The National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. (NHBW), Nashville Chapter recently honored local barbers, salon owners, and beauticians at the sold out second annual Fannie Lou Hamer Caramel and Chocolate Gala. The Gala took place at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel with radio personality Connie Denali as emcee.
The honorees for the night included: Vernon Winfrey, owner, Winfrey Barber & Barber Shop (barber shop); Deborah Skipper, owner, Shear Majik (beauty school); Keisha Beard, owner, Essence Day Spa & Gift Store (spa); and What A Day Salon & Day Spa, owner Reba Scales.
The group also honored Bernice Brunson with the Community Star Award. The Community Star Award is awarded to an individual for their outstanding services and devotion to the community. Brunson also celebrated her 100th birthday on this date.
State Rep. and President Brenda Gilmore honored NHBW, Inc, Nashville Chapter members Nikki Murry and Veronica Clark with the Presidential Award. The Presidential Award is to NHBW chapter members who think out of the box and go beyond the call of duty to carry out the chapter’s initiatives.
The Fannie Lou Hamer Caramel and Chocolate Gala Committee were spearheaded by Nikki Murry. Committee members included: Marilyn Bell, Renee Booth, Josephine Buggs, Veronica Clark, Brenda Gilmore, Sharonese Henderson, Annie Pugh, Joan Pugh, and Belinda Williams.
Platinum Sponsors for the Fannie Lou Hamer Chocolate and Caramel Gala were the Murfreesboro Lodge #12, Andy T-Nick Nixon Band.
Gold Sponsors included: Nashville Blues Society and Kathy Bolmnerl. Silver Sponsors were What A Day Salon and Spa and Reba Scales.
Pewter Sponsors included: Mary Jay Consultant Jackie VanWulven, Salon OV Hair Studio, Tonia Hughes, and Graceful Hands Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Copper Sponsors included: Salon Nicole- Sylvia Feathersone, The Charles Sneed Group Event Planner, Gregory’s Appliances AC and Heater Repair, Krush Entertainment, Armanees Unisex Salon, Harper’s Restaurant, and The Realty Associates- Jeanne Teeter.
The gala was established in 2014 in honor of Fannie Lou Hamer, a true human rights heroine who sacrificed her life that we may enjoy the freedoms that we do today. Past honorees have included television celebrities Annie Holt, Shannon Royster, and Vicki Yates. Radio icons have included Ernie Allen, Connie Dennell, John Heilberg, Sharon Kay, Clarence Kilcrease and Damon King.
Magazine and newspapers luminaries have included Geraldine Heath, Samuel Latham, Dwight Lewis, and Rosetta Miller Perry. Proceeds benefit the chapter’s scholarships.
Established in 1978, The National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. Nashville Chapter is a nonprofit (501c3) organization that strives to improve the quality of life for women and their families.
Our goals and objectives are to be strong advocates for family sustainability by providing programs in the areas of the arts, culture, health wellness, education, and human service programs.
To see more photos of the event, click HERE.
