Hats, gloves, chiffon, lace, bows…It’s Spring and that means it is High Tea time again!

Naomi Jacobs was a picture of concentration at the 2009 Women of Excellence High Tea as she reviewed the Tri-State Defender special section that featured biographical sketches of the honorees. (Photo by Morgan Mukarram)

It’s the Third Annual Women of Excellence High Tea presented by the Tri-State Defender and Real Times Media. The nominations are in and the honorees have been selected. Another group of 50 African-American women in the Memphis Metropolitan area will be welcomed into an exclusive circle of professionals and leaders who have distinguished themselves by their remarkable civic contributions and career achievements.

Memphis has been blessed with African-American women who demonstrate personal strength and integrity in their ability to move the city forward in its deep and rich culture, as well as advancing causes for the city, at large. The Tri-State Defender’s recognition of these women in a gathering among their colleagues and friends is a one-of-a-kind annual event. Past events have culminated in an assembly of diversity as the honorees’ families, coworkers, colleagues, constituents and friends convene on a standing-room-only occasion.

Each previous Women of Excellence affair promoted networking excitement among the attendees. Our past honorees have served as advocates of the Tri-State Defender by contributing editorial content on issues that are relevant to our community; and stimulated community involvement with us to ensure the Tri-State Defender’s historical sustainability.

Please share in this celebration with us on April 30, 2010 at The Peabody Hotel Skyway from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call our office at 901-523-1818 or visit our Web site at www.tristatedefender.com. Our Web site Photo Gallery features images from the 2009 event.

The 2010 Women of Excellence High Tea honorees are: Yvonne B. Acey, Victoria Artis, Sharon Barnett-Myers, Judith Black, Ruth Woodard Burkes, Linda Carter, Brenda Chism, Orangella Coger-Harris, Sharon Coleman, The Honorable Lois DeBerry, Carmalita “Cee Cee” Drayton, Dr. Barbara Duncan-Cody, Naomi Dyson, Hughetta Dudley, Dr. Sheila Flemming-Hunter, Suzane Roberts Foster, Dr. Andrea Henry, Gina Higgins, Laurita Jackson, Sally Johnson, Melonie Johnson, Dr. Yvonne Robinson Jones, Carol Jones, Ursula Jones, Denise Keys-Johnson, Vanecia Kimbrow, Karen Malone, Pamela Marshall, Audra Melvin, Dr. Vivian Morris, Charlie Nelson, Mary Palmer, Dr. Nieika Parks, Christy    Poindexter, Nisha Powers, Linda Reid, Beverly Robertson, Marilyn Robinson, Lucy Yates Shaw, First Lady Rhonda Spencer, First Lady Beverly Stephens, Elaine Turner, Dellwyn Turnipseed, Dr. Sandra Vaughn, Johnnie Walker, Dr. Waletha Wassan, Dr. Sharon Wheeler, Willie Mae Willett, Deloris Williams, Burnetta Williams, Dr. Robin Womeodu.