History of BRIDGEPORT NANBPWC Partial Highlights of the 57th Year of the Greater Bridgeport Club • National Program Excellence Award to Claudia Edwards, 1st VP for innovation programming of Ombudswoman, Phase II of Safari Into Service. • The Health committee took advantage of the opportunity to reach a large number of parents and children at one time. The Chairperson got samples of school lunches from the Nutrition Center. Fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy drinks were purchased and given to the children and parents. • To honor and celebrate the women in our community who have been labeled as “forgotten Heroes”. To help them unlock the many possibilities to find new life, happiness, love and family unity. This year the Women in History celebration paid tribute to females. • Holiday Toy Drive Distribution, Toys were delivered to 8 elementary schools and 2 daycare centers. • Christmas gifts given to a Family Shelter - women and girls – gloves, scarves and socks, men and boys - gloves, socks and hats. They were also given a gift bag. We partnered with Troop G (Highway Patrol) to give the toys to the children. • Network with the NCNW to host a Women Summit for the second year. • Women’s history with Elm City Club – Valiant Women of the Vote : Refusing to Be Silenced. • Provided yearly Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families. • Gave scholarships and book awards to local graduating high school seniors. • Over the phone and via zoom, speaking with family and friends of the community regarding census, voting and the importance of the Covid-19 vaccination. • Womens’s Summit on Diabetes Self care and Nutrition to reduce stress. • Membership drive with the New Haven Club, NED Membership chair talked about strategies to add to our club. • Bigelow Tea presentation on how to reduce stress. • Founders’ Day Observance via Zoom. • National has ordered all clubs to cease and desist all outside activities • September to March we coordinated with Elm City and Elm City Youth to provide educational programs for the community. • We gave a thanksgiving meal to a family in need • We partnered with Troop G to provided toys for Christmas to children ages 2 yrs to 10 yrs old.
History of NANBPWC NANBPWC was founded in the spring of 1935, when the late Mrs. Ollie Porter, then president of the New York Club, invited The Philadelphia and Atlantic City Business and Professional Women’s Clubs to establish a national organization. When Mrs. Porter was elected First National President in 1936, black people were politely called Negroes. Very few had businesses or professions. Most were still deep in the throes of the depression. The fact that these Black Women had the courage to found such an optimistic organization is astounding and is lasting testimony to their faith in themselves, their people and the future. The founders were owners, managers, college graduates and other professionally licensed women who had managed to realize to some measures of personal success, at a time when there was no national movement to improve the lots of Black Americans, when there were no Black Capitalism Program nor Black Studies Curricula. Still they prepared to offer leadership. They were determined to share their experiences and exchange information to protect their interest; to exchange and develop opportunities for Negro Women in business and professions. In the face of the realities, their goals were daring and inspired. Over the years, NANBPWC has grown in number and in scope, conducting many needed community service activities, which were far beyond the original purpose. Women have come a long way and so has NANBPWC. NANBPWC is a pioneer Black organization. Today, thoughtful Black Women recognize that “you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” NANBPWC has been there... and is there now, because Black Women are devoting their time, energy and skills to make sure that the Founders’ right idea will live on, growing and changing as time demands. That is NANBPWC now. There are five thousand NANBPWC members in the fifty United States, Washington, DC and Bermuda. Honorary clubs are in Africa, France, England and the Virgin Islands. NANBPWC Women are busy, working women who recognize the importance of sharing accomplishments with others and doing for the community rather than waiting to see what the community can do for them. That may be too much to ask of all women. but some women can and do through NANBPWC. OUR PURPOSE • To create an atmosphere in which Black Women will be able to fully participate and bring meaningful changes in their public and private lives. • To communicate the present psychological, social, educational, recreational, and economic status of women. • To offer positive role models to the young Black Women of our communities; to share skills and knowledge with the less informed. • To encourage the formation of women’s commissions on the local level. • To explore alternative ways for women to meet the multiple challenges of today’s changing world. OTHER INTERESTS * Educational Assistance * Youth Leadership * Fine Art * Culture and History * Social Development * Daycare Centers * International Affairs * Government (National & Local) * Women’s Health
