Women honoring other women: Achievements recognized, and celebrated | Opinion
I love Women’s History Month (March). It is a time when women honor other women, and when many in the community take the time to remember the good deeds of some women who would otherwise go unnoticed.
Last weekend, two organizations thought it not robbery to bestow honors on several women in our community who never give up on trying to make Miami-Dade a better place for all its citizens.
So, without further ado, congratulations to the Women of Impact’s 2022 inductees. The list of accomplished women includes sisters Valerie Berrin and Risa Berrin. Also inducted was my longtime friend and classmate Agnes Rolle Morton. The other inductees were Elmeda Denise Wallace, Crystal C. Pitman, Lourdes Reyes Abadin and Josephine Shih Gordy.
Because of COVID-19, the March 26th event was the second year the awards were presented virtually, and it marked the 34th year that The Women’s History Coalition of Miami Dade County honored several dynamic women who have made a commitment to making a positive change in the community.
This year’s theme was: “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
“We selected a diverse group of women from multi-generations, who have stellar backgrounds of providing community service to the people of Miami-Dade County, said Rene Tew, a former president of the coalition.
Gala in Liberty City
There’s more. Also, on March 26, the Young Women Facing Their Future honored five “Ladies of Liberty”and 12 “Sheroes” at a gala event held at the historic Liberty Square Community Center at Northwest 64th Street and 14th Ave. in Liberty City.
Honored as a “Lady of Liberty” were Florence Litthcut Nichols, Ivy Samantha Bennet, Crystal Darlene Lee, Anna Forbes Williams, and yours truly.
The organization also honored as “Sheroes” Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Traci Young Byron, Kristin Campbell, Lissette Finale, Sherea Green, Wilhelmina Ford, Christine King, Renea Moss, Ranesha Pearce, Tangela Sears, Lula Bell Smith, and Alberta Williams.
Cassandra Mitchell and Alberta Williams are co-founders of Young Women Facing Their Future, an organization that has a mission to tutor and mentor young Black girls, ages 5 through 18. Through the organization’s program, young girls are helped with career development and life choices. They are also exposed to the arts and are taken on field trips.
Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns served as the event’s emcee.
Free noon concerts return in Miami Shores
Miami Shores has a gift for all the music-lovers out there. The free noon community concerts will resume this month. The first one will be on Sunday, April 3, and the second concert will be on Sunday, April 24, at the Miami Shores Community Church, 9823 NE Fourth Ave.
The first concert will feature the Middle School Chorus of Miami Arts Charter School, under the direction of Liliam Teruel. According to Mark Sell, a spokesperson for the church, the choir is an “... ensemble of talented young people... far above your average middle school chorus. The choir’s energetic program and superb blend is sure to be a special treat for the ears.”
On April 24, the Miami Vice String Quartet will perform “Folk of the Americas” a mix of folk inspired music from North and South America, Sells said. Both concerts are open to the public and will be held in the sanctuary.
For more information visit, miamishoresucc.org, or call 305-759-3445.
Kiwanis of Homestead holds Good Friday breakfast
The 47th annual Good Friday Prayer Breakfast, presented by the Kiwanis of Homestead, will be at 7 a.m. on April 15 at the Homestead Community Center, 1601 N. Krome Ave. This year’s theme is, “Pressed but not Crushed.” Tickets to the event are $10 each.
If you would like to support the breakfast, the organization has $75 sponsorships to cover the cost of hosting the event, you may contact Emily Guzman at 786-399-4161.
For tickets and for more information contact Lewis C. Matusow at 305-775-6575.
Easter celebration at Mount Hermon AME Church
The pastors and congregation of Mount Hermon AME Church invite the community to join them in their 2022 Easter celebration from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on April 16, at the church, 17800 NW 25th Ave. in Miami Gardens.
The program will feature different scenes from the life of Jesus, according to the Rev. Avian Wise, who is coordinating the event.
The program will include an Easter egg hunt for all ages, where the highlight will be to find the golden egg. The person who finds the golden egg will receive a special prize. There will also be an Easter Basket give-away for children 12 and under, music, games, arts and crafts, and selfie picture-taking stations.
“The community is invited to join the Mount Hermon Family and have a great time,” Wise said.
The Rev. Dr. Michael K. Bouie and his wife the Rev. Tamira, are co-pastors of the church.
Miami Woman’s Club to meet
The next meeting of the Miami Woman’s Club ’s will be held at noon on April 13 at the Miami Shores Country Club, 10000 Biscayne Blvd. The guest speaker will be Caroline Stein, who doesn’t let a little thing like age keep her from living her best life. Now in her 80’s, Stein is an author, entrepreneur and avid traveler.
Guests are welcome. If you plan to attend reservations must be made by April 8 by calling 786-615-3313.