After five months of energetic enthusiasm and preparation, the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., will again present to the Pine Bluff community 35 of Pine Bluff’s outstanding and distinguished young men during its 25th Annual Red and White Delta Distinguished Gentlemen’s Banquet.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The theme is, “Ushering in a New Generation: Honoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”.
The guest speaker for the event will be Telly Noel, a seasoned creative director and media planner, with over 12 years of experience in media buying, placement, development and negotiations.
Noel is principal/co-owner of The Design Group, a full service advertising marketing and public relations firm in Little Rock. He is active civically in organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the NAACP. He is a member of St. Mark Baptist Church and is an active philanthropist as well. He uses his position as Founder of ViBE Events and Little Rock’s First Friday to give back to causes such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Toys for Tots, and the Arkansas Food Bank. The married, father of three is also a coach in the Independent Youth Football League and Westside Community Baseball league.
Having made its debut in February 1987, with 15 seniors from the Pine Bluff, Dollarway, Watson Chapel and White Hall School Districts, the area of selection for these outstanding young men has extended to other high schools within a 75-mile radius of Pine Bluff. The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., takes pride in selecting graduating high school seniors who have not only demonstrated good citizenship and character but have also distinguished themselves in their respective schools, churches and communities.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Over the past several months, the 35 outstanding young men participating in this year’s event have been involved in various activities that were strategically planned and held in preparation for their debut. All activities were designed to strengthen the gentlemen’s moral, cultural, and spiritual values and to nurture their desire to continue to strive for academic excellence. This vast array of activities included attending a Meet and Greet/Orientation; EMBODI Workshop; volunteering for the Enchanted Lights in Regional Park; participating in Salvation Army bell ringing; attending Handel’s “Messiah”; participating in the MLK Marade; the annual Jabberwock; Manners’ Workshop; church fellowship with Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church; dinner with escorts, parents and members at the Pine Bluff County Club; and informational sessions presented by members of Alpha Phi Alpha graduate chapter.
The young gentleman raising the highest amount of money is recognized as the “Gentlemen of the Year.” During the presentation, each gentleman receives a plaque and awards are given for first runner-up, second runner-up, highest grade point average, Academic Excellence Achievers and “Mr. Together.”
The chairs for this year’s event are Shelia Brown, Shannon Hayes, Elizabeth Taylor and Claudette White.
Charlene Kelley is the president of the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter.