Florence Section NCNW Celebrates Harambee Festival 2023

The Florence Section National Council of Negro Women celebrated the Harambee Festival Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Floyd Conference Center in Florence, South Carolina.
The meaning of Harambee means “All Pull Together” in Kenya’s national language, Swahili. It is the nation's official motto and it appears on the country’s flag. It represents a concept of placing the group before the individual. For Kenyans, Harambee represents an unwritten law of generosity regardless of class, ethnic group, gender, or religious background.

The Florence Section National Council of Negro Women has always paid homage to that vision.

In attendance was the honorable mayor, Teresa Myers Ervin, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Florence to the honorees: Rev Marcus Simmons, founder of My Brother’s Keeper in Florence, and Cheryl Lewis, STEM Education Coordinator for the annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival held in Florence.

The audience was treated to a special portrayal of the life and legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by professional actress/storyteller Carolyn Evans. The keynote speaker of the event was Doris Lockhart, owner of Spherion Staffing Services and Co-Owner of MiLadies182 Boutique in Downtown Florence.

The theme of the festival was, “The Thread of Community Service & Family.”

Modestine Samuel, President of the Florence Section National Council of Negro Women, thanks the community for supporting the event and gives thanks to the executive committee of the Florence Section NCNW along with chairperson Crishell Johnson.