Annual Richard Allen School Gala held

Eunice Richardson, center, receives a letter from President Barack Obama, extolling her outstanding service to the community, presented by board President Jane Hovington. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS

Deny Howeth

February 16, 2017

Board of Directors President Jane Hovington and Gov. John Carney chat before the ceremonies begin at the Richard Allen Coalition Gala.

Gov. John Carney and Diaz Bonville discuss the Richard Allen Coalition.

Estelle Parker-Selby, left, Ruth Briggs-King, R-Georgetown, and J. Cagney France chat during the Richard Allen Coalition Gala.

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Masons of Delaware were in attendance showing support for the Richard Allen Coalition. (l-r) Past Master Freddie Williams Past Master John E. Williams Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Nathaniel Earl Williams Past Master William Duffy (rear) Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden Everett Lewis Jr. Bro. Ralph Harmon (rear) Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Isacce Morris Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Kelvin L. Harmon (rear) Most Worshipful Grand Master Frederick A. Duffy Most Worshipful Past Grand Master James R. Fitzgerald Jr. (rear) Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Solomon Henry Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden Arlington C. Bey (rear) Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Franklin S. Chandler Sr.

Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth, left, Rehoboth Beach Commisioner Kathy McGuiness and Estelle Parker-Selby pose for a photo before the evening begins.

Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf joins Board of Directors President Jane Hovington during the Richard Allen Coalition Gala.

Master of Ceremonies Diaz Bonville welcomes Gov. John Carney to the event.

Jocelyn and Jeremiah Abbott follow along in a song during dinner.

Board members Ptery Iris, left and Harry Crapper join each other in a song called “There is a Balm in Gilead.”

Bishop Roland Mifflin from Power and Love Outreach Ministry in Dagsboro holds up a copy of "From Crossroads to County Seat” from the Georgetown Historical Society. Mifflin said: "This book shares some of the things we used to go through; they used to have a whipping post in Georgetown; they hanged people in Georgetown; these are the things we were part of. We couldn't go and sit down like everybody else, but because of a grand family, we were told a good name is better than riches." He talked about the community that surrounded all the children who attended the school.

Buffalo Soldiers M/C club attended the gala in support of the Richard Allen Coalition.

Christy Taylor, left, and Stephanie Shelton perform musical selections during the gala.

Richard Allen School Alumni were honored with commendations from the House of Representatives signed by Ruth Briggs-King. Shown seated (l-r) are Marian Abbott Thomas, Eunice Richardson, Clara Ingram, Marie Melvin, Evelyn Ingram and Alva Bell. In back are Vivian Burton accepting the commendation for her mother, Frances Phillips, the Rev. Eugene Abbott, Diaz Bonville, Harry Crapper, Solomon Henry, and Jane Hovington, board president.

The Richard Allen Coalition celebrated with hundreds of supporters Feb. 4 at the CHEER Center in Georgetown. Civic, business and religious leaders of the community joined together to celebrate and contribute to the mission of the coalition to create a cultural, civic and educational center. The evening began with recognition of board members, elected officials and alumni before dinner while musical selections and dance programs by God’s Small Wonders from Mt. Zion Church were performed. After dinner, board President Jane Hovington discussed the missions and goals of the Richard Allen Coalition. Elected officials in attendance were Gov. John Carney, Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, R-Georgetown, and Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, along with Georgetown Town Manager Gene Dvornick.

The Richard Allen School in Georgetown, which opened in 1920, was one of the schools built for the African-American community. When schools were integrated, the school became part of the Indian River School District.

Annual Richard Allen School Gala held

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