“I’m so happy that we are pulling things together again in 2019,” said Marsh. “I was first sought out by Queen Ethyl Venson, Dr. R. Q. Venson’s wife. The year was 1971 and I was working at Robilio’s Grocery Store. The Cotton Makers’ Jubilee was and still is an amazing organization and I will never forget how becoming a part of the celebration at such a young age made me feel so important. I wish more of Memphis’s Black children could live the experience of being royalty for themselves. For me, early participation has resulted in my wanting to stay in this organization for life.” All 39 new members who had been recruited since June and their guests were invited to attend a celebration of renewal during the 2018 Christmas season. The event was held in the banquet room at the Southbrook Town Centre, the former Southbrook Mall. The program included a prayer by Elder Theoren Dotson and Marsh, who was recently voted in and accepted the Vice President’s role, gave the welcome. Queen Charlena Henderson Taylor, 2001, performed a solo and sang with CCMI – Breaking a Stronghold, Inc. featuring the G.E.M. Band who provided entertainment and music during the entire event. Newly elected President, 1997 King Lorenzo Caldwell gave the purpose for the gathering and provided valuable bits of the organization’s history and explained how he became involved. The organization’s newly elected Secretary, 2002 Queen Patricia Mosby, who served with the organization’s only White King to date, introduced the new membership body with the assistance of Mary Fairley of Crown Trophy Cordova, 7981 Dexter Road, Ste. 104. Fairley provided the program printing and personally honored each 2019 member with a special medallion her company created. “I’ve always thought it was an honor to be elected as Queen,” said Mosby as she received her medallion. “A good friend of mine, Johnson Saulsberry encouraged me to join and I’ve been engaged in one way or another ever since.” New member and newly elected Treasurer Gerald Green was also appreciative of his medal. Filling in for the ever busy newly elected Finance Chair and 1994 King, Gregory Grant, was his lovely wife, 1994 Queen Annette Harris who is now known as Annette Harris Grant. Dr. R. Q. Venson’s nephew, Cotton Makers’ Jubilee Chairman and 1966 King Clyde R. Venson provided all in attendance with a brief update on the rebirth of the organization and the events planned for 2019. “We have set the date for the coronation ball for September 14th and the Dr. R. Q. Venson Scholarship Foundation’s Scholarship and Award banquet will follow on the 28th, said the younger Venson. “This Christmas party for our guests to witness this program reactivation was our first public program since 2007. We are truly excited about the future programs we have in store for 2019. We will be hosting a mini -celebration for our Adult and Junior King and Queens the 2nd Saturday in September and honoring our scholarship and awards recipients on the 4th Saturday. We would like for our Royal Court to visit LeBonheur Children’s and the Veteran’s Hospital to take pictures with and provide gifts for patients. We hope to be able to work things out so that those who are unable to attend our presentation will be able to listen to and watch it on the closed circuit TVs in their rooms.” Continued on Page 24 23
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