Club Fifty Year in Review

2020 THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Happy New Year, Golden Divas!!!

2020 has been a year unlike any other, and COVID- 19 made sure of that. Each month came with some shocking and alarming news, Kobe Bryant, the coronavirus, social justice, wildfires, Chadwick Boseman, and one of the most contentious American history elections.

At the beginning of 2020, the entire world transformed. The world was about to be forever changed and there was nothing we can do about it. The pandemic altered life as we knew it and most of our everyday routines changed immediately.

None of us knew how long the remote conditions would last, although we suspected it could be quite some time. We learned to stay safe; how we must social- distance ourselves, six feet apart in public,  wearing a mask became part of our fashion, and we used hand-sanitizers throughout the day. Now, after nearly ten months and a new vaccine with the promise of hope and healing, we still wait patiently for a chance to better our capacity of living.

However, out of the ashes of turmoil, CLUB FIFTY has risen to new heights with some captivating women in our Circle of Sisterhood. Through the pandemic, these women and our special ‘Fly Guy’ has persevered with amazing things that they continued to do throughout the year.

Let’s look back at some of my favorite posts and interviews with highlights of some amazing people in 2020 that helped change the world!

2020 was the year of the woman. It was our 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment and it was an excellent platform for all women to be inspired!

CLUB FIFTY INSPIRATION

In the political scene, some ‘Black Girl Magic’ exploded and made history in the 2020 election!!

Kamala Harris: She broke the glass ceiling. She is a role model for girls and women across the country. She became the first woman and woman of color to be elected as the United States Vice-President.
http://theclubfifty.com/kamala-harris/

Keisha Lance Bottoms: The 60th Mayor of Atlanta. A lifelong public servant, Mayor Bottoms is the only Mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government, serving as a judge and City Councilmember before being sworn in as Mayor.

Stacey Yvonne Abrams: Is an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author. Abrams served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, serving as minority leader from 2011 to 2017.

Symone D. Sanders: American political strategist and commentator. Sanders joined Joe Biden’s campaign as a senior adviser, as the Associated Press put it at the time, provide “a younger diverse voice to Biden’s cadre of top advisers, which has been dominated by older white men.”
http://theclubfifty.com/black-girl-magic/

Women’s Right To Vote: We’ve Come A Long Way Baby!

Ladies, did you know August 2020 not only serves as National Women’s Suffrage Month but also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment, forever protecting an American woman’s right to vote in elections. The certification of this amendment to the U.S. Constitution on August 26, 1920, was a tremendous victory for the women’s suffrage movement after nearly a century of fighting for voting rights. This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy.
http://theclubfifty.com/womens-right-to-vote/

In entertainment, one woman stood out dominating Hollywood by ‘Speaking Her Truth!’

Viola Davis: Club Fifty paid homage to one of the most influential people worldwide, the beautiful and talented actress. She is paramount to the entertainment industry and we are celebrating her 55th Birthday, which was Tuesday, August 11, 2020. The mere fact that Davis exudes some powerful Black Girl Magic is monumental within itself. Davis’s life came full circle on her Birthday. She celebrated by purchasing the house where she was born in South Carolina, a former plantation with 160 acres inhabited by slaves.
http://theclubfifty.com/viola-davis/

GOLDEN DIVA & DIVO INTERVIEWS

I had the pleasure of interviewing some inspiring women and a ‘Fly Guy’ for 2020. Despite the pandemic, these individuals shined throughout the year! In case you missed these powerful interviews, you can read all of their stories below.

January: Bonnie DeShong: A Living Legend: A Woman That Rocks Behind the Mic!

This radio powerhouse has been a part of Chicago Radio for over 30 years. During her tenure as Co-host and Traffic Reporter on WGCI, WVAZ, and WSRB, she worked side by side with radio greats Tom Joyner, Doug Banks, John Monds, and Tony Richards.
http://theclubfifty.com/bonnie-hey-baby-deshong/

February: Bernice Woods: Niecy’s Pieces!

Let’s take the gift of Valentine’s Day giving and your taste buds up a notch to the next level of pure satisfaction with ‘NIECY’S PIECES: SWEET TREATS!” The lady behind the sweet name is A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH in the kitchen, and she is baking up a storm to get you into the Valentine’s mood with cakes, pies, and cupcakes customized to your liking.
http://theclubfifty.com/bernice-woods/

March: Rev. Rochelle Hambrick: The Woman Behind The Pulpit!

A female preacher at the pulpit, keeping it real and sometimes uncensored with secular music to get her message across (now you know I fell in love). This Golden Diva is an “Around the Way Girl” who keeps it, “100” ladies, and that’s why I love her!!
http://theclubfifty.com/rev-ro/

April: Angela Rowan: Boss Lady: Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Entrepreneur?

Golden Divas, let me introduce you to this beauty who has brains and brawn. She is a ‘Game Changer’ who is running her own business! She is a ‘Beauty and a Beast,’ slaying her goals in her field of business. Her faith over fear persevered when she started her insurance company over five years ago.
http://theclubfifty.com/angela-rowan-boss-lady/

May: Thizel D. Williams: The Art of Dressing Curves In A World of Plus Size Fashion!

