LOVETTE HARPER RECOGNIZED AS WOMAN OF THE MONTH
The month of March has been declared Women’s History Month to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and society. It is celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8th. Lovette W. Harper was recognized on March 15th as Woman of the Year by the Friends of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library and the African American Cultural Resource Center of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library. Tributes were made to Mrs. Harper for her many years of service by the various organizations she is affiliated with including the African American Cultural Resource Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Association for the Study of African American History (ASALH) and Friends of the Library.
Mrs. Harper is a retired New York State educator who retired to Sarasota over 25 years ago. She has had an interest in African American history and African art and culture, based on her travels to eight African countries and studies at three African universities – the University of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya and the University of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. As a founder and curator of the African American Cultural Resource Center, Mrs. Harper developed programs and exhibitions that included The Tuskegee Airmen, Newtown Then and Now, Newtown Youth Past and Present and hosted annual Kwanzaa celebrations. In 2008, Mrs. Harper donated her collection of African Art to her undergraduate HBCU, Tuskegee University’s Legacy Museum.
Nearly 100 friends were present to celebrate Mrs. Harper in word and music. Speakers included Celestine Campbell, president of the Friends Board, Lois Wilkins, chairman of the African American Cultural Resource Center, Glenda Williams and Priscilla Crumel. Proclamations were presented to Mrs. Harper from the City and County of Sarasota. Musical selections were rendered by Dr. Marsha Kindall-Smith. Martina J. Garris was event chairperson.
Picture:
Mrs. Lovette Harper is pictured with Martina J. Garris of ASALH, the event chairperson, Lois Wilkins from the African American Cultural Resource Center and Celestine Campbell, Friends of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library.
Mrs. Lovette Harper with members of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
