By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
Over 200 people gathered on Sept. 7 at Shiloh Baptist Church, in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 AFRO High Tea.
Sofia Quintanilla (left), Yolanda Rivera-Quintanilla and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks share a moment on Sept. 7 at the AFRO’s High Tea. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall)
The event attracted women in their fanciest outfits and gorgeous hats and fascinators. There were also some well-dressed men in attendance. All present paid tribute and honor to four women who have distinguished themselves in political and community service.
The honorees included Prince George’s County Executive and Maryland U.S. Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks; Cora Masters Barry, the civic leader, professor and widow of the man known as “D.C.’s mayor for life,” Marion Barry; Former mayor of D.C. and attorney, Sharon Pratt, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations, coordinated the event, which opened with an introduction of the Mistress of Ceremonies (MC) for the occasion, Dr. Renee Allen, founder of Global Conscious Initiative, and LaTara Harris, CEO and president Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. The two MCs’ added balance to the program as they alternated duties of the program, while presenting entertainment and guests.
Sharon Pratt receives her award for excellence in the community from AFRO Publisher and CEO, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall)
After being introduced, Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO and publisher thanked the honorees and hundreds present. Robert Brown, served as entertainment for the afternoon, performing two songs for the audience. AFRO Executive Director and Advertising manager Lenora Howze gave the invocation before guests were served chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and salad.
The award presentation portion of the program began with the introduction of County Executive Angela Alsbrooks, who cited the roles of each of the honorees as mentors, friends and employers in her life.
“It was 32-years ago that I was hired by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. At the New York Democratic National Convention in 1992, I was on the floor checking credentials and 32 years later I am on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a speaker. I thank the AFRO American Newspapers for continuing to tell our story. I believe in you,” she told the audience. “When they see me. They will see you. The best is yet to come.”
After receiving her award, Cora Masters Barry said to Alsobrooks, “you’re going to be President one day.” The crowd erupted into applause. “We’re running this,” referring to Kamala Harris’ campaign to become president of the United States.
Mrs. Cora Masters Barry shares her sentiment with the group at the AFRO High Tea at New Shiloh Baptist Church. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall)
“Don’t close that door,” she said, referring to the current class of strong, Black women leaders and the opportunities they can open for those to come. “Make sure one of us is walking through.”
Honoree Sharon Pratt, former mayor of D.C., gave a moving speech to the audience.
“When I was captain of my line, Kamala Harris was being born,” said Pratt, speaking on Harris, her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, now a candidate for the president of the United States.
“We’ve always been marginalized. When they said ‘Black’ they meant ‘Black men’…when they said ‘women’ they meant ‘White women,” said Pratt, before thanking the AFRO for the recognition. “If we don’t tell our story and tell it right, who is going to tell it?”
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (left) gives Marcella Barnes a photo opportunity. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall)
When Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton approached the podium the crowd rose to their feet with applause. Norton has represented the citizens of Washington, D.C. since 1991. The tenured Georgetown University professor also thanked the AFRO American Newspapers for the honor of being recognized alongside such distinguished women, who are pushing for change at the highest levels of government.
“Isn’t it just perfect that one of ours will be the first woman president of these United States?” asked Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Each honoree received their own framed copy of the AFRO American Newspaper, featuring their story in a front-cover layout.
Aside from the awards, a highlight of the afternoon was the fashion parade, where attendees showed off their fascinators and hats. The nearly five-minute parade through the hall featured the women dancing, swinging their napkins and tipping their hats.As the festivities came to a close, Draper reminded those present to vote, guests gathered for photos, conversation and visits to the vendor section of the event, marking yet another successful AFRO High Tea in D.C.
