NASHVILLE, TN — The 17th Annual Literary Luncheon was a true showcase to benefit the Lighting the Path for Girls Initiative, affectionately referred to as “Jewels.”
Held in the Davidson Ballroom of the Music City Center in Nashville, the approximately 500 attendees were enthralled with the “Jewels” and the work they are doing and being molded to become outstanding-citizens with careers in a variety of fields. In addition to the ten Jewels, who range from high school to college, the Legacy Jewels were introduced, who are currently in college or have graduated and working in their field of study.
Advance Financial has been the sole- supporter of the Jewels for the last ten years. “We are so proud to be long-time supporters of the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, developing our young women into the future leaders of tomorrow,” said Tina Hodges, CEO of Advance Financial.
The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate, Adrian Marshall, was a special treat for the Jewels and the audience.
Author ReShonda Tate was a dynamic keynote speaker. She provided words of wisdom about doing what is best for your soul. Author of more than 50 books, two were made into movies and a third on the way from her book, “The Queen of Sugar Hill,” which she gifted to every attendee.
The book is about actress Hattie McDaniel, who fought whites to prevent them from putting a covenant on deeds to prevent African Americans from buying property in the neighborhood. The audience was spellbound during her remarks.
Novella Page, a regular attendee of the event, said “It was outstanding and I appreciate all the work being put into the “Jewels” since I am a retired Metro Schools educator.”
Awards were presented to three outstanding individuals; Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, president, Tennessee State University; Sharon K. Roberson, Esq., president/CEO, YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennesee, and Meredith McKinney, founder of The Black Book Project.
The Nashville Chapter, in its 20th year, will begin planning for its 18th annual Literary Luncheon. “It is going to be another big hit, said Dr. Phyllis Qualls, president of the Nashville Chapter.
