Texarkana Sigma and Zeta Tribute Banquet

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Banquet honors outstanding women

By DIONNE VICTOR
Texarkana Gazette

Each year for the last nine years, the Texarkana chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority pay tribute to a group of African-American women who have made an impact on the community.

This year four women were chosen to be honored at the Tribute to African-American Women Banquet held Saturday night at the Truman Arnold Building at Texarkana College. Angela Brewster-Piggee, Magnolia Carrol, Tina Richardson and Barbara Stoker were presented with awards based on their service.

"It's an honor to give recognition to outstanding African-Americans in our community," said Eric Roberts, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

The banquet was emceed by Byron Crawford, and had entertainment by Artis Brewster and Co. The keynote speaker was Theoplis Woodard, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Woodard spoke on the four keys to achieving one's goals. In his address he said that faith, a positive attitude, faith with work and love are the keys to success.

"Combining these keys, there is not much you can't achieve," said Woodard. The four women honored hold these keys to success, he said.

"It has been said that in order to succeed a one must look like a woman, act like a lady, dress like a star, think like a man and work like a dog," said Edna Sheperd while introducing the first honoree Angela Brewster-Piggee.

" 'The pessimist said it can't be done, the optimist said it can be done, Angela said I just did,' " said Sheperd while giving Brewster-Piggee the Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Service Award.

Brewster-Piggee is a graduate of Arkansas High School and holds five master degrees. Among her accomplishments, Brewster-Piggee is a first of many. Currently she is a school principal and the pastor of Ward Chapel AME Church in Prescott, Ark.

Magnolia Carroll is a 91-year-old woman who serves her community by visiting the sick and shut-in. "Mrs. Carroll is truly worthy of this honor; it has been a long time coming," said Essie Dodd who presented Carroll with the Helen McNeal Humanitarian Award. Carroll, who was born in Long Branch, Texas, uplifts everyone that she comes into contact with, said Dodd.

Tina Richardson, a native of Atlanta, Texas, is the first African-American attorney in the Cass County District Attorney's Office. Lillie Young presented Richardson with the Barbara Jordan Political Leadership Award. "It's been a long, trying ordeal to get where I am and I thank God for getting me there," said Richardson.

Barbara Stoker, a Detroit native, is the owner and manager of Cypress Plus Floral and Gift Shop in Wake Village and also is the postmaster at the Wake Village Contract Postal Service. Joann Rice presented a thankful and teary-eyed Stoker with the Madam C.J. Walker Entrepreneur Award.

The award banquet began in 1996 with five honorees. "About 1995 we had two Sigmas come to the Zetas asking that we recognize the contributions made by African-American women," said Zedia Lame, publicity chairperson for the sorority. The recipients are chosen by members of a committee.

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