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Passing the Torch
Sandi Mitchell, AWS President (2018-2020) joined by the other newly installed
Presidents at the Southern California, National Council of Negro Women
Bethune-Height Recognition Luncheon.
Athens Westmont Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW-AWS)
Sisterly Chats Facebook: Athens Westmont NCNW Website: www.aws-ncnw.org
November 3, 2018
Volume V, Issue 1
Athens Westmont Section Officers NCNW LEADERSHIP
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Founder
Dr. Dorothy I. Height
Chair and President Emerita (1912 – 2010)
Mrs. Ingrid Saunders Jones
National Chair
Janice L. Mathis, Esq.
Executive Director
Dr. Helena Johnson
CA State Convener
Sandi Mitchell
Athens Westmont President
Hazel Isaiah-Ransom
Athens Westmont Founder
Greetings!
AWS ladies, as your newly
elected president, I want to take this
opportunity to thank you for
entrusting me with the leadership
role for the next two years. I am
anxious to work with this
prestigious group of women who
work diligently to serve the
community.
On behalf of the membership, I
would like to thank Yolanda for her
excellent service as the president of
AWS for the past six years. Her
vision and passion enabled us to
reach precedented goals that we will
build on to further our future
endeavors. It is with great pride and
honor that I accept my new role to
continue the legacy of NCNW.
Best,
Sandi
Sandi Mitchell
AWS President
President Sandi Mitchell
1st Vice President Juanita Wright
2nd Vice President Sharon Kay
3rd Vice President Brittney Hinton
Recording Secretary Trenee Sims
Correspondence Secretary Yolanda Lathern
Financial Secretary Tomina Mitchell
Hospitality Brenda Booth-West
Chaplain Emma Lathern
Treasurer Sagirah Layne
Assistant Treasurer Toi Quick
Parliamentarian Dr. Lovene Knight
Black History Program
Chair: Lori Williams
Athens Westmont Section held their 6th Annual Black History Program on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Knox
Presbyterian Church.
Themed “From Africa to America: Our History Is Real”, the event was well attended, with 200 patrons embarking on the
journey through the Middle Passage and embracing the stories of the powerful women in history. Some of the highlighted
women included Hattie McDaniel, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dorothy I. Height, Sojourner Truth, Shirley
Chisolm, and Michelle Obama.
All performers were excellent in their ability to bring their characters to life and deliver their performances.
Norma Mtume’s son-in-law recorded the production. It can be found on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6-K1PmVUpM.
Congrats!!!
Special congratulations to our Tomina Mitchell, as she prepares to embark on her newest life
journey, moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. Tomina has dedicated many years to the
section, holding various positions (immediate past Treasurer, former Recording Secretary), as
well as serving on multiple committees, and lending her singing and acting gifts to the section.
She has been a shining light to many in the section, and while her presence will be greatly
missed, it will always be felt. AWS appreciates all you have done for its membership, and we
congratulate you in your new endeavor!!
Top left: Yolanda honored at the Proud Bird – community service award from Top Ladies of Distinction
Top right: Celebrating Lara & Lori for their Meritorious Women award
Bottom left: Supporting Lori for acting debut in Homeward LA, depicting stories of homelessness
Bottom right: Members supporting a Mingles Tea Bar event
Founder’s Day Event
Chair: Sylverna Mitchell
On April 7, 2018, AWS celebrated our 14th anniversary during our monthly meeting. Our founder’s
committee provided light refreshments, teas, and an opportunity for fellowship while sharing the founding
history.
In 2004, Athens Westmont Section (AWS) was chartered at Park Windsor Baptist Church in Los Angeles
County by our late founder, Ms. Hazel Ruth Isaiah-Ransom.
AWS has a bi-annual Founder’s Tea affair, with the next one being planned for Spring 2019. In the off year,
we celebrate during the monthly meeting, as our history should, and will always be, recognized. Ladies on the
2019 committee, we look forward to your work.
Chumash Bus Trip
Chair: Emma Lathern
On Saturday, June 30th, AWS hosted a bus trip to Chumash Casino Resort in San Bernardino. Roughly 40
people attended, with Esther winning the prize for bringing the most people.
Upon reaching Chumash, everyone received a complimentary $20 from the resort to play, with first timers
receiving an additional $50. Throughout the day, some of the attendees ventured over to Solvang, a nearby
Danish village, to enjoy the scenery, restaurants, and shops. Thank you, Mrs. Emma, for another successful
bus trip!
Operation Shoebox – 438 shoeboxes collected!
Chair: Delores Coleman
On Saturday, June 2, 2018 we collected 438 boxes, surpassing the committee’s 400 box goal. Each member
donated at least 4 already packaged boxes. Donations were brought in throughout the day by members, other
individuals, and other organizations, i.e., Top Ladies of Distinction, Transport Workers Union Local 502,
Working Women Committee, Bethany Baptist Church, and Church of the Advent, among others. This year we
were able to benefit 3 homeless shelters: Open Temporary Housing Shelter, New Salvation Ministry, and
Homeless Outreach Program in Los Angeles. We appreciate everyone who supported by providing shoeboxes,
time, money, and positive vibes. Looking forward to increasing our collection goal next year!
Clothing and jewelry donations; Dress for Success chair, Sandi Mitchell, and members Marlene, Diane, and Brenda
Dress for Success
Chair: Sandi Mitchell
Saturday, September 1st, AWS held their 6th annual Dress for Success event. Chaired by Sandi Mitchell, Dress
for Success is a project where women in transitional housing are invited to the Council House for a program
that demonstrates interviewing skills, resume writing, job seeking skills, and life testimonies.
