NASHVILLE, TN — The art and cultural organization, Les Gemmes, Inc. will hold its national Board Meeting in Nashville Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Airport Nashville Marriott.
This event is a followup to the national conference that was held in Arlington, VA in early April of this year.
The organization’s theme is “Gemmes United in Service and Sisterhood.” National President, Edwina Long Hefner said,” We are delighted to be in Nashville for this very important meeting following our national conference, so that we can put specific policies in place approved at the national meeting including chartering new chapters and developing a structure for regional meetings.”
Les Gemmes has 19 chapters throughout the United States with 2 chapters in Tennessee located in Nashville and Memphis.
One of the significant national programs of this organization is its “Lighting the Path for Girls.” Gloria McKissack is the national chair and a member of the Nashville Chapter. “This program allows us to focus on young girls by mentoring them in arts & culture activities, as well as field trips ranging from Civil Rights activities to music and cultural events.” Additionally students receive scholarships to help further their educational pursuits upon high school graduation.
Rosetta Miller Perry, president of the Nashville Chapter said, “It is an honor to host the national Board Meeting here in Nashville. In addition to the meetings, we want to showcase Nashville to the attendees who come from throughout the country,” Perry said. “Our Gemme Sisters will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of Nashville conducted by one of its members, Civil Rights Activist, TSU professor, Gloria McKissack and participate in some of TSU’s Homecoming activities.”
Les Gemmes Nashville will host their guest in a suite for the TSU vs FAMU game at LP Field.
The national meeting allows the group to do specific work developed at the conference. The Nashville Chapter has four members who are elected or appointed as national officers. They include Joyce Ball, Constitution/By Laws Committee and Gloria McKissack, five National Programs; Rosetta Miller Perry, Co-Chair scholarships and Chair, regional task force and Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, Public Relations.
During the national conference in April, Edwina Hefner was re-elected for a second term as national president.