By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
The Iota Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosted the fourth Annual Firefly Nights Labor Day Gala Saturday, August 30, 2025. The Sigma ladies invited guests to the Heatherdowns Country Club to enjoy an evening of dancing, fellowship, food and a special signature cocktail to match the spirited energy poured out from the guest of honor.
The Gala was dedicated to honoring distinguished community leaders Sheena Barnes, Amellia Gibbon and Valerie Simmons-Watson, ThD, as well as awarding two scholarship recipients, Langston Baker and Kayden Humes.
Tawiona Brown, member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., led the evening, alongside Lutricia Prater, in presenting awards and sharing the platform with the honorees. The honorees did not hesitate to take the moment to ignite the guests with a call to action, furthering an example of their dedication to their work in the community. Each honoree held her own focus on investing in underserved neighborhoods, empowering authentic leadership and strengthening community equity through access to systems like public education. The youth scholars also held a candle as a beacon of light for change through service and exemplary leadership.
Sheena Barnes said “Public education needs you now, the attack on our education system is happening now” referencing the recent changes to public funding. The former Toledo Public School District Board President reminded the attendees that the newly signed operating budget for Ohio will have a large impact on public education.
Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, reported to WOSU public media “It is still a budget that fundamentally underfunds the nearly 1.6 million students who attend our public schools across the state.” Public Schools is the fifth largest district to serve those students.
Valerie Simmons-Walston, EdD, followed Barnes’ call to action by elaborating on her mission of empowerment. Recalling her own experiences of fair treatment obstacles she has translated them into testimonial mentorship, impactful engagements and educational advocacy service. Under Next Chapter Enterprises she is launching an empowerment event October 12, S.O.A.R., where she will dive deeper into “Surviving Obstacles Attaining Rewards” a topic she’s authored through her latest book release.
Walston was recognized for her commitment to being a driving force behind progressive, large-scale community events that contribute to the total wellness of the individuals in attendance.
The purpose of the commitment to progress was shared in closings of the honorees, “I chose to commit my life, my journey to my community”, said Ameila Gibbon, member of Sigma Gamma Rho and executive director of the Reinvest Toledo Coalition. Gibbon was recognized for her work in amplifying community voices by having a direct role in their education and platform positioning.
Soon to bring this initiative to one room where policy makers and community advocates can meet face-to-face in a town hall setting titled, ‘Make it Make Sense’. Gibbon encouraged seasoned leaders on transitioning their role through her own outlook, Gibbon stated “it is my job to prepare the level of leadership.”
The youth awarded were examples of the outcomes of well-groomed leadership. Kayden Humes and Langston Baker both held well over 3.0 GPAs in their academic settings while maintaining their community commitments. This was a clear standard that preceded them as descendants of parents with high achievement and community involvement, NaTasha and Melvin Baker, and Rashadd and Ebone Humes.
The ceremonial presentation of the scholarships closed with the thanks of the parents leading back into the celebration with the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The chapter continues to support the community through educational initiatives, mentorship and outreach programs. The tradition of the Firefly Nights is the occasion to share with the community their platform and purpose that they look to continue to build upon.