by Cassandra Teague Walker
Joy-Ann Reid, political analyst and host of MSNBC’s weeknight news program The Reid Out, inspired, cajoled and exhorted to action several hundred attendees at the recent Rhapsody in Red Scholarship Gala. The Nashville Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Fortitude Foundation, Incorporated hosted the event by at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on Saturday, April 27. The theme for the evening was “Empowering Communities Through Social Action Transforming the World Together.”
Beverly Glaze-Johnson, Chair of the Fortitude Foundation, Incorporated, welcomed attendees and introduced News Emmy Award Winner Harriet Wallace, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Dr. Arie Nettles, President of Nashville Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, spoke about the occasion. Brenda Gilmore, Chair of the Rhapsody in Red Committee, gave recognition to special guests and elected officials in attendance, in addition to remarks, acknowledgements and a strident “Call to Action” at the conclusion of the event.
As brilliant as she is beautiful and charming, Ms. Reid addressed the group with no notes. She spoke to the audience as if she were a local, demonstrating intimate understanding and knowledge of our local and state politics. The honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held the delighted and enraptured audience in the palm of her hand.
Impact Awards presentations were made to local honorees whose professional contributions aligned with Delta Sigma Theta’s Five Point Program. Those Points and their respective Award recipients were as follows: Economic Development, Dr. Paulette Coleman; Educational Development, St. James Baptist Church; International Awareness & Involvement, Dr. Michael R. DeBaun; Physical & Mental Health, Pink Christmas; and Community Impact, One Wilco.
The entire evening was a breath of fresh air, with finely tuned visuals and the musical stylings of Higher Grounds. After the program ended, Reid stayed and talked with individuals and small groups. She courteously and warmly continued to take photos with her charmed admirers who basked in her warmth at length.
Prior to the main celebration, attendees were treated to a VIP reception where they engaged in conversation with the very personable Joy-Ann Reid. This was followed by a signing session for her new book, “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America,” providing a chance for fans to interact with Reid and obtain her autograph. The event was further enhanced by the opportunity for guests to capture personal photographs with Reid, ensuring memorable keepsakes. Even though the event coincided with the esteemed White House Correspondents Association Dinner, Reid fulfilled her promise to the Nashville community and her sorority members.
The event’s triumph was also due to the meticulous planning by the Rhapsody in Red Committee, spearheaded by chair Brenda Gilmore and co-chairs Tiffany Gray, Lynn Depriest, and Denecca Moore. Additionally, Neki Scott and Jackie Griffin also of the Nashville Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter played a crucial role in organizing the book signing, transforming it into a vibrant and welcoming festivity. Their efforts provided a firsthand glimpse into the significant impact Reid’s brief visit had on Nashville.
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Arie Nettles, president of the Nashville Metropolitan Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, reflected on the event: “Welcoming Joy-Ann Reid was an outstanding moment for our chapter. Her wit and intellect, combined with her authentic engagement, made the evening unforgettable. We are deeply grateful for this experience and will cherish the memories it has created.”
