KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Beck Cultural Center is celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring Famous Black Women in East Tennessee. These women left and continue to leave amazing legacies.

For almost 50 years, Beck has collected over 50,000 artifacts covering more than 230 years of African American history and culture. It has become a rare storehouse of great antiquity and is dedicated to its mission of being the place where Black history and culture are preserved, nurtured, taught, and continued.

You can join The Beck in celebrating the rich heritage and legacy of African American women at The Ethel Beck Society Brunch.

Guests will enjoy a delicious brunch with a mimosa bar, live entertainment, gifts, door prizes, and great company. It’s an opportunity to come together, make new friends, and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. 

This beautiful affair of celebrating women of African American decent was first held in March of 2018. The Ethel Beck Society is named in honor of Ethel Benson Beck (1897-1970), the namesake of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and an influential woman in Knoxville during the 1920s and 1930s. 

The 2024 Ethel Beck Society Honoree is City Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie, and guests will enjoy brunch with a conversation featuring Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie.  

Songtress and musician Julia Ball, along with Julia Battle, Julia Walker, and Sentra Weaver, will provide the music, and brunch will be catered by Billie Rae’s BBQ Soul Food & Catering and the refreshing mimosa bar is provided by Karen Hardin of Allow Me Catering. 

Guests are encouraged to dress in the primary color for the women of the Ethel Beck Society which is yellow. This color represents warmth, sunshine, and positivity, which align with the society’s values. The women of the Ethel Beck Society exude enlightenment, and yellow is the color of choice. Guests are encouraged to dress in a classy brunch style and to include yellow in their attire. 

To learn more, just visit their website.