39th Annual ABWP Benefit Event Was A Smashing Success Copyright ©, Los Angeles Sentinel. Used with Permission
Undaunted by the current pandemic, the 39th Annual Charity and Scholarship Benefit presented by the Association of Black Women Physicians( ABWP) maintained its anticipated aura of class and sophistication. The event paid tribute to the work of pioneering and modern-day black female physicians while conveying the all-important values of professionalism and community service.
The event, produced by Splendid Affairs, Inc., featured outstanding creative and technical work by video producer First Option Entertainment Film Works. The producers took full advantage of the potential of video to simulate an in-person live program with a hybrid mix of on-camera narrative and performance, and pre-recorded appearances by notables including key corporate sponsors, high-profile Black elected officials, scholarship recipients, and awardees.
In its 39th year of celebration, the various members of the ABWP demonstrated the wide range of achievements amassed over the years collectively as an organization, as well as highlighting individual member merit. The innovative videoconferencing format showcased the organization’ s mission and vision to great success. Even the hard work of soliciting donations was delivered with class.
The cast of on-camera talent was quite impressive and demonstrated that this soiree has developed into a significant high wattage event through the collaborative work of the members. KABC7’ s Leslie Sykes served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Up and coming recording artist MAJOR performed a tribute to the scholarship winners. The array of elected officials including Kamala Harris, Karen Bass, Maxine Waters, and Mark Ridley-Thomas demonstrated in their remarks and congratulatory letters how much ABWP’ s deep commitment to success attained in one of the most difficult – and vital- of all professions really means.
Fifty women physicians founded ABWP in 1982 as a collective interested in career development and community service, and to recognize the unmistakable value of sisterhood and legacy-building. As was noted throughout the evening, ABWP has grown to approximately 500 members who share strong and enduring relationships within the medical community and allied institutions.
Communities of color with well-recognized health disparities, including hypertension, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, HIV / AIDS and cancer receive ABWP’ s on-going attention through four signature programs. The Sister-to- Sister Mentoring Program matches medical students with caring physicians who guide these future doctors along their pre-medical and medical education journey. The Speakers’ Bureau provides the expertise of physicians to community organizations The annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit raises money for community programs, providing scholarships to outstanding medical students of color who face tremendous financial challenges and burdens in the pursuit of their careers. The fourth signature program is The Advocacy Committee that promotes significant public health initiatives.
A virtual Silent Auction displayed cultural artwork commissioned by Dianne Shannon-Young. Various ABWP members extolled the virtues of the organization as reason for giving. There were also personal testimonies from past scholarship recipients, now current members of the organization. Sponsors included an array of highly visible businesses and community entities who recognized the importance of being counted as a friend of the organization. Selected virtual program book sponsors were recognized in the video sponsor montage that played prior to the event’ s opening and at various points during the event. Donor cultivation was subtle, not heavy-handed.
ABWP members 2020-21 Scholarship Recipients
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 20