BY DR. JUNE ROBINSON, RN, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – An inspiring celebration took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024. CENTRAL FLORIDA BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ORLANDO, INC. (CFBNA) hosted its 42nd anniversary and 40th Scholarship and Awards Luncheon, held at the beautiful Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive.
As a community health focused organization, CFBNA has awarded over 140 scholarships to deserving minority nursing students during our 40 years of service. This year the following nursing students received scholarships – Marie Anne Desroches, who attends Keiser College of Nursing and will graduate on August 23, 2024; Jeremiah Eziatake, who attends Rasmussen University and will graduate December 4, 2024; and, Taniya James, who attends Seminole State College and will graduate on December 3, 2024. We are extremely proud of our scholarship recipients and pray that they will progress professionally to become the future leaders of health care delivered to the underserved communities.
Our guest speaker, State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, Florida House of Representatives District 40, delivered an exceptionally relevant address regarding the need for Black nurses in our community; how our shared experiences help us to help others. CFBNA was so appreciative and grateful for her joining us to celebrate our signature scholarship luncheon fund raiser.
Thank you to our Advisory Board Members who were in attendance, Bishop Frank Thompson and Sonya Stevenson. Our guest numbered just under 300 and were all dressed to impress. Positive feedback was received from our guests regarding the fantastic guest speaker, the meal, and the program. The welcome and occasion was delivered by member – Mia Jenkins, RN. Our founders, Bernice Edwards, RN, Susie Forehand, RN, and deceased member, Mercedese, Clark were introduced and honored by our Mistress of Ceremony, Denise Brown. The invocation and blessing of the meal was delivered by Reverend Latanya W. Floyd. Mrs. Eloise Abrahams introduced the speaker, Representative Bracy Davis. After the speaker, a moment of prayer and silence was offered for recently deceased members, Elaine Caldwell (past president) and Erma Jean King (previous member). The scholarship awards were presented by scholarship chair, Elosie Abrahams, and co-chair, Ingrid Philpott.
Musical entertainment was beautifully provided by Naomi Joy, musical educator and Grammy nominated recording artist; and Jessie Love Bell, soloist and choir director of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Orlando. Photography was managed by Mark Hinson.
Mr. Dan Kirby, son of Eliza Kirby (past resident and deceased member), and his family generously select annually a scholarship recipient to receive the Kirby award in her name. This year, Marie Anne Desroches was the fortunate recipient of this award. Thanks to the Kirby family and congratulations to Marie for receiving this auspicious award.
Kudos go out to Eloise Abrahams, chair of the Scholarship and Awards Committee, and her committee for their ability for harnessing all the varied pieces essential for showcasing such a successful event. Starting in January of this year, Mrs. Abrahams and committee members worked to secure our fantastic speaker, a venue, develop the program, and inform the community of the upcoming luncheon. We truly appreciate their diligence and hard work.
We send a special thank you to our main sponsor, Orlando Health, for making the Scholarship and Awards Luncheon possible for the past several years. Mrs. Quibulah Graham represented Orlando Health and was presented with an honorary plaque for them. We thank Mrs. Graham for being a dedicated partner and liaison between CFBNA and Orlando Health.
This year we had twelve vendors who were able to display their wares and advertise their small businesses. Each vendor was surveyed after the luncheon and provided positive feedback about their interaction with our guests. We look forward to their participation next year. Thanks to the following vendors – Bibby’s Jewelry and accessories, Rachael Drayton’s skin and hair care, South University, Everything for Nurses, Bling Spot, All Noire (T shirts, etc.), Vitality Wellness, Loc Inspirations, Dr. Gray’s Aesthetics, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Almellia’s Accessories, Fedricks Designs.
President Monica Akins, one of our youngest presidents, is to be commended for navigating the organization into the uncharted waters of the 21st century information technology era. Many new community liaisons have been established under her leadership. Her presidency demonstrates how CFBNA fosters the growth, development and professional confidence for young nurses ON THE MOVE.
CFBNA thank all our wonderful guests, sponsors, and journal advertisers who continue to support our major annual fund-raising efforts to assist minority nursing students. Your presence at this luncheon helps them to achieve their dream of completing nursing school and moving up the ladder into higher education. These scholarships help to ensure the continued pipeline of minority nurses who return to work in the community. You assist with their growth into leadership positions in the health care industry.
For additional information on CFBNA of Orlando, please visit our website at cfbnaoforlando.org, or call 407-476-6862. Someone will return your call within 48 hours. We welcome all RNs, LPNs, and student nurses to join our community, focused organization.
