Livingstone College News Service

Livingstone College hosted its annual Katharine W. Osborne Women in History Brunch at the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, on March 14 with author and guest speaker, Vanessa Miller.

This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” welcomed over 200 attendees who were graced with the Mistress of Ceremony, Terri Stevenson, prayed for by the campus counselor Dr. Rhonda Flowers-Corpening, greeted by Pre-Alumni Council student Alkayla Tanner, and celebrated by Pete Teague, vice president of Institutional Advancement.

The year’s memorial tributes were in honor of event namesake Katharine Osborne, and Elizabeth Fields and Mayor Karen Kirks Alexander; women who broke barriers and left legacies of service and uplift throughout their communities. UNCF Director Deborah Johnson reiterated the positive impact the women in tribute have had on Livingstone College and reminded attendees, the event was for years, monetarily supported by Osborne.

Alumni Affairs Director Chanel Quick introduced the speaker, student Mia Mason entertained guests in song, and best-selling author, playwright Miller shared women’s odes and affirmations, challenging women to believe and position themselves for opportunity.

“God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord,” Miller said.

Miller’s works have appeared on the “Essence Magazine” bestseller’s list and has earned the “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award” for Excellence in Christian Fiction. Miller spoke extensively about two of her works of historical fiction, “The Filling Station” referencing the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and “The American Queen” honoring an African American woman during the Civil War era.

Adorned in fascinators, hats and fancy fashion, the women engaged in a hat parade whereas attendees voted for the best Fascinator, and Unique, Church, Casual, and Sassy hats to a tune themed for the category played by Patrice Evans-Saunders and Ezekiel Perez.

“This event was so fun and inspiring. I plan to attend all four years as a student, and support other students to attend when I graduate,” said Anait Wilson, a freshman from Richmond, Virginia who entered the hat parade’s Sassy Hat category.

As the room filled with cheers of joy and laughter, that welcomed dance steps and other forms of creative expression, Chi Chi Ray Leazer, winner of the Church Hat category shared she purchased her accessory for her nurse sorority conference during COVID whereas she was never able to wear it.

“Thank you, Livingstone College,” she said while remembering a very sensitive time in history.

This year’s table sponsors included: alumnae Carolyn D. Anderson ’67, Sarah J. Norman ’70, Earle L. Smith ’70, and Phyllis Mahmud ’74; churches Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Moore’s Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Salisbury, Incorporated; organizations  the Delta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Salisbury Alumnae Chapter of  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and consistent sponsor, Dr. Catrelia Steele Hunter.