IDOW Fall 2023 Newsletter : simplebooklet.com

International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop4 Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 Beloved Women of God: Be still and KNOW that I am God……Psalm 46:10 My prayer is that you are in a season of reverence and awe in response to the faithfulness of our Almighty God. He has been faithful to us during the tumult of pandemics, substantial loss, and a time of uncertainty. It is our stillness and trust in our Almighty Father that reveals to us His faithfulness. We have emerged and embraced a “new normal.” This season is an opportunity to reevaluate and reimagine the length and breadth of how we carry out the work of the Lord tasked to our hands. This transition towards a post pandemic era gives us the capacity to utilize technology and virtual spaces to expand our reach. My prayer is that you are inspired more than ever to utilize your individual gifts to bring glory to God in a desperate world. Gratefulness fills the Church of God in Christ- we are returning to our Jerusalem in November. We are praying for God’s glorious presence in every service, ancillary gatherings, and meetings. I am especially grateful to reconvene our Annual Women’s Day in-person. We will be installing Jurisdictional Supervisors, appointing Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisors and National Evangelists. Our prayers are continuously with our leader Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle Bishop J. Drew Sheard, First Lady Karen Clark Sheard, every member of the General Board and the entire leadership of our great church. We are remembering our Presiding Bishop and First Lady Blake emeritus and beloved General Supervisor Emerita, Mother Willie Mae Rivers. Thank You Dr. Grace Davis Harris Administrative Facilitator of Educational Initiatives and the Education Committee for your continued dedicated efforts towards excellence! I am serving to bring glory to my Father, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis General Supervisor BelovedWomen of God:But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9Holiness, Sanctication and the Pentecostal experience of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit continues to be our distinguishing principles. Holy women are beautiful…. astute, discerning, faithful and full of the love of Jesus. We are like trees planted by the rivers of water which bring forth fruit in our season. What a bright light for the world to see. ank God for the beauty of holiness. As we access the power of the Holy Spirit within, we will illuminate our surroundings. His power teaches us, guides us, comforts us, empowers, equips and enables us to make a dierence in this troubled world. We are still rejoicing as we reect upon another glorious Women’s International Convention. e International Department of Women continues to be a pillar in our great church and an inuential voice as we lift humanity everywhere. My prayer is that you are serving in some capacity of our great church, local church, district, and jurisdiction. Your gifts and talents are needed in a world full of desperate individuals who need to ll the void in their life. As you accept the challenge to serve, you will aect World Evangelism: Better Homes, Better Schools, Better Churches, Better Communities for a Better World!Our prayers are continuously with our leader Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle Bishop J. Drew Sheard, First Lady Karen Clark Sheard, every member of the General Board and the entire leadership of our great church. We are remembering our Presiding Bishop Emeritus and First Lady Blake and beloved General Supervisor Emerita, Mother Willie Mae Rivers.ank You Dr. Grace Davis Harris, Administrative Facilitator of Education as you oversee the multiple educational initiatives we oer to the female constituency of the Church of God in Christ. Dr. Gail Fulgham Weems, Chairperson of the Education Committee we commend your tremendous vision and innovative eorts towards a successful rally for the formation of the Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis Educational Endowment Fund. To every Education Committee member who contributed to the Morning Glory newsletter ank You. You are each the epitome of excellence! I love each of you with the Lord of the Lord Mother Barbara McCoo LewisGeneral Supervisor Beloved Women of God: Be still and KNOW that I am God……Psalm 46:10 My prayer is that you are in a season of reverence and awe in response to the faithfulness of our Almighty God. He has been faithful to us during the tumult of pandemics, substantial loss, and a time of uncertainty. It is our stillness and trust in our Almighty Father that reveals to us His faithfulness. We have emerged and embraced a “new normal.” This season is an opportunity to reevaluate and reimagine the length and breadth of how we carry out the work of the Lord tasked to our hands. This transition towards a post pandemic era gives us the capacity to utilize technology and virtual spaces to expand our reach. My prayer is that you are inspired more than ever to utilize your individual gifts to bring glory to God in a desperate world. Gratefulness fills the Church of God in Christ- we are returning to our Jerusalem in November. We are praying for God’s glorious presence in every service, ancillary gatherings, and meetings. I am especially grateful to reconvene our Annual Women’s Day in-person. We will be installing Jurisdictional Supervisors, appointing Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisors and National Evangelists. Our prayers are continuously with our leader Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle Bishop J. Drew Sheard, First Lady Karen Clark Sheard, every member of the General Board and the entire leadership of our great church. We are remembering our Presiding Bishop and First Lady Blake emeritus and beloved General Supervisor Emerita, Mother Willie Mae Rivers. Thank You Dr. Grace Davis Harris Administrative Facilitator of Educational Initiatives and the Education Committee for your continued dedicated efforts towards excellence! I am serving to bring glory to my Father, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis General Supervisor

