2024 Literary Luncheon
The 17th Annual Literary Luncheon was a true showcase to benefit the Lighting the Path for Girls Initiative, affectionately referred to as 'Jewels.' The approximately 500 attendees were enthralled with the Jewels and the work they are doing, as well as being molded to become outstanding citizens with careers in a variety of fields. In addition to the ten Jewels, who range from middle school to college, the Legacy Jewels were introduced, who are currently in college or graduated and working in their field of study.
Once the Lighting the Path for Girls Initiative was established, the event took on a more direct focus by exposing the Jewels to writers that excited them. There were children authors and illustrators to ignite the fire of writing in them, so they would consider becoming a writer and author. “The attire has been African-style for the last 10 years. That style of dress provides a focus on our African roots and allows the attendees, and especially the ‘Gemmes’ to have a special respect for the event.
The history of the Chapter’s Literary Luncheon is broad and reaches numerous individuals across generational lines. The Chapter is looking forward to its 20th Annual Literary Luncheon in 2027. Get Ready!
The history of the Chapter’s Literary Luncheon is broad and reaches numerous individuals across generational lines. The Chapter is looking forward to its 20th Annual Literary Luncheon in 2027. Get Ready!
Once the Lighting the Path for Girls Initiative was established, the event took on a more direct focus by exposing the Jewels to writers that excited them. There were children authors and illustrators to ignite the fire of writing in them, so they would consider becoming a writer and author. “The attire has been African-style for the last 10 years. That style of dress provides a focus on our African roots and allows the attendees, and especially the ‘Gemmes’ to have a special respect for the event. The history of the Chapter’s Literary Luncheon is broad and reaches numerous individuals across generational lines. The Chapter is looking forward to its 20th Annual Literary Luncheon in 2027. Get Ready! |
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Lighting the Path for Girls
Lighting the Path for girls a mentoring program for middle and high school girls. This national initiative provides young ladies (referred to as Jewels) with mentors from our chapter. For more information about enrolling a teen female between the ages of 14 to 17, contact Renee Whittaker by email at [email protected]
Mentoring, Community Service and Culture
Les Gemmes is committed to fostering sisterhood, teaching etiquette and training in an effort to guide the Jewels in the right direction to become productive, engaging good global citizens that make a difference in the world. From civil rights tours, to cultural events, local historical landmarks and workshops, the Jewels are exposed and enlightened on cultural, current events, social awareness and areas that encourage critical thinking, and personal consciousness. The Jewels have participated in numerous community events from hurricane relief, helping the homeless, and providing support as needed with community service projects.
The Jewels experienced their annual Tea Party with mentors, their Jewel sisters and plenty of food, fun and etiquette.
The Jewels traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee in June 2024 and toured historic landmarks and exhibitions.
The Jewels enjoyed the 2024 performance of Shen Yun at The Tennessee Performing Arts Theater (TPAC)
Workshops
The Jewels spend time with the Gemmes on Saturdays at various locations around the city participating in an assortment of workshops. From social media do's and don'ts, how to deal with bullying, dealing with peer pressure, social media responsibility, how to conduct job interviews, cooking classes, budgeting and more. The Jewels are engaged and being equipped with real world skills, given the opportunities to have meaningful conversations in a safe, judgment free zone and build their confidence as they develop social skills and tools to prepare them for life in the real world.
Our recent workshop was on the Topic of Public Speaking facilitated by Gemme Autumn Prather.
Past Workshops and Committee Members
2020 Graduation Presentations
Each year, graduation is a special time. This is a time when we have a few Jewels to leave the organization and depart for college, the military or the business world after being with us for four years and we celebrate the journey with their family and friends. Although we were in a pandemic in 2020, we still found a way to celebrate safely while social distancing and let the Jewels know that we were proud of them.
2019 Graduation Presentations
The Jewels graduation ceremony is a time of celebration with family, friends and loved ones. A time to mark a long milestone of learning, fellowship, bonding and lifelong friendships that were lifechanging and endearing.