By Victoria Green
NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc. (French, meaning “the jewels” and pronounced “lay gem”) was established in 2004 under the umbrella of the national organization that was established in Norfolk, Virginia in September 1955. The purpose of Les Gemmes, Inc. is to promote and provide charitable, educational, civic, and cultural activities aimed at enhancing the populations of the various communities.”
Through the years, Les Gemmes, Inc. has adopted programmatic goals to reach citizens, throughout the United States. The Nashville chapter has made its impact under the National Program Initiative, “Lighting the Path for Girls”. In this initiative, we mentor young ladies in the community from middle school through high school. The young ladies are referred to as our “Jewels.” At least once a month we engage with the Jewels through cultural and educational activities. In this process, we enhance life skills, which address character development, building integrity and high self-esteem. We also expose the Jewels to a myriad of cultural, civic and community-oriented experiences and help them to understand the importance of giving back to their community through hands on service efforts.
Our annual Literary Luncheon is our major fundraiser to provide scholarships to our graduating seniors who plan to engage in post-secondary education and to support the monthly activities we provide for the Jewels.
The 2023-2024 “Lighting the Path for Girls” first meet and greet was off to a great start. Dr. Phyllis Qualls, president of Les Gemmes Inc. Nashville Chapter, inspired us with a motivational welcome to continue the great work of service to our Jewels and the community.
Gemme Gloria McKissack captured our attention the vision, God placed on her heart to establish a program to excel our young girls. Gemme Gloria stated “Everyone has an assignment.” Each month the young Jewels will participate in educational workshops, with extraordinary speakers, museum tours, etiquette classes, emergency preparedness, community service projects, scholarship program for graduating Jewels, and so much more that will benefit and progress our young Jewels for their future.
Civil Rights Activist, Coretta Scott King stated, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members … a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”
“Lighting the Path for Girls” will forever be embedded within the hearts of Les Gemmes Inc. The mission of the Nashville Chapter as a non-profit entity is to be a charitable, educational, civic, and cultural organization committed to promoting positive influences, justice and social change within local communities.
Special thanks to Gemmes René Whittaker, Pat Rees, Wanda Benson, Sondrea Tolbert, every Gemme, and every Jewel that participated to make the first meeting of the year a success.
