By Dr. June
NASHVILLE, TN — The 17th Annual Literary Luncheon will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Music City Center, Davidson Ballroom at 11 am. Co-chaired by The Honorable Karen Johnson and Dr. Candra Clariette, this year’s event is sure to make history! The theme, “Celebrating our Stories…Empowering our Future” is the backdrop for the annual fundraiser that supports the local chapter’s young girls’ organization known as Lighting the Path for Girls (Jewels).
Storytelling is the fiber that not only enriches life, but also maintains legacy while extending the future. With the 2024 literary luncheon theme it’s no surprise that bestselling author of over 50 books and journalist ReShonda Tate will serve as the keynote speaker. Tate’s success as a prolific Hollywood star that has directed films produced by TD Jakes, Regina King and Queen Latifah is a live testament of faith, diversity, and inclusion that is detrimental to the morale of young black women. The Les Gemmes Literary Luncheon brings sisterhood, scholarship and the community to the forefront as the mentees known as the “Jewels” are heralded into the next chapters of life. This is a time of celebration, uplift and loud applause for a journey that transitions young girls into early womanhood. A time when the Jewels embark on optimistic paths equipped with confidence to take leaps of faith, chart their destinies, and mindfulness to become good global citizens.
Every aspect of life has an experience that connects to another that eventually tells a story representing a past, the present and a future. The “Lighting the Path for Girls” signature program is one in which young mentees evolve from a world of uncertainty, transcendence from the pre-teen world into adolescence and early adulthood.They gather lifelong experiences and bonding they will be able to share for years to come. The Jewels experience a transition that represents the transformation that allows one to harness their inner strength, lose the fears that come with risk tasking and access the boldness to dream and reach for the sky. The select group of Les Gemmes, Inc. in the Nashville Chapter shows a real life view to the Jewels that they too can exceed the expectations of today’s society. The mentors supporting the Jewels range from politicians, entrepreneurs, scholars, authors, lawyers and doctors that have the same goal and focus. The desire to empower and propel the Jewels into success is the consistent thematic aspiration of the organization throughout the entire mentoring process.
The Jewels are introduced to resources, experiences and workshops that allow them to build a toolkit for their success. They are shown the value of hard work, consistency and persistence and the benefits of having a good moral compass. They are guided into understanding the principles of gratitude, recognizing their individual power and how to cherish and nurture what is before them and what they can control. “You don’t go to the other side hoping the grass is greener. You water the lawn you have” says Reshonda Tate. Since the chartering of the Les Gemmes, Inc., Nashville Chapter in 2004, numerous Jewels have become college graduates, members of the armed forces, entrepreneurs and change makers in their communities.
Not only does the Les Gemmes annual literary luncheon bring high-level speakers and hosts, but also some of the best and brightest authors from throughout the nation. You can be a part of this history-making event by being a vendor. If you have books, arts and craft items, or other specialty products, please contact Rene’ Whittaker and inquire about being a vendor. You may email her at mrenew45@gmail.com or call her at 615-838-6164.
For information about sponsorship or tickets information please visit the website, LesGemmesNashville.org or Eventbrite.com.