On October 24, about 200 attendees gathered at the National Press Club in Northwest Washington, D.C., for a high‑tea celebration hosted jointly by AFRO News and The Washington Informer. The event, titled “Honoring Women Who Educate, Build and Lead,” highlighted the contributions of Black women in media, academia and public service.
Honorees and Their Impact
Among the honorees were Jacquie Gales Webb of WHUR‑96.3, Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt and Dr. Dana A. Williams of Howard University, Jackie Jones of Morgan State University, Dr. April Massey of the University of the District of Columbia, AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter‑Jordan, and 97‑year‑old trailblazer Georgia Ellard, the first Black woman superintendent in the National Capital Region National Park Service.
Speakers praised the honorees for moving beyond talk to concrete action. Vic Jagger, host of “VJ in the Midday” on MAJIC 102.3, noted, “They are opening doors, creating opportunities and making an impact.” Publishers Denise Rolark Barnes and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper emphasized the collaborative spirit that the tea symbolized.
Community and Faith Elements
Throughout the afternoon, live music from the F.A.M.E. Band, food, and vendor booths created a festive atmosphere. Several speakers invoked faith‑based motivations. Dr. Massey recalled a pastor’s teaching that gifts are meant to pass through us to benefit others, framing service as a spiritual calling.
Dr. Moffitt, representing Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications, highlighted the school’s “Beyond 55” motto, underscoring a commitment to preparing the next generation of journalists. Dr. Williams, dean of Howard’s Graduate School, closed with a rallying cry, “May all Black people be free or die trying,” earning a roar of applause.
Preserving the Black Press
The gathering also stressed the need for fact‑based, trustworthy reporting. Publishers expressed concern over recent federal threats to journalists and called on the community to support the Black press. “We cannot keep these institutions alive without each and every one of you,” Rolark Barnes said.
Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraged to network, support Black‑owned businesses, and look forward to the AFRO’s 200‑year anniversary celebration slated for March 2027.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
