2011 Bryant Fundraiser Honors Women Leaders

Cynthia Marshall, President, AT&T headlined Rep. Angela Bryant’s 60th Birthday Fundraiser on Friday, December 9th, 5:00-8:30 at the Four Season Conference Center in Rocky Mount, formerly the Carleton House. As keynote speaker she highlighted Bryant’s legislative work in updating the funding and revenue formulas for E911 service in the state. She also said a good education can save a person’s life. It saved hers. She encouraged people in the crowd to follow Bryant’s example by leaving a legacy and living a life filled with passion and purpose.

Bryant is in her third term in the NC House and represents District 7, which includes Eastern Nash County and most of Halifax County. Angela Bryant has been recognized statewide for her legislative work for the last three years: 2009 – Green Tie Rising Star Award - NC League of Conservation Voters: 2009 – Sustainable Energy Association - Green Award, Legislator of the Year; 2011 Defender of Justice Award – NC Justice Center.

Several state leaders spoke; NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson praised Bryant for supporting the remodeling of education in NC. Part of that effort involves ensuring that a student’s address does not determine access to quality education, Atkinson said. US Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D – 1st District said Bryant has been a tireless leader in the community. “She has done so much for so many for so long,” Butterfield said. He warned the audience that 2012 will be an election year unlike anything they’ve ever seen.

The event was also used to recognize and honor outstanding women elected officials in the area. “There are so many women officials in this area that I admire and who make awesome public service contributions every day,” Bryant said. “I wanted to let them know how much the community appreciates them as a group.”

Women officials received corsages and coffee mugs, while taking turns introducing themselves to a crowd of about 200 people. Bryant, D- Nash, said she wanted to thank the women for their work.

“I’m serving where I am because they ran and served and created a track record,” Bryant said. The night was dedicated to honoring Bryant for her service and empowering the crowd to take action.

Many of the approximately 20 women honored were the first female elected officials to serve in their positions. Bryant said she believes she is the first Nash County woman and African American to serve as state representative.

At the end of the night, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Bryant. Bryant said she hopes the event will motivate people. “If you’ve gotta have a party, it might as well mean something “Bryant said.
Telegram photo / Emma Tannenbaum

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Angela Bryant