the funding initiative. Dr. Wright transition to her current role at NJDOE, after serving in the Office of Abbott Implementation, Office of Leadership Development, and the Office of District and School Improvement.

Dr. Wright is a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. She holds true to community service guided by the biblical scripture; to give and it shall be given unto you an opportunity according to your ability. Dr. Wright is a member of North Jersey Unit of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She currently serves as Correspondence Secretary. Dr. Wright is a member of Delta Sigma Sorority, inc., Montclair Alumnae Chapter, where she has served as financial secretary. She is a member of the International Black Women’s Congress. Inc. Dr. Wright also enjoys being a “quiet mentor” to doctoral candidates.

Dr. Wright is the proud daughter of the late Frank and Adell Wright

The North Jersey Unit of the

National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. SOJO UR NER TRU TH AWA R DEE S 1955 – 2013 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

Mary B. Burch Rosamond S. Marrow Bertell Collins Wright National Convention Grace Baxter Federson Sylvia Josephson Mary Edwards Alto Ray Allene Simpkins Lett Grace E. Malone Estelle M. Morris Irma Thexton Madeline A. Williams Sally G. Carroll Renee Starks Gertrude Orr Lydia Gumbs Hazel J. Owens Helen W. Fullilove Elaine Brodie Constance Woodruff Dorothy Gould Ruth Hazelwood Arra P. Goode Jennie D. Brown Octavia Catlett

1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Mildred B. Garvin Jeroline A. Lee Larrie W. Stalks Dr. E. Alma Flagg Clara Elaine Dasher Wilnora Holman Rose Mae Catchings Ethel Moore Johnson Mary E. Singletary Elizabeth Flood Hortense R. Tate Bernice Sanders Rev. Alexzina Brown (posthumously) Willie Bell Hooper Virginia C. Fletcher Pansy Greenleaf (posthumously) Vivian Brown Mahle Gloria Cartwright Trish Morris Yamba Mary Smith Tycene Hicks Mary R. White Shirley Bergma Keyes Rev. Claudette Jones Winifred G. Waldon Kathleen Witcher

2012 The Rev. Tiffany Williams 2013 The Rev. Dr. Canon Sandye Wilson *No awards in 2008-2011

Deborah Smith Gregory

2015 SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARD

Deborah Smith Gregory currently serves as the President of the Newark Branch NAACP. Deborah’s sense of civic responsibility is marked with unbounded energy and a love for young people. As one of the founding members of the Newark ACT-SO program, she has volunteered as co-chairperson of the Newark Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), a high school academic and cultural enrichment-mentoring program for the past 24 years. In addition, she has been the NJ State ACT-SO chairperson, also a volunteer position, for 12 years.

Under her tenure as both Newark and NJ State Chairperson of ACT-SO New Jersey, students have consistently been recognized both locally and nationally for their achievements based on this cultural and academic after school enrichment program. Students have earned national medals and scholarship money in an array of categories including math, architecture, music, art, oratory and filmmaking.

Deborah is retired from the Newark Public Schools District where she worked for 36 years as a high school educator and later as a citywide activities coordinator.

In addition to her primary career as an educator, Deborah worked as a journalist and editor of the New Jersey AfroAmerican Newspaper from 1984-1989. She gathered the news and documented the stories of African Americans in New Jersey. She was committed to giving positive publicity to the local community while exploring topics that impacted the quality of life for African Americans living in New Jersey. She went on to become the founding editor of the New Jersey Perspectus News Magazine from 1989-1994.

Raised in the city of Newark and a proud product of the Newark Public Schools, she graduated from Seton Hall University and has continued her education in postgraduate studies at Montclair State University.

In 2013, she was elected as the president of the Newark Branch NAACP. Her focus has been on educational equality for all Newark Public School children, economic justice and political action. She was just re-elected to serve a second term.

Having raised two young sons in Newark as a single divorcee’ she instilled the importance of education and civic responsibility in them. Both are college graduates making a positive difference in their respective communities. She is now the proud Nana of four grand children. She is the widow of the late Carl Gregory.

