Seventh Annual Black Tie Gala Sell-Out

Special to the Guide

The 7th Annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala sponsored by The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. (NCMPEF) sold-out two weeks early this year, repeating its performance from 2023. The Gala featured a VIP Reception for sponsors and special guests, dinner, awards presentation, and raffle followed by dancing. Interlude music was provided by the Western Branch High School Quintet, and Doc Christian provided music for the dance.

The BTSG sold out two weeks early due to strong support from the International Longshoremen’s Association, Chesapeake city departments, governmental and political officials, Hampton Road citizens, and the 757 Sophisticated Steppers, a Chesapeake-based dance group. The highlight of the banquet program were the presentations of two Community Service awards, a lifetime Achievement Award, and the presentation of the Foundation’s first Eagle Award.

The program was moderated by Micah C. Hall, insurance advisor, real estate investor, and chairman, NCMPEF Ways and Means Committee. Reverend Douglas Edmunds from New Jerusalem Ministries provided the invocation and benediction. Program welcomes were provided by Al Alexander, chairman of the Board of Directors, NCMPEF, the Honorable Dr. Ella P. Ward, councilwoman for the city of Chesapeake, and Dr. Jacqueline C. Miller, chief of schools, Chesapeake Public Schools.  David K. Hamilton, vice chairman, NCMPEF explained the purpose of the event, that is, to honor community servant leaders and raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission.

Julius E. McCullough, regional director, National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc., and artistic director for Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, introduced Ms. Brenda H. Andrews, as recipient of the Foundation’s Community Service Award.  He cited her status as owner and chief editor of the New Journal and Guide, the third oldest Black newspaper in the nation. He related Ms. Andrews’ entrepreneurial success as well as her contributions to the community by promoting Black history, the arts, and telling the history and stories of the Black experience in America.

Quentin E. Hicks, principal, Western Branch High School, and chairman, NCMPEF Middle School Scholars Program, chronicled Bonita Billingsley Harris’ career from Spelman College to Director of Media Relations at Dominion Energy. He cited her experience as a Chesapeake School Board Member, Communication Manager, Norfolk Sheriff’s office, award winning reporter, and her work in television stations in Columbia, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Norfolk, Virginia and Baltimore Maryland.

Quentin noted her board membership in several non-profits, including Envision Lead Grow and the Urban league of Hampton Roads.

George F. Reed, Ph.D., secretary, NCMPEF, and nonprofit consultant, presented the Foundation’s first Bronze Eagle Award to the Honorable L. Louise Lucas, Virginia Senator for the 18th Senatorial District, and President Pro Tempore, Virginia Senate.

Her work career began as the first female Shipfitter, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, wherein later, she became an Engineering Draftsman, and Naval Architect Technician, the command Federal Women’s Program Manager and Equal employment Manager. She also served as Executive Director for the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP) and as Assistant Professor at both Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University.

Her life journey includes a number of First time accomplishments. Starting with the first female Shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard; first Black Councilwoman, city of Portsmouth; first female Senator from Portsmouth; first Black female to serve as Virginia Senate President  Pro Tempore; and the first Black female to open a cannabis store in the Commonwealth.

In the area of philanthropy, she won a $300,000 settlement from the city of Portsmouth and donated all of it to charity. Her sponsorship to the Foundation’s Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Breakfast Award program and the Annual Black Tie Scholarship Gala, totalled $28,000.00 in one year.

Kenneth L. Gray, past president, ILA Local 1248, presented the achievements, accomplishments and contributions to the labor movement to the audience. Thomas M. Little, international vice president, was awarded the Foundation’s prestigious Life Time Achievement award for his extraordinary leadership in the dock worker’s labor movement.

Currently, he represents over 2,400 dock workers in Hampton Roads. Thomas has served the International Longshoremen’s Association for over 55 years. He has held positions as dock worker, ILA local presidents, executive board member, business agent, trustee, chairman at various ILA levels.

Currently, he is the International Vice President, a position that requires immense knowledge of all levels of operation in the International Longshoremen’s Association.

More than 50 members from ILA Locals 1248; 1416; 1233;8888; 1963;1804-1; Hampton Roads District Council; South Atlantic & Gulf coast District were in attendance, as well as, International Longshoremen’s Association executives at the event. Also, corporate executives from associate businesses of ILA such as Delta Capital Management; Willig, Williams & Davidson; Edgar Lomax Company as well as Executives from Bold Capital, and A. Philip Randolph Institute came out to support Mr. Little at the event.

The program also featured a raffle wherein the winners did not have to be present. The top prize of $750.00 was won by Fred Helm, associate broker, Fred Helm & Associate, LLC, Chesapeake; second place winner of $500.00 was claimed by Ronda Scott, Chesapeake; and the third place winner of $250 was won by Alton Futrell, Portsmouth, Virginia. Mr. Melvin Boone, of Chesapeake won a two nights stay at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Chesapeake.

Following the raffle, guests donned the dance floor to the music provided by Doc Christian who played a variety of popular songs and line dances. One of the highlights of the dance portion of the Gala, were the line dancing of the Sophisticated Steppers, a Chesapeake Line dancing group led by James E. Lassiter, a member of the NCMPEF

The program raised more than $50,000 for the Foundation’s scholarship fund, mentoring and school supplies initiatives.