To each reader of this message, I now share with you as the fourteenth president of the National Beauty Culturists' League, Incorporated thanks to Almighty God for all blessings in celebrating 100 years of the wonderful organization's existence, and, to all officers, local and state presidents, members, family and friends, I sincerely thank you for your dedication, energy, and finance for the experience of a spiritual successful convention.
A special appreciation to Dr. Mary B. Hawkins president of the NBCL DC Chapter and her committee for hosting this convention. Your work is most appreciative for the ground work of getting letters from city officials, and the logistics of transporting supplies from headquarters to the hotel site.
We came together to first celebrate our roots with an African meet and greet on Saturday night, followed on Sunday morning for the first time in the history of the National Beauty Culturists' League, Incorporated with a prayer breakfast on Sunday morning with the Reverend Nathaniel Bronner Jr., from the Ark of Salvation International Ministries of Atlanta, Georgia. He shared a dynamic spiritual and financial gain, when one keeps Jesus Christ first. And we were blessed having his wife, Mrs. Bronner with us.
The Parade of States began on Sunday night with the procession of state and international flags of the organization's affiliates, and NBCL'S first flag was held by Dr. Katie B. Catalon, the president. Dr. Wilma R. Reeves and Dr. Gladys Wood were dutifully united in overseeing a very successful unusual entrance that held attendees spell bound of not knowing what to expect. What a surprise it was!
It was apparent that every departmental chairperson arrived on site with heart and mind set in a state of happiness, and it proved to be an awarding stress free agenda to follow.
Appreciation to Dr. LaTonya Taliferro and her committee for their continlual surprise at the Talent Night Search in keeping attendees on edge waiting in suspense for the next exposure, which was delightful and enjoyable.
Congratulations to Dr. John E. Scott, and his committee in unmasking live models in glamour on stage in their unique methods of on stage hair designing styling. And as an added surprise, we were serenaded by Dr. Hattie S. Shannon.
The Youth for Beauty Breakfast was sold out and Dr. W. Jean Perrett as Co-Chair person along with Dr. Donna G. Phillips were radiant in joy with the participants in the Better Speakers Contest. Dr. Minnie J. Ervin the National Youth for Beauty chairperson sent her personal checks to the first and second place winners.
The Officers Luncheon with Dr. Regina C. Lundy with her desire in celebrating one hundred years in a most different way was to have Mr. Eric L. Taylor, guest gospel violinist of Hampton, Virginia serenade attendees with his wonderful musical unique talent.
Dr. Mary D. Holmes, Supreme Basileus of Theta Nu Sigma National Sorority at a sold out sorority breakfast placed emphasis on the importance of a united sisterhood, and presented Pioneer Awards to shocked sorority members when their names were called.
It was indeed a joyful time to see how Dr. Mary B. Hawkins during the time of the Beauticians Volunteer Corp (BVC) as co-chairperson, connected by speaker phone with Dr. Lucy Taylor allowing Dr. Taylor to hear what was taking place due to her absence, and to tell Dr. Mary B. Hawkins and those in attendance that she was well pleased with what she heard. Now, that certainly is the essence of unity.
I salute the Golden Cosmos under the guidance of Dr. Jacquelyn Lockett and those in her class for the beautiful jewelry they made. Some of the students were so delighted about their designs, they refused to sell them. There was joy all around.
The President Banquet was an event that one will never forget. Beginning with the entrance of the National Color Guard posting the flags. The Reverend Monica Hargrove captivated all with a spiritual message, and as the night went on, we were entertained by Ms. Ernie Shelby (Lady Sax) of Indiana, and as she blew on her saxophone, all attention was on her enjoying all musical selections that were familiar to many. Thank you Reverend Hargrove and Ms. Shelby.
Each day this convention was full of exciting energy and suspense. Congratulations to Dr. John E. Scott of South Carolina winning the crown of King of the coronation ball of the institute for the fourteenth consecutive year. And, congratulations to Ms. Kimberly D. Paster of Georgia winning for the second time Queen of the coronation ball of the institute. And to top off the celebration, Ms. Ernie Shelby (Lady Sax) aroused the attendees with her saxophone. It was indeed a night to be remembered, as a first in history. Thanks to Dr. Wilma R. Reeves chairperson of the Coronation Ball, and her hard working committee in carrying out all responsibilities in preparation before arriving on site, and to the state presidents and their contestants for participating.
I thank every student enrolled in the Institute of Cosmetology (IOC) that came with the desire to expand their knowledge not only in the profession of the beauty industry, but to also gain expert professional ethics along with knowledge of survival in the changing climax of the industry.
To Dr. Mercedes B. Toregano, Director of Deans, Deans, Professor Muriel E. Jackson and all instructors in the Institute of Cosmetology (IOC), and certainly all volunteers, your dedication and hard work with students gave a shinning ray of a job well done that led to the student competition and the graduation. To each of you, I am indeed glad and extend my appreciation to you for another year of fruitful knowledge which will prayerfully lead each student to achieve a higher financial gain by building on past knowledge already received, while understanding that education is a possession that no one can be robbed of. The participation in the student competition was indeed a high light of accomplishment, and I take this time to say that every student is a winner, and congratulations to you.
The commencement was the mission accomplished for 2019 with the most dynamic Ms. A'Lelia Bundles as the speaker. The message was one that was so important due to the fact that she related to how hope, confidence and self worth will always be the pathway to success. Keep the faith, do what is right, and always reach out to help others. I certainly extend my appreciation to her for the time she spent in personal conversation with me, and members beyond just delivering a message.
My message to you is long but so many wonderful events took place in celebrating one hundred years, and having Dr. Vernice Mark Waters the official elected historian for the National Beauty Culturists' League that wrote the history book from 1919 to 1996 which was the very first edition, came with her granddaughter Sherry to not only celebrate NBCL'S 100th year, but to celebrate her 100th birthday. And we were also blessed with two other members over the age of 95 lighting up the attendees with joy, and they are Mrs. Saundra Goggins of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Christine Boyd of Virginia.
I end this message by thanking the fantastic technology team led by Dr. Wilma R. Reeves, and the wonderful tech team members Dr. Brenda Holsey & Dr. Regina C. Lundy and the front line tech members of Registration, along with Dr. Ruth C. Swint as the financial secretary. This is where it begins in order to have a peaceful ending in knowing that all is well, and the record is straight. Thanks to all.
