Sounds of Mardi Gras filled the Great Room of the Truman Arnold Center at Texarkana College on Saturday night, as the Gamma Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., paid tribute to local African American Women of Vision during their annual Awards Gala.
Sorority members and guests were there to honor the 10 women chosen for their contribution to society. Also recognized were the attending past-presidents of the chapter. Mistress of Ceremonies was Anita Pickett of the sorority, and Master of Ceremonies was Rodney Hatfield of Beta Tau Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Living Legends Awards were given to eight past-presidents: Essie Dodd, 1984-1988; Dorothy Boyd, 1988-1992; Barbara Larry, 1996-2000; Hattie Edwards 2000-2004; Lillie Young, 2004-2008; Annette Forte, 2008-2012; and Maxine Crittenden, 2012-2016.
Jose Rice was also recognized as the Chartering President of Epsilon Pi, 1995-1999.
Past President Dodd, who taught elementary school in TISD for 32 years before retiring, is still active and attends meetings of the sorority.
"Back in the day I remember sponsoring the Storks Nest - it was a store for young unwed mothers to get free supplies. They didn't have all the help they have now back then," she said.
"We also had a 'Miss Blue Review' for young girls to raise money for the chapter. The one raising the most received a scholarship. One year when I was president we had a girl raise $2,000.00."
Felita Gilmore and Bertie Fuller announced the Zetas of the Year: Billy Green of Beta Tau Sigma and Yolanda Johnson, president of Zeta Amicae.
TaShakka Stills provided the piano music and vocals for the celebration, Gary Watson spoke of the purpose of the event, and the Rev. James Hood of Hickory Hill Baptist Church performed the invocation.
Dinner was prepared and served by Texarkana College Culinary Arts students.
Those receiving the Prominent Women of Vision were Brigette Briley, teacher at TASD; Taryn Chambers Givan, principal of Westlawn Elementary; Silfida D.C. Gomez, USA Today bestselling author; Bobbie McGee of DeKalb; Cynthia Lamay, teacher's aide at TISD; Angela Lester, child nutrition manager at Redwater ISD; Tina Maxwell, administrator of Southwest Arkansas Community Correction Center; Cathie Murphy, associate professor of Nursing, Texarkana College; Dr. Jackie Otto, chief operating officer of the Housing Authority of Texarkana, Texas; and Angela Taylor, teacher at TISD.
Current president of Gamma Kappa Zeta, Jo Ann Rice, addressed the crowd to thank the sponsors and mentioned this was her last gala as president, as her term ends this year. Closing the ceremony was Kenneth Link, president of Beta Tau Sigma Chapter.