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Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 5International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishope Women’s International Convention (WIC) Outreach Ministries kicked o the upcoming week of activities with “Praise in the Park” a lively community event with music, free food, clothes give away and free haircuts all while spreading the gospel and oering Christ to all in attendance. is year’s event was held at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center and was an undeniable blessing to many.Psalm 34:15 reads, “e eyes of the Lord are on the upon the righteous and His ears are open unto their cry.” e delegates of the 73rd WIC rose early in the morning on Monday to cry out to the Lord during the Pre-Convention Prayer and Consecration. Before the dawning of the day, hundreds of prayer warriors joined Mother Francis Kelley, National Prayer Ministry Co-Director, in the Cypress Room of the Orlando World Center Marriott, to oer praise and thanksgiving, intercede for others, and petition God for a tremendous move in this convention. e Lord met us and surely heard our cry!e pre-convention Gospel Music Explosion Monday evening was indeed a powerful night of high praise and worship that featured some of the nest musical artists in gospel today! With Dr. Sybil Finney serving as musical host, delegates were blessed by the sounds and songs from Norman Hutchins, Rizen, Markita Knight, and e Southeast Regional Mass Choir, under the direction of Dr. T Lynn Smith. It was truly a musical for the books! We are grateful for the anointed Evangelist Barbara Jackson Sago, WIC Choir and Musical Coordinator, whose gifting and dedication to “the work” delivered a stellar worship experience in preparation for the annual convention.Tuesday night is reserved for one the most auspicious events of the Women’s International Convention. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Mother Barabara McCoo-Lewis, General Supervisor, International Department of Women of the Church of God In Christ, delivered her Annual Address in a standing-room-only ballroom of delegates in white. It was truly a sight to behold! Following the moving sermonic selection, “e Goodness of God,” rendered by Dr. Rosiland Sanders Jones, our General Supervisor, Mother Lewis gracefully approached the podium, with a radiant anointing.Our General Mother’s rst order of business was to announce, alongside Mother Romanetha Stallworth of Kentucky, the creation of the Concerned Crusaders, which she describes as an assembled group of prayer warriors and licensed clinicians who are on standby to listen and hear, without judgment, the hearts of anyone in distress. e Concerned Crusaders are available via a hotline (800.201.6609). Mother Stallworth will serve as Coordinator of this initiative. Mother Lewis skillfully segued into her message, “Our Missions Are Possible,” the text taken from Zachariah 4:6. With excerpts from the book of Ezra, Mother gives the Old Testament an account of the rebuilding of a temple by Zerubbabel through the power of e Spirit. Our Mother expounded on the works and characteristics of the Holy Spirit and that it is the greatest gift! She explained that today, as it was in the days of Zerubbabel, God does not depend on human resources for His glory to be revealed—it is the power of e Spirit to complete God’s vision. “Man’s weakness is no hindrance to God, nor is his strength an aid to God; He works His purpose by His Spirit,” Mother Lewis declared. “Our suciency is of God and God wants to use His people. Each one of us also has a specic, distinct, unique mission designated for us to accomplish!” Mother assured her daughters that their God-ordained mission enables them to operate with ease but reminded them that the Holy Ghost is needed in all facets of life. She encouraged her daughters to move in the boldness of the Holy Ghost. “Women of God,” she exclaimed, “You’ve got the power!!” (continued from p.2)

