The Democratic Women of the Southland Region (“DWSR”) held its first High Tea at the Double Tree by Hilton Chicago/Alsip on June 12, 2022. The theme was the Harlem Renaissance, focusing on the powerful impact individuals have made. Through the concept of Founder and Chapter President Vivian E. Covington, guests were entertained with a delightful afternoon of food, fashion, raffles, music, and vendor showcases. Guest included elected officials and candidates running for office in the June 28, 2022, Gubernatorial Primary Election.
The event was a fundraiser, with a portion of the proceeds to fund DWSR’s scholarship program for two students annually who are pursuing a degree in Political Science. DWSR member and Founder of Carolyn’s Kids Foundation, Carolyn G. Palmer served as the Mistress of Ceremony.
Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton was the special guest and addressed the challenges that are faced in this year’s election from stripping women of reproductive freedoms and dismissing what women are capable of doing, especially black women. “The power to achieve greatness lies in each and every person who is here today. Nothing and no one can dim our light or hold us back. I know what you are capable of is strong, fierce women in this room and all across Illinois. Women who have balanced raising families, chasing career goals, and weathering this pandemic. Women who lead organizations, nurture our next generation, and give back to their communities, sometimes, all at the same time. Regardless of what they choose to throw at us, here in Illinois, we will always trust women and our ability to think for ourselves,” says Lt. Gov. Stratton.
Alexis A. Mathews, journalist and tv news reporter at WLKY News in Louisville, KY, was the guest speaker. Mathews discussed a call to action regarding the ongoing health crisis, the alarming increase in mass shootings, gun violence across the country, and decades of racial and systemic injustice. Mathews spoke about the importance of voting and black women who paved the way and what they endured to have the right to vote. “Everyone should be taking the initiative to get out and make your voices heard. These are local and state elections that affect you and your communities directly,” says Mathews.
Deborah Crosslin served as the commentator for the fashion show. Models walked the runway with the latest and unique styles for men and women. Apparel was provided by Ellana Boutique located at 7511 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL.
DWSR Vice President and Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Tiffany Taylor presented Kyla Emory and Antonio M. Underwood with a scholarship of $1,000. Emory is a graduate of Homewood Flossmoor High School where she ranked No. 9 out of 725 students with a 6.35 weighted GPA on a 6.0 scale and a 3.98 unweighted on a 4.0 scale. Emory will be attending Spelman College majoring in Political Science. Underwood is entering his second year of studies majoring in Political Science at Xavier University of Louisiana. Underwood was on the Dean’s List for the 2021/2022 academic year and is a member of Xavier University National Society of Leadership and Success.
The event concluded with a bouquet of flowers to President Covington from the members for her hard work on a phenomenal and successful event.
The Democratic Women of the Southland Region (DWSR) was established to create a forum to empower Democratic Women to work together to promote the ideals of the Democratic Party and to foster the participation of women (and men) at all levels of the Democratic Party including but not limited to; disseminating information about current issues that affect the daily lives of voters and prospective voters within the context of local, state, and federal government. Membership is open to all who share these goals. For more information, go to ildwsr.org.
Tammy Gibson is an author, re-enactor, and black history traveler. Find her on social media @sankofatravelher.
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