By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter hosted a Juneteenth Jazz Brunch on Saturday, June 15 at The Pinnacle in Maumee, Ohio. Over a thousand sorority members and community members were in attendance and dressed in Afrocentric attire. In addition to the brunch, guests were treated to performances from J’Zillance Band and Sheila Brown, were able to participate in an auction to purchase local items and, most importantly, could celebrate four scholarship recipients.
Sonya Randall opened the program by introducing all special guests, this included sorority dignitaries and elected officials. Clara Petty, program co-chair and fundraising committee member served as the mistress of ceremony for the program.
“Welcome to our annual scholarship brunch,” began Petty. “It warms my heart to see such a fantastic turnout which contributes to our successful endeavors. Thank you for being here and your unwavering support.”
Richelle Watkins, chapter president, officially welcomed all individuals in attendance, while the event’s purpose and acknowledgements were presented by event chairman Felicia Dunston.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to our community partners,” said Watkins. “To our recipients, welcome and congratulations.”
“Welcome to our jazz Juneteenth brunch,” said Dunston. “As we honor this day, we acknowledge the power of education which empowers individuals to achieve their potential.”
The program continued with prayer and event blessing delivered by Debra Brock, the chapter chaplain. Immediately following brunch and guest artist presentation by Sheila Brown, Kimberly Fisher publicly recognized five scholarship recipients.
The 2024 scholarship recipients: Dana Bonds of Scott High School plans to attend the historic, and only public HBCU in the state of Ohio, Central State University; Giselle Maldondo of Waite High School plans to attend Bowling Green State University; Serenity McIntosh of Start High School plans to attend Jackson State Community College; Courtney Jones of Start High School plans to attend Kent State University and Jordyn Knighten of Rogers High School plans to attend The Ohio State University.
“I plan to major in business administration,” said Bonds. “I wanted to have a real college experience and a HBCU experience. When I visited a few HBCUs while on a college tour through BGSU Trio Program, I knew I wanted to attend one because they are so welcoming.”
The brunch concluded with Clara Petty presenting the scholarship acts of love, a performance by J’Zillance Band, a silent auction results and the closing remarks by the chapter president.
The silent auction contributors: Cooper’s Hawk, TolHouse, Toledo Museum of Art, The Port Authority, Imagination Station, Aesthetics By Jeanette, Dunadi: Garden of Slay, GroupUp, Be Sweet Treats, Restore Studio Premium Bodywork & Wellness, Simply D’Vine, Big Daddy Backyard BBQ, Sow and Reap Gardens, Callisto Terra, Soul Essentials Wellness, That Special Lady, Jelise Gynn, K’Janee Boutique, Pound Cake Expressions and members of Zeta Alpha Omega.
