by Derrick Dowell
To view photos from the event, click HERE.
The J.W. Marriott Nashville was the destination for the black tie Centennial Gala, hosted by the Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. For 100 years, the fraternity’s oldest graduate chapter in Nashville, seated at Tennessee State College in 1925, (now Tennessee State University) has kept a progressive stride in maintaining its focus on collective contributions to the community and service to humanity. Special tribute was given to the charter members of the Tau Lambda Chapter, including: George W. Gore; W. S. Ellington, Jr.; Claude H. Harper; Roy Clinthorne; James J. Tapp; and John W. Riley.
As fashionable guests ascended the elevator, many stopped to take photos at the step-and-repeat before entering the reception area for cocktails and conversation. Guiding the evening’s production set by the Centennial Committee was event designer, Stacey Mason Events, who created welcoming settings for an evening of dining, dancing and celebration. Mason and her team presented visionary aesthetics which made for an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Premiere sponsors, donors, and special guests were hosted at a private cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres of crab cakes with lemon remoulade sauce, tomato confit and spring rolls with spicy Thai chili sauce. All this while they enjoyed background music provided by a trio from The Nashville Allstars.
Inside the ballroom, guests were wowed by impressive tablescapes awash in the fraternity’s colors of black and gold, aglow with alternating votives and elevated tapers. Tables were decorated with centerpieces of white roses, hydrangea, and chrysanthemums, accented with the fraternity’s flower: the yellow rose. The décor radiated with timeless elegance giving the event an air of sophistication, which made for an elegant dining experience. The menu consisted of a preset Southern wedge salad, roasted chicken Cacciatore, garlic whipped potatoes, and grilled broccolini. Vegetarians enjoyed smoked grilled zucchini steaks, glazed carrots, quinoa, and olive tapenade. Alternating desserts included bourbon vanilla cheesecake with Chantilly cream sauce, and carrot cake.
As the nearly 500 guests took their seats, Walter Smart, president of the Tau Lambda Chapter, took the stage to offer heartfelt appreciation to everyone in the room, and to read a proclamation from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Ron Small, immediate past chapter president, highlighted Alpha luminaries whose civic, social, and educational contributions to Nashville have made indelible impressions. The brief program included the occasion and forward vision delivered by Charles Sueing, followed by Dennis Lawson who delivered the invocation before dinner was served. Victor Moore, co-chairman, acknowledged Lucien Metellus, Jr., the 37th ‘general president’ of the fraternity and his wife, visiting dignitaries and other special guests. Chapter Vice President Glen Townsend graciously offered the celebratory champagne toast. Rounding out speakers was Derrick Dowell, co-chairman, who gave closing remarks before inviting all members of the fraternity to the floor for the singing of the ‘Alpha Hymn.’
Then it was time for the celebration to begin with the musical sounds of the seven-piece Nashville Allstars, who kept everyone moving. James Vincent Photography memorialized the occasion for all to enjoy.
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Legacy Education Foundation to provide scholarships to male high school graduating seniors, and to fund other outreach projects for adolescent educational and social development.
“We have an illustrative and storied legacy over the last 100 years, and we’re going to remain steady on the course of leadership and service for the next century,” said Walter Smart.
