Entertainment and information are part of Tribute to Women

Tomeka Sinclair, The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C.
·3 min read

Mar. 30—LUMBERTON — Biggs Park Mall was the site for a recent celebration of women.

The Tribute to Women took place Saturday as part of Women's History Month and was attended by more than 60 people, according to the event's organizer. About seven vendors set up informational booths throughout the mall for the event that began with brunch. The event also included entertainment and sessions that broke out into multiple lectures on topics like domestic violence and the importance of women's health.

"Women always need to be celebrated," said Lasheila Green, event organizer. "There's just something about Lumberton that says women, we need to come together. Let's come together lets encourage and build each up."

In addition to observing Women's History Month, the tribute was held to pay homage to the centennial celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Green said.

The 19th Amendment prohibits state governments and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

With the many women who hold positions of leadership in local government throughout Robeson County, the South Carolina resident felt it necessary to cross the border and bring the event to Lumberton.

"I thought that was honorable," Green said. "I admire the fact that women are holding these positions."

Carol DeLoach presented a lecture on domestic violence at Saturday's event. Alisha Lewis, a lawyer from Dillon, South Carolina, spoke on women's empowerment, and Green spoke on women's health, providing demonstrations on the proper way to conduct a breast examination and discussing the reproductive system.

In addition to women's empowerment, the event brought awareness to colorectal cancer, in observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is March. The American Cancer Society estimates that about one in 21 men and one in 23 women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.

"We spoke on colorectal cancer and offered information in the packets," Green said.

People at the Tribute to Women also heard poetry by Leiani Renee Douglas. Unique Image staged a hat show. And dancers with Elite Dancers in Dillon, South Carolina, performed.

Vanessa Hardaway, the master of ceremonies, said she left the event "enriched" mentally, physically and emotionally. She also said the event appealed not only women but also to children and teens.

"I know that her (Green) target was to celebrate women, so for me I think every part of a women could be served," Hardaway said.

"I enjoy being in atmospheres where I leave better than I came or you gain something that can better you," she added. "I was enriched thoroughly."

In addition to the mall, sponsors, supporter and partners of the event included United Way, Jackie O'Neal Boutique, Food Lion, Starbucks, Robeson Early College, Maceio Fulmore, Quality Inn, Hampton Inn, Southeastern Community Health and the Partnership for Children.

"A special thanks go to all the vendors, the supporters, sponsors and partners, especially the volunteers from Robinson Early College High School," Green said.

Tomeka Sinclair can be reached at [email protected] or 910-416-5865.