Alltel Wireless’ sponsorship of the upscale and exclusive HBCU Inaugural Ball at the Sequoia restaurant at Washington Harbour celebrated
the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. According to Regina Woziwodzki, the dynamic black-tie soiree was also a “party with a purpose” and part of Alltel’s longtime support for causes that enable
students to attend and matriculate at black educational institutions. “A part of Alltel’s initiative is to focus and partner with historically black colleges, and we’re [also] here to support this cause,” said Woziwodzki,
the director of multicultural marketing for the telecom titan. Even though the HBCU Inaugural Ball, which featured legendary daytime actress Debbi Morgan and comedian Michael Colyar, was an austere occasion, Woziwodzki allowed herself a moment to reflect on
the enormity and gravity of this unprecedented time in history. “I think that I’m still pinching myself trying to believe that it’s happening. It’s been a long time coming and [it’s] such a wonderful experience to be a part of it — to be here to see history in the making,” she said. “I am so proud to be an African American and so proud of our country [and] what we’re doing. And [I’m] looking
forward to what’s going to happen in the future. Our prayers are with President Barack Obama and his gamily.”
Alltel has long demonstrated its commitment to HBCUs and the community in a plethora of ways, including their support of the Capital City Collegiate Bowling Classic in Jackson, Miss.; the Bayou Classic in New Orleans; and the CIAA athletic conference activities. However, Alltel’s signature black history event is the nationally renowned Words of Wisdom essay
contest and awards luncheon held in Little Rock, Ark., featuring the venerated poet and educator Dr. Maya Angelou. In its fifth year, Alltel is raising the scholarship winnings to $10,000 for each of the 10 winners of the essay contest of the Words of Wisdom program, which will be held on March 12 and will feature Musiq Soulchild. The winning students
can apply the scholarship award toward tuition at the HBCU of their choice. “We just think it’s so important to be associated with those events — that’s [why] we are doing business there,” says Alltel’s Corbin Cobb. “And [to] let people know that we’re [not here] to get their money, but to be a part of their experience and be a part of their community.” –terry shropshire
