The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Nashville Chapter, recently hosted more than 200 participants for its annual Sister for Sister Conference. The conference concluded with the Women of Color Luncheon on March 28 and the presentation of the prestigious Davis-Galloway Empowerment Award.
Sandra Long Weaver, managing partner of Tea and Conversations and editorial director of the Tennessee Tribune, was announced as this year’s Davis-Galloway Award recipient. The award, established in 2004, recognizes and honors women who ascend to leadership through outstanding advocacy, effective networking, and superlative community service. Weaver was nominated for the award by Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Nashville Alumnae Chapter.
“This year’s Davis-Galloway Award recipient embodies the spirit and legacy of the award namesakes, as well as the remarkable women who have been honored with this award over the past decade,” said Veronica Marable Johnson, chapter president. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on these women who have given so much to our community and inspired other women to achieve their goals.”
Weaver is a veteran journalist who, prior to moving to Nashville, held multiple leadership roles with the Philadelphia Media Network and its predecessor organizations, including vice president of editorial product development and managing editor/vice president of newsroom operations for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News. She was the first African American female managing editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Weaver was a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists in 1975.
The Women of Color Luncheon featured a keynote address from Caroline Clarke, executive content producer and editorial director of Black Enterprise magazine’s ‘Women of Power’ brand. Clarke has held a number of positions at Black Enterprise for nearly 20 years. In her current role, she determines the editorial direction and theme of the nation’s largest annual conference targeting African American women executives, the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit. Clarke also is the author of two books and serves as host of the nationally syndicated Black Enterprise Business Report.
In sharing her personal story and words of advice, Clarke noted how blending business sense and compassion might enhance personal and professional growth.
“Our strength is in our vulnerability,” Clarke said. She then encouraged them with one of the Women of Power themes: “Embrace your power—right here, right now!”
The Coalition also announced the Danita L. Marsh Scholarship winners during the luncheon. The scholarship, named in honor of a Metro police officer who was severely injured in the line of duty in 2006, recognizes outstanding students who plan to pursue a career in the criminal justice field. This year, awards were presented to Cherith McKinney, a sophomore criminal justice major at the University of Tennessee-Martin, and Jasmine James, a senior criminal justice major at Tennessee State University.
“The Metropolitan Nashville Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women is honored to continue the legacy of empowering and celebrating women throughout our community,” said Marilyn Robinson, president of the Nashville Coalition of 100 Black Women Foundation. “We are grateful to our conference presenting sponsor, HCA-Tristar, and to the many partners, vendors, and individuals who helped to make the weekend a success.”
