Mary D. Redd (1980-1986)
On December 13, 1980, the chapter was blessed that Soror Founder Osceola McCarthy Adams was present and a participant in the chartering ceremony. She spoke with eloquence in charging NMAC to keep the vision alive of the founders through commitment, dedication and service to humanity.
During my tenure the chapter was very responsive to Delta’s Five Point Program and as such our activity included but was not limited to:
- Grants to community based organizations in Northern Manhattan with a youth focus such as M.L. Wilson Boys and Girls Club.
- Yearly grant of not less than $1,500 to Associated Black Charities
- Saved coins for our international project – Africare.
- Presentation of forums and workshops on relevant topics such as financial planning for women; the budget process – City, State and Federal; effective advocacy, etc.
- Planned and supervised recreational and cultural activities for seniors at the Dunwell House.
- Supported Community Service Society’s Haitian Project.
- Developed and implemented the buddy system for seniors at the A. Philip Randolph Senior Center.
The chapter was pleased to have been asked to sponsor an afternoon at the theater with Honorary Soror Lena Horne, whose one-woman show received rave reviews. More than two hundred sorors and guests were in attendance and after the performance, a private audience was held with Soror Horne who paid special tribute to Soror Founder Osceola M. Adams who was in the audience.
Our Arts and Letters Committee, under the leadership of the late Soror Alberta James, presented several outstanding programs, such as the recognition of the late Soror Dr. May Edward Chinn, a talented physician and musician. Several well-known African American Physicians were presented in a program of “Music and Medicine.” We took this opportunity to present the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture with Dr. Chinn’s professional papers and memorabilia. We were pleased to have hosted the first book party for our own chapter member, Soror Paula Giddings in the New York area to promote her book “When and Where I Enter.”
During my tenure, NMAC hosted Founders Day with approximately 500 sorors in attendance at the beautiful Tavern on the Green restaurant. Also, we had our first membership intake in 1983 and initiated 12 dynamic women into the sisterhood.
Over a six-year period, we kept our commitment as a public service organization. During this time the organization thrived internally and externally as we carried out our commitment to serve humanity.
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