Luncheon honors local activists

NANBPWC hosts 43rd annual Founders’ Day Award Luncheon

Community activists were recognized for their contributions April 23 as the Lorain Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) hosted its 43rd annual Founders’ Day Award Luncheon.

Honorees and attendees gathered at DeLuca’s Place in the Park, 6075 Middle Ridge Road in Lorain, for a program that included numerous speakers, a catered lunch and a fashion show by Jevon Terance Boutique, 615 Broadway Ave. in Lorain. Inez James, president of the Lorain Club of NANBPWC, said the annual event celebrates the founders and founding of the organization.

“I just want to thank the city of Lorain for their support of the National Association of Negro

Business and Professional Women’s Club,” James said. “We just thank all those for coming out, and thank the awardees for their tireless service to Lorain.”

LaTaunya V. Conley, governor of the 18th North Central District of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, spoke briefly during the event and commended the Lorain Club for offering “exemplary programs exceeding national program mandates in the areas of

leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and service.”

“The Lorain Club of NANBPWC has demonstrated its commitment to excellence while empowering business and professional women along with investing in the lives of our youth,” Conley said. “Continue to aim high and expect greater blessing in the years to come.”

The highest award recipients at the 43rd annual event included Charlesetta Brown, committee chairperson for Lorain’s second district precinct, and Tony Horn, owner of T Bonds, 401 E Erie Ave. in Lorain. Brown received the Sojourner

Truth Award and Horn received the Frederick Douglass Award.

“I’m very excited to get honored this year,” Brown said, noting she was born in 1943 and this is the 43rd anniversary of the organization. “It’s my time. It was meant to be.”

Brown said she still has a lot of work to do and is hoping to serve as Lorain’s second ward councilwoman, as she is a candidate in the upcoming May primary election, running against Councilman Dennis Flores who is seeking reelection.

Horn also said he was elated to receive his award and enjoys his role as a community activist.