Her motto: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi.

President ......................................................................Sherida Evans First Vice President .................................................... Sheltry Ward Corresponding Secretary ..............................Dr. Francine Wright Financial Secretary ............................................ Charlene Johnson Treasurer ..................................................................... Merolyn Kelly District Northeast Vice Governor ................Gayle M. Waldon *

Luncheon Co-Chairperson .............................Odessa H. James * Luncheon Co-Chairperson ........................Evelyn D. Morrison * Ticket Chairperson ............................................Shirley Williams * Ticket Co-Chairperson ..............................................Bessie White Journal Chairperson .............................................Jocelyn N. James Publicity Chairperson..................................Janice Harris Jackson Flower Chairperson ......................................... Gertrude Edwards Protocol Chairperson .............................. Mary E. Singletary * **

**Past National President * Past Club President

Ada Banks *

Janice Harris Jackson

Sally G. Carroll

Evelyn D. Morrison *

Charlene Johnson Mary E. Singletary * ** Ida Bass Fragene Joyce Thompston

Marcene Anderson Sherida Evans

Delores Carter Eleanor Crutchfield Beverly Grissom Friend * Delores Tyson

Gertrude Edwards Michele Murchison

Louise James *

Jocelyn James

Odessa H. James *

Merolyn Kelly

Hattie Law

Quilla Talmadge

Sheltry Ward

Gayle M. Waldon**

Bessie White

Shirley Williams *

Mary White

Dr. Francine Wright

* **Past National President ** Northeast District Vice Govenor * Past Club President

Fifty- Ninth Annual Founders Day Luncheon

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorporated

Program

Theme: “Women and Youth on the Move: Breaking New Ground” Prelude ........................................................................................................................................................ Robert McBride Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies ..............................................................................................Evelyn Morrison Founders Day Co-Chairperson Processional of Dais Guest .............................................................................................................Janice Harris Jackson Life Member, North Jersey Unit Invocation ..........................................................................................................................................................Mary White Former Chaplain, North Jersey Unit Negro National Anthem.......................................................................................................................................Audience Welcome ..........................................................................................................................................................Sherida Evans President, North Jersey Unit Greetings .........................................................................................................................................................Diane Toppin National First Vice President The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

Tribute to Founders Janice Harris Jackson

L U N CH

I S

S E RV E D

ENTERTAINMENT ASP Liturgical Dancers Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church, Newark, New Jersey

Awa r d s P r e s e n ta t i o n 2015 Striving Youth Awardee ........................................................................................................Teryon C. Lowery Student Activist & Community Service Liaison Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ 2015 Striving Young Adult Awardee ....................................................................................................Ebony J. Potts Student Activist & Community Service Liaison Graduate Student, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 2015 Woman of Substance Awardee .............................................................................................. Monica Y. Darko Mentor Manager and Site Based Coordinator Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex Hudson and Union Counties of New Jersey 2015 Community Service Awardee ............................................................................................................ Rita Butts Manager of Senior Services The City of East Orange, New Jersey 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee...........................................................................Lady Madelin L. Dargan Owner & Creative Designer MLD Communications, Montclair, New Jersey 2015 Professional Woman of the Year Awardee .....................................................................Dr. Francine Wright Education Program Development Specialist - New Jersey State Department of Education (NJDOE) Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance - North Jersey Unit, Corresponding Secretary 2015 Sojourner Truth Awardee..........................................................................................Deborah Smith Gregory President, NAACP, Newark Chapter Chairperson, New Jersey State ACT-SO, NAACP Acknowledgements .................................................................................... Sister Clubs and Distinguished Guests Benediction ..................................................................................................................................................Mary White

INTERNATIONAL

BLACK WOMEN’S CONGRESS Congratulations to Our Life Member

Dr. Francine Wright Professional Woman of the Year

We Are Proud of Your Commitment to Uplifting Women of African Ancestry May God Continue to Richly Bless You! La Francis Rodgers-Rose. Ph.D., Founder & CEO 645 Church Street Suite 200, Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-0500 Office - 757-625-1905 Fax Email: IBWC1609@CS.Com - Website: WWW.IBWC.US

Congratulations and Continued Success to New Jersey Unit's Club Sister Dr. Francine Wright

and Our Distinguished Honorees On the Occasion of our 59th Annual Founders' Day “Success is to be measured not so much by the position

that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one

has overcome while trying to succeed."

