Women's History Month Celebration Hosted By Donald M. Payne Jr.

On Monday March 28th Council President Donald M. Payne Jr. hosted a Women's Day celebration held at the City Hall Municipal Council Chambers in Newark, NJ.  I was awed to enter the chambers. As I took my seat, I noticed that the council member’s names tags were richly made & precisely arranged to delegate council seating.  The Council Members did not sit in their specified assembly chairs, (that I assume they use during council meetings) however, they sat amongst the crowd. …And the crowd was abundant! Late comers soon became standing onlookers. Women & men, young and old were in attendance.

The purpose of Council President’s Women’s day celebration was to honor outstanding women in the community. Each council member chose a woman that would receive an honorary award. Much wisdom was in the air and much inspiration absorbed.  All of the women in the room were called “masterpieces” because of their ongoing process of creating strong legacies of true leadership. Nancy Zak, who received an award, stated that “So many people in this room make this city a better place.” I personally felt that this was true due to so many movers and changers that were present. Additional honorees included NJ State Senator Teresa Ruiz, Ms. Olga Jiminez Wagenheim, Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver , Ms. Maritza Gutierrez , Ms. Towanda McEachern,  Ms. Terry Fields , Ms. Digna Dubon and Ms. Joyce Carter.

Council President Payne and the Municipal Council surprised Councilwoman Crump and presented her with an honorary award. Crump spoke true wisdom in her speech and mentioned things like “Your living should not be in vain.”,  “Often times we have to take responsibility and stand in front.” & “When you are faced with a challenge, if it is to be it’s up to me.” Ms. Olga Jiminez Wagenheim  blessed the audience with the three characteristics of a leader which to her are: vision, hard work and humility. Towanda McEachern, founder of Supporting our Sisters closed out the evening with her epiphany by stating “There are two important days of your life. The day you were born and the day you know why. Someone has been waiting their whole life for you!”

Attending this event was exhilarating. It made the audience feel alive! The event was followed by dessert, which consisted of mouthwatering pastries coupled with a mini networking mixer of which officials such as Congressman Donald Payne Sr. and reputable City Hall Staff were in the mix. Guests ate, smiled and talked the evening away.

Council President Donald M. Payne Jr.

Senator Teresa Ruiz & Council President Donald M. Payne Jr.

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