Greetings Awardees, family and guest It is indeed a special privilege to extend greetings on our 58th Founders’ Day Awards Observance. But, on this day we’re here to celebrate the awardees who have committed tireless hours to improve the lives of others and help build self-esteem for them to move forward for a greater good. This is the third year that we have had a cease and desist order from our National office, but we were able to provide several educational programs in partnership with Elm City Adult and Elm City Youth club which was open to the community. We partnered with Troop G to give toys to children up to the age of 10. We provided a Thanksgiving meal to a family. We are also here to provide scholarships for high school students who have goals to enhance their lives and that of others for a better society. It has been my pleasure to lead the members of the Greater Bridgeport Club, they trusted me to move them into another year taking one step at a time to meet the challenges of having Zoom meetings, prepared an alternative to receiving funds and to prepare this special day for the 58th Founders’ Day Awards Observance. Sandra Fisher President
April 21, 2022 The Greater Bridgeport Club National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Greetings, Once again, I am honored to celebrate the honorees for the 2022 Founders' Day. I have been on this journey with you celebrating men and women who do awesome acts of kindness and generosity in the greater Bridgeport area for many years. I salute the members who keep the light of the organization shinning bright even through the dark pandemic. Congratulations to the Greater Bridgeport Club of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc) on your 58th Sojourner Truth Founders’ Day celebration. It is indeed an honor to share this commemorative day with my sisters. Although we are in difficult times and the pandemic continues to challenge us, I am confident we as Black women, businesswomen, and professionals will continue to get it done. Again, congratulations on 58 years of service! “Everything seems impossible until it’s done” Nelson Mandela In Solidarity, Marilyn Moore
Ned Lamont GOVERNOR May 15, 2022 STATE OF CONNECTICUT The Greater Bridgeport Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Dear Friends: On behalf of the State of Connecticut, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate The Greater Bridgeport Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. on the celebration of your annual 58th Sojourner Truth Founders’ Day Observance. First founded in 1963, The Greater Bridgeport Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. has been steadfastly dedicated to advancing the ideals of community service, to the substantial benefit of Greater Bridgeport and beyond. The altruistic commitment demonstrated by your members has set a fine example for all citizens of our state to follow. It is an honor to join you today, in recognizing your organization’s many outstanding achievements. Congratulations to The Greater Bridgeport Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and to all the family and friends who contributed so selflessly to the success and betterment of our shared community. You have my best wishes for a wonderful event. Sincerely, Ned Lamont Governor
Leslie K Youngblood, DNP(c), MSN, BSN,BSBA,RN Leslie K. Youngblood is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. She and her husband have resided in Trumbull, Ct for over 25 years. She serves beside her husband Bishop Ulysses J. Youngblood Sr. at the Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries Incorporated. Leslie has been married to Bishop for over 35 years and together they have the vision to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to improve the well-being of all people. She firmly believes in the power of God. Leslie is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 4 and ejoys her family and vacation life. As a Registered Nurse, and educator, Leslie graduated from Sacred Heart University and earned an M.S. in Nursing Education, a B.S. in Nursing and a B.S. in Business Administration. She presently attends Regis College and is a Doctoral in Nursing Practice candidate with a graduation date of May 2022. It is very likely she will be Dr. Youngblood in April as her final defense date is on April 11th, 2022. She is a Nursing Professor at St. Vincent’s, at Sacred Heart University and is a Consultant for early learning centers. She is the founder and CEO of Life Health and Wellness Center Inc., a non- for-profit organization that serves the underserved in the community. Leslie enjoys mentoring young adults, helping them to foster the belief “that all things are possible through Christ Jesus.” She is actively supporting communities and organizations both locally and nationally. Leslie has a passion for Public Health Nursing and established the Life Health and Wellness Center on the grounds of The Abundant Life Felowship Ministries property. The Center established the Abundance of Joy Learning Center in 2020. The Center serves the chidren, families, community, and local institutions, and mentor college students as an educational site to further train and teach future nurses on providing population focused care in Fairfield and New Haven County. The LHW center has partnerships throughout CT. Leslie firmly believes that “We all are called to serve one another with commitment and passion.” Professional Award Leslie K. Youngblood
Vernon Thompson graduated from Quinnipiac University with a BA in Marketing. He was the school’s first Division 1 walk-on to receive a scholarship. He also served as the Assistant Basketball Coach at Albertus Magnus College leading the school to its first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. He received his Masters in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities from Southern Connecticut State University. He completed his 092 Educational Administrators certification at the University of Bridgeport. He has taught in the Bridgeport Public school district for 14 years. In the 2018-2019 school year he served as Assistant Principal at Hartford Public High School, he is currently the Assistant Principal at Warren Harding High School. As a teacher he utilized community organizing and community relationships to advocate for Bassick students and families. He has made himself known as a Hip Hop Educator, utilizing Hip Hop Visual Arts to send positive messages to the urban community. His videos have received over 120,000 views. His most recent project titled “The Joe Clark Tape” has received nearly 15,000 streams. Educator Award Vernon S. Thompson
