The Truth Staff
The Top Ladies of Distinction had cancelled their annual prayer breakfast during the past several years in an abundance of caution during the height of the COVID pandemic but, finally, the TLOD Toledo Chapter held its yearly event on Saturday, January 28, at the Brandywine Country Club with the theme of “Inspiring Others Through Praise.”
The banquet room at the Brandywine was awash in pink – pink attire for the Top Ladies, pink décor, pink ornaments and the program was reflective of and emphasized the mission and programs of the club: ExCEL Program – Excellence through Culture, Education and Leadership; transforming lives to assist senior citizens; transforming lives to strengthen families and promote women; community beautification and community partnerships.
Saturday’s program began with a welcome by Lady Mary McKinley-Reed, chapter president, and by Teen Latrice Parmer, the local Top Teens of America president.
The Ladies brought together a number of individuals who are part of the chapter’s Programs, Projects and Partnerships.
LaShardae Scott, CEO/president of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition and the Sickle Cell Director for the Neighborhood Health Sickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio spoke of her program.
Scott is a supporter of those with sickle cell disease because she is, in fact, the mother of two children with the disease. Her goal is to ease the transition from pediatric to adult treatment though educating individuals and families.
Janice Taylor, president National Council Negro Women, Ohio State Coalition, serves as a leader of an organization that advocates for others to lead safe lives and urges trustworthiness while demonstrating loyalty and respect for others.
Sasha Clayborne, an entrepreneur, artist and community activist, has successfully operated a child care and preschool center, is a traveling musician and is a DODD agency provider, helping individuals with developmental disabilities receive daily care and gain independence.
Clayborne sang the opening number.
Also part of the Programs, Projects and Partnerships presentation was Rev. Willie Perryman, pastor of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Toledo Chapter NAACP. Perryman spoke of the history of the civil rights organization and the chapter’s goals and objectives for the future.
After breakfast was served, Felicia Pettaway, the keynote speaker addressed the guests. Pettway, a Toledo native and former law enforcement officer with the Lucas County Sheriff Office, is the First Lady at Walk The Word Church.
The First Lady’s message was one of the need for faith in God and the importance of the influence that people have on one another.
Lady Mary McKinley-Reed serves as the chapter’s president; Lady Clara Petty at First Vice President and Program Chair; Lady Denise Black-Poon as Second Vice President, Project Chair and Prayer Breakfast Co-Chair; Lady Wanda Terrell-Galloway as Director of Operations and Prayer Breakfast Co-Chair, Teen Latrice Parmer as TTA President.
Lady Ann C. Battles is the Organizer; Lady Barbara Tucker is Financial Secretary; Lady Elizabeth Flournoy is the Treasurer and the other members are Lady Denise Cardwell, Lady Pamela Effinger, Lady Rachel Ridley, Lady Clara Brank (Chaplain), Lady Delores Anderson (Sergeant at Arms), Lady Delores (Dee) Bates (Historian & Membership) and Lady Madelyn Standard.
The chapters Top Teens are Teen Latrice Parmer, Teen Tenaisha Parmer, Teen Amaya Martin and Teen Mikayla Evans.
Top Ladies of Distinction have five National Thrusts: Top Teens of America, status of Women, senior citizens, community beautification, and community partnerships. The five national projects: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of Negro Women, United Negro College Fund, literacy, and sickle cell disease awareness.