The Daughters of Sojourner Truth Temple #1369 held their Annual Black History program on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge #483. The guest speaker was Mr. James Agbara Bryson. Mr. Bryson was very entertaining in giving the crowd a black history lesson by sharing the story of Annie Malone, his grand-aunt and Peoria’s first black female millionaire.
Daughters Barbara Little and Shyla Washington portrayed Maya Angelou, setting the stage for the program’s theme, “I Still Rise.” Daughter Ruler, Mary Thomas, also demonstrated many characters based on the theme: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Carter G. Woodson (founder of black history), Barrack Obama, and Maya Angelou. Thomas said she used this theme to demonstrate how African Americans are still rising by mentioning community leaders that were in attendance, including Dr. Rita Ali, Peoria’s first African American Mayor; Robert Johnson, Peoria Park District President; Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools; and School Board members, Martha Ross, and Lynn Costic.
Daughters Barbara Little and Shyla Washington portrayed Maya Angelou, setting the stage for the program’s theme, “I Still Rise.” Daughter Ruler, Mary Thomas, also demonstrated many characters based on the theme: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Carter G. Woodson (founder of black history), Barrack Obama, and Maya Angelou. Thomas said she used this theme to demonstrate how African Americans are still rising by mentioning community leaders that were in attendance, including Dr. Rita Ali, Peoria’s first African American Mayor; Robert Johnson, Peoria Park District President; Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools; and School Board members, Martha Ross, and Lynn Costic.
Peoria Park Board President
This year’s honoree was Mrs. Angela Allen Henry, editor of Traveler Newspaper. Mrs. Henry has been a longtime supporter of Sojourner Truth Temple #1369, and we just wanted to show her how much she is appreciated. We also thank Exalted Ruler Jessie McGowan, of Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge, Daughter Ruler Lisa Kelly, of Nora Field Taylor Temple, and their membership for their great support and Brother Pete Thomas for his continued support. Most of all, many thanks to the community for coming out to support us.
Our upcoming events are as follows:
March 12, the Annual Illinois/Wisconsin State Barbecue at the Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge from 12noon-6 pm.
April 15, Sojourner Truth Temple #1369 Annual Fish Fry from 12noon-4 pm.
May 14, Sojourner Truth Temple #1369 fundraiser, Blue Jean and Diamonds Dress Down. Ticket donation is $20 and includes dinner, free tickets for prizes, and the best-dressed male and female win $25.
The Illinois/Wisconsin State Association will host its State Convention at the Holiday Inn and Suites in East Peoria June 22-25, 2022.
The Daughters of Illinois Wisconsin will have its Achievement Award Banquet on Thursday, June 23, at 6 pm.
On Friday, June 24, the Spelling Bee department will have its annual spelling bee contest. The time will be announced later. Information will be sent to the Peoria Public Schools for those youths wanting to participate.
On April 30, Daughter Mary Washington Thomas will be donating blankets and candy to dialysis patients at all the facilities during Act of Kindness month. If you would like to donate, please contact Daughter Thomas at 309 404 5466 or mw369@lab.icc.edu. Once again, the daughters of Sojourner Truth Temple #1369, thanks you for your support.
Daughter Vivian Rutherford Candidate for Illinois/Wisconsin State Association Queen
Daughter Vivian Rutherford of Nora Field Taylor Temple #270 is running for Illinois/Wisconsin State Queen for the year 2022, representing Peter H. Clark Lodge #483 and Sojourner Truth Temple #1369 of Peoria, Illinois. The Queen Department will hold its coronation of 2022 at the Illinois/Wisconsin State Association Fall Quartley to be held in October 2022. To support the queen candidate, Daughter Vivian Rutherford, a Kentucky Derby Day Party fundraiser will be held on May 7, 2022. Donation is $20: food, fun, and prizes.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, or call 309-674-1740.
The daughters of Nora Field Taylor would like to thank you for your support.
The Traveler Weekly 