Community

“The Ladies In Red” Celebrate 22 Years of Women’s Empowerment

Published

6 years ago

February 9, 2018

Ten ladies in red formal wear enjoy the sold out Ladies In Red Women’s Empowerment 22nd Annual Celebration in the Golden Gate Ballroom of the Concord Hilton that brought together 650 women and two dozen vendors. Left to Right: Sheila Roundtree, Joyce Gray, Pearl Woodard, Marva Hamilton, Leah Hamilton, Pamm Baker, Paula Hood, Brenda Knight (founder), Dora Smith, Jasmin Brazeman. Photo courtesy of Diane Davis – LIR Photography.

It was a sea of red at the Golden Gate ballroom of the Concord Hilton Hotel on Saturday, February 3 at the Ladies in Red 22nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon. Founded by Brenda Knight, the organization provides motivation, education, and inspiration as tools for women to “Live and Love Life.”

With live entertainment by Top Shelf’s Jukebox and Dora Smith as mistress of ceremonies, ladies elegantly dressed in all red formal attire of shimmering fabrics, beaded gowns, fur wraps, and full length mink coats all accessorized in pearls, diamonds, and ornate red hats. Some were also authentically dressed in roaring 40s attire, with feathers in their hair and headbands.

The sold out event was packed to capacity with tables draped in black cloth and fountains of red and black feathers filling every corner. “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” blared from the stage as guests took to the dance floor. Gentlemen in tuxedos, dubbed as “The Men in Black,” served as escorts and volunteered throughout the event, ensuring all guests were treated as VIPs.

Two-dozen vendors lined the adjacent corridor of the ballroom featuring clothing from Mr. C’s Sophisticated Silk and Vanessa Winegan’s, Femme Beauty & Boutique among others.

Sponsor John Bishop of Ultra Business Services, shared how it has been an honor to have supported the Ladies in Red and Brenda Knight’s mission over the years. “Brenda has always been driven to help people and make a difference,” he said. “She is a great lady who has brought many people together.”

“As an urban male, during Black History Month, it is delightful to see this many black women aging in range from 15 to 90 embracing, empowering and uplifting each other,” said businessman Robert Arnold. “For Brenda to have done this for 22 years is amazing. I am happy to be here as a volunteer.”

Knight’s husband of 45 years, Harvey, says the event began with 30 women on July 28 of 1973. “Brenda began with 30 women at Geoffrey’s and the organization has grown to 1500 plus members,” he said. “Many women are divorcees, caregivers and they enjoy the sisterhood and getaways that Brenda organizes, like trips to New York or Washington, D.C. Seeing it all come together, is a great feeling every year.”

Knight’s son, Michael has been actively involved in assisting with the Ladies In Red since graduating from Washington State University as a Pac 12 baseball player. While he was drafted by the A’s, but not picked up, Michael has used his BA in Social Work and Psychology and credits his mother for his success. “Without my mom, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “Whatever my mother needs, as long as she needs it, I will be there for her. She is amazing and I completely support her, my father and the Ladies in Red mission.”

“This is such a great event that brings women together,” said Farmers Insurance agent, Frances Cohen. “We are proud to sponsor the Ladies in Red and support Brenda Knight’s vision.”

“I love the Ladies in Red event,” said pianist vocalist, Janice Maxie Reid.

Knight, a long-time educational advocate, made history in 2002, as the first African American woman to be elected as Chairman of the Board for the Association of Community Colleges Trustees. Currently, Knight inspires women as a public speaker and organizer of trips throughout the year.

“I just want to support and celebrate women and just as I always tell the crowd, ‘We love living and living life.’”

For more information visit: www.Bkladiesinred.com

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

6 days ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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City Government

Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Published

6 days ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Beverli Marshall began her first day with the City on April 10. ICMA image.

Special to The Post

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.

Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”

According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.

“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”

When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.

At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”

While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.

“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.

The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.