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International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop6 Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1Our Sainted Mother made it clear that the Holy Ghost will guide us. She urged all under the sound of her voice to develop an authentic relationship with e Spirit and to utilize that relationship in every area of our lives. Mother Lewis armed that the Holy Ghost gives us strategies to help us on the job, help with raising children, and help in our marriages. She continued that the Holy Ghost gives us creative ideas for entrepreneurship, businesses, and ministries. Mother Lewis provided specic examples by the leading of the Holy Ghost: programs, initiatives, and support groups were developed to support women of all walks of life make their mission possible. She emphatically proclaimed that the Holy Ghost will make the Lizzie Woods Robinson Project become a reality!Finally, our beloved Mother Lewis, aectionately calling her daughters queens, let us know that the Holy Ghost helps us with our shortcomings and everyday life. She counseled us to simply let the Holy Ghost operate in our lives, and to listen and obey. If we follow these instructions, Our Missions Are Possible!“e Promise of Milk & Honey” On Wednesday evening, Supervisor Barbara Bryant, IDOW Administrative Facilitator, PR & Marketing, and Supervisor, Southern California First Jurisdiction, set the conference ablaze with an uplifting message entitled “e Promise of Milk and Honey.” “Which Mission: Title or Towel?”Fanning the ames from Wednesday, Evangelist Maxine Kershaw, Ed. D, of South Carolina, kept the Holy Ghost re burning on ursday, delivering the thought-provoking message, “Which Mission: Title or Towel?”“e Christian’s Warfare”Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop J. Drew Shearde conference concluded on Friday, its Ocial Night, during which we honored and received the Word of God from our Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Taking his text from II Corinthians 10:4, Bishop Sheard delivered the sermon, “e Christian’s Warfare.” Our Bishop reminded the delegates of the WIC that we are in a war that must be fought every day. He emphasized that this war isn’t normal, but oxymoronic – “Our warfare is divine and not diabolical. It’s a holy war, based on righteousness,” he contended. “is war is a blessed war.” He continued that because of the nature of this war, our weapons are dramatically dierent – our weapons are not carnal or of this world. “Carnal weapons are no use, in this war,” Bishop Sheard maintained. “Philosophical, intellectual reason is of no use!” Our Chief Apostle explained that our weapons are the truths of the gospel, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. Bishop Sheard further expounded that there is not only a war to stop the spread of the gospel but also to stop us as soldiers of the gospel. In such conditions, our bishop armed that the seal of faith is a requirement and a crucial element for our Christian walk. He encouraged us to “hold on,” and not be weary because God is not slack concerning His Promise. “Fight on!”Other featured events of the 73rd Women’s International Convention included the Annual Benet Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the International Executive Board, the highly recommended, Women in Leadership Conference, the 2-day, two-track Empowerment Workshops, Auxiliaries, Bands & Units Training Session, daily Sunshine Band and Purity Classes, and the always auspicious President’s Luncheon. Premiering this year was the candid, interactive, and inspiring Mother & Daughter Session hosted by First Lady Karen Clark Sheard and daughter Kierra Sheard Kelly. is year also marked the First Annual Charity Golf Tournament in which our General Supervisor, Mother Barbara McCoo-Lewis participated with celebrities including actor/comedian Chris Tucker and NFL Hall of Famer, Tim Brown. And to think, this is just a partial listing!

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Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 7International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding BishopThe IDOW Annual Executive Board Prayer Breakfast is held annually on Tuesday morning during the International Women’s Convention. e Prayer Breakfast is the opening service of the Convention, and it is so powerful and anointed that it has become one of the main highlights of the convention. To generate revenue for the Board, God placed the idea of a benet prayer breakfast on the heart of the late Supervisor, Mother Edith L. McGrew; thus, the Executive Board Benet Prayer Breakfast ensued. It was incorporated into the 50th International Women’s Convention in 2000. Today, it has expanded to attract Christian women and men from around the nation and the world, whogather to pray and reect on faith. As you enter the Grand Ballroom, there is a spirit of excitement in the air. Friends hug and greet each other. A spirit of anticipation of what God is going to do hangs in the atmosphere. is event has become so popular that the tickets have sold out! e anointing of the Holy Ghost is always evident during our Annual Executive Board Prayer Breakfast as anointed minstrels sing and dynamic leaders pray for the needs in our lives: World Evangelism, Better Homes, Better Schools, Better Communities for a Better World. Reservations will be available in early January 2024. Make sure that you see your Jurisdictional Supervisor for more information and to purchase your tickets so that you will not miss this auspicious gathering. We salute our General Supervisor, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, as well as our International Executive Board President, Mother Mary K. Sims. “We Progress With Team Eort” (1 Cor. 12:14-26) and we thank God for our great team, the Committee Members of the Executive Board Prayer Breakfast are: Mother Mary B. Tucker, Chairperson, Mother Mary E. Barnes, Mother Carolyn Galbraith, Mother Jerrine Montague Hicks, Mother Mary Jean McGraw, Mother Maddaline A. Noreet, Mother Patricia D. Lofton.ANNUAL EXECUTIVE BOARD BENEFIT PRAYER BREAKFAST

