April 2024 Luncheon: Renowned Educator Dr Johnnetta Betsch Cole

Dr. Johnetta Cole, renowned Black leader,

To discuss American Beach at April18 luncheon  

Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole

          Renowned educator and social activist Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Newcomers Club luncheon Thursday, April 18, 11:30 a.m., at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road. She will discuss American Beach’s history, recent activities and future plans, as well as other topics.
          Dr. Cole was awarded the 2021 National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden. A scholar, anthropologist and academic pace-setter, her pioneering work about the ongoing contributions of Afro-Latin, Caribbean and African communities have advanced American understanding of Black culture. She has a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and master's and doctoral degrees in anthropology. She spent two years in Liberia, West Africa, for her dissertation field research in anthropology and later taught at four colleges where she helped develop African studies programs.
          In 1987 she was named the first African American woman as president of Spelman College and later as president of Bennett College, making her the only person to serve as president of both historically Black colleges for women in the United States.  She served as director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and as president of the National Council of Negro Women.                    There will be a social half-hour beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by a buffet lunch at noon.  Our luncheons are open to members who may also register one male guest, and to non-member males who are considering joining the club.

          The Club expects all attendees to be fully vaccinated from COVID 19. 

          To register for the meeting, click on the register box nearby. The Club has a capacity of 100 for lunch. Once registrations have reached that limit, a waiting list will be maintained. 

          Cost to attend the luncheon is $22 which can be paid by credit card when registering (click “Pay online”), or by clicking “Invoice me” and sending a check to MNC PO Box 16291, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 making sure it arrives by April 13. Given the 100-person limit for in-person attendance, members’ registrations not paid by then will be cancelled to make room for waitlisted members.