50 Wonderful Women

For 55 years the Tri-State Defender Newspaper published in Memphis, Tennessee and founded by John H. Sengtstacke (publisher of the Chicago Defender); has been “¹one of the longest, continuously-published African-American papers in the United States”.

In addition to informative African-American news and having been active in the Civil Rights Movement; the Tri-State Defender also annually honors “Women of Excellence”.

“²Each woman must be an African-American executive, professional, businessperson or community leader with a proven record of accomplishment. She must be a positive role model who has influenced the lives of others and demonstrated an active role in the community.”

On March 5th; Tri-State Defender published an official nomination form. By the end of the month; Tri-State Defender began their selections from numerous nominees. Then on April 24, 2009 at The Tower Room, Clark Tower in Memphis, Tennessee; these 50 exceptionally influential African-American Women were honored! click to read the full story by Florence M. Howard at the Tri-State Defender Online.

Florence M. Howard served as Event Coordinator last year and for this year’s Women of Excellence High Tea honorees. Florence M. Howard “ is an entrepreneur and founder of Secret Shop Communicators (SSCOMM, Inc.), an 8-year-old consulting firm that offers training, event planning, public relations and market research services to businesses, nonprofit and governmental agencies.”

Mearl Purvis Anchor, FOX13 News hosted the event:



1. Tri-State Defender History

2.The search for 50 Women of Excellence