The Nu Mu Sigma Alumnae Chapter held their second annual Golden Leadership Gala at the Richmond Hill City Center on Saturday night, November 8.
The gala was held by the Nu Mu Sigma Chapter, a branch of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a historically African-American sorority. The event aimed to honor seven founders who were also educators and community leaders. On the night, the gala also awarded scholarships to students in Bryan, Liberty and Long Counties.
Shirlonda Shepard, President, announced the organizations Nu Mu Sigma partnered with for the event.
"We partner with the Legacy of Light Foundation which is the Southeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc." Shepard said. "It is a 501 nonprofit foundation to give a tax deductible for those that want to donate to the scholarship."
Dr. Djuna Crowder then spoke next on the significance of the event.
"It is a chance to say thank you to community members and celebrate all that they do for our families and children in our community," Dr. Crowder said. "It's truly a great time to celebrate."
Rosby Frazier, a member of Nu Mu Sigma, then shared her hopes for the gala with the crowd.
"I hope this is a rewarding event," Frazier said. "We want to be able to give back to those who are providing for our community and this is an event we want to keep going to install what our leaders have done."
Dr. Crowder also spoke on the importance of celebrating the gala in the month of November for a very specific reason: the founding of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
"We celebrate the beginning of our sorority," Dr. Crowder said. "It was founded on November 12, 1922. That's why we pick November to do community service work, to celebrate members in our community and recognize everything that is Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.."
Several awards were given out to various individuals:
Patrick Underwood received the Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little Open Book Award.
Elisha Boyd received the Dorothy Hanley Whiteside Service Award.
Debra Frazier received the Vivian Irene While Marbury Lamp of Learning Award.
Belva Duncan received the Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson Inspirational Leader Award.
Donald Lovette received the Bessie Mae Downey Rhoads Martin Servant Leader Award.
Sabrina Newby received the Cabena McClure Visionary Leader Award.
Two special awards known as the Beacon of Commitment were given out to two awardees: Zatascha Burton and Teddra Jakes.
Justin Hall is a freelance correspondent for the Bryan County News.
