On 27 March 2021, the Eastern Region held its annual youth regional day. Due to the pandemic, this year’s regional day was held virtually via zoom and was a showcase instead of competition.

The event began at 9 am with attendees checking-in to the sounds of DJ Topflight (PM Lawrence Smith, East Lilly Lodge No. 803). The mistress and master of ceremonies for the event were Gleaner Alexis Robertson, Interim-State Associate Gleaner Matron and Knight Henry Thurman, State Senior Knight.

The program began at 10 a.m. with the theme song of the Eastern Region: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”. It was followed by a scripture from Gleaner Shamyra Wright, Lucy F. Dunn Branch No. 91 and a prayer from Knight Solomon Dozier, St. Elmo Council No. 51. A hearty welcome was then given by Knight William Bunch Jr., Colerain Council No. 217.
Sis Iris Williams gave the introduction of our guest speaker, Dr. Kelvin M. Edwards, Sr, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Public Information Officer for Northampton Public Schools. During his speech Dr. Edwards began by stating this month is Women’s History Month and we should highlight some of our women here locally such as: Sis Iris Williams, Rev Dr. Marjorie Edwards, and Mayor Geraldine Langford. He then spoke on “Perseverance”.

His speech was inspirational and interactive. It even included a sing-along of a famous song: “the ABC song” and a video entitled 212 degrees of motivation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRDNLTMaZqo.
Dr. Edwards was thanked for his words of encouragement and given a warm round of applauses from the audience.

Next was the showcase. The following Knights and Gleaners showcased their talents in the following categories: Art: Gleaner Madelyn High, Princess Esther Jewel No 30-A. Poetry/Rap: Gleaner Airel Mitchell, Lucy F. Dunn No. 91; Knight Chris Lovick, Marshall Wallace No. 133; Gleaner Kia Barnes, Lucy F. Dunn No. 91; Gleaner J’Anna Curry, Lucy F. Dunn No. 91; Gleaner Asiane Deloatch, Lucy F. Dunn No. 91; Jala Branch, Bertha S. Joyner No. 115. Dance: Gleaner Jamyah Armstrong, Princess Esther Jewel No. 30-A.
Throughout the event, we had a spin-the-wheel and gift cards were awarded to the following winners: Gleaner Shamyra Wright, Lucy F. Dunn Branch No. 91 and Gleaner Sharhice Fields, Princess Esther Branch No. 30-A; Knight Jason Gray, Marion Walker Council 205 and Gleaner Kimora Myers, Unity Branch 17; Gleaner Cherie Cole, Bertha S. Joyner No. 115; Knight Dewayne Chambers. TYMOE No. 200; Gleaner Kizzi Armstrong, Princess Esther Jewel No. 30-A; Knight Chris Lovick, Marshall Wallace No. 133; Gleaner Jamyah Armstrong, Princess Esther Jewel No. 30-A and Knight Kameron Trafton, Marion Walker Council 205.

We then heard remarks from the Grand KOP and Gleaner leadership; The Grand Worthy Patron and Grand Worthy Matron, ending with closing remarks from our MWGM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson. The program was concluded with a closing prayer from Cherie Cole, Bertha S. Joyner No. 115.

This event could not have been a success without our youth and their parents, our local, regional, and grand leadership but especially our Youth. During this year’s program, we had some knights and gleaners participating for the very first time and I send a special “thank you!” to you for stepping-up to volunteer your talents. In the words of our guest speaker, “We must continue to persevere and push each other to that next degree”!

Submitted by the Eastern Regional Leadership