Showcase to recognize women for contributions to community

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 28—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — This celebration will honor women for their achievements and contributions to the community.

The African American Heritage Society Inc. will sponsor its Style & Grace Women's Showcase from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Bottle Works, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The event will celebrate Women's History Month and recognize women of color.

"I wanted to make sure that we celebrate Women's History Month, but I also wanted to highlight the contributions that the women of color in Johnstown have made to the Cambria County area," said Mercedes Barnette, event coordinator. "I also want to use it as a way where we can all network and inspire each other, and make it one powerful event."

She said last year's inaugural event was well-received by the public.

"It went very well, and it inspired me to do this annually," Barnette said.

"This year, we reached out to last year's winning honorees and we had them each nominate two individuals in two different categories — 50 and over and under 50. This year, we wanted to expand it and highlight everybody no matter what their age. If they make significant contributions to the area, have at least 10 years in their specified field and are a positive figure to the community, I wanted to make sure that they're being acknowledged."

Honorees in the 50 and over category are Ida Johnson, Cheryl Fisher, Karen Brandon and Theresa Jones.

Women in the under 50 category include Crystal Andrews, Melody Tisinger, Mellanie M. McDowell and Gwen Msolomba.

"They are all phenomenal women," Barnette said. "They are very inspiring and a lot of the work that they're doing can sometimes be missed, so I want to make sure their work is appreciated and it's out for the public to see what it is that they do and how they contribute."

The public is invited to vote for one nominee in each category by emailing their selections to stylegraceshowcase@gmail.com through March 23.

Winners will be announced at the showcase.

"We're going to award plaques to the top two in each category, but we're going to celebrate all the women that day," Barnette said.

In addition, the showcase will recognize Oliva Rowe with the Trailblazer Award.

"She was the first African American coal miner in Johnstown," Barnette said.

The event also will feature light refreshments, speakers, entertainment, merchandise vendors and works created by women of color. There also will be a recognition of Black churches in the area.

Proceeds will benefit the African American Heritage Society Inc.

"We hope this achieves unity, and it's open to public for everybody to attend," Barnette said.

Sponsorships and vendor opportunities are available.

For more information or to order tickets, email stylegraceshowcase@gmail.com.