Lieutenant Curtis Eller is currently the Director of School Services and the Director of Police Activities League at the Stratford Police Department. Entering his 25th year with more than half of that time spent at the supervisory and administrative levels. Lieutenant Eller grew up in Stratford and graduated from Stratford High School. He was fortunate to earn a full scholarship in football to Villanova University and graduated in 4 years with a B.A. in Communications and a Minor in Sociology. After graduation, he played football professionally for three years between the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football League. After sustaining an injury he decided to retire and start a career in Law enforcement. While in High School, College and as a Professional Athlete, community outreach was a consistent theme throughout. Also consistent throughout was the support of the Stratford Community, which was the reason he decided to start his career in Law Enforcement in Stratford. Over the years he spent time working every shift as a patrol officer and Sergeant. He was also a member of the Marine Unit as well as the SWAT Team. On SWAT he held the positions of Entry Team, Team Leader, and retired after 15 years as a Team Commander. He was also active in the Union, holding position as a member of the Executive Board for many years and serving two terms as Vice President. After 10 years into his career he decided to further his education and enrolled at the University of New Haven earning a Master’s of Science in Labor Relations/ Human Resource Management. Over the past six years he has also been a part of the leadership team tasked with changing the structure of the police department to focus on making procedural justice a priority and creating programs within the community designed to foster better relationships. With these goals in mind the Police Engagement Program® was created. P.E.P. ® is a proactive and progressive community policing outreach program with a three-fold purpose. 1. To teach police officers and civilians how to safely engage one another. 2. To teach de-escalation practices. 3. Facilitate the development of mutual empathy between Police departments and the communities they serve. This curriculum is Police Officer Standard Training Counsel approved in Connecticut and in California. Within this curriculum we discuss the concepts of implicit bias, systemic racism, and the history of policing with regards to communities of color. Through these police trainings and community conversations we achieve our three primary objectives while also teaching communities and police departments how to implement the blueprint of 21st Century Policing’s six pillars. Man of Distinction Award Lieutenant Curtis Eller
I have worked for different Community agencies in Bridgeport in the early 2000’s before starting my own youth Group “Da FAM Club” which I ran for 20years. I hosted numerous basketball leagues and Clinics youth across CT and abroad from 2003-2018. I hosted annual Afterschool programs and Summer Camps in New Haven Public schools through my Da FAM Club youth program. In 2019-21 I was the Program Director at the Jerome Orcutt Boys & Girls Club. During the Pandemic, I volunteered to help Republican candidate Bob Stefanowski and his Wife pass out over a million disposable surgical mask throughout CT. I have also worked as a DCF Mentor with Therapeutic foster care for 20yrs. In 2021 I started a nonprofit organization called Students With Academic Growth Inc (SWAG inc) in a 20,000 sq facility in Bridgeport,CT. I’m currently the Executive Director of the Students With Academic Growth Inc looking to help Empower our communities through Academics, Athletics and other prevention programs. Community Service Award Gary O. Nelson
Before retiring, Diana was the Director of Community Relations for Liberation Programs, Inc. a non-profit alcohol and drug prevention and rehabilitation program. In this position she acted as a liaison and advocate for their clients and Liberation Programs as a whole recommending actions and changes to better serve them. Before coming to Liberation Programs, Diana served as Grants Coordinator and Community Outreach Representative for former Congressman Christopher Shays. She led his office’s efforts to reach out to and assist small businesses, on-profits and government agencies throughout the 4th Congressional district. She assisted in identifying federal, state and local funding resources that could help these agencies move their mission forward. She also was a liaison to and interfaced with city, state and federal officials and others within the social service and non-profit community to form effective relationships for the Congressman. As a retiree, she now spends her time working with the Southern CT Black Chamber of Commerce. As Vice-President, she works to help create a level playing field for minority and women owned businesses. The chamber is dedicated to helping these businesses become part of the mainstream enterprise by providing workshops, forums and partnering with different institutions that have access to capital as well as information, technology, and legislation. Diana, over time has been involved in the community with groups such as; the Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield, FSW, Greater Bridgeport OIC, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, Juneteenth of Fairfield County, and as a commissioner on the CT African-American Affairs Commission. She is the proud parent and grand parent of a daughter Dana and granddaughter Jadyn and spends the majority of her spare time with them in Maryland. Diana resides in Bridgeport Golden Achievement Award Diana L. Washington
