The Selma – Dallas County Chamber of Commerce held its premier “Little Black Dress Gala” Tuesday night at ArtsRevive.

The event served as a celebration of women who shape the Selma – Dallas County community.

“2020 will be the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Smedly. “With that coming up, we decided to honor the women here in Selma – Dallas County.”

Smedley said that the Chamber formed a committee to select nine women to be awarded for their achievement.

Smedley said the women selected are from all different walks of life, each of whose contributions have shaped the community in a unique way.

Though the women all serve the community in different ways, Smedley said that the one thing they all have in common is their sense of servitude.

“They’re servants,” she said.

Dallas County Extension Coordinator Callie Nelson served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, introducing each recipient and telling them, “you are unique and deserving of this award.”

Cicely Curtis, Principal of R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy, was the recipient of the Excellence in Education Award. 

Thomasine Johnson, Secretary Treasurer of the Michael Johnson 93-90 Foundation, was the recipient of the Community Impact Award.

Dare Justice, Secretarial Receptionist with the Dallas County Board of Education, was the recipient of the Service Star Award.

Felicia Lucky, President of the Black Belt Community Foundation, was the recipient of the Game Changer Award.

Betty Miller, Secretary, Treasurer, Cremationist and Preneed Analyst of Randall Miller Funeral Service, Inc., was the recipient of the Women of Business award.

Becky Nichols. Executive Director of the Selma – Dallas County Public Library, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her 40 years of service with the library.

Fran Pearce received the Women of Arts Award for her role in shaping Selma’s arts community.

Pediatrician Dr. Patricia Robinson received the Excellence in Medicine Award.

Finally, Nancy Sewell was awarded the Trailblazer Award.

Sewell’s accomplishments include 43 years as a librarian – media specialist, the first African – American female to be elected to the Selma City Council and the organizer of the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Program.

At the end of the ceremony, Smedley thanked all of the women for their contributions to the community before the crowd delivered a final round of applause for the women.

Smedley noted earlier that the Chamber plans to make the awards ceremony an annual event.