Elizabeth Kelly (front, center), surrounded by (left to right) E. Lucille Bridgeman, daughters Yvonne, Deborah and Marlene, Dr. Johnnie Huston, and Rosetta Hull “I have everything I need to start my day when I look around my bedroom,” began Dr. Johnnie Huston, president of the Southwest District of the Ohio Association of Women’s Clubs. She has a fan that reminds her to be cool, a clock that says don’t waste time, a mirror that tells her to make a good impression, and a window that encourages her to take a look at the world around her.

Dr. Huston’s inspirational message set the tone for a group of women whose motto is, “lifting as we climb.” On Oct. 22, the women, who are part of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs known as the Federated Women’s Clubs, honored senior citizens and youth. The Southwest District’s First Vice President E. Lucille Bridgeman drove from Mansfield, Ohio to at tend the meeting. She spoke of her 101-yearold aunt who remains an active member of the Federated Women’s Clubs, and stressed the need for the women to continue their work. The various Federated clubs organize programs to serve youth, seniors, families, and to make positive change in their communities.

Betty Patterson, chaplain of the Federated Women, leads a memorial tribute to the late Susie Ingram. Also present at the meeting were Damita Cherry and Benita Spraggins of Talbert House. Ms. Spraggins described Talbert House’s work experience program and stated that the young women in the program need job training placements.

Three high school seniors graduated this year from the Federated Women’s Youth Program, led by DuAnn Mathis. Jordan Blair and Kellon Mathis will attend Cincinnati State, and Anthony Morrow will matriculate at Eastern Kentucky University. Ms. Mathis gave gifts to Jordan and Kellon, and a scholarship to Anthony. Jordan’s grandmother, Connie Blair, spoke of the struggle that families undergo to make sure their children graduate from high school and go to college. Tracey Fairbanks, Anthony’s mother, agreed with Ms. Blair, and thanked the Federated Women for their support of her son.

DuAnn Mathis presents scholarship award to Tracey Fairbanks for her son, Anthony Morrow. Elizabeth Kelly, who turned 98 on the day following the meeting, and Elizabeth M. Lemon, age 86, were honored for their many years of commitment to the Federated Women’s Clubs. Both are past presidents and active members in the local Optimist Federated Club whose current president is Rosetta Hull. Ms. Kelly’s daughter, Marlene, traveled to Cincinnati from Atlanta, and daughter Yvonne from California. Deborah Brooks, the youngest daughter, lives in Cincinnati, and is an active member of the Optimist Federated Club.. Ms. Lemon’s grandson, Asher, and son-in-law Sen. Eric Kearney visited the women’s group. Her daughter, Jan- Michele was present and is an active member of the Optimist Federated Club.

JoAnn Orr speaks about the late Susie Ingram, who served in many leadership roles, including president of the Federated Women. The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs was founded in the 1800s to work for civil rights and make positive change in the African American community. Its first president was Mrs. Booker T. Washington.

(Left to right) Dr. Johnnie Huston, Elizabeth M. Lemon, E. Lucille Bridgeman, and Rosetta Hull.

Connie Blair (right) thanks Duann Mathis and the Federated Women for encouraging her grandson, Jordan Blair.

(Left to right) Benita Spraggins and Damita Cherry of Talbert House.

Lisa Green, M.D. (left) with her mom, Yvonne Green, president of the City Federation.

Kellon Mathis receives a congratulatory hug from his mom, DuAnn Mathis, chair of the Federated Women’s Youth Program.