Ms. Debbie Shillingford has been a member of The Greater Bridgeport Club of The NANBPWC, Inc. since 2021, and was introduced, by Dr. Sharon C. Jones, a charter member of Elm City Youth and a member of the Elm City Adult. She is a mother of two sons and grandmother to five grandsons. Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in Management/Marketing, from Sacred Heart University. Due to her desire to help people, she obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University, is licensed as a clinical social worker and currently owns Embrace Your Path, LLC, a counseling practice. Debbie also volunteers as a coordinator for individuals or family members suffering from perinatal mental health; and she is a former assistant volunteer coach for Trumbull Connecticut Special Olympics. Club Appreciation Award Debbie Shillingford
DEBORAH A. CAVINESS, was born and raised in the City of Bridgeport and has dedicated her life to public and civic service. She is the 1st Black female to serve as Mayoral Aide and promoted to Chief of Staff under former Mayor John M. Fabrizi. She worked with former Mayor Bill Finch as the Senior Program Administrator to develop, implement and managed the city’s Small and Minority Business Resource Office. This newly created municipal department was designed to help businesses navigate the city’s complex procurement process and increase contracting opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses. For 13-consecutive years she spearheaded the State’s largest Business Expo and Multicultural Marketplace highlighting over 125 small and minority-owned businesses. She’s the founder and President of The Greater Bridgeport Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (BPT-OIC) a local non-profit organization that prepares today’s workforce with quality life skills development, fundamental education, superior job skills training and employment readiness services. In an effort to address the disparities and systemic barriers faced primarily by Black, Latino and other ethnic-owned businesses she co-founded the Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. Both Chambers are professional membership organizations that offers technical assistance and resources to help aspiring entrepreneurs start a business; resources to existing business owners to help build capacity by implementing sustainable business practices or get into the cannabis industry. Deborah has earned national and statewide recognition for her outstanding leadership, professional expertise and community service which includes: “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut” from the CT State NAACP; “Woman of Year Award” from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; “Sojourner Truth Award” from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc.; “Susan L. Davis Leadership Award” from St. Vincent’s Hospital Center/Hartford Healthcare and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council; “Small Business Advocate of the Year” from the Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Sojourner Truth Award Deborah A. Caviness
Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree) Sojourner Truth was born in 1797 in Ulster County, a Dutch settlement in upstate New York. Her given name was Isabella Baumfree. She was one of 13 children born to slave parents. She spoke only Dutch until she was sold from her family around the age of eleven. Because of the cruel treatment she suffered at the hands of her new master she learned to speak English quickly, but would continue to speak with a Dutch accent for the rest of her life. She was sold several times and suffered many hardships under slavery, but her mother endowed her with a deep, unwavering Christian faith that carried her through these trials for her entire life. Forced to submit to the will of her third master, John Dumont, Isabella married an older slave named Thomas. Thomas and Isabella had five children. She stayed on the Dumont farm until a few months before the state of New York ended slavery in 1828. Dumont had promised Isabella freedom a year before the state emancipation. When Dumont reneged on his promise, Isabella ran away with her infant son. Isabella eventually settled in New York City, working as a domestic for several religious communes. One, known as the “Kingdom of Matthias”, became involved in a scandal of adultery and murder. In 1843, Isabella was inspired by a spiritual revelation that would forever change her life. Isabella Baumfree changed her name to Sojourner Truth and walked through Long Island and Connecticut, preaching “God’s truth and plan for salvation.” After months of travel, she arrived in Northampton, MA, and joined the utopian community, “The Northampton Association for Education and Industry, “where she met and worked with abolitionist such as William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass and Olive Gilbert. Her dictated memoirs were published in 1850 as The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave. She eventually added abolitionism and women’s suffrage to her oratory, often giving personal testimony about her experiences as a slave. In 1851, she spoke at a women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. The legendary phrase, “Ain’t I a Woman?” was associated with Truth after this speech. After the Civil War ended, she worked tirelessly to aid the newly-freed southern slaves. She even attempted to petition Congress to give ex-slaves land in the “ew West”. Truth continued preaching and lecturing until ill health forced her to retire. Sojourner Truth died on November 26, 1883 in Battle Creek, Michigan.
