The recent National Hook Up of Black Women’s (NHBW) 5th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Caramel and Chocolate Gala honored NHBW Chapter presidents.
It was a black tie, first class event to be remembered for some time to come. Members of the Nashville Chapter were graciously adorned in ‘black-to-black-and-white’ attire, with guests blending right in.
The evening of dinner, dancing, celebrating and honorees was held at the Nashville Airport Hilton, a fitting venue since some of the guests traveled from other parts of the country.
The evening’s special guests-out-of-town chapter lineup included: Deetra Poindexter, Atlanta Metro; Yvette Chatman, Birmingham, Ala.; Karen Stanford, Camden; Laticia Bailey, Cherry Hill; Faith Reeves, Chicago, Ill.; Valerie Wordlaw, Dallas, Texas; Dr. Janette Hoston Harris, District of Columbia; Debra Koonce, Gadsen County; Barbara Wynn, Nashville; Karen Moffitt, New York; Eleanor W. Burks, Huntsville, Ala.; Debra L. Upshaw, Joliet, Miss.; DeAquanita Lightsy, Louisville, Ky.; Lucrezia Rochon, MidCities, Miss.; Darnelle Bowles, Milwaukee, Wis.; Arlene Williams, New Jersey Central area; Phyllis Bradley, New Jersey Northern area; Dianne Dillion, North Central Texas; Sondra Vasquez, Northwestern Ind.; Jennifer Quash-Adams, Orlando, Fla.; Pat Lee, Queen City, S.C.; Evelyn Gilliam, Spartanburg, S.C.; Dr. Ada Puryear Burnette, Tallahassee, Fla.; and Darren Livingston, Triad.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Nashville’s Chapter President Marilyn T. Bell. It moved forward with Patricia Malone introducing the master of ceremonies, Danavan Hylton. The groups’ national chaplin conducted the invocation, with greetings from national NHBW President Dr. Lona Bibbs.
Nashville’s Second Vice President Veronica Clark provided the introduction of the NHBW’s Nashville Chapter. A full course dinner was served, and the last call for bidding for the silent auction was announced.
The evening continued with the presentation of various awards. The Community Star Award recipient was the African American Associate Resource Group Presidential Award recipient Marilyn T. Bell. Co-Chair Alicia Berkett announced the silent auction winners. (Tammie Otukwu was the other co-chair). State Rep. and past Nashville Chapter President Brenda Gilmore gave special recognition of the visiting dignitaries.
After closing remarks from President Marilyn T. Bell were made, everyone danced the night away to music mixed by D. Alex Sanchez.
Professional all star glam photographs were snapped via Photos by Mona.
For more information about the NHBW Fannie Lou Hamer organization, the national conference, their purpose, or to stay updated in general, check out the website and Facebook pages.
