Note of Sympathy & Tribute to Chair of the Board, Dr. Kia Noelle Johnson

from NBASLH Resound))) Summer 2023 Edition

About RESOUND)))

ZIt is with sympathy that we have written these “notes” in the space that has been reserved for the Chair of the Board of NBASLH

For the past four years, that Chair was Dr. Kia Noelle Johnson. Currently, NBASLH is like a family of over 1000 people. Even with that many members, when one of us hurts, we all hurt. Our distinguished and cherished Chair, Dr. Johnson (known, simply, as Kia to many of our members), recently experienced the passing of her mother, Charlene Delain Wells. The “Homegoing Celebration of Life” was held on June 13, 2023 at the True Vine of Holiness MBC,400 East 111th Street, Chicago, IL.

We continue to send our heartfelt condolences as a body, and we encourage each member to continue their individual support through prayers and direct offers of kindness to Kia. This is our time to be there for her family and her. To Kia, we say, “Be encouraged! God’s got you and your family! We support you!”

Then, secondly, the RESOUND))) staff wishes to pay special tribute to Kia for serving NBASLH so dutifully, excitedly, faithfully, and gallantly during the last four years. We say to Kia:

“Yes, in your final message to us after the 2023 Convention Gala you beat us to the punch in using this closing phrase: ‘Leaving NBASLH better than I found it’. Your pioneer-like vision has made it possible for NBALSH to be sustained for years to come by the new ideas you introduced to our organization. (You are ‘leaving NBASLH better than you found it’.) To name two:

1. The five initiatives you activated and solidified will make NBASLH a better organization, i.e., the way you helped to create NBASLH Funded Scholarships with its “Community of Black Excellence in Scholarship” was a phenomenal act.

2. The management company changeover to a new firm that better serves NBASLH’s vision, mission, and purpose was a priceless leadership feat. For these changes and many more, NBASLH thanks you. You actually did ‘leave NBASLH better than you found it’.

Godspeed on your journey.“