By: Mae Frances Saulter, Guest Contributor
Under the very capable leadership of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club Sisters Attorney Gwendolyn Hunt, Mrs. Ethel McNeal & Miss Yvonne Emanuel, a sold-out crowd of more than 120 people witnessed and enjoyed a fantastic program honoring eight dynamic women.
The women were Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Linda Lydia, Bessie Moody, Edna Pemberton, Christine Chadwick Moss, Diane Ragsdale, Mary L. Washington, and Amadyn Nwabuisi all of whom have made significant contributions to help enhance the lives of the disenfranchised, especially African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement and up to the present time. Their noteworthy stories were told by Club Sisters Merle Carmouche, Charla White Walters, Mythe Kirven, and Yvonne Emanuel.
Ella Goode Johnson presented a memorial tribute to Juanita Craft (posthumously) for the noteworthy contributions that she made to the Dallas Community during her lifetime. To open the program, greetings were extended by First VP Dr. Lindy Perkins and Dr. Lavern Holyfield, NFVP of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.
Special entertainers were Lyric Turner who recited Maya Angelou’s poem “And Still I Rise” and Skye Turner who sang Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” These extremely talented adolescent sisters were phenomenal. Additional uplifting solos were rendered by First VP Dr. Lindy Perkins and Club Sister Dr. Jayne Reuben.
Past Presidents Mae Saulter and Dr. June Johnson led the audience in singing freedom songs, while illustrious Club Sister Ethel McNeal served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
The end result of the 2019 program was another historical event sponsored by three dynamic committees: Women’s History, Black History, and International Affairs Committees.