The fourth
annual ‘Gathering’ was held last month in Bremerton. The two day
event began on August 3 with a picnic at Pendergast Park, followed by a
social that evening at the Hickory House Restaurant. It concluded on
Sunday, August 4 with a spiritual gathering at Emmanuel Apostolic
Church.
At
Sunday’s spiritual gathering, 15 Bremerton residents were recognized
and presented with certificates for their longevity in the area.
Honorees included: Gladys Berteaux, Shirley Bonnet, Albert Colvin,
Nellie Draper, Walter L. Draper Sr., Eula Graham, Marie Greer, Elnora
Holland, Delsie Peebles, Gloria Sturdivant, Eliza Taylor, Emma Thomas,
Lillian Walker, Barbara Ward, and Tessie Williams.
The
spiritual event began with musical selections from the Emmanuel
Apostolic Church Praise Team and the Thomas Family Singers followed by
performances from the Mime Team and Mini-Mimers of the Silent Praise
group under the direction of Tovi Wilkins. Certificates were presented
by Danny Shedwin and the featured guest speaker was Linda Lloyd.
This
year’s event organizers were Paulette Graham and Phyllis Eagans-Molina.
According to Graham, the event’s originator, it was started four years
ago to bring together the remaining survivors of Sinclair Heights,
Bremerton’s African American neighborhood in the years after World War
II.
If you are interested in
volunteering for next year’s event or know of anyone that was not
recognized for their longevity, contact Graham at 206-775-5134.
click
here to see entire event photos