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Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 9International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop Dr. Lawanne’ S. Grant and District Missionary Felicia Sanders coordinate the eorts of a dynamic team responsible for ensuring that the delegates experience a warm, welcoming, and invigorating atmosphere. e workshops provided cater to diverse women, addressing both natural and spiritual needs, thus making this platform a vital part of the Women’s International Convention. Topics included education, healthcare, legal advice, entrepreneurship, nances, social etiquette, ministry development, women’s outreach, technology, and family dynamics. ese informative sessions yielded the opportunity for networking and comprehensive support from spirit-lled believers. e 41 workshop presenters were highly skilled and well-equipped to share valuable techniques and strategies to help attendees successfully navigate their respective elds of ministry and business. e survey responses illuminated that those in attendance left the workshops feeling motivated, equipped, and empowered. e statistical data conrmed that Holy Women had been Commissioned for the Mission, proving that OUR MISSION is MADE POSSIBLE. ousands of delegates took home the 144-page Empowerment Workshop Manual with all workshop outlines, giving them the tools to share with women in their respective Jurisdictions, Districts, and Local Churches. e impact of the WIC Empowerment Workshops was profound. e knowledge and inspiration gained from the sessions will undoubtedly aid women in navigating and excelling in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. is innovative and cutting-edge arm of ministry continues to serve as a beacon of support, fostering growth and empowerment among women in the Church of God in Christ and beyond. WIC EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS

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Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 11International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding BishopAfrican Americans and other Communities of Color have historically experienced disparities in healthcare. Disparities in health care occur when the following are absent: 1. Culturally based care 2. Culturally sensitive providers 3. Adequate and appropriate screening tools 4. Access to care 5. Aordability of care 6. Adequate health insuranceBlack and Brown women can often report dierences in their healthcare that transcend economics or social statusand seem to be related to systemic racism. In other words, a sister’s level of education or her net worth might not determine the quality of medical care that she receives.One area of disparity is in the realm of gyn cancer care. Across the healthcare spectrum,womentypically present with certain types of GYN cancers. ese cancers appear more noticeable and tend to be more aggressive in some minority communities. For example, the American Cancer Society has noted a 42% higher death rate in African American women with breast cancer as compared to their white counterparts with the same illness. In minority communities, being diagnosed at a later stage could imply delayed or absent screening,therefore a worse prognosis, and increased morbidity and mortality. Poor access to care can be visible in increased post-operative morbidity as well. For example, within the African American community,there exists a higher incidence of lymphedema when lymph nodes are removed in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, resulting in interference with lymphatic drainage. e gyn cancers most prevalent in US women are Cervical, Endometrial, Ovarian, and Breast cancer. Except for ovarian, which has a lower incidence in black women, these cancers have a similar incidence across all races but an increased death rate in African American communities.Elder Christopher Mark Allen, MDHOW DO WE CHANGE THE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE?Sensitivity to the needs of minority communities: Healthcare providers often look nothing like and have no real connection to the communities they serve. eir language, culture, and sensibilities are often dierent from those of the people they care for. A black provider in an African American community can encourage more relaxed and transparent communication with patients.Patient Education: e importance of being informed about one’s health care cannot be emphasized enough. Women should read and listen to health news. ey should make a list of concernsandquestions to their health visits. e provider is there to answer questions, and to educate.Aordable healthcare: Many healthcare insurance options exist. Women should be intentional and committed to nding the health care plan that will t their needs.Being heard: Studies have acknowledged a tradition in medicine that seems to slight the complaints of black females and so their symptoms go unchecked or are deemed unreliable. ese patients will refrain from mentioning new symptoms because the providers are going to ignore their complaints anyway. Black women should not be afraid to speak up or to seek a second medical opinion when they are dissatised with the rapport they have established with their provider and his/ her sta.Staying on top of one’s own health. 1. Early screening may thwart future intervention2. Do clinical breast exams and mammograms (Breast screening), 3. Follow PAP and biannual exam recommendations (Cervix and ovarian screening) 4. Investigate any abnormal uterine bleeding (Endometrium screening).(Source: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologistshttps://www.acog.org › products Patient Education).DISPARITIES IN HEALTHCARE

