Once again, the Municipal Auditorium played host for the Nashville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta’s annual Holiday Soiree. It no doubt was an evening to remember for all in attendance and twice as special for Tennessee State Rep. Brenda Gilmore, as she celebrated her 65th birthday.
The gala joins the ranks of others being noted for a well-planned event and classy, invitation only affairs, held each year. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a group of women vested in culture, education, loyalty and the empowerment of the community worldwide for over 100 years. Numerous tables were individually themed, decorated and hosted by Chapter members.
Attendees included some of Nashville’s most prestigious leaders and entrepreneurs: Rep. Gilmore, her husband Harry ‘Gilly’ Gilmore; Tonya Sherrell-Bond, community leader; Judge Rachel L. Bell, co-founder and president of Campus RX; Dr. Dorsha Bell; Duane Bell, Jr. and his fiancé Sandy Morales, Property Assessor Vivian Wilhoite; Judge Angie Blackshear Dalton; Duane and Beverly Bell, Metro Councilwomen-at-Large; Sharon Hurt; and Erica Gilmore; Tennessee Minority Pages publisher/CEO; Tunisia Scott, entrepreneur/artist; Antonio Scott; Rob and Christie Harris; media personality, Keosha ‘StylistaKT’ Thomas; financial mastermind, Cory Beal, Middle Tenn. Reconnect Community advisor at Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Jonathan Adair and wife LaKeisha Adair; and entrepreneur, comedian, T.C. Cope; former Managing Editor of the Nashville Pride, Geraldine Heath; current journalist/photographer of the Nashville Pride, Wanda Clay; Dr. Phyllis Qualls; and Michelle Harris.
The packed house danced to the turn table skills of Victor Chatman (Victor Chatman Productions). Many members of the National Panhellenic Council and their guests were present. All in all it was an equally yoked combination of empowerment and invested holiday fun.
“All invited guests cannot help leaving this event feeling appreciated. The Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. really knows how to say thank you and show their guests much love,” said Tunisia Scott, guest of Second Vice President Tara L. Childress-Thomas.
“The annual Christmas party provides a wonderful opportunity and gathering place for people from across Nashville, the state of Tennessee and even nationally for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of Christmas to create and strengthen relationships while providing a platform for collaborations in our communities, both economically and socially,” said Rep. Gilmore.
All chapter leadership members were present and shared their own pieces of pride and joy in between having some well-earned fun. President Gloria C. Johnson, Ph.D.; First Vice President Roberta Hill Eddy; Second Vice President Tara L. Childress-Thomas; Recording Secretary Gail Hogg-Goodall; Assistant Recording Secretary Belinda Oakley; Corresponding Secretary Nina E. Perry; Assistant Corresponding Secretary Aecia Jones; Financial Secretary Alyssa Armstrong; and Assistant Financial Secretary Michelle Johnson proudly thanked the packed ball room and expressed their joy with this year’s turn out.
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University and incorporated in 1930. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need.
In March of 1913, the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act. They participated in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C.
