By Jefferson Díaz
The Truth Reporter
The sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Toledo Alumnae Chapter, never disappoint, and during their annual Breakfast for M’Lady they not only announced the winners of their college scholarships but also gave a heartfelt tribute to the mother and Delta of the year.
Gathered at The Pinnacle in Maumee, they began promptly—at 10 a.m.— the breakfast with the music of Sax B and later gave way to the day’s speaker: Corey Minor Smith, who was interviewed for 45 minutes by journalist and mistress of ceremonies, Alexis Means.
“My work focuses on empowering mental health. My story has been marked by very difficult moments and it’s important that we have the right support to move forward,” said Smith, a lawyer, writer and one of the most prominent Deltas.
Smith emphasized that her success would not have been possible without the help of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and that “all the work that you do is important, so that more women, from a young age, have the tools to achieve their goals.”
It was a very emotional interview where Smith left nothing unsaid in response to Means’ questions, who,visibly moved, thanked the keynote speaker for being so frank and willing to share her story so that everyone could take her as an example of life.
There were no surprises.
At previous breakfasts, the winner of the Mother of the Year award was not announced in advance, but this time, on a large screen visible to everyone as the venue began to fill, it was announced that Patricia “Patty” Poston would be honored with this award
So when the time came for his tribute, there were no surprised faces, but a resounding ovation that lasted a couple of minutes.
Poston, accompanied by her husband and daughters, took the podium and with tears in her eyes and halting words, thanked all the Deltas who had passed through her home while studying or pursuing their life projects. “I thank God and this sorority for giving me this path of social service and devotion so that each of us may be successful in what we have set out to do.”
It was a surprise that Poston also received recognition from the City Council for his work promoting student and social development in Toledo with the Deltas.
Next came the presentation of the Delta of the Year award, an award that had also been announced in advance and that went to Crystal Monford, who briefly left her duties as one of the breakfast organizers to take the podium and thank all her sorority sisters for the recognition.
And then there were four.
Mikel Byrd, Katlyn Diggins, Diamond Flunder, and Elana Williams were the high school seniors recognized with scholarships to begin their university studies.
One by one, they were called to the podium where their high academic prowess and the hard work they put into earning the scholarship and achieving excellent grades were recognized.
Byrd, from Saint Ursula High School, will attend Louisiana State University; Diggins, from Notre Dame High School, will attend Arizona State University to study law; Flunder, from Scott High School, will attend the University of Toledo, as will Williams, who, like Diggins, will study law.