Chesterfield Metro Area Section Charter founders, charter members, distinguished guests, and supporters all gathered virtually and in person on January 15, 2022, for the official officer installation ceremony. The occasion marked another NCNW (National Council of Negro Women) section added to a growing list, throughout the US. A total of thirty-six charter members participated virtually or in person. The Chesterfield Metro Area Section (CMAS) of NCNW includes the areas of Chesterfield, Charles City, Amelia, New Kent, Powhatan, and Hopewell. NCNW national headquarters had already granted the new section, their official charter on September 21, 2021, however, this was deemed a necessary part of this process. The event was held at Providence United Methodist Church, 901 South Providence Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia, where Senior Pastor, Rev. Derrick Parson, gave the invocation. Charles City County Administrator, Michelle Johnson, who was the Mistress of Ceremony kept the program moving from the beginning to the end.

 

CMAS Founders Carolyn Harrington, Linda Banks, Jane Harris, and Angela Porter had the vision and passion to organize and plan the new section over a year ago. Chair of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, James “Jim” Holland presented an impassioned greeting and congratulated the chartering members for being part of history. Directed by Holland, participants, wearing all black, a purple and white corsage, and strands of pearls, rose to their feet and received a loud applause. Guest speaker, Dr. Alicia Smith-Freshwater, Chief Biomedical Engineer for the VA-Mid- Atlantic Health Care Network chose the theme of the ceremony, “Accelerating the Cause For Change” as the topic of her presentation.

 

Elected officers, followed by remaining charter members, repeated, “I will” to the NCNW oath given by Janelle S. Wilson, Ed.D, Dean, School of Professional and Continuing Studies, University of Richmond. Marilyn Powell Godette, NCNW National Member At-Large and former North Carolina NCNW State Co-Convener spoke about the charge via Zoom. Members present received their official charter and certificate from Cypriana McCray, President of the Reston-Dulles Section of NCNW. CMAS activated COVID-19 protocols in advance of the ceremony. NCNW, founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, aims to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities.