And Still I Rise…Semper Fidelis Club of McKeesport celebrates 95 years

On Nov. 1, the Semper Fidelis Club of McKeesport, Pa., celebrated 95 years with “As Still I Rise” Past, Present and Future, a fashion journey and luncheon at the Georgetown Centre. Their celebration was dedicated to the late Maya Angelou and to all unsung and unpublished Maya Angelou’s who continue to “rise.”

Harold Hayes along with his wife, Iris Denise Hayes, served as masters of ceremonies for the afternoon while actress and director Rita Gregory was the fashion show commentator. Five fabulous scenes of fashion included: Out of Africa, Remembering When, Relax in Style, The Night is Still Young and Relax in Style. The beautiful and handsome models were: Laura Green, Shawn Hopson, Leon Coleman, JoAnne Rodgers, Kelli Epperson, Alease Paige, Norine Jenkins, Robert Powell, Susanne Pearson and Shawn West-Scott.

The afternoon was one of highlights and surprises. A distinguished group of successful and exemplary persons that were from the McKeesport region served as honorary chairpersons. They were Fredrick Alexander Bray (posthumously), Allen J. Singleton, Rosalyn (McPherson) Farmer, Judge Clyde W. Waite, Justice Cynthia Ackron Baldwin, Dr. Margaret Larkins- Pettigrew, Robert Allen Waters, JoAnne Waters Rodgers and Ida Waters Brown.

The surprise of the afternoon was when Judge Waite, who once received a scholarship from the club in 1964 in the amount of $250, presented a check for $10,000 to The Semper Fidelis Club of McKeesport. He said he wanted to give back with interest.

Anica Jones and Norine Jenkins served as event co-chairs.