This voluptuous beauty is beautiful inside and out, and she knows how to make her clothes work for her body type. Every day is a fashion show, and the world is her runway. However, let’s be clear, the runway isn’t just about showing fashion; it’s about gaining confidence, and that’s something she exudes!
http://theclubfifty.com/the-art-of-dressing-curves-in-a-world-of-plus-size-fashion/

June: Dr. LaRhonda S. Magras: C.E.O., YWCA Central Alabama

For June, my ‘Golden Diva’ is doing an exceptional job of eliminating racism and empowering women, with trailblazing women who are the epitome of strength, courage, and wisdom. Her passion and commitment to serve and help women, children, and families is a godsend. Her perseverance and unwavering willingness to help others are priceless.
http://theclubfifty.com/dr-larhonda-s-magras-ceo-ywca-central-alabama/

July: Carriece Jefferson: Made By Design: Make It Wear It!

Carriece Jefferson is a small business owner, jewelry artist, and instructor. As the founder of Crafty Hands Club, an e-commerce store, Carriece is known for creating cute and straightforward D.I.Y. jewelry kits made in five simple steps. She has taught jewelry making at various organizations, including Mercy Boys & Girls Club and Loom Chicago. She has been featured in Chicago’s Southside Makers Faire.
http://theclubfifty.com/made-by-design/

July: Special Edition: Elyse Kennard: Someone You Need To Know: Elyse’s T-Shirt Experience!

The ‘Golden Diva’ I’m featuring this week is exploding on the scene with PREMIUM ELYSE’S T-SHIRTS. Elyse has expanded and added stylish, chic, fashionable T-shirts to her business line. Golden Divas, you will feel as good as you look when you wear ‘Elyse’s T-Shirts!
http://theclubfifty.com/someone-you-need-to-know/

September: Carlas P. Gilbert, C.N.S., M.R.P.: Prince Realty Group L.L.C.

Ms. Gilbert is a successful entrepreneur, Real Estate Broker/Owner of Prince Realty Group. After a successful 10-year term as the Controller of Chicago Magazine (Tribune Co), her responsibilities ranged from creating marketing analysis, strategic budget planning, revenue recognition, and managing a successful team of financial analyst. Carlas decided to pursue her entrepreneurial endeavors in a career in real estate. She brings a combined 20+ years of experience in luxury and distress markets, financial, and the mortgage industry.
http://theclubfifty.com/carlas-p-gilbert-cns-mrp/

September: Special Edition: Terisa Griffin: The Empress of Soul

Terisa Griffin affectionately called, “The Empress of Soul,” is an exciting entertainer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist. ‘Golden Diva Vocalist’ has worked her craft to perfection, with her signature style, soulful, sultry, sexy voice, and unparalleled performances.
http://theclubfifty.com/terisa-griffin/

October: Dana Holmes: Go get It: Women at the Top in Corporate America!

Dana Holmes is executive director of Corporate Communications for Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer that operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. A uniquely talented communications leader, Dana is firmly connected to the business and enables her team to act as strategic counselors and advisors.
http://theclubfifty.com/dana-holmes/

November: Shelton Smith: The Mentor: The Effective Empowerment of Healthy Mentorships!

Mr. Smith is making waves all around Chicagoland as a successful mentor and he is a man with many talents and a multifaceted skill set. Deacon Servant Leader, Humanitarian, Teacher, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He is the next generation’s ambassador, community leader, and role model for many African American male youths throughout Chicagoland.
http://theclubfifty.com/the-effective-empowerment-of-healthy-mentorships/

December: Effie B. Purdy Smith: Mary Kay For The Holidays!

Effie has been a Mary Kay beauty consultant for 32 years. She has helped women with the latest beauty advice from skincare, makeup, fragrance, and much more to discover their inner and outer beauty. She has established a Facebook Group entitled Bold Beautiful and Self-Confident, and she ranked #7 in her unit of 30 Consultants this 2020 Seminar Year.
http://theclubfifty.com/effie-b-purdy-smith/

IN LOVING MEMORY

Club Fifty has lost a couple of remarkable women in the year 2020 and I will be remised if I didn’t pay tribute to these beautiful ladies, that made a difference in so many women’s lives.

Ruth Badar Ginsburg: The Notorious R.B.G. Remember Her name!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until she died on September 18, 2020. Ginsburg was nominated by President Bill Clinton and was generally viewed as a moderate judge who was a consensus builder at the time of her nomination. Supreme Court hero, icon, a dissenter, and an all-around wise woman.

Ginsburg was the second woman justice to serve on the highest court in the land to be sworn into the almighty boy’s club on the supreme bench. She was a pioneer in her field when there were few females in the halls of legal offices or law schools.
http://theclubfifty.com/ruth-bader-ginsburg/

Donna Terrell: Memories of a Friend: An Angel Has Received Her Wings!

With a heavy heart, I am writing today. This post is a tribute to a friend; it is dedicated to Donna Terrell, a beautiful angel who received her wings last Saturday. If you had the pleasure of knowing her, you would never forget her. Ladies, you never know the impact that someone will have in your life and how their passing can bring about a ton of memories that were often left behind and sometimes forgotten.
http://theclubfifty.com/donna-terrell-2/

eFay-Designs: Creativity You Can See!

eFay-Designs was birthed out of the pandemic. Golden Divas, I launched my graphic design business, and thanks to you, it has been a success. Thank you for all of your support and trust in me to bring your creative ideas to life!

You can see all of my designs here at Club Fifty at the eFay-Design store on the menu bar.
http://theclubfifty.com/shop/