FAR WESTERN REGION
Forever Fascinating at Far Western ' s First Virtual Regional Conference
The 92nd Far Western Regional Conference themed “ Forever Fascinating ” was held virtually from March 11-14 , 2021 . Faced with the reality that her first regional conference would be virtual , Far Western Regional Director , Soror Shelby D . Boagni postponed the 2021 in-person conference that was scheduled to take place in Seattle Washington , and appointed Soror Tifara Monroe to serve as the 92nd Far Western Regional Conference Chairman . Over a four-month period , Soror Tifara led the Far Western Regional team to plan the first-ever virtual regional conference . On March 11 , the team welcomed a record-breaking 2,000 members .
The Far Western Region comprises nine states and is the home of technology , innovation , and Hollywood . To showcase the diversity of talent and resources in the Region , Soror Boagni commissioned a customized conference platform designed and developed by Soror Allison Comrie and Soror Katia Jones , two members of the Regional Technology team led by Soror Jean Giggers . The Forever Fascinating Hotel was a visually explosive , interactive multi-room conference platform that included a lobby , auditorium , concert hall , exhibit hall , Circle of Excellence awards room , jewelry store , delegate room and lounge .
The opening plenary session began with a beautifully executed Gavel Ceremony for Soror Boagni by the former Far Western Regional Directors . First Supreme Anti-Basileus , Soror Danette Anthony Reed introduced Madam Supreme
Basileus , Soror Glenda Glover who delivered a riveting State of the Sorority report . Our jewels were honored by 29th Supreme Basileus , Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson who led the Diamond , Pearl , Golden and Silver Soror celebration . The Legacy Parade was like none other as 25th Supreme Basileus , Soror Norma Solomon White provided a history of the Sorority ’ s Legacy provision and the importance of legacy families in the Sorority .
One of the stand-out events of this year ' s conference was the Public Meeting themed " Representation Matters : Called to Serve , Called to Lead , Called to Inspire ." This meeting was complete with a masterfully arranged rendition of the Black National Anthem “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” performed by the Far Western Regional Chorus and directed by Soror Susan Price . Supreme Grammateus , Soror Chelle Luper Wilson brought an inspirational meditation , and the keynote address was delivered by activist LaTosha Brown ( Black Voters Matter ), who shared her powerful experience turning Georgia blue in the 2020 Presidential election . The Far Western Region was proud to honor five outstanding leaders from across the region who lead , serve and inspire others : Soror Rachel Scott , ABC News Congressional Correspondent , United States Congresswoman Barbara Lee , Aaron Ford , Attorney General of the State of Nevada , and entrepreneurs and franchise owners Clint and Deanna Lewis .
The Public Meeting was immediately followed by a Townhall and Reception themed , " Representation Matters : The State of Black Lives ," featuring award-winning journalist , Roland Martin , who moderated a panel of Divine Nine and historically black community organization leaders . At the Reception , sorors
were greeted by Cedric the Entertainer and DL Hughley and danced the night away to the sounds of Los Angeles based DJ , Mr . Quick .
The “ Fascination ” Closing Gala was illuminated by stellar entertainment and celebrity guests . Actor Keith David ( Greenleaf ) was truly fascinating as the announcer , Soror Lynn Whitfield delivered a " soaring " keynote speech , Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi , performed a complete set including her hit song " Pieces of Me .” And Jazz-band DW3 wowed with classics from the Isley Brothers , Bruno Mars .
Soror engagement was at an all-time high throughout the conference as members proudly observed the virtual attire guidelines , donning pink and green , regional scarves and glamorous gowns while enjoying the conference themed photo booth . Sorors were delighted with the conference gift of a pink and green mask to match the regional scarf .
The virtual 92nd Far Western Regional Conference closed on Sunday , March 14 , with a Memorial Service , Ecumenical Service and a soul stirring EAF Gospel Concert that included greetings from gospel great Erica Campbell and performances by Nicoe “ Nikki ” Potts and Lena Byrd Miles .
" The Forever Fascinating Regional Conference was the actualization of innovation , ingenuity , distinctive talent , and sisterly love ," said Soror Boagni .
28 I vyL eaf ® Spring 2021 Centennial edition