Booker T. Washington

Evelyn D. Morrison & Sons

National Black United Fund and The Center For Family & Community Development are pleased to join with

The North Jersey Unit of the

National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

in honoring

Dr. Francine Wright - Recipient 2015 Professional Woman of the Year Award

Congratulations to Our Dear Friend and Colleague

National Black United Fund, Inc. William T. Merritt ......................................................................... President/CEO Linda Baker ............................................................ Acting Chief Financial Officer Sada Henderson .............................................................Administrative Assistant Wendy Oldham .......................... Director, National, State and Local Campaigns

The Center for Family and Community Development, Inc. Brenda Rasbury.............................................................................................. Chair Odessa James ......................................................................... Secretary-Treasurer Gertrude Edwards ..................................................................................... Member William Merritt ............................................................................... Program Chair 17 Academy Street • Suite 309 • Newark, New Jersey 07102

Telephone (973) 643-3767 • Fax (973) 500-6435 • www.nbuf.org •william@nbuf.org

CONGRATULATIONS TERYON You make us very proud!

DREAM BIG. TRUST. BELIEVE. BE CONFIDENT. You're a combination of special and rare, So many talents, with the world you will share.

Wherever you go, whatever you seek, I know you will conquer, no matter the peak.

You are better than the best Find your place among the stars!

No matter where you go or how successful you become, never lose faith in God. Always be humble.

You are truly blessed, LOVED and highly favored.

From your Mom and Godmother

The National Council of Women of the United States

Congratulations to

Monica Darko upon receiving the

Woman of Substance Award for all of your achievements and community leadership We wish you continued success Girls are Eagles Division-NCWUS Join us Mary E. Singletary,President

Congratulations To Our Friend & Colleague

Dr. Francine Wright The Webster Family TAKE THE FIELD

Congratulations to

Deborah Smith Gregory for the

2015 Sojourner Truth Award We are proud of your work!

The Smiths and

The Gregorys

q

Congratulations to our First Lady Lady Madelin L. Dargan On receiving this prestigious honor.

The Lord knows your deeds, your love, your faith, your service and perseverance, you render every day even when others are not watching.

Thank you for what you do and may the Lord continue to bless you, The ofďŹ cers and members of the Congregational Church of God 1889 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10032

Congratulations to the North Jersey Unit on your

59th Founders’ Day Celebration!!!!

Sherida Inez Evans, President Sara Dalton Karen Smith Jenine Porter Katherine Taylor Jill Hale Barbara Taylor-Rosser

Congratulations Dr. Francine Wright on your award as 2015 PROFESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Cоgratulatiоs ∞

Dr. Francine Wright

∞

Recipient Of

2015 Professional Women of the Year Award We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments, and the steadfast commitment you have to your profession!

Best Wishes LOVE ALWAYS, THE WRIGHT FAMILY RALPH, VERNETTA AND BARNEY WE KNOW THAT OUR DEAR PARENTS, FRANK & ADELL, SEND THEIR BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE TO KEEP YOU STRONG.

