Page 49 - The Scepter - Summer_Fall 2016

The National Office of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) is beaming with excitement and thanksgiving
after more than 560 guests recently attended the first annual “HBCUs: A Golden Legacy of Longevity, Achieve-
ment and Scholarship” Gala at The Power Center in Houston, Texas.

Under the leadership of Past National President, Lady Jackie Pope and her fabulous team, the organization hon-
ored 10 Houstonians who are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and have made
noteworthy contributions to the Houston community. The laureates selected were Calvin Wells, Southern Uni-
versity, Retired-Deputy Director, City of Houston; Ernest B. Collins, Prairie View A&M University, rancher &
retired executive from ExxonMobil; Janis Jefferson Benton, Spelman College, Business Delivery Director-
Worley Parsons; Tonya Adkism, Jackson State University, sports agent/attorney; Joyce Jacquet, Grambling State
University, retired educator/licensed professional counselor; Judge John Peavy, Jr., Howard University, retired
district court judge and former City of Houston councilmember; Linda K. Brown, Lincoln University, owner of
Advantage Communications; Dr. Justin Washington, Hampton University & Meharry Medical College; Dr.
Tophas Anderson, Tougaloo College, budget analyst and Argentina James, Texas Southern University, owner of
Hillday Public Relations.

TLOD National President, Lady Drema Lee Woldman of Chicago, Illinois, was in attendance and accepted the
City of Houston proclamation designating TLOD/HBCU Day in Houston. The proclamation was presented by
former Top Teen and Councilmember Larry Green. Other program luminaries were Mary Benton – officiary,
National President of Top Teens of America Gerra Gistand, Charlene James, State President of AARP and acco-
lades in music by Dr. Jacqueline Chambers and basso profundo Dorceal Duckens. Further, laureates Argentina
James and Joyce Jacquet were presented with the Above and Beyond Award for their outstanding support of
HBCUs. Special recognition was bestowed upon Bayway Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo for their exemplary sup-
port of TLOD and the community. Vice President Fred Hoyer was in attendance and accepted the organiza-
tion’s “Gratitude Award” on behalf of owners Darryl and Linda Wischnewsky. Bayway Lincoln is an integral
part of the Houston fabric as they consistently support numerous worthy causes. Their support for TLOD is
remarkable as one of its many acts of corporate citizenship was hosting a VIP reception for 200 in honor of the
laureates in their beautiful showroom. City Controller Chris Brown presented certificates of recognition to the
laureates.

The TLOD/HBCU Scholarship Gala was an important and significant event in the history of our beloved or-
ganization. According to Lady Jackie Pope, “Top Teens of America is our #1 thrust and all of our efforts are
directed towards “paying it forward” for their future success.” A major portion of the proceeds from this event
will expand our commitment to provide resources to ensure that they are prepared to become contributing
members of society.