The NAACP concluded Women’s History Month by holding a brunch at Tavern on the Green Saturday, March 30, 2024 to honor recipients of the Ovington-Wells award.
Antoinette Kinsey and Marguerite Johnson served as the Mistresses of Ceremony. The program began with the invocation and blessing of the food by Reverend Pamelia Smalls. Colleton County Woman of the Year, Suhailah Beyah gave the welcome and the purpose of the event. Music selections were performed by the Bountiful Blessing Band.
Several prominent local citizens spoke in greeting including The Honorable Margie Bright Matthews of the South Carolina State Senate, The Honorable Michael Rivers of the South Carolina State House of Representatives, Colleton County Councilman Steve Murdaugh, and Edward Williams, President of the Colleton County Branch of the NAACP. The guest speaker for the event was The Honorable Tameika Isaac-Devine of the South Carolina State Senate who was introduced by her mother, Veronica Isaac. Citing Luke 12:48, to whom much is given, much will be required, Devine challenged those present to show up, step up, speak up, and strategize in order to bring to fruition the changes they want to see. When speaking on the honorees Senator Devine praised the women for being the example for her call to action while leading with compassion, conviction, and courage.
The Ovington-Wells Honorees are Alyssa Bodison, Anna Bright, Vennie Mitchell, Patricia Simmons, and Jessica Williams. These ladies have given their time and efforts into trying to make Colleton County a better place. The honorees thanked those who supported them and asked for continued support as they strive to continue their work.
Mr. Williams then presented Community Service Awards to members of the ACE Basin Community Development Organization. Those honored were Cheryl Ferguson and Annie Williams, founders of Healing Hands, Shirley Chisolm a faithful volunteer, and Linda L. Brown, fundraising chair. Also, to receive an award was Mattie Nesmith for community activism, but was not present.
In a surprise addition to the program Senator Devine was also given an Ovington-Wells award.
Congratulations and thank you to these women who have worked to make the community a better place.