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International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop12 Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT MISSIONARY UNIT SALUTES FOR OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICEThe Bible states it well in Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Under the leadership of Dr. Roberson, many “First Ever” events and/or notable have occurred. On March 19, 2023, Supervisor Bettie Petterson and the Women’s Department - Colorado Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction honored District Missionary Louvenia Craft during her Sacred Service of Emeritizing. District Missionary Craft has served as a District Missionary for over forty (40) years. is was truly a “First Time” event. Mother Craft has worked at the National level, with both Dr. Rosella Burks and the current President, Dr. Noma Roberson. She will continue to serve as a member of the IDMU Advisory Board. Her wisdom and support are a priceless asset to the Unit. is celebration would not have been complete without the presence and support of Dr. Noma Roberson, who was the keynote speaker for the occasion. She delivered a profound message with words of wisdom for District Missionary Louvenia Craft and the new District Missionary Designee, Christeen Chapman, to whom the Baton was passed. Together, we celebrated a most signicant and historical event in the faith journey of the local church (Campbell Memorial COGIC), the Central District, and the Colorado Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Photos cannot adequately capture the essence of this event, for it was truly an awesome in-person experience. Dr. Roberson was accompanied by two members of her leadership team, during this special event: AS Dorothy Preston and DM Norma Jean Smith. Mother Craft was presented with a beautiful plaque from the International District Missionary Unit. Evangelist Lillie Green Smith is saved, holy ghost lled, and has been a member of the Church of God in Christ for over 54 years, serving in the Central Georgia/South Central Georgia Jurisdiction, now under the leadership of Bishop Norman O. Harper and Supervisor, Dr. Gloria Johnson Rodgers. After serving as Christian Education Coordinator for the women’s department for over 20 years, she was elevated by Bishop Harper and appointed as Coordinator of Leadership Training for the South-Central Georgia Jurisdiction. She also serves on the International Department of Women Education Committee. Evangelist Smith graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia, with a B.S.Ed. She completed graduate work at the University of West Georgia obtaining an MEd (Middle Grades), MEd (Elementary Education), a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision. Along with degrees in these areas, she also holds certications in Gifted Education and Educational Leadership. She is retired from the Coweta County School System in Newnan, Georgia after 31 years, as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, high school principal, System Sta Development Director, Testing Director, Media Services Coordinator, Middle Grades Language Arts Director, and Director of Student Transportation. Evangelist Smith is very civic-minded and is active in her community. She volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children (CASA) and works with the Coweta County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) in helping children in the foster care program. She is the past president of the Coweta County Library Board of Trustees, past president of the Newnan Civitan Club, and presently serves on the Coweta FERST Readers Board, which provides free books to children monthly from birth until age 5 when they enter kindergarten. She is an advisor on the Newnan Youth Activities Commission in Newnan, Georgia, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Coweta County African American Heritage Museum, Research Center, and Farmer Street Enslaved African American Cemetery. Evangelist Smith resides in Newnan, Georgia. She is married to Rev. Willie G. Smith, who is retired from the US Army, and a recently retired pastor after 44 years in ministry. ey have ve children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.EDUCATION COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHTEvangelist LillieGreenSmithDistrict Missionary Louvenia Craft

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Fall 2023 | Volume 13, Issue 1 13International Department of Women Church of God in Christ | Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor | Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding BishopA LEGACY OF EDUCATION:IDOW GENERAL SUPERVISORS’ SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUNDOn January 28, 2023, Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis kicked o the IDOW’s Scholarship Endowment campaign. e goal of the campaign was to garner $100,000 in scholarship support for our youth. Because of the extraordinary support of the Department of Women, Mother Lewis was blessed to not only meet the goal but surpass it! e IDOW has forged a legacy for our youth matriculating at colleges and universities by developing and granting over $25,000 in the following scholarships in May 2023 during the International Women’s Convention:e IDOW Scholarship Endowment will be held in perpetuity and invested to provide a stable funding source for scholarships for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed. Opportunities are still available to contribute.Current ways of giving to the IDOW Endowment Fund are: Givelify: International Department of Women COGIC or mail check/money order to IDOW Scholarship Endowment Fund Attn: Dr. Gail Fulgham Weems, Chair of IDOW Endowment Fund P.O. Box 16969, Jackson, MS 39236CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS$100,376TO THE IDOW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDElizabeth Woods Robinson “Trailblazer” ScholarshipLillian Brooks Coffey “Dreamer” ScholarshipMother Annie L. Bailey “Excelsior” ScholarshipMother Mattie M. McClothen “Business“ ScholarshipMother Emma F. Crouch “Service” ScholarshipMother Willie Mae Rivers “Legacy” ScholarshipMother Barbara McCoo Lewis“Graduate Innovator” ScholarshipIDOWEndowedScholarships

IDOW Fall 2023 Newsletter

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