Celebration of Crowns Hat Luncheon: Honoring Women of Humanity

Terece J. Watkins, owner of Humanity Homes Transitional and Independent Living and the founder of Celebration of Crowns, hosted a hat luncheon on Sunday, September 20, at the Lake Front Community Center to raise funds for community programs. The candle lit venue was filled with a host of beautiful women wearing their crowns (hats) as they celebrated and honored their humanitarian sisters. Among those in attendance were a number of first ladies — political and theological mothers and elders of some of Cleveland’s most prominent churches. Virginia Marti College of Art and Fashion along with milliners and artists from as far away as Columbus, Ohio provided hat and accessory displays. Elder Beverly Johnson of The Word Church, provided music ministry and prayer, while the Mistress of Ceremony,Martha Davidson of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) delivered a powerful message. She spoke about the history of women of color and the significance of hats and how they relate to royal crowns in the African American community and church.  While the Ladies of Humanity dined and enjoyed a special buffet of soul food and desserts catered by Everything And Then Some Restaurant, they were treated to a spectacular fall hat, fur and accessories fashion show from Fashions by Fowler. Brilliantly colored furs and hats of all styles and eras made grand appearances.
April Ratcliffe, first lady of Good Shepherd Baptist Church received an award for her contributions to the church community and Kym Sellers of WZAK-FM (Radio One), received an award for her contributions to the philanthropic community. Judge Michael J. Ryan and Councilman T.J. Dow (Ward 7) of Cleveland presented Ratcliffe and Sellers  their awards. “Presenting this award to Kym Sellers is the least I can do, since my own family [has benefitted] from the philanthropic efforts of the Kym Sellers Foundation,” admitted Judge Ryan who is a board member of the Kym Sellers Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. “Women of the Church, the Community and in Politics often take the back seat to what their spouses do in the community. However, they are the glue that keeps the man and the family together and the foundation that bonds the community,” added Councilman Dow.  Watkins remarked about the gala’s magnificent turn-out stating “I am already getting calls for next year’s gala. I’ve previously received accolades for the many great things I’d done in the community and now my organization is able to recognize other deserving women for their contributions. It’s a blessing to be able to pay it forward!”