Community
LADIES IN RED GO PURPLE
Ladies In Red (LIR) is no stranger to “The Color Purple.” The LIR philanthropic organization was one of the first from the Bay Area to attend the original play on Broadway in New York. They were also the first group from the Bay Area to attend the play when it opened in Chicago. Since its movie premier on Christmas Day, representatives from LIR’s membership went ‘Purple’ again and attended a 9:30 a.m. showing of the reimagined adaptation of the play, followed by a fish fry luncheon in American Canyon in southern Napa County.
By Clifford L. Williams
Ladies In Red (LIR) is no stranger to “The Color Purple.”
The LIR philanthropic organization was one of the first from the Bay Area to attend the original play on Broadway in New York. They were also the first group from the Bay Area to attend the play when it opened in Chicago.
Since its movie premier on Christmas Day, representatives from LIR’s membership went ‘Purple’ again and attended a 9:30 a.m. showing of the reimagined adaptation of the play, followed by a fish fry luncheon in American Canyon in southern Napa County.
Ladies In Red is a Women’s Empowerment Group banning together to support one another and finding strength in sisterhood. The group’s 500+ membership includes retired women, women who have lost loved ones, cancer survivors, and women who are currently caregivers. Together they are living and loving life.
LIR regularly travel together to see and tour America’s history which includes the African American culture, and contributions throughout the United States. “With all that is going on in politics, and our battle with COVID, it was a good day for the Ladies to come together for self-care,” said Ms. Knight. “Sisterhood is self-care. This is the best time ever to rejuvenate and re-energize our spirit.”
Brenda Knight, founder of LIR, noted that the organization, throughout their travels is no stranger to making history and making contributions to the community. “Education is a lifelong experience,” said Knight. “As we age, we may need the assistance of a cane, walker, wheelchair, or scooter, but it is important to keep moving, and keep learning.”
As a ‘mover and shaker’ in her own right, Knight has served on the Peralta Community College Board of Trustees, the Napa Valley Board of Trustees, the California Community College Board of Trustees, and the Association of Community College Board of Trustees.
Ms. Knight made history when she became the first African American woman to be elected as Chairman of the Board for the Association of Community Colleges nationwide.
The leap year of 2024 will bring a year’s full of activities for the group with South Carolina being the main educational destination. There will also be the 28th Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon; the 8th Annual Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch; Broadway Plays in New York, and support to various community activities throughout the year.
For more information on the Ladies in Red, contact Ms. Knight at bkladiesinred@yahoo.com, or call 702.319.4773.
