Community Members Honored With Prestigous Award

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – For Bettina “Poet Gold” Wilkerson, the organization that honored her Friday carries potent symbolic roots, embedded in connections close to her heart.

“The Empire Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. is affiliated with the National Association of Colored Women’s Club which Harriet Tubman played a key role in founding and being involved with in many ways,” said Poet Gold, an ‘artivist,’ using art to activate people’s souls and 2017 and 2018 Poet Laureate for Dutchess County, who was presented with one of three Trailblazer Awards by the Empire Women’s Club for the multifaceted, artistic gifts she provides to her community. “So, for me, this is a full honor, as Tubman was able to triumph over adversity; her story has been one of strength, teaching me in my hardest moments to still be good and kind but stand with righteousness and strength.”

In that same inspiring spirit, laden with fortitude, Tubman possessed, the Empire State Federation of Women’s Clubs was born in 1908. Charged with a mission to promote education for as well as protect the rights and welfare of women and children, raise standards of the home, promote interracial understanding to ensure justice and develop secure civil and political rights for all people, the organization-whose Hudson Region affiliates include the Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club and Beacon Les Sours Amiables Civic Club- serves as a shining light and cornerstone pillar in all the communities it serves. The honorees it salutes each year at its convention embody the ideals it aspires to on a daily basis: service, selflessness, inclusiveness, empathy, perseverance, and much more.

They are people such as another of the evening’s recipients, Jarmar “Pop” Richardson. President of the City of Poughkeepsie Youth Football League for the past 28 years whose powerful sphere of influence on the young extends to; the YMCA, Summer League Basketball and Flag Football groups and CYO, Richardson has also diligently worked for several years in multiple capacities, helping individuals with developmental disabilities.
“Wherever kids are, I’m there; it’s just so important to help and guide our youth,” said Richardson, who earned one of four Community Service Awards.” As a kid, I dealt with a lot, and don’t want to see other kids go through that alone; helping others is so important, and I want my own children to see how powerful and inspiring it is by seeing what I do with the gift God gave me.”

Another Community Service Award honoree laser-focused on leaving his community better than he found it was Jabarr White. Working with the community as a Direct Support Professional, leading clothes, food and toy drives, White is currently a Coordinator for Supervised and Family Supervision with the Mental Health Association, a role he deeply cherishes for the indelible footprints it leaves on its recipients.

“Connecting people to resources and whatever it takes to rebuild their families and seeing the results is just so incredibly rewarding,” said White. “This honor lets me know I’m doing God’s work, and I really appreciate the recognition.”

That powerful life transformative process is something evident in the work John Bradley does as well. The Executive Director of the Vassar Education Collaboration, an outreach after-school program which annually connects around 70 Vassar College students with City of Poughkeepsie, grades 7-12 youth, sharing ideas, talents and experiences in a mutually gratifying manner, Bradley has been delighted with the results which have transpired during the program’s 20 year tenure.

“The amazing thing is the connection our students make with the kids; the relationships formed and the knowledge shared is just so exciting,” explained Bradley, who was presented with Humanitarian Award laurels. “It changes everyone who is involved; some Vassar students want to get into the education field and the Poughkeepsie kids often want to pursue an interest of one of their mentors, making the exposure everyone gets a wonderful thing.”

Other individuals recognized for their uplifting, much appreciated work to uplift their communities included; Reverend Sara Streeter-McRae (29th President’s Award), Reverend Michael A. Bell, Jr. and Justice McCray (Trailblazer Awards), Patricia Lassiter and Cassandra Williams-Clarke (Community Service Awards) and Ruth E. Anderson (Charity Recipient.)
This year’s Convention carried the theme: “Women Moving Forward in Today’s Challenging Times,” a mantra directly intertwined with the night’s purpose, elaborated upon by Dr. Vivian Salmon, 1st Vice President.

“What is our purpose?” pitched Salmon to attendees at the Awards Banquet. “Why are we here?”

“We want to keep the political conversation open and to keep telling “her”story, and keep the storytelling of black people alive, and paying homage to the platform of civil justice while saluting the great work of this Club,” said Salmon. “We pause to celebrate those who continue working toward that purpose and we salute this Club to stay the course.”

A two day Conference, chock-full of activities, including Annual Reports, pertinent workshops, shared meals, and platforms for making priceless connections while forging priceless bonds, all with an unwavering commitment to “moving forward,” the event was once again a memorable experience for all involved.

“It’s been absolutely fabulous-enlightening and hopeful- to share this convention with such wonderful ladies,” said Denise Williams, the 32nd National President of the organization. “I will most definitely be back again.”