Semper Fidelis Club McKeesport—‘100 Years, 100 Reasons’ (Debbie’s Lifestyles Photos Oct. 16)

SEMPER FIDELIS CLUB MCKEESPORT, PA

by Debbie Norrell, Lifestyles Editor

From its inception, the Semper Fidelis Club has provided financial assistance to academically gifted graduates of McKeesport High School who identify as being of African American descent. The recipients have consistently proven their worthiness by exhibiting excellence in their career fields throughout communities in the United States.

The idea of organizing a formal club as a means of bringing new hope to the city was the inspiration of Annie Marshall, who on September 19, 1919, called together a group of housewives to her home. The purpose was to organize an alliance to promote education, community leadership and civic improvement. Initial dues were 15 cents and the membership was limited to 35 ladies.

Fast forward to Sept. 7, at the Double Tree by Hilton in Monroeville, where Semper Fidelis Club, McKeesport celebrated “100 Years—100 Reasons.” With former KDKA-TV reporter Harold Hayes as the emcee, a full ballroom enjoyed a historical video journey of the club, a scrumptious lunch and Darieth Chisolm as keynote speaker. Chisholm was a former news anchor at WPXI and is an Emmy Award-winning television personality. She is a revenge porn and cyber sexual harassment victim-turned activist, filmmaker and founder of 50 Shades of Silence. Chisolm posed questions for the audience to ponder. “Who do I need to become now and what are your big dreams?” She spoke about the importance of scholarship and encouraged people to challenge themselves. The afternoon concluded with door prizes, raffles and closing remarks from President Norine A. Jenkins.

To date, Semper Fidelis Club Mc-Keesport has granted 100 scholarships to deserving students.

 

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