Best Wishes to the North Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. On the celebration of your 59th Annual Founders Day April 4, 2015 Officers and Members of The Central Nassua Club Nassua County, New York President, Terry Collins-Reyes* 1st Vice President, C. Yvette Long* 2nd Vice President, Tonya Hatcher Director of Membership, Gia Harrison Recording Secretary, Yvonee Ladson Corresponding Secretary, Diane Fuller* Deborah Carter Patricia Charthern Judy Coles-Bailey Betty Collins* Reverend Lynn Collins Kim Edwards Easter Frye* Donna Gaither Grace Glover Greta Jenkins* *Life Member

Treasurer, Hazel Sheppard Financial Secretary, Lillian Dent* Parliamentarian, Dana R. Moore Historian, Betty Williams* Chaplain, Lula Noriega-Patterson* Business Manager, Ivory Nelson-Baptiste Judaea Lane Veturia Lockhart* Prentella McSwain Genevieve Morales* Carol Perdue* Vera Rivers*** Delores Smalls* Jerrie Smith Leah E. Watson Janet Weathers **Charter Member

Congratulations Teryon Lowery Recipient of the Striving Youth Award You have set the standard for others to follow.

Best wishes as you enter into Dickinson College in the fall.

Odessa H. James Best Wishes

and Jocelyn James

Congratulations and Best Wishes Ebony Potts

You are truly a Striving Young Adult.

Jocelyn and I are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

You have grown into a remarkable young Christian woman who has put God first in your life.

You are destined for great thing.

We love you

Odessa H. James and Jocelyn James

Congratulations To Teryon Lowery for being awarded the

Striving Youth Award You are an amazing young man with whom we are well pleased Rev. John H. Gamble, Jr., Pastor Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church 358-362 15th Avenue Newark, NJ 07103

Congratulations to Dr. Francine Wright 2015 Professional Woman of the Year

Best Wishes…

Thomas P. Giblin

34th District Assemblyman

q Clifton ♦ East Orange ♦ Montclair ♦Orange

On the Occasion of the 59th Annual Founders Day of the

North Jersey Unit of the National Association of

Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.

Heartfelt congratulations go to Ms. Rita D. Butts

The Fantastic Manager of Senior Service for the City of East Orange.

Theodore N. Stephens, II Essex County Surrogate

Essex County Surrogates Court Hall of Records, Room 206 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Newark, New Jersey 07102 Phone 973-621-4900

째 Fax 973-621-2647

www.essexsurrogate.com

Essex County League of Volunteer Workers, Inc.

Serving the community for 67 years!

The Essex County League of Volunteer Workers, Inc., a charitable non-proďŹ t women’s volunteer organization established in 1948, with great admiration and sincere wishes, salute Dr. Francine Wright, as the recipient of the 2015 Professional Woman of the Year Award of the North Jersey Unit, (NANBPWC, Inc.). Dr. Wright is an ever-vigilant advocate and leader for the marginalized and underserved populations in our community.

OFFICERS

Betty Thomas, President Kathy Polk, 1st Vice President Courtne Thomas, 2nd Vice President Janice Williams, Treasurer Crystal Curry-Thomas, Recording Secretary Fran Russell, Corresponding Secretary Tara Thomas, Financial Secretary

Congratulations North Jersey Unit NANBPW, Inc. and All Honorees On your 59th Founders Day Anniversary The Clay Family

MEMBERS

Naomi Brandon Peggy Place H. Leslie Carey Orene Shelton Dorothy Carson Myra Smith Linda Lewis

Congratulations North Jersey Unit NANBPW, Inc. and

Distinguished Honorees on your 59th Founders Day Anniversary Dorothy M. Jones Shapran, Valarie, Shappran, and Hasanna Jones Allen, Chanda, Osaze, and Thulani Williams

Congratulations North Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs Inc.

On your 59th Annual Founders Day A special congratulations to

Rita D. Butts Sala, David T., Frances, Richard And the Silver Steppers

o ita ru Salutes

Rita Butts

On A Well Deserving Honor

Teryon, wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors Charles Mitchell, Jr. - AKA Chucky Baby

Congratulations Teryon Mr. Phil

Congratulations!

North Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. For 75 Years of Community-Strengthening Service To Our NAACP Sister DEBORAH SMITH GREGORY 2015 SOJOURNER TRUTH AWARDEE All of the Other Meritorious Honorees Bruce Morgan, President Deborah Morgan, Secretary New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP

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