BOYNTON BEACH —Since being chartered in Delray Beach in 2004, they have sought to serve as dedicated ambassadors of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women that has roots in the Civil rights and Women’s movements.
With their theme, Black Achievement and Our Vision for the Future, the South Palm Beach County Chapter of NCBW hosted its 7th Annual Hat and Tea Luncheon on Saturday, May 12 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Boynton Beach.
This year’s honorees included Rose Anne Brown (Community Service), Joyce Smith (Education), Maureen Harrison (Entrepreneur) and Yvette Coursey (Health).
Media personality Keli Fulton was the mistress of ceremonies and Cecilia Holloman, a renown community and economic development consultant, was keynote speaker for the luncheon, which was further enhanced by recognition of Deborah Sutton the chapter’s first annual Member of the Year.
In 1970, 100 successful African-American professional women in New York joined to address problems that affect their families, communities and themselves, in the areas of health, education and economics. They mobilized as a visible and influential force and in 1971 the Coalition of 100 Black Women was formed in Washington, D.C.
When Doris Robinson decided to form the South Palm Beach Chapter in August 2002, there were nine chapters in the state including in greater Fort Lauderdale and greater Miami. Today the NCBW consists of more than 8,000 members representing 63 chapters in 24 states and the district.
The South County Chapter works with local agencies, businesses, schools and churches to improve the lives of minority women and their children. Current initiatives include the American Diabetes Association, HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell.
The chapter’s community service projects include a political action committee as well as working with a battered women’s shelter and a child development center. Annual events include the group’s Holiday Networking Mixer, Sister to Sister Breakfast, Health Fair, Hat & Tea Luncheon and a soon to be announced Scholarship Gala.
Regina Simmons, NCBW South Palm Beach County Chapter president, noted that some of the group’s significant activities in 2012 have included participation in the march for Trayvon Martin in Sanford, “where we were joined by other Florida chapters in standing up for justice in our criminal justice system,” and most recently the April 28 Bury the Violence march and rally in partnership with Boynton United. “This event was designed to begin the urgent dialogue for changes in gun laws and community inclusion.”
She said the chapter will continue “to address local, state and national initiatives and advocacy, designed to have a positive impact in our communities.”
For more information about the South Palm Beach Chapter of the National Coalition of Black Women contact Regina Simmons at regina_simmons@comcast.net or 561-441-1471.
Photo: CAROL PORTER/FOR SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES
TV personality Keli Fulton as mistress of ceremonies during their 7th Annual Hat and Tea Luncheon.
No Comment