Social and Civic Whirl: Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1952 Celebrated Their 65th Class Reunion

The weekend of October 14 -15, 2017 was a time that “friends find that the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together.” Mrs. Lorna Shell Bouldin, Class President, and Dr. James Robinson Co-Chaired the 65th Class Reunion Weekend. Beginning at 10:00AM on Saturday, the class began registration at the Quality Inn-Lake Wright, the host hotel, located in Norfolk. A Wine and Cheese Reception was held from 4 – 5 p.m. followed by a class picture. The Banquet began at 6 p.m. with the Honorable Alveta Valentine Green as Mistress of Ceremony. Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Obey gave the Invocation; a beautiful and warm Welcome was done by Mrs. Lucille Hall Plummer; and Mrs. Evelyn Shannon Collins of Baltimore, Maryland Responded graciously to the Welcome. After a brief Introduction by Ms. Myrtle Humphrey, the Honorable Kenneth C. Alexander, Mayor of the City of Norfolk, brought Greetings, to this illustrious class, from the city of Norfolk. A Graceful Interpretive Dance was performed by Mrs. Audrey Plummer Moorer, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida and was accompanied to the reunion by her husband William Moorer. After Grace by Mr. Alexander “Alex” Lambert, a delectable Dinner was served.

Following dinner, Mr. Walter Bagby Introduced the Keynote Speaker for the evening, the Honorable Rodney Jordan, Chairman of the Norfolk School Board. Chairman Jordan, whose father is a member of the 1952 class, gave an informative and inspiring speech. Mr. Edwin Ellis conducted a Memorial Service for classmates who have died since the 60th Class Reunion. Two special presentations were made. One was presented by Mrs. June Skinner Banks to Mr. Alexander Lambert and his wife Hope (an honorary class member) for hosting all of the class meetings in their beautiful home. The second presentation, of a bouquet of roses, was given to the Class President, Lorna Shell Bouldin, for her years of dedication and leadership by Dr. James Robinson. Mrs. Bouldin gave the Closing Remarks followed by the Benediction by Rev. Dr. Obey and the class members singing “Fighting Bookers March On” led by Mrs. Lorraine Stewart Reynolds. The wonderful night ended with dancing to music provided by Vincent “Golden” Bouldin and the Twilight Zone Productions.

Classmates ended the weekend with Dr. James Robinson, Jr. presiding over the Sunday Morning Worship Service. Mrs. Barbara L. Pritchard prayed a beautiful Prayer; Ms. Majoria J. Robinson read the Scripture; and Mrs. Lorraine Stewart Reynolds sang a Solo. Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Obey, after being introduced by Mrs. June Banks, delivered an inspiring sermon to his classmates and guests. President Bouldin gave the reunion closing remarks followed by the Benediction by Rev. Dr. Obey.

In addition to the classmates participating on the Banquet Program and the Sunday Morning Worship Service, a big thanks to Mrs. Gloria Hines Beck, Souvenir Booklet Chair; and Ms. Barbara Davis who assisted with Registration. The Souvenir Booklet was dedicated to Samuel Barnes who died two weeks prior to the 65th Class Reunion. The officers of the 1952 class are as follows: President/Mrs. Lorna Shell Bouldin; Vice-President/Ms. Majoria Jerline Robinson; Mrs. Alveta Valentine Green/Secretary; Corresponding Secretary/Mrs. Gloria Hines Beck; Treasurer/Mr. Samuel Barnes (recently deceased); Mr. Alexander Lambert/Chaplain; and Mr. Lawrence Chapman/Sergeant-at-Arms.

Out of town classmates included Mrs. Leola Murray Mason from Poughkeepsie, New York; Mrs. Jessie Johnson Brown of Camden, Delaware; The Honorable Delores Goodwin Kelly, PHD (Maryland State Senator) and husband Russell Kelly, PHD of Baltimore, Maryland. As the weekend ended with friends and guest saying their fond goodbyes, each one of the class members is looking forward to reuniting for their 70th Class Reunion.
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!