The Troy United Women’s League will celebrate Black History Month Saturday night at the Trojan Center Ballrooms with more than 350 people in attendance.

Attorney Joe Lampley of Huntsville is the keynote speaker for the 29th Annual Black History Banquet. His topic will be gleaned from this year’s banquet theme, “Only What You Do for Christ Will Last.”

“We are extremely proud to have such a highly esteemed attorney as Joe Lampley as our guest speaker,” said Lee Scott, TUWL president. “He is a native of Brundidge and we welcome him back to Pike County and look forward to what will certainly be an inspiring message.”

The annual Black History Banquet will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community and whose lives are exemplary.

Those to be honored are Tracy Arnold, Ned McLendon and the late Will Green of Troy; Byron Gaynor, Portia Hall and Felecia Howard of Brundidge; and Roman Carlisle, Jeffrey Scott and Dr. Lavette Lowery of Goshen. McLendon, Howard, and Scott will receive the TUWL’s prestigious Humanitarian Awards.   

The Annual Black History Banquet is the only fundraiser for the TUWL.

“The purpose and mission of the Troy United Women’s League is not to raise money but to support our community,” Scott said. “However, we do need money to fund our community projects and people have been very supportive of our annual banquet that provides us with the needed funds.”

The TUWL is a dedicated supporter of educational endeavors in Pike County. The league awards two scholarships annually to students from Charles Henderson, Pike County and Goshen. The scholarships are awarded through an application process and all students are eligible to apply.

“The TUWL supports our school with donations to various programs including the band and the athletic programs, Upward Bound and other needs as they are expressed,” Scott said. “We also support the elderly in our community. We assist with the transportation of patients to treatment facilities. We adopt families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Scott said the TUWL assists in many ways that are unknown to the general public.

“Whenever there’s a need and we can help, we are there whenever possible, with funding or just a helping hand,” she said. “We are all about community and we greatly appreciate the support of our community.”

Shelia Jackson, TUWL member, joined Scott in expressing appreciation to those who support the TUWL and its annual Black History Banquet.

“On behalf our 20 members and five advisors, we want to thank those who purchased ads in our program and those who have purchased tickets for the banquet,” Jackson said. “We also want to thank those who help in so many ways. Our theme for this year’s banquet is ‘Only What You Do for Christ Will Last.’ When we do for others, we are doing for Christ. We thank everyone for doing what will last.”