The Greater Bridgeport Club of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Musical Moments..................................................................................... Mistress of Ceremonies.................................................... Carmen Hatton The Negro National Anthem.............................. “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Invocation..................................................................... Claudia Edwards Welcome.......................................................................... Samone Wright Remembering our Founders....................................... Pearlye Sams Allen Greetings........................................................................... Sandra Fisher Dr. LaTaunya Conley, National 1st Vice President Evelyn Streeter, Northeast Governor Musical Interlude...................................................................................... Presentation of Awards................ Lillie Moore & Jacqueline Smith-Wright Presentation of Sojourner Truth Award................... Dr. LaTaunya Conley Theme: “Moving forward with a purpose: meeting challenges one step at a time.” Program
Closing Remarks................................................................ Sandra Fisher Benediction................................................................... Claudia Edwards Officers 2021-2022 President Vice President Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Director of Membership Director of Resources Sandra Fisher Samone Wright Pearlye Sams Allen Mary Lacey Carmen Hatton Regina Clarke Claudia Edwards Deborah Tucker Dean Members Mildred Howard Rose Langston T. Juanita Lee Lillie Moore Deborah Shillingsford Jacqueline Smith-Wright Professional Award Leslie K. Youngblood Educator Award Vernon S. Thompson, Jr. Man of Distinction Award Lieutenant Curtis Eller Community Service Award Gary O. Nelson, Jr. Golden Achievement Award Diana L. Washington Club Appreciation Award Debbie Shillingsford Sojourner Truth Award Deborah A. Caviness
The NANBPWC, Inc. members are among the most dynamic business and professional women in the country. The diversity of our membership includes women who are Administrators, Bankers, Educators, Entrepreneurs, Executives, Financial, Medical, Legal, Corporate and Government Professionals. Membership Categories ADULT: Active or retired business and professional women MEMBER-AT-LARGE: Members who reside in a city where no organized club exists BETA PSI: Students who are attending an accredited college, university or technical institution YOUTH: Girls and boys (age 12 -18) INTERNATIONAL: Available to business and professional women who reside outside the United States ASSOCIATE: Open to women who wish to support NANBPWC, Inc. on a national level OMBUDSMEN: A men’s auxiliary comprised of the husbands, male relatives or friends of adult club members. Our Mission Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of African American business and professional women; to serve as a bridge for young people seeking to enter business and the professions; to improve the quality of life in the local and global communities; and to foster good fellowship. NANBPWC... INSIGNIA: Represents the world in the hands of women NATIONAL COLORS: Red & Yellow NATIONAL FLOWER: Yellow Tea Rose OFFICIAL PUBLICATION: Responsibility NATIONAL MATRIARCH: Sojourner Truth The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. “NANBPWC, INC.” Moving Forward with a Purpose: Working Synergistically to Empower Communities and Shape Lives ---------------------------------- TEAR HERE ---------------------------------- INTERESTED IN JOINING? FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM BELOW! Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Message: ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Tribute to our Founders We want to thank our Founders for their vision: Emma Odessa Young, Ollie Chinn Porter, Effie Diton, Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B. Keene, Adelaide Flemming, Goldeana Pearle Flipping. The Founders saw the need to unite women of strength, vision and determination to meet the needs of the community. Today, it is that deep sense of purpose that propels us to reach out and promote educational and social developmental programs that enhances the lives of women and all people of the community. The aim of this newly formed national organization was then, as it is today, to attract women of high caliber to organize similar clubs within their communities. Facing the realities of the times, their daring and inspiring goals were to share their experiences and exchange information; to protect their interest and to encourage and develop opportunities for black women in businesses and professions. During their time in history, black people were called Negroes. Very few had businesses or professions. Many were still deep in the throes of the depression. The fact that these black women had the courage to found such an optimistic organization is astounding and a lasting testimony to their faith in themselves, our people, and the future. The Founders were owners, managers, college graduates, and other professionally licensed women, who had managed to realize some measure of personal success, at a time when there was not a national movement to improve the lot of black Americans; where there was no black capitalism program, nor any black studies curricula. Still, these women felt prepared to offer leadership. Again, we want to thank them for their vision.
