Big things happen in Texas, and a very big event will occur in Houston on Oct. 9-12. Representatives from 110 chapters of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., (TLOD) throughout will gather at the Hotel of the Americas to celebrate 50 years of humanitarian service to youth and adults.
Presiding over the event will be National President Audrie Lawton, and Jackie Pope, general chairman of the celebration. National Top Teens of America President, LeZaire Reese of St. Petersburg, Fla. and his executive committee will also be in attendance.
Celebratory activities include a national interest workshop, masquerade welcome reception, a historical walk of TLOD memories, “Unmasked” scholarship awards, a Beautification Walk in the Park, a 50th anniversary Literacy Café, an accolades breakfast, a “Golden” luncheon, and the 50th Golden Splendor Gala.
The founding purpose of TLOD was to sponsor a youth organization after school integration began in the 60’s. Since its’ founding in Tyler, Texas, as a non-profit educational, humanitarian organization, the objectives have been expanded to include not only a focus on its youth organization, known as Top Teens of America, but also improving the status of women, service to senior citizens, community beautification, and community partnerships. All chapters support the NAACP, UNCF, National Coalition of Negro Women, sickle cell projects, the National Foundation of March of Dimes, literacy, and the awarding of scholarships to graduating high school students.
