Roses for Outstanding Women Awards Program
In 2009, this columnist created the Roses for Outstanding Women Awards Program to honor women who made significant contributions to our city and community at all levels. I chose the month of March for this program, and the f irst awards ceremony was held at the Frank E. Merriweather Library in the auditorium. The event attracted so many attendees that I had to f ind a larger venue. I reached out to library officials and requested to move the program to the Central Library in downtown Buffalo, where there was more space. My request was approved, thanks to Joy Testa Cinquino, Library Assistant Director, and former Director Mary Jean Jakubowski, who has since retired.
For the next nine years, the Roses Program was successfully held at the Central Library every March. I invited speakers, community members, and elected officials to participate. Each woman honored received a red rose and certificates from state and local officials. I chose the red rose because it stands out among other flowers, just as these remarkable women stood out in their communities. The program featured poetry, music, and biography readings for each honoree.
Rev. James Lewis was a dedicated participant, reading the bios alongside my dear friend, nationally known storyteller Karima Amin. My son, Jesse Doyle, escorted each honoree to the stage. He fondly recalls this as a wonderful opportunity to meet these distinguished women, take their hand, and lead them to the stage, where they lined up to the empowering anthem, “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy. The honorees sat on stage until their name was called to receive their rose and hear their biography read aloud. The auditorium was filled with family, friends, and supporters.
Many individuals helped make the program a success, including Sandy White, a local f ilmmaker and community organizer, my daughter Sharon Doyle, and my granddaughter Somalia Doyle. Frank Merriweather III consistently covered the event for The Criterion newspaper, featuring photographs of each honoree on the front page. I still cherish many of these newspaper editions.
Gregory Barber, a talented videographer, recorded each program, and I have kept DVDs of these events, which bring back so many fond memories. Over the years, I have had the honor of recognizing more than 382 women. I maintain a red notebook listing each honoree’s name, along with photographs and program materials. Each honoree also received a book that included their biography.
Unfortunately, many of these extraordinary women have passed on. I would like to take this moment to remember them and honor their lasting contributions. Their names remain in my record book and videos, ensuring their legacy lives on.
In Loving Memory of Our Roses Women:
Inez Hall – Longtime First Shiloh Baptist Church member.
Viola Hill – Historian and community leader.
Nellie B. King – Recently passed, Superintendent of the Lackawanna School System.
Debra Johnson – Historian and community worker.
Bernice Jones – Community worker and educator.
Ina J. Ferguson – Educator and community advocate.
Rev. Janice Fisher – Radio host and educator.
Rev. Anne Paris – Community leader.
Joan Sutton – Longtime First Shiloh member.
Gail V. Wells – Community worker and well-known gardener.
Daisy Estelle Anderson – Renowned quilter
Crystal Barton – Educator, former McKinley High School principal.
Elaine T. Blyden – Community leader and organizer.
Lucille Colston-Hicks – Educator.
Lorna C. Hill – Creative Director of Ujima Theater.
Carol E. Holmes – Community leader.
Joyce Wilson-Nixon – Member of Taylor Made Jazz, singer, youth advocate.
Emma V. Callahan – Beautician, known for community gardens on Johnson Street.
Thelma Holt – Queen mother of the community, mother of businessman George Holt.
These women dedicated their lives to uplifting our community. Their work and legacy must never be forgotten.
May they continue to rest in peace among the angels of heaven.
Rev. Bertha M. Brewer – Television Host.
Deaconess Willie Mae Johnson – First Shiloh member.
Ophelia A. Nicholas – Educator and Principal
Marilyn Foote-Kragbe – Educator and children's book author.
Deaconess Frances M. Price
Rev. Dian Cole – First Shiloh Assistant Pastor.
Ora Lee Delgado – Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Institute.
Ora B. Felts – My aunt, educator, and civil rights leader.
Peggy Heath – An elder who always reminded us of our history.
Lillian Hundley – Catholic church leader and columnist for The Criterion.
Evelyn Merriweather – Publisher and owner of The Criterion Newspaper.
Gwen Neal – Community educator.
Christine Orr – Well-known beautician.
Janice Alexander – Community leader and beloved family member.
Stephanie Barber-Geter – Chair of Restore Our Community, worked to restore Humboldt Parkway.
Aminah Johnson – Community activist and writer for The Criterion.
Mamie Kirkland – Shiloh Baptist Church member, lived to be 111 years old.
Crystal Austin Seymour – Community educ
Agnes Bain – Former Director of the African American Cultural Center.
Captain Marian Bass – Buffalo Police Department Captain, Criterion contributor.
Mary Davis – Political commentator and radio talk show host.
Constance B. Eve – Director of Women for Human Rights and Dignity.
Gail Lucas – Businesswoman specializing in African products.
Zola Crowell – Historian and genealogist of African history.
Theresa E. Pope – Buffalo Public Schools administrator and educator.
Carole Booth – Member of the Merriweather family.
Myrtle Griggs – My sister-in-law, Bethel Tabernacle Church member, Criterion contributor.