COD Mission
   

The Consortium of Doctors, Ltd. Are African American women who have completed Doctorate degree in diverse fields from nationally accredited institutions and have made contributions beyond the realm of the ordinary to enhance the lives of humankind. The main focus of the consortium is the plight of African American youth and young adults, who have qualified for the job market, yet are unemployed or underemployed. The Consortium’s annual supportive gathering inducts new members to acknowledge and appreciate the sharing of testimonies, presentations, and on-gong successes of new inductees and consortium members all over the United States. All aspects are intended to encourage and challenge African American youth and young adults to set and achieve their goals. 

  

1991 

INTRODUCTION 
   

The Consortium of Doctors is a group of Black professional women engaged in assisting young African American adults to become successful. The distinction of having acquired a doctorate degree is to serve as an incentive, the result of perseverance. The organization is designed to encourage young African American adults to persevere in their efforts to succeed. The organization is self-governing, nonpartisan and non-sectarian. It is governed by a Council of Advisors and chairpersons of each of the standing committees (below) and designated special committees. The standing committees are: Finance/Budget, Program/Planning. Public Relations/Publicity, Ways and Means, Hospitality, Constitution/By-Laws, and Recruitment/Membership. 

Detailed member eligibility is stipulated in the organizations By-laws. Members' degrees shall include all areas which require professional training. The obligations of the members are to support, guide, encourage. and strengthen African American youth and young adults. 

Saturday, July 27,1991. marked the first induction ceremony. The theme was “Women of Color in the Struggle”. We saluted a SISTER who had become a legend in her lifetime, Ms. Eartha Kitt-"The Most Exciting Woman in the World!" Ms. Kitt earned her Ph.D. in the academy of Life, literally going from rags to riches-from the cotton fields of South Carolina to the hard pavements of New York City, to the city light of Paris, and on to other glamorous spots of the world while mingling with the rich and famous. 

The focus of the 1991 banquet was the plight of young African American adults who had either completed high school or had gone beyond and were still unemployed or underemployed. Often. they became the victims of the media. perceiving sports and entertainment as the only avenues to a successful life. Upon discovering that their talents were insufficient to engage in the fierce competition required in these fields, they frequently developed low self-esteem and lost hope. In the absence of role models in other less spectacular areas, they often joined the ranks of the homeless, the addicts or the criminals, according to Dr. Abigail Jordan, founder of the Consortium of Doctors, Ltd. 

The grandeur of the banquet was woven together with love and cooperation of individuals, legislators and business organizations. It was not to be compared to events sponsored by more affluent groups. (Yet, one or more of these fifty women or their counterparts may have touched the lives directly or indirectly, of those who were now the rich and famous.) 

It was impossible to manifest the rich lives of these women within the time allotted; neither was it possible to reach the thousands who were in need of the messages portrayed by the presenters. However, if any testimony provided guidance to any individual, then the banquet would have served its purpose according to Dr. Abigail Jordan. 

There were approximately 54 inductees. The ballroom was full to its capacity  (approximately 1,500 people). One inductee. Dr. Jacqualine D. Myers, had 90 guests who supported her financially and with their appearance at the banquet. It was a memorable event. 

 

1992 

The second national meeting was held the last weekend in July, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta, GA. The theme was "Women of Color in the Struggle." The COD saluted Congressman John Lewis from Georgia. He was very active in the Bus Boycott movement in Montgomery. AL in the 50's. He assisted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on many civil rights activities. There were 4 inductees that year. 

 

1993 

The third national meeting of tile COD, Ltd., was held in Savannah, GA. The organization saluted Dr. Jean Noble, a native of Albany, GA. Dr. Noble. received her degrees from Howard and Columbia Universities. She taught at Albany State College in Georgia and was professor of English at City University of New York. She also served as dean of students at Langston University in Oklahoma and as a professor at New York University. 

At the annual banquet on July 31, Dr. Noble received tile Award of Perseverance for her work as a professor and for serving as United States commissioner under three presidents. 

Dr. Noble was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to develop and organize the women's Job Corps in his war on poverty. Afterwards, she went to the National Counci1 of Negro Women to administer a Ford/Rockefeller grant for the leadership training of black women in 14 states. Other commissions on which she served included the Commission to study the Draft, the Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Forces and the Commission on the Education Profession. 

Before a portrait of Dr. Noble was presented by Savannah artist Artie Milton, she was in for a special treat. Her longtime friend, Lena Horne, who could not attend the banquet, sent a taped message which was played. "You have reinforced my belief in the strength and wonderment of Black women," said Horne. 

Thirty other women of color were named as honorees at the banquet. Dr. Debbye Turner, a member of the Consortium's Advisory Council and Miss America 1990 attended the affair. At the banquet, Dr. Debbye Turner spoke about the challenges she faced preparing for the Miss America pageant, as well as those she faced completing veterinary school. "I am so inspired by the talent, intelligence, courage, spirit and compassion in this room," she said. Dr. Turner said that the group's work set a splendid example for today's youth. "We are at a moment of crisis-no one is telling youth they can do it," she said. 

The honorees accomplishments were extensive. Several were the first African American females to serve in the following fields, such as Dr. Kathryn A. Rainbow-Earhart, the first African American female physician in Topeka, Kansas; Martha Conley, J .D., general attorney for U.S. Steel and the first African American female law graduate of the University of Pittsburgh; and, Dr. Lelabelle C. Freeman, who was on the team which discovered antibiotics in America. 

Each honoree was introduced by the mistress of ceremony, Dr., Audreye E. Johnson. The women honored represented 12 states. "In addition to recognizing the achievements of the members, the group encouraged African American youth. Thirty women of color agreed to place their lives on exhibition, displaying the results of perseverance hoping that their testimony in some way would encourage and challenge these young minds to persevere," according to Dr. Jordan. 

Because so many of the program honorees held degrees from Howard University, Mayor Susan Weiner proclaimed July 31 Howard University Day in Savannah. 

 

1994 

The fourth annual meeting was held in Savannah, GA at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme was "Women of Achievement: Reaching Beyond the Stars". We saluted Dr. Mae Jemison, the