Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The elegant women of The Social Lites, Inc. from past to present enjoyed celebrating 60 years in the Inland Empire with over 200 guests in attendance on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Among the guests were Beautillion Alumni and former participants of the program, community leaders, and various community organizations. Awards presented included a financial donation towards The Social Lites, Inc. 501© 3 scholarship foundation from Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. (Riverside Chapter), recognition certificate from Assemblymember Cheryl Brown, 47th District, Councilwoman Bessine Littlefield Richard, 6th Ward, presentation plaque from The Swans Club to name a few. The celebration Master of Ceremonies included both Hon. Rikke Van Johnson, Former City Councilman, San Bernardino, Beautillion Knight 1973, and Anthony S. Blacksher, Professor of Sociology, Sir Knight 1999. Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor, Life Changing Ministries of San Bernardino, Sir Knight 1976 provided the invocation followed by entertainers Edwonda White and Soul Brothers Band.
Be It Blue, Lavender, Or Lace, These Are the Women of Style and Grace was the theme for this elegant celebration in which Beautillion Sir Knight 1978 Robert Grace, Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County was the keynote speaker. Attorney Grace stated as a young man growing up on the West Side of San Bernardino he reflected on how women in The Social Lites, Inc. inspired him to go to college. Education continues to be a road map to meaningful employment. Moreover, the Beautillion program provided not only him but a group of young men meaningful, lifelong experiences, including a trip out of the community in which they stayed in a nice hotel, attended cultural events, performed community service, and awarded scholarships to help finance their education beyond high school. Attorney Grace reminded attendees all lives matter, however, we need to know how important it is in the spirit of all lives matter, to remind others “Black Lives Matter!”
Over 30 years this organization raised funds by bringing The Ebony Fashion Show annually to the community. This organization was one of the first organization to donate a sizeable scholarship to California State University, San Bernardino, contributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue located in downtown San Bernardino, holding membership with the NAACP, Chamber of Commerce and was recognized earlier this year by The San Bernardino League of Women Voters.
The 50th Beautillion Season will start the second weekend in October, 2016. Mentoring young men towards a better future is their mission. For additional information for the upcoming Beautillion season, please contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster, President at 951-204-0022 or Mrs. Helen Thomas, Correspondence 909-854-7730. Application available via e-mail: Sociallites2@msn.com or www.socialitesinc.com.
