Seven members of the Morven Chapter of Las Amigas traveled to Virginia to attend Las Amigas, Incorporated’s 58th Conclave 2017, and the 60th Anniversary of Diamond Jubilee on June 28 through July 2.
The event was held at the Hilton Short Pump in Richmond, Virginia. This year’s conclave was hosted by the Richmond Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Region.
Las Amigas Incorporated was founded 1957 in Charlotte by two unique visionaries, Dora R. Mason and Mary Q. Moore. They saw the need to establish a progressive organization for professional African-American, community-minded women to work together to inspire, promote and empower their lives as they improved and enhanced the lives of the less fortunate and underserved in their communities.
The 58th National Conclave officially opened on Wednesday, June 28 with remarks from National President DeniAntionette Mazingo, Esq. This year’s theme was “Cherishing the Past…Embracing the Future.” The Morven Las Amigas members who attended were: Judy Simon, vice president; Marilynn Bennett, chaplain; Joletha Little, president; financial secretary and outgoing 2015-2017 National Queen Elizabeth Kersey, financial secretary and outgoing 2015-2017 National Queen; recording/correspondence secretary Pat McCoy, recording/correspondence secretary; Winnie Bennett, treasurer; and Beulah Pratt, parliamentarian.
National President DeniAntionette Mazingo held the national board meeting for all national officers, chapter presidents and committee chairs. The members attended the President’s Reception and Meet & Greet on Wednesday, June 28. The official conclave opening session for all members began on Thursday morning, June 29, with open remarks from Mazingo.
Two workshops were given — Leadership: Retaining and Attracting Members and Financial: Treasurers, Financial Secretaries. The national board meeting resumed from the previous day, followed by the first general session for all members. On Thursday evening, the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Kickoff/Pep Rally began and the attending 23 chapters were given the opportunity to represent their chapter with a chant and a dance-off where prizes were given for best performance.
The Second General Session/Election for all national positions began on June 30. During the Third General Session, presentation of service awards were distributed. Little was on hand to receive the 10-Year Service Award for Ernestine Gaddy. The installation of new officers was held, and Simon was installed as national chaplain for the year 2017-2019. Also, there was a memorial service held in memory of Las Amigas sisters who had died. After a long day of business, a night to unwind and remember was the Midnight Harlem Nights/ Roaring 20s Cotton Club that drew everyone together for fun and laughter.
Las Amigas Incorporated Dora R. Mason Awards Luncheon was held on Saturday, July 1. The speaker was Dr. Peyton McCoy, a leader, scholar-practitioner, consultant, author, workshop facilitator and conference presenter. She is the principal and founding director of her own consulting firm, McCoy Group LLC, a SWAM-certified Dunn and Bradstreet Consulting Company. During the luncheon, various awards were received including service awards, outstanding members, and chapter members.
Morven Chapter was organized in 1987. Members receiving their 30-Year Service Award were charter members Winnie Bennett, Simon, Marilynn Bennett and Pratt. Little received the award for Johnie Pettiford. On Saturday evening, the organization held its annual Mary Q. Moore Gala Orchid Ball. McCoy was 1st runner-up for the 2017 National Queen of Las Amigas Incorporated during the Queen Coronation.
Closing out the conclave July 1, a wrap-up session was held by Mazingo, which included a continental breakfast. Invocation for safe travel back home was rendered by national chaplain Faye Stanley.
There are 23 chapters of Las Amigas throughout the eastern United States. The Southwest Region includes the following four chapters in North Carolina: Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gastonia, Mooresville, Morven, and one in Greenville, outh Carolina.
Las Amigas Incorporated is a nonprofit organization which works to provide educational opportunities for youth, increase cultural awareness and engage in activities for the betterment of the communities where members live.