By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — In the brilliant sunshine of the morning against a bright blue sky, they came. Wearing beautiful garments of all types and styles, flowing regally, they came all directions and the view was breathtaking, Queens flowing into the Beck Cultural Center in their yellow, a symbol of light for all women, representing warmth, sunshine, and positivity. They are the women of the Ethel Beck Society and there were hundreds of them.
Once a year some of the most influential African American women in Knoxville gather for a delicious brunch to honor one of their own at an occasion named after Ethel Beck for whom the Beck Cultural Center is named. The women dined on a delicious meal catered by Raes Soul Food and Catering with mimosas provided by Karen Hardin of Allow Me Catering ; all in Honor of Gwen McKenzie a woman most deserving of the recognition by her sisters.
interviews Gwen McKenzie, left, during the Beck brunch.
Photo by Vivian Shipe
Photo by Vivian Shipe
Elected in 2017 to City Council to represent the sixth district, Gwen McKenzie is also the first African American woman to serve as Vice Mayor of Knoxville. She serves on multiple boards, responsible for the establishment of the African American Restoration Equity Task Force, and stays very active in her district.
The ladies spent a lovely afternoon as Reverend Renee Kesler, Executive Director of the Beck, sat down to have a conversation with the woman of the year who shared her fascinating story.
Copyright TNTRIBUNE 2024. All rights reserved.
