Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-From great memories to inspirational achievements to life lessons, home will always be there with an open door to greet those who return. That’s what Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency Resident Services Manager and LYDIA Society Founder Michael “Mike” Green wanted the 13 members of the 2024 LYDIA Society Assembly of Girls to keep front of mind when he selected the theme for the Sixth Annual LYDIA Society Trumpet Ball: Welcome Home, co-sponsored by the Meharry Medical College Department of Public of Public Health.
“Regardless of the height that you reach, never forget about home and those who didn’t take or have the same opportunities that you had,” Green said to the LYDIA Society participants at the ball. “Remember to not only return, but also bring your friends and success and give back.”
MDHA hosted the Sixth Annual LYDIA Society Trumpet Ball in partnership with Meharry Medical College School of Public Health, Vaccine for All, and the Resident Associations at MDHA properties at the Cal Turner Event Center on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
2024 LYDIA Society Debutantes are: London Campbell, Akayla McGinnist, Millaza Dillard, Cniya Johnson, Briana McGinnist, Sema’j Clark Sherrill, Imani Tansil, Khamari Spence, Courtnie Taylor, Makenzi Booker, Constance Allen, Renisha Webster, Takahia Harris and Karmikia Bradford.
Wearing gorgeous white gowns and accompanied by an escort of their choice, this year’s LYDIA Society Assembly of Girls wowed guests as they entered the ballroom, completed the signature debutante curtsey, and then performed a rehearsed dance. The night ended with the crowning of 2024 Miss LYDIA Society Makenzi. The new queen was chosen to represent her classmates by a selection committee. She was crowned by her predecessor, the 2023 Miss LYDIA Society Terreka.
Mackenzi is a resident at MDHA’s Levy Place. She is a Metro Nashville Public Schools middle school student and would like to pursue a career in the medical field as a nurse practitioner.
The LYDIA Society is a coming-of-age organization designed to engage teenage girls living at MDHA properties and teach them about topics such as writing, technology, and health. The participants take part in an eight-week summer program that includes specialized workshops led by Dr. Leah Alexander-Otukpe and the Meharry Medical College Master of Public Health program. Once the program is complete, the LYDIA Society participants are recognized at the annual ball, where a Miss LYDIA Society is named.
“During my tenure at MDHA, I have been professionally enriched and encouraged to give my all through initiatives like the LYDIA Society,” said Green. “I am so proud of this year’s participants, their accomplishments and the impact they will have in their communities.”
