Jesse Campbell Serenaded Mothers in the City of Good Neighbors
A crowd of women, 100 to be exact, attended Hawthorne’s 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch & Awards Ceremony. The amazing event took place at the Hawthorne Memorial Center, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00-2:30 pm. The celebration included a keynote speech, an outstanding music performance, and a delicious brunch.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(Hawthorne, CA) Mother’s Day was celebrated a day earlier in Hawthorne, the “City of Good Neighbors.”
A crowd of women, 100 to be exact, attended Hawthorne’s 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch & Awards Ceremony. The amazing event took place at the Hawthorne Memorial Center, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00-2:30 pm. The celebration included a keynote speech, an outstanding music performance, and a delicious brunch.
“Favour is deceitful, beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
The Mother’s Day Brunch & Awards Ceremony was hosted by Pro Tem Katrina Manning and Councilwoman Angie Reyes English to honor & celebrate the incredible contributions of mothers in our community. The event is a way for the City of Hawthorne to say thank you for all you do, Mom. Your dedication and love do not go unnoticed, and today, the city of Hawthorne celebrates you with a heartwarming and memorable experience.
The Polaris Room of the Hawthorne Memorial Center was transformed into an elegant and luxurious ballroom. Credit Kim Rodgers the Balloon Decorator and Rosalyn Manley Collier Décor Designer and other volunteers for the splendid showcase of their creativity. Forgive me if I missed giving credit where credit is due.
The Polaris Room decorations were the ideal setting for the diverse, multicultural group of women gathered for a magical celebration in their honor. There are many people, who fill the role of mothers, biological mothers, grandmothers, Godmothers, stepmothers, mother-in-law’s, sisters, sister-in-law’s, aunts, cousins, and other caregivers.
DJ Michael Shell was on deck of the ones and twos, playing a selection of tracks to complement the festivities.
Ursula Moran, External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T, served as Mistress of Ceremony. Mrs. Moran welcomed everyone to the wonderful, unforgettable celebration, and acknowledged the sponsors and VIP guests in attendance.
Pro Tem Katrina Manning, Councilwoman Angie Reyes English, and City Manager, Vontray Norris delivered opening remarks.
An exciting program was the order of the day. The Invocation was recited by Trudy Brown, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dayna Williams Hunter, City Clerk.
Fesia Davenport and Pro Tem Katrina Manning, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Fesia Davenport, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles County delivered the impactful keynote speech. The crowd was captivated by her conversation with Pro Tem Katrina Manning. The conversation centered on her upbringing, her career journey as well as the responsibilities of her job. The keynote speech was followed by an engaging Q&A.
Jesse Campbell, Recording Artist and “The Voice” Contestant serenaded the crowd with his soulful, soothing vocal styling on several classic tracks to honor & celebrate the incredible contributions of mothers in the “City of Good Neighbors.” Jesse Campbell’s enchanting set list consisted of “What a Wonderful World” by Louie Armstrong, and “A Song for You,” originally recorded by Leon Russell. This timeless classic song was recorded by Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, and Betty Wright. Jesse Campbell also recorded the song with his distinct vocal touch. He continued with “A House is Not a Home,” by Luther Vandross, and concluded his crowd-pleasing set with “This Women’s Work,” by Maxwell.
Fesia Davenport and Jesse Campbell received a well-deserved standing ovation after their respective time in the spotlight.
City of Hawthorne Officials and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, (3rd from right), (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Betty Keel and Carolyn D. Ficklin were this year’s honorees. This year’s honorees were lavished with cheers and applause as their bios was read. Each received accolades and awards presented by Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, Pro Tem Katrina Manning, and Councilwoman Angie Reyes English. Additional awards were presented by Ara An, from the Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, presented by Councilwoman Angie Reyes English.
Dionne Phillips, D’Lashes.com and Pretty Fab Hair-Master Hair Stylist & Slay Educator were on site to engage with the community.
DJ Shell cranked up the sounds to get the party started at the end of the program. A great time was had by all and left with treasures and memories of the celebration.
