[Posted Mar. 5, 2008]

The Virginia Classic of Chesapeake - A Day of Honor

    Special To The Guide

    On March 15, The Connectional Ministries and Mission 2000 will host its 1st The Virginia Classic of Chesapeake-Gospel Showcase 2008.  The Spring Gospel Showcase program will be highlighted by the presentations of  Service Awards to Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr. and Mrs. Florine Clarke (wife of the late W.P. Clarke, Sr.) at the  Hugo A. Owens Middle School, 1997 Horseback Run Road, Chesapeake, Va. The program will recognize the first African-Americans serving on the Chesapeake City Council. The program will also pay tribute to Ms. Jean Mayes, President of the Providence Square Civic League, who will receive the 2007 Samaritan Award.  
    The event will mark the 10th year of the dedication of the facility at Hugo A. Owens Middle School in 1998, named after the prominent African-American dentist who made a mark in history when he challenged the system of racial discrimination.
      On January 1, 1977, the late W.P. Clarke, Sr. died, leaving a vacant seat in the Office of the City Council.  The Honorable Florine Clarke (the widow) of Councilman W.P. Clarke, Sr., was sworn into office to fill the seat of her husband.  Mrs. Clarke, a graduate of Howard University, Washington, D.C. and a 4th grade school teacher at Bowling Park Elementary School, Norfolk, Va., proudly accepted the position and was sworn into office by Lillian Hart, Circuit Court Clerk.  She diligently worked with Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr., and the members of the City Council to see Chesapeake move forward while completing the term of her late husband. 
    This year 2008 marks the 30th year of celebration since she left office in May 1978.  To many who do not know the legacy which this event has marked, there have many women who have assumed the duties and responsibilities of their late husbands. Some are:  Corinne Lindy Boggs of Louisiana, Shirley Pettis of California, Cardiss Collins of Illinois and Marilyn Lloyd of Tennessee.  Therefore in the history of Chesapeake we united together to the betterment of our community to continue the honor of the late W.P. Clarke, using the biblical principles that God created man and female and that they would become one flesh.  In April 2003, the city of Chesapeake celebrated its 40th Anniversary which she served as Chairperson of the Senior Citizens Committee providing an outstanding Senior Night at the Indian High School auditorium.  

    

   Presentations of Awards will be done by Dr. Ella P. Ward, Chesapeake, City Council and member of the Virginia State Board of Education, and Sister Mayrose M. Moon, Senior Vice President the Connectional Ministries and Mission 2000. 

   The New Central Baptist Church Choir, Norfolk, is scheduled to open with Praise and Worship at 5:30 p.m. and the showcase will begin at 6 p.m. The Master and Mistress of Ceremonies will be native son and daughter of Chesapeake, Colonel Thaddious Goodman, (ret USA), Ms. Connie Crudup-Whitfield along with Pastor Carmen Everett, and Pastor Ed Harrell. Mrs. Cheryl Vaughan Brown-Homes will render the opening selection. 
    The event is sponsored by The Connectional Ministries and Mission 2000, Rev. G. “Paris” M. Kelly, founder and CEO. Rev Kelly states, “We choose to honor these in my community who have made an impact on the lives of our people.”
She continued, “In May 2009 the Virginia Classic of Chesapeake will be in Atlanta, Ga., hosting the second event in memory of the late Yolanda Denise King (1st daughter of the civil rights movement).  We don’t know exactly the location and the guest artists yet, but more information will be provided in the near future. 
   “This year’s event was funded by God, and I give all glory to my employer, The Christian Broadcasting Network, for having a 403 plan available for me to save money. Had it not been for that plan and the ability to withdraw funds, the event couldn’t have been possible.  To the African-American community God can use anyone He chooses to bring glory to His kingdom. We must work together in harmony to achieve the goal.”
     The featured guest will be national recording artist Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; as-well-as local artists: Minister Gail Lewis, Louis Gallop, Nigel (Legin) Anderson, and Rafuel Jordan. Local artists will be judged on talent and performance by a panel of six judges who are: Chief Judge Dr. Helena Lucas, Rev. Margaret Pittman, Rev. Queen Esther Snell, Rev. Agnes Blount, Rev. Vergie McCall and Evangelist Carolyn Hawkins. The Chief of Security will be Detective John Hawkins.  Performances are limited to seven minutes.
Special thanks have been extended to Dr. Angela Corprew-Boyd, Pastor Margaret Pittman, and Apostle James and Pastor Mary Banks, who were the first to contribute in support of the program. Awards of participation will also be presented.
     Even though the event is free and open to the public, tickets are required, and may be obtained by contacting Rev. Kelly at (757) 717-7783 or Ms. Mayrose M. Moon at US +1 7575456835. Please note that there will be an opportunity for attendees to give a free-will offering. 

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