Patrons of Sister Mary L. Lacey Mary l. Lacey Desiree Lacey Destini Lacey Russell Lacey Carla Cooper Quincy Cooper Isaiah Cooper Eula & Peter Mosley Donna Sills Shelton McGhee Myrtle & Lewis Booker Steve Dillion Lisa Woodson Gail Hall Patrons of Awardee Leslie K. Ypungblood Joyce House Mary Youngblood Mr. & Mrs. Moore Mr. & Mrs. Geiger Sophia Pratt Doreen Samuels Liz Boulware Jackie Boulware
“Congratulations mom! It’s amazing to see you work hard for everything you have. Now you have reached the final level of your education, your Doctorate and we couldn’t be more proud of you! Continue to shine & accomplish everything you want in life.” With love from your Children & Grands
The Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries Ulysses J. Youngblood Sr., Pastor The Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries congratulates Leslie K. Youngblood (affectionately known as “Lady Y”) for being nominated as the recipient of the Professional Award for 2022 at the Annual Sojourner Truth’s Founder’s Day Observation. This Award comes on the heels of Lady Y’s recent achievement of her Doctorate Degree from the Regis College and we are doubly proud of her success. We thank God for her and wish her all the best in her next endeavors.
Life Health Wellness Center, Inc Leslie K Youngblood, Founder and CEO We the Board of Directors of the Life, Health and Wellness Center, congratulates Dr. Leslie K Youngblood for being nominated as the recipient of the Professional Award for 2022 at the Annual Sojourner Truth’s Founder’s Day Observation. Dr. Youngblood epitomizes the commitment of the NANBPW by keeping the Community abreast of information important to all people. She was instrumental in providing Mobile Covid 19 testing and also providing home testings and masks to the Community to name just a few of the many activities provided to the Community. We are very proud of Dr. Youngblood and wish her well. The Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries Ulysses J. Youngblood Sr., Pastor Congratulations to my loving wife Dr. Leslie K. Youngblood, who has worked tirelessly by my side in the Ministry while still being able to achieve her Doctorate Degree. Leslie has a heart for the people in our Ministry and the Community. She has made our Church and Community a better place live and work by her commitment to God as well as her fellow man. I am very proud that Leslie is receiving the Professional Award for 2022 at the Annual Sojourner Truth’s Founder’s Day Observation. She embodies all that the NANBPW stands for and she firmly believes that “we are all called to serve one another with commitment and passion.”
I want to thank my sisters of the Greater Bridgeport Club for trusting me as the president to lead us into this new year. We have met challenges during this pandemic by honoring our Founders by carrying out our commitment of services to our community. We honor and thank the Awardees for giving of their time and talent to the community and Scholarship recipients who will make us proud of their accomplishments. Sandra
Did you know that unhealthy patterns can get in the way of healthy relationships? Did you know that trauma can impact not only your mind and emotions; they can create physical ailments and symptoms? The mission of Embrace Your Path, LLC, is to provide emotional and behavioral support that addresses your counseling needs. Habari Gani, Congratulations to my sisters, on our Founders Day Celebration. The Nia Connection, Kwanzaa Specialist Interactive Black History Experiences. Pearlye Sams Allen, [email protected] Contact: Debbie Shillingford, LCSW Telephone #: 475.319.1814 Website: www.embraceyourpath.net
The Sankofa Bird reminds us that we must continue to move forward as we remember our past. At the same time we plant a seed for the future generations that come after us. “Moving forward with a purpose: meeting challenges one step at a time.”