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Frances C. Collins, PhD, Toledo Club president, gave the
welcome and reminded everyone that 2020 is the 100th
anniversary of women having the right to vote. She stated
that we were celebrating a century of Women's Right to
Vote. Jordan Collins, Toledo Youth Club president, also
welcome everyone to the Founders' Day and Women's History
Program.
Crystal Darnell Harris, mistress of ceremony and
chairperson, emphasized how important it is for everyone to
be involved in the voting process. Wanda Terrell Galloway
was the co-chairperson.
Denise Black-Poon, Toledo Club first vice president and
program chairperson, presented the purpose of Women's
History and Founders' Day. The Women's History theme, in
recognition of the centennial of the 19rh Amendment, honored
women from the original suffrage movement, as well as, 20th
and 21st century women who have continued the struggle
fighting against poll taxes, literacy tests, voter poll
purges and other more contemporary forms of voter
suppression to ensure voting rights for all.
Prayer was offered by Delores Bates.
The purpose of Founders' Day is to celebrate the seven
founders. These women were entrepreneurs, educators,
community leaders, etc. with common goals and interest. The
Toledo Club of NANBPWC takes time to honor them each year.
Jordan Collins and Alexii Collins, first vice president and
Youth Club Advisor, led the Founders' Day tribute and
lighting of the candles in honor of each founder.
The guest speakers and honorees for this event were LaVera
R. Scott, director of the Lucas County Board of Elections,
and Yvonne Harper, councilwoman for District 4.
Scott said that "The purpose is to have a seat at the table.
We won't win every fight but we have to have a voice." She
also said that, "there are 11 states where early voting does
not exist, even today." Voting can empower us against
discrimination. We need to educate our community with
updated information, do research, get youth involved and
excited about voting and to know the issues. People gave
their lives for our right to vote."
Harper asked that everyone stand for what you believe. She
said that one vote can make a difference, the struggle is
not over, know why you're voting and the issues. Remember,
she said, we are talking about our future. We hear every day
and know that black votes count.
NANBPWC Toledo Club presented both speakers with plaques for
their continued efforts each day to spread the word about
voting issues and their involvement in the community.
Musical entertainment was performed by saxophonist Micheal
Williams and his band.
Toledo Club members are:
Delores Bates, Clara Brank, Wilma Brown, Denise Black-Poon,
Denise Cardwell, Deborah Carlisle, Dr. Frances C. Collins,
Alexii Collins, Mary F. Dawson, Crystal Darnell Harris,
Mironda D. Harris, Karen Jarrett, Tommie McGhee, Iris Pat
Page Jones, Sherry Reed, Marquita Scott Chong, Ethel
Scott, Tyra Smith Gabriel, Wanda Terrell Galloway, Donna
Todd, Barbara Tucker, Beverly Tucker, BJ Tucker.
Youth Club members are:
Jordan Collins, Jada Collins,
Madison K. Fisher, Marial K Jackson, Cameron Knabbs |
