The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Women’s group hosts history tea with music, action
Colorful signs made by students at General Johnnie Wilson decorated The Lorain Club of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. Women’s History Annual Tea on March 7.
Local artist Jeff Pye’s work stood in a row across from vendors and a group of tables for attendees.
The theme of the tea was “Valiant Women of the Vote.”
Keynote speaker Melody J. Stewart, the first black Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, was excited to celebrate women and the power of unity during her speech.
“I wanted to talk about the celebration of the 100 year ability to vote and the struggle,” Stewart said. ““We’ve come so far and we should appreciate the sacrifices and hardships people faced to give us this opportunity.”
A key component Stewart wanted the audience to take away is that working together is necessary for success.
“We don’t do this by ourselves,” Stewart said. “We need to keep lifting each other up.”
Lorain 3rd Ward Councilwoman Pamela Carter said she was excited to honor and celebrate women and their right to vote.
“It’s the centennial of the suffrage movement and women’s right to vote,” Carter said. “The 19th amendment gave us the opportunities we have today.”
Carter wanted to encourage everyone to vote during the primary election and again in the election in November.
“We have a very important election coming up in November, and we all need to show up,” Carter said.
The Negro National Anthem was performed by Pablo J. Oquendo II, a Lorain High School student, followed by a presentation on why voting matters presented by young women.
During the tea, the Lorain Club of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Inc. Women’s History Annual Tea, president Inez James treated guests with a special history presentation.
James dressed up as Sojourner Truth, abolitionist and women’s rights activist and told a brief history of women’s suffrage. After the interactive presentation, Lunch was served.
Carter wanted to thank the women for attending, and God as well.
“We needed to do this together, under God,” Carter said. “Without each other and without him, we would have never succeeded”