NCBW Holiday Top Hat Brunch set for Nov. 26

By Shanderia K. Posey

Editor

Do you have your hat and ensemble ready? If not, there are only a few days left to get it together for the Annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Central Mississippi Chapter’s signature fundraising event that exudes glamour, elegance and excitement. The theme is “Celebrating 25 Years & It’s Still All about Hats!” The brunch is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 26, at the Hilton Jackson, 1001 E. County Line Road. Seating begins at 10:30 a.m.

“We are excited to mark this milestone and the longevity of the event,” said Belinda Fields, brunch chairperson and past president. The first Holiday Top Hat Brunch was held in 1991 to help establish the local chapter of the coalition. Now the brunch is the sole fundraising event of the coalition. Proceeds fund 10 $1,000 scholarships to young ladies in the Central Mississippi area, who preferably plan to attend a historically black college or university. Proceeds also support NCBW yearly programs.

“The brunch is considered the premiere kickoff for the holidays, and people come dressed to compete,” said Katrina B. Myricks, current NCBW president. When Myricks first attended a brunch several years ago she was the reigning Mrs. Mississippi and modeled during the event. She went on to be mistress of ceremonies for the brunch for several years, eventually joining the NCBW and chairing the brunch. She was elected president of the chapter earlier this year.

“It’s come full circle for me,” she said. On average about 400 people attend the event that typically occurs the first Saturday following Thanksgiving. “A lot of people have family in town and want something to do and for the most part, major events happen at night,” Fields said. “People in the community really look forward to the brunch.”

As usual, attendees – both men and women – can walk the runway and compete for the top hat prizes in the legendary Parade of Hats competition, which includes phase I and phase II. To celebrate the 25th anniversary some favorite categories are returning and new categories have been added. Phase I includes the following categories: Safari – designed for the tigress who adores animal print; Sister Coretta – representing the fashionable church lady; Contessa Silvia – the hat or ensemble is silver and worn with class and sass; Enjoli – anything goes for this category so a woman can strut her own style; Sasha – designed for young lades in grades K-12 that is trendy and on-point.

Phase II includes the following categories: Diva – hats of all sizes are adorned with jewels, feathers, beads and more and worn by the self-assured woman; LaBelle – the head garment is bedecked with lots of glitter or whatever brings out the bling; Justice – a stylish hat worn by a young male in grades K-12 who is cognizant of what it means to be young, gifted and black; Sophisticated Gent – designed for the distinguished, debonair man who symbolizes class and sophistication. In addition to competitions, small business vendors will be on site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. selling hats, shoes, jewelry, clothing, handmade speciality items and all sorts of other gifts.

Featured entertainment will be provided by the Dowell Taylor Quintet with vocalists Dexter Allen and Tonya Youngblood. With the glitz and glamour on full display, the brunch is an “opportunity to have fun,” said Myricks. “We encourage the public to come out and support us. A few tickets are available.”

Tickets are $45 and may be purchased by calling (601) 668-9070 or (601) 278-1420. Tickets may also be purchased from any NCBW member.