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TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective |
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| Elks hosts 78th Annual State Convention |
| The Houston Elks IBPOE of W. hosted the 78th
annual Texas State Convention at the Hilton Southwest Hotel June 6-8, 2002. The Texas
State Presidents, Bro. O. D. Evans, Daughter Ernestine R. Landor, both from Dallas,
presided over the meetings with the assistance of the national President, Dr. Jean C W.
Smith, Philadelphia, PA and national Representative, Bro Leon A. Jackson, Sr., Norfolk,
VA. Approximately 200 members attended from various cities in Texas. The formal opening of the convention was on June 6 and the State and National Presidents, City dignitaries and the local members from the host Lodge and Temples greeted the body. Exalted Ruler Royce Bailey (Gibraltar Lodge # 500), Daughter Ruler Yvette Pierce (El Tex Temple # 636), and Daughter Ruler Anna Moore (Viola London Temple # 1372) welcomed the group. Councilwoman Carol Mims Gallaway and Councilman Carroll Robinson's representative brought greetings. A Proclamation from Mayor Lee Brown was received and read by Daughter Carolyn Bass-Bailey, El Tex Temple # 636. Following the opening session the Luncheon co-ordinated by the Civil liberties State Directress, Daughter Yvette Pierce, was the high point of the day with Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson, owner and publisher of the African American News and Issues, as the Luncheon Speaker. Mr. Malonson spoke of the necessity for us to be comfortable with and proud of ourselves and supportive of our communities. He received many ovations during his remarks. On Thursday night the long standing Oratorical Contest was held with local judges selecting the winner. The winner was Ms. Ryan Bonser of Dallas. She will venture to the Regional competition that will be held in Mississippi in July. First runner up in the oratorical contest was Mr. Antauis Byrd of Houston. Friday night the Beauty and Talent Contest was a joy to behold with the contestants modeling swimsuits, evening wear and showcasing their talent from drama to singing and dancing. Ms Kira Whitfield of Dallas was the winner and will represent Texas at the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky in August. First runner up was Ms Lynnette Hunter of Houston and the second runner up was Ms Lotoya Arts of Wichita Falls. The contestants who participated in the contest were all winners because of their outstanding attributes and the effort they put into preparing themselves for the competition. On Saturday, June 8th The Youth Council presented a program of music, poetry and dancing. Each member of the Youth Council, ages 5 to 16, wore attire representing various African countries.Officers for the coming year were elected with Bro O. D. Evans retaining the position of State President and the Daughters electing a New State President, Daughter Freddie Horn, Greater Portia Temple # 125S, Waco Texas. |
| June Archives |