Page 182 - The Crown 2015-2017

Phoenix TLOD Chapter
Holds Successful First UNCF Worship Sunday

The Phoenix Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) participated in a TLOD
National Partnership Project by holding its first Faith Initiative Act/TLOD United Negro College Fund
(UNCF) Worship Sunday in partnership with First Institutional Baptist Church (FIBC) during both of
the church’s services, 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
TLOD is a non – profit educational, humanitarian organization, and the Phoenix Chapter of TLOD was
chartered on April 19, 2015 and consisted of 20 members at the time. FIBC is one of three of the largest
Black churches in metropolitan Phoenix and sits on one of the city’s major downtown corridors.
The Phoenix Chapter of TLOD partnered with FIBC because it is the home church of the Phoenix
TLOD chapter president and her husband, and the home church of one of its members who is the
chapter chaplain also first Lady of the church. During both services the Phoenix Chapter president
provided a brief explanation regarding TLOD’s history and commitment to service, and the chapter’s
chaplain lead the congregation in the special TLOD Litany designed for the occasion. The Phoenix
Chapter and FIBC extended a special invitation to the community to participate in this very worthwhile
educational event. On this first event $1,666 was collected to support the educational pursuits of
students attending UNCF/HBCU institutions. All donations were sent to UNCF by FIBC noting that it
was a contribution as a result of the Phoenix TLOD Chapter’s UNCF Worship Sunday collaboration.
Most of the 20 members were in attendance at both of the services. The Phoenix TLOD Ladies chose to
be adorned with a TLOD Kente for the occasion to symbolically represent the traditional Kente stole
which is often worn across the country by Black graduates during graduation ceremonies, especially at
NPHC/HBCU institutions, along with other institutions, to represent academic opportunity and
achievement. The event was coordinated by the chapter’s Social Action chairperson.

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