By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. was graced with the presence of extraordinary women whose dedication to ministerial excellence has left an indelible mark on their communities on Dec. 1. Aptly named “The Unsung She-roes Awards,” the event was aimed at honoring 24 “dynamic” and “trailblazing” women with “an evening of elegance,” according to information released by organizers.
Rev. Dorothy Boulware, an award-winning AFRO journalist and editor, has joyfully served at the AFRO American Newspapers for more than 20 years, evolving from a reporter to the managing editor of the 131-year-old publication. Boulware currently serves the publication as special projects editor, and her work has been recognized by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the Baltimore Association Black Journalists (BABJ) and the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia (MDDC) Press Association. She has also received the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference Spirit Award for Outstanding Journalism.
“Dr. Susan ‘Sujay’ Johnson Cook has been a champion of the Black Press for all the years I’ve known her, and to have her call my name is a supreme honor,” Boulware said in awe of the Unsung Sheroes honor. “Her belief in excellence and her specific focus on women makes all of us feel special and even more determined to be light wherever we’re planted.”
Boulware’s passion for authoring faith-based texts led her to publish “Keep Walking in Prayer…Until You Can’t Come Back,” in 2016. Since then, she has authored seven more books, coached budding writers and made significant contributions to the worlds of ministry and journalism.
Notable in the crowd were the Soul Sisters, Selah Sisters, BWIM Sisters, clergy colleagues, women in ministry, trailblazers, history makers, community partners, lay and ordained individuals, all gathered to honor those who have made significant impacts in the realm of ministry.
The highlight of the gala was the recognition and celebration of outstanding individuals who have excelled in various aspects of ministry. The list of honorees included Reverend Dr. Seretta Washington; Reverend Dr. Angela Johnson; Dr. Angel White; Dr. Elizabeth Rios; E. Paulette Sheffield; Reverend Alberta Ware; Reverend Salena Perry; Reverend Minnie Washington; Elizabeth Murray; Reverend Dr. Jennell Riddick; Reverend Cynthia J. Terry; Reverend Dr. Anita Gould; Delle Banks; Reverend Annie Darden; Reverend Sheryl Smith; Reverend Althea Pond; Ref Marjorie Duncan Reed; Elder Joyce Ridgeway; Dr. Autumn Wilson; Dr. Barbara E. Austin Lucas; Dr. Jacquelyn Hadnot; Reverend Lettie Carr; Eileen Frank and the esteemed Boulware.
Adelle M. Banks, projects editor and national reporter at Religion News Service, shared her gratitude for the recognition of her media coverage. In her words, “It is women in those roles, along with others, who have helped me in my decades of journalism…often focused on religion and race in general and Black women faith leaders in particular.”
Rev. Alberta Ware, a seasoned minister with over 20 years of professional experience in the field, was another “She-roe” honored for making her mark with notable achievements, leadership qualities and a profound impact on her community. Ware’s dedication to her calling is evident in her diverse roles, including serving as the director of church and community mobilization at The Balm in Gilead in New York. She has also contributed significantly to the South Side Unity Center of Christianity in Chicago, first as an assistant pastor and later as the pastor since 1997.
Currently a prominent figure at Christ Universal Temple in Chicago, Ware plays a vital role in teaching people how to live better lives through the renewing of their minds, guided by the church’s mission found in Romans 12:2.
“The experience was amazing,” said Ware, of the 15 individuals who joined her at the ceremony–some who flew in from Chicago and New York, showcasing the impact Rev. Ware has had on the lives of others. “It was so fulfilling to also have 15 people there to celebrate with me.”
