By Chauncey Bailey

Role models of the present and future joined together to celebrate unity and purpose during the recent ninth annual Madam C.J. Walker Business and Community Recognition Awards Luncheon at the San Francisco Marriott. A record 1,300 attendees showed their support for the programs and mission of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Oakland/ Bay Area Chapter, who organized the event.
  “[Walker] taught us that black is beautiful, and she gave us attitude,” said Dr. Julia Hare, the event’s keynote speaker. “There is nothing that needs to be changed that a sister cannot change ... we came from some independent women … they taught us [to] hold our people together and hold our families and our children together.”
    Hare, who is author of the book How to Find and Keep a BMW (Black Man Working) served up many bits of wisdom and humor. “When you meet a man, make sure you see a negative HIV and a positive cash flow,” said Hare, a co-founder of the San Francisco- based Black Think Tank with her husband, Dr. Nathan Hare.
    The gathering was also addressed by A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of Walker and a biographer, who urged attendees to keep striving for greatness, and R. Donahue Peebles, CEO of a real estate development firm that is the 10th largest black-owned business in the nation, according to Black Enterprise. Peebles said difficult challenges can be turned into opportunities for success. Peebles premiered his new book, The Peebles Principles, Tales and Tactics from an Entrepreneur’s Life of Winning Deals, Succeeding in Business, and Creating a Fortune from Scratch. NCBW hosted a book signing for Peebles, who donated the proceeds in support of the work of the organization.
    A representative from the office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee accepted the Advocacy Award on behalf of the popular legislator who was lauded by emcee Renee Kemp for having the courage to cast the lone vote in Congress against expanded war powers for President Bush after the Sept. 11 attacks ushered in a war against terrorism.
    Berkeley Fire Chief Debra Pryor received the Pioneer Award. “I wanted to do this job because it’s a way to give back and make the community better,” she said.

    The Corporate Award went to Cheryl Evans, director of community relations at Citibank.
    Ave Montague, who operates a public relations firm and is best known for founding the San Francisco Black Film Festival, received the Entrepreneur Award. “It’s great to be recognized by your own,” she said.
    Outstanding employees from Wells Fargo, Nordstrom and ANG were also honored.
    Participants in the Positive Steps program, which links young women with role models, were also recognized. Alexis Cornn, 15, of University Prep was named the essay contest winner. “The four keys to success [are] a positive attitude, ambition, a good work ethic and staying focused,” she said.

    Also honored were contest runners-up Milan Sanders, Deja McMorris and Indigo Johnson.
    “This was a wonderful and inspiring event,” said Valerie Wiggins, who works for a San Francisco nonprofit that seeks to expand local housing opportunities. “It’s important to support this organization and its mission.”
    The chapter works to enable black women to be a visible force in economic, social and political arenas and to help future generations though role modeling and mentoring.
    “We had an amazing [planning] team this year,” said Cathy Adams, a key event organizer and chapter member. “That’s why it went so well.”
    The attendees also included vendors who staffed tables from a wide range of nonprofits, including the Lend A Hand Foundation and the East Oakland Youth Development Center.
    “I’m supportive of strong black women doing what they know how to do to get to where they want to get,” said Sonny Hawkins, a recording artist who was the featured entertainer.