High above the San Francisco skyline, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women San Francisco chapter hosted its annual “Golden Girls ‘ Bridging the Generations Hats and Gloves Tea,” Saturday, March 1, at the Fairmont Hotel’s Crown Room.

There was no shortage of rhinestone and ribbon accented hats, arm-length gloves and women in their Sunday best overlooking the sweeping views at the top of Nob Hill.

Guests reunited with friends, bid on silent auction items and dined on petite pastries with select teas, as they gathered around tables, wearing glamorous hats.

Now in its ninth year, 100 Black Women kicked off Women’s History Month by honoring eight Bay Area women of distinction at the event, emceed by Broadcaster Rosie Lee Allen and featuring a keynote address by Golden Girl Award recipient Lenora Bryant.

Bryant, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told how acts of courage by her and others during “Blood Sunday” in Alabama contributed to the movement that led to the passage of the the Voting Rights Act.

“I’m proud to have lived long enough to see how we’ve made it from the back of the bus to the front of the White House,” said Bryant, who was presented a special certificate of recognition by David Chiu president of the San Francisco president of the Board of Supervisors.

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Other honorees included Kimberly Bryant, executive director of Black Girls Code, recipient of the Entrepreneur Award. “Legacy is bearing the fruit for the Kingdom of God,” said Bryant who has led programs for girls in technology

Bettie Hodges, presented with the Community Services Award for her work with The Hannah Project, believes that giving back is a calling. “He who believes in freedom cannot rest until it is won,” she said of her work with underserved children in Marin City.

Chief Nursing Officer UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Sheila Antrum, received the Trail Blazer Award.

Also recognized was chair of African Studies at San Francisco State, Dr. Dorothy J. Tsuruta, who joked that her thank you list was long enough to need “that academy award music” to be scooted off stage.

“I’m grateful to be recognized and have worked not for awards, but to make a contribution that nurtures the entire student,” she said, receiving the Education Award.

Teveia Barnes, executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank – IBank, awarded for Advocacy, said she chose a career guided by her beliefs.

Gloria Brown, founder of the African American Community Health Advisory Committee, accepted the Health Award.

Christine Harris, president of the Board San Francisco Jazz Heritage Society, was honored in the area of the Arts.

“These women are outstanding and are great contributors to our community,” said 100 Black Women chapter President Maxine Hickman.

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