The Texas State Association and Beauty Culturist League #47 (TSABCL) held its 58th Annual Convention, October 5-9 at the Omni Hotel Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway at Eldridge in Houston, Texas. Participants enjoyed free hair and scalp analysis, the latest in hair and fashions and entertainment by J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Newbreedz.

On October 6, 2002 the 58th Annual President’s Banquet was held with mistress of the hour, Barbara Phillips, who at the time was first vice-president. However, Phillips is now president of the organization, replacing Doris J. Whitaker. Rosemary Whiteing, Convention Chairperson presented the Welcome and a solo was given by Mary Brannon. Rev. A.V. Fisher, pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Forth Worth, Texas did the invocation and Antoinette F. Humphrey, Texas Cosmetology Commissioner and Executive Director presented the mission of the organization which purpose is to “raise and maintain the standard of the profession and trade of Beauty Culturists in the state of Texas and establish a code of ethics among its members; to support legislation and to oppose any legislation that is unfavorable; to promote the sociable and economical welfare of our members; to bind together the affiliated units into one comprehensive organization in Texas.”

Humphrey stressed that the organization’s goal is to to improve on customer service. TSABCL was organized in 1942 and has been in continuous operation since. Membership is limited to persons licensed by the state of Texas to practice Beauty Culture, manicurists, electrologists, beauty school owners, and beauty salon owners or instructors.  TSABCL provides Instructor’s Continuing Education; Continuing Education Units and Professional Training. In addition, it provides education in trends, hair weaving, skin care, charm, make up, hair chemical relaxing, hair coloring, hair shaping and nail sculpture. It also provides shop owner’s seminars, instructor seminars, manufacturer’s seminars, fashion shows, hair styling contests, and student and professional competition.

Philips introduced then State President Whitaker who in turn introduce the keynote speaker, the Honorable State Representative Sylvester Turner. As a wonderful surprise, to Councilwoman Sheila Jackson Lee appeared to give a few comments about league. Several awards where given out to recognize the accomplishments of businessowners throughout the community. The Community Service Award was given to Mr. Roy Douglas and Shirley Ann Malonson, president, Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce and Shirley Ann Showroom, respectively.   In addition, Erica Coleman received the Goldcup Award and the appreciation award; Rosemary Whiteing and Eleanor Harris received the Chairman of the Year award; Eunice Johnson received the Cosmetologist of the Year award. Helen Coles received the Chapter of the Year award. Rene Montgomery, Ila Journet and Jacqulyn Luckett received the Cosmetologist Award. Whiteing also received the Most Improved Chapter award. Several others received the Texas State Angel Award.A tribute was given to Whitaker for the job she did as president of the league. She was presented with gifts from her friends and family for her accomplishments and for just being a wonderful president. Verdell Fisher gave a tribute from “past president,” Whitaker, the seventh child of Anthony and Minorlor Jones grew up in Crockett, Texas. She went to Williams High School and eventually move to Lovelady, Texas, graduating from Lovelady High School.

She moved to Houston and enrolled in Wardale Beauty College where she graduated in 1960. She graduated from Prairie View University Cosmetology Institute school where her career begin in cosmetology. “I have always loved doing people’s hair,” said Whitaker. She received her BA degree from the National Beauty Culturist League Cosmetology Institute in Washington, D.C. She is also a graduate of Clairol Color Institute in New York City.

Whitaker is the National Director of the Chosen 100’s and she holds a membership in Theta Nu Sigma National Sorority, Harris County Council of Organizations, the National Accreditation Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences and NAACP Black Achievers. She is currently a member of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the Deaconess Board, Nurse Board#1, Mission #1 and Sunday School Class #28. Whitaker is co-owner of MacGregor Coiffeurs located at 3814 Wheeler Avenue in Houston, Texas. Whitaker is married to Raymond Whitaker and is the mother of three daughters. Call 713/541-2279 for more information.