SWEARING-IN: Induction of new officers of the “Supreme” Southeast District of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., during their annual conference last weekend in Atlanta, Ga. Standing at right is newly elected 19th Southeast District Governor Nikki Baker of the Broward County Chapter. C.B. HANIF PHOTOS / SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES

ATLANTA, Ga. – At least one male speaker invited to address a certain distinguished African American women’s association has been heard to honor them by starting off exclaiming, “Ain’t I A Woman?” The noted words from the famous 1851 speech by abolitionist Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, epitomize the venerable organization founded in 1935, whose official name is the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and whose Sojourner Truth Award honors a woman whose life and outstanding community service exemplifies the qualities of their national matriarch.

Before many of today’s digital age entrepreneurs were even a thought, the distinguished association of educators, doctors, attorneys, Ph.Ds, entrepreneurs, administrators and other professional women from all walks of life was showing how it’s done.

They’re still at it. South Florida NANBPWC chapter members and others were joined by 25th National President Terri O’Neal, Ph.D., at their 66th Annual Southeast District Conference, March 14 – 17 in Atlanta, Ga. Past national presidents have included Dr. Julianne Malveaux.

Hosts were the Metro Atlanta Club. Presiding was 18th Southeast District Governor Barbara H. Johnson of the Greensboro, N.C. chapter.

South Florida chapters include Broward County, Miami Dade, Greater Palm Beaches and South Florida. Noted area members include the late Marian Sessoms, Arnetha Roberts, Judge Catherine M. Brunson, and past SED Governor Priscilla Taylor.

This year’s conference was extra special because it was an election year, said outgoing Governor Johnson, “a fantastic opportunity to ‘Step Boldly into the Future’ and pass the leadership baton to the next generation of leaders. Together, we will continue to promote the interests of business and professional women and invest ourselves in the willing service of others.”