FranklinIs Connected

12th Annual Black Tie Affair

12th Annual Black Tie Affair

The African American Heritage Society’s 12th Annual Black Tie Affair will be held on Friday, Feb. 1st, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs and the organization is pleased to announce recording artist, author and American Idol Finalist Melinda Doolittle is serving as its honorary chairperson for this exciting event. Melinda is a proud resident of Williamson County and according to her spokesperson, “Miss Doolittle is pleased and honored to serve in this capacity with the African American Heritage Society. It is vital that we support the community and preserve our rich local history, particularly during this symbolic month of February.” Melinda will be leading the black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the audience will have the opportunity to sing along with Melinda. The African American Heritage Society is honored that Melinda wants to give back to the local community.

The Black Tie Affair is a fundraiser that supports the McLemore House Museum; home of former slave Harvey McLemore, who built the home as a free man and which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The event also supports the African American Heritage Society, whose mission is to chronicle the lives and contributions African Americans have made in our community. The theme for this event is on the “History of African American Churches in Williamson County” and is sponsored by Williamson Medical Center.

Social hour for the “Black Tie Affair” begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar; the program begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. Annual awards will be presented to individuals in six categories, education, business, civic, communication, religion and organization. Theme awards will be given and sponsors will be recognized and given awards. Another segment of the program is to give awards and certificates to a Pioneer Family in Williamson County. To receive this designation the family roots have to be traced back to the 1850s and beyond from Williamson County Records. The family for this year is the Perkins Jordan family, of which many descendents are still living in Williamson County today on property he purchased as an ex-slave. Immediately following the program, there will be music and dancing by Julius Fisher and the Genius Band until 11:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at this time. Individual tickets are 50.00 per person or $500.00 for a table of 10. As usual, the attendance will be great and tickets sell out fast so guests are urged to purchase tickets early. Seating will be arranged according to when tables are completed and paid. For ticket information, please contact Table Host Chair, Paulette Johnson at 615-243-7751. Last date to purchase tickets is 1-27-13. There will also be the 4th Annual Proc’s Amateur Show, the pre- Black Tie Event, at Johnson Elem. Sc., 815 Glass Ln. at 6:00 p.m., on January 19, 2013. Admission to that event is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for 18 and under; children five and under are free. New this year: Moe Better BBQ & Fish will be selling food. The actual show will still begin at 6:00 doors but doors will open at 5:15 so guests can have dinner before the show. Food will also be available during the show.