By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
Over the past 48 years, the Toledo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, has awarded over $200,000 for it scholarship program for deserving students in the community. That tradition continued on Saturday, May 9, 2026 as the Chapter once again held its Breakfast for M’Lady Scholarship Breakfast at The Pinnacle featuring a morning of not only scholarships but also fellowship and recognition.
Four young ladies were awarded scholarships, a Mother of the Year was honored, the Deltas selected one of their own as the soror of the year and a panel discussed the “Legacy of Love” and the women who shape our world.
The Pinnacle was awash in a sea of red – both décor and apparel, as the Deltas and many of their guests followed the color tradition.
Upon entering guests were treated to live music by Brandon Monfort (Sax B) and an opportunity to view the small business vendors that were set up in the lobby.
Chapter Chaplain Sheree Madison-Emery introduced the mistress of ceremony, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, after which Chapter President Ambershaun Byrd offered her opening remarks.
“Every act of support becomes part of their future,” said Byrd of the impact of the scholarship fundraising has on the multiple students who have been recipients over the years.
“A mother’s love shapes more than households,” said Byrd of value of the mothers of the world. “Mothers shape communities by caring, teaching, sacrificing, correcting and encouraging in ways that solidify the foundation for everything we get to become.”
After an invocation by Madison-Emery, breakfast was served. Then the panel discussion began, led by moderator Fayth Atkins of Fox 36. Saturday’s panelists were Toledo City Councilwoman Brittany Jones, PhD, and Ebony Carter, director of the Minority Business Assistance Center. Their discussion centered around the “legacy of love” especially concerning the effect women have on that legacy.
Presentations were next. The Delta of the Year is Dawn Humphrey.
This year’s Mother of the Year is Camille Harris, the founder of All 4 Kids and All 4 Kids 2. Harris was described as a devoted wife, mother and teacher “whose life reflects a deep commitment to family, discipline and service … the proud mother of Vaughn Harris and William White.”
She is an active partner with HOPE Toledo, working to ensure that children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed. Through this collaboration, she supports early childhood initiatives that strengthen educational outcomes and long-term opportunities for local youth.
This year’s four scholarship recipients, introduced by Candiice Harrison, are: Nina Clark, a senior at Ottawa Hills High School, who will be attending Columbia University in the fall to major in political science; Lauryn Hancock of Notre Dame Academy who will be attending Cleveland State University to major in political science; Pay’Yon Parker of the Toledo Pre-Med and Health Science Academy who will enter The Ohio State University for a pharmacy major and Kennedy Powell of Central Catholic who will enter the University of Cincinnati to major in education.
This year’s Breakfast concluded with acknowledgements by event Co-Chairs Aleshia Furr and Nina Wright, and closing remarks by Byrd.