After the workshop, presented by Mr. Henry Brown, the ladies enjoyed a nice lunch, followed by a skit
performed by Clarenda Williams and Sylverna Mitchell, highlighting interview/work attire and positive
attitude on the job. Afterwards, the ladies shopped for clothes (new and gently used) to prepare them for the
workforce. The clothes had been provided to the section by members and friends in support of the event.
AWS was happy to host a small, intimate group of ladies this year, and proud to hear the testimony of one of
the women. She received a flyer for Dress for Success at a time when she needed a sign to keep living. Stories
like these are why AWS continues to do the work we’ve been called to do and serve our community.
SoCal’s Bethune-Height Recognition Luncheon
took place on Saturday, September 22nd. AWS had
5 life members join the ranks.
Newest life members (left to right): Juanita
Wright, Sagirah Layne, Toi Quick, Lois Bass, and
Norma Mtume (not pictured).
AWS’ silent raffle gift basket prepared by Sylverna, full of black-owned/related items provided by section members.
Basket sold for $55.
Athens Westmont Section Business Directory
EKLECTIC MIX
Where life style and fun meet!
Janice and Tyra Banks Gifts online only 2501 W. 120th Street Suite E Hawthorne, CA 90250 323-803-4076 Web: www.eklecticmixgiftsanddesigns Email: info@eklecticmixgiftsand designs.com
MARY KAY
I (We) can do all things thru Christ that strengthen me (us).
Emma J. Lathern Cosmetics 10618 S. 7th Avenue Inglewood, CA 90303 323-777-0422 Email: mMaryKay.com/E. Lathern
ONE BODY CONCEPT
One body many members!
Lori Williams Faith Based Fitness 3720 West 54th Street Los Angeles, CA 90047 888-528-3339 Email: [email protected]
RIGHTWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John14:6
Pastor James Wright and
FL Juanita Wright
Christian Organizer 4117 Overland Avenue Culver City, CA 90230 310-339-3834 Twitter: twitter.com/Rightway Baptist [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
RISE N SHINE TRAVEL
Travel your way!
VICKI L. KAY Travel Agency 2241 S. Clyde Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90016 323-514-6513 Web: risenshinetravel.com Email: [email protected]
TRAVELLING MOBILE NOTARY
Cynthia Reid-Roberts Notary Public 310-308-2755 Email: [email protected]
Will respond within 15 mins of your call. Loan document signing also.
Mingles Tea Bar
“Come in and experience the flavor!”
“Tea You There!!!”
Lara & Anthony McAuley Tea Bar 8443 Crenshaw Boulevard Inglewood, CA 90305 424-704-2777 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MinglesTeaBar Web: www.minglesteabar.com Email: [email protected]
Giving You the Best That You’ve Got
Written by: Sagirah Layne
Physical, mental, and spiritual health is so important. It’s so necessary to be at your best for self, so you
can even consider giving any of yourself to the world. Driving yourself into the ground to crash and burn is not
the move. Keeping up with you, looking out for you, showing love to you is imperative. Anita Baker has this
beautiful song ‘Giving You the Best That I’ve Got’. That’s how it should be. You should give everything the best
that you’ve got. Starting with you first.
Let’s be clear. Part of giving you the best that you’ve got is not giving too much to others that don’t
deserve it. You are not required to deal with anyone’s negative vibes or problems, regardless of who it is. People
get trapped into thinking they’re required to deal with any and everything from anyone, simply because they’re
someone extremely close, like family. You must free yourself from those shackles. Peace of mind is ‘priceless’
(another one of Anita’s songs – I’m quite the fan).
Whatever you need to do to get to your best and remain there regularly, do it. Things one can do are
exercising, developing better eating habits, journaling, taking on yoga, finding new hobbies or strengthening old
ones. Tapping into your inner being. Praying. Meditating. Spending time with loved ones who bring out the best
in you; help you recharge your energy, versus the ones who drain all of it out of you. Learning to be well in your
space both with and without others around is important because some people are only good at one or the other.
People like me, introverts, love to be alone and can function very well that way. We need to remember, though,
that sometimes we need other people. We’re not meant to always be alone. On the flip side, for extroverts who
always need someone else to do things, you miss out on a lot of life’s beautiful moments waiting for other people.
Your inability to enjoy your own company is a hindrance. A healthy dose of being alone, as well as being with
others, is the perfect balance. And the perfect balance gets you to your best you. Life is about cherishing all the
beautiful moments. Life is hard. But it’s amazing. And you know what makes it most amazing? When you’re out
here giving you the best that you’ve got.
Own it.
Oh, and vote! That’s amazing too. Tuesday, November 6th is election day.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
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Calendar of Events
2018
Election day – Tuesday, November 6th
58th Bi-Annual National Convention – Nov 9th-11th; Washington, D.C.
Caring is Sharing – Saturday, December 1st; Council House
2019
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 21st
Black History Program – Saturday, February 2nd; Museum of African American Art
Founder’s Day Celebration – April 2019; TBD
Operation Shoebox – June 1st; Council House
Dress for Success – September 7th; Council House
Bethune Height Recognition Luncheon – Sept/Oct 2019; TBD
Caring is Sharing – Saturday, December 7th; Council House
Save the date:
*Invitation from Alvetia E. for the naming of Marvin Gaye station. Postponed from Sept to January 2019*
A Final Word
We send our deepest condolences to:
Alna Pearl Brown on the loss of her son
Loved ones of Hazle Duke, member
Sandi Mitchell and Sylvia Dow-Davis on the loss of their mother
We say a little prayer for you.
Meetings are held every 1st Saturday / 11:00am at 3720 W. 54th St., LA
