Five women were recognized as “Prominent Women with Vision” during the 13th annual “Tribute to African-American Women Awards Banquet” Saturday night at Truman Arnold Center at Texarkana College.
The tribute was hosted by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
“This event was recognized at the state meeting and received the Best Special Event Award for graduate chapters,” said Brannon Sledge, who attended the Phi Beta Sigma state conference.
Since 1996, the event has saluted 65 women for their positive works and accomplishments.
This year’s winners included Mattye Gouldsby Jones, a DeSoto, Texas, attorney, who was awarded the “Barbara Jordan Distingished Service Award.” Barbara Pitts, director of community development and grants administrator for the City of Texarkana, Ark., was presented the “Sojourner Truth Award.”
Karen Forte, active in promoting higher education and working with students in Texarkana, was awarded the “Patricia Grant Education Award,” and Chiquita “Kiki” Burks, a local volunteer and hairdresser, was awarded the “Madame C.J. Walker Entrepreneur Award.”
Rae Shelia Thigpen, assistant director of surgery at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, was awarded the “Helen McNeal Health Award.” While she was being praised, it was also remarked that Thigpen is the “first African-American to hold her position in health care.”
The shining lights of the event accepted their awards graciously and with humility. They thanked their supporters, from the mentors of their childhood to their present-day co-workers.
And with so much focus on mothers and female supporters, one woman had to be reminded to thank her husband. Everyone laughed.
While many of the women recognized at Saturday’s events were accomplished in business, education or great works, all black women were honored through guest speaker Dr. Larry D. Lewis, superintendent of the Lancaster, Texas, Independent School District.
“Grandmothers acknowledge God is good. They know God is enough,” said Lewis.
Lewis’ speech was centered around the lessons mothers and grandmothers teach and how the lessons mean different things as people age.
“Big Mama knew God doesn’t make mistakes,” he said. “She never said you need to go find a job. She said you need to get an education; you need to do something better for yourself.”
Lewis also told about the lesson of the three chairs of conflict, compromise and commitment as they related to a godly life.
“Grandmamas know God can multiply what you have, not what you want,” said Lewis. “All of these African-American women here tonight are on their way to the promised land because of their Big Mamas.”
The announcers, many of them women, were acknowledged and honored as they reached the podium to announce this year’s award recipients.
A meal of salad, baked chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and cheesecake was served. After the speech and the meal, Mr. Vincent Nelson & Company performed a rendition of “Easy Like Sunday Morning.”
February is both Black History month and Women’s History month. Serious and solemn as it was, the event had the humor, easy manner and laughter of Lewis’ “Big Mama” from invocation to closing prayer.
This article was provided by: Texarkana Gazette
Written by: Terri Richardson
