Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Charmettes, Inc. is a national civic organization that began when friends Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas recognized the need for an organization that would bring together women with similar ideas, principles and backgrounds, to organize themselves to utilize their skills, talents and resources for community impact. As a sisterhood, they are dedicated and committed to improving the quality of life within the communities through advocacy, education, service and support for cancer research.
In an effort to provide services to the community on an on-going basis, the Madison County Chapter of the Charmettes, Inc. began the year by hosting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March, on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Madison County Courthouse. The march began at the Mt. Zion AME Church of Madison, with Pastor Charles Evans. Immediately following the march and program, a clean-up day was held at the Madison County Recreation Center, on Hall St. Chairperson, Charmette VeEtta Hagan was in charge.
This year, the Charmettes added several new community events to their already full calendar. They are dedicated to serving this community with whatever it needs. The Annual Black History Program, was held on Saturday, Feb. 11, chaired by Charmette Sharon J. Postell and hosted by Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. The program was a great success, featuring the African dance troupe from Madison County Central School, directed by Ms. Laneka Allen, MCCS ELA and dance instructor. Those present were also delighted by three great local teenage speakers: Simeria Alexander, RJ Williams, and Alexis Kournegy.
The inaugural Prayer Brunch, held on Saturday, March 18, was chaired by Charmette Emily Dickey and hosted at the Madison County Recreation Center. Along with the Mistress of Ceremony, former WCTV news anchor, Carmen Cummings, there was plenty of food, great conversations, wonderful testimonies, good singing, and heartfelt prayers. All proceeds went to the Cancer Foundation at Howard Research University in Washington, D.C.
Now it is time to get ready for their Annual Mother/Son Gala along with North Florida Community College (NFCC) which will be held Saturday, May 13, in the NFCC Student Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is chaired by Charmette Bernice Robinson.
Come dance the night away as sons come from far and near to celebrate with their mothers (an early Mother’s Day gift). These proceeds are ear-marked for a local scholarship to NFCC for a Madison County High School senior. “Let’s show our mothers and community how much we care. See you there,” said Chapter Reporter, Charmette Bernice Robinson.