Birth of the Oak Cliff BPW Club

By Gwendolyn H. Daniels
Texas Metro News Correspondent

Whenever anything new is born, there’s excitement and joy in the air, and the electrifying mood in the Pecan Room of the DeSoto Civic Center did not disappoint.

The South Central District (SCD) of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) headed by Governor Ollie Gilstrap held an “Open House and Reception” on August 10, 2024. Governor Gilstrap’s district encompasses the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Missouri, and Kansas. She led the charge to expand its membership by spotlighting the newly chartered Oak Cliff Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. (Oak Cliff BPW Club).

As guests arrived in the beautifully decorated reception room, Oak Cliff BPW Club’s founding president, Katrinia Roberson, welcomed visitors and offered cool beverages to refresh them from the summer heat. Following the blessing of the meal by Ombudsman Preston Gilstrap (spouse of Governor Gilstrap), guests dined on tossed salad, Italian style spaghetti, and dinner rolls before selecting a decorated cupcake for dessert.

A formal welcome was delivered by Governor Gilstrap with general information on the mission of the organization, its impact in the community both locally, district-wide, nationally and internationally. She concluded her presentation with the introduction of President Roberson, highlighting her extensive background of volunteer work in the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club and in the SCD of the NANBPWC. It was impressive and spanned nearly a decade. Guests learned of President Roberson’s professional background in the business arena and her love and dedication to her spouse, her children, and her family at large, including the Governor; who is her mother.

Next, President Roberson took center stage and introduced the remaining founding members who joined her in chartering the Oak Cliff BPW Club. They include: Shannon Curlin, Derria Money, KaRon Bradley, Kijyana Smith, Monica Maxwell, Talmadge Moore, Anika Maiden, and LaShannon Maiden.

Following President Roberson, Dr. Terri O’Neal Ford, National President of the NANBP-WC gave a high-level overview of the Association. She briefly shared a glimpse of the seven founding women with the “income, foresight, courage, and determination” to charter the NANBPWC in July of 1935, and how they “paved the way for generations of women to empower themselves and their communities.”

Prospective new members received membership packets in nicely customized Club bags and learned of President Roberson’s goals to service citizens in the community. They were invited to come aboard by joining the Oak Cliff BPW Club, including enrolling their spouse, male relative, or significant other to serve as Ombudsmen in the organization.

For more information on the newly formed Oak Cliff Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., visit their website at: www.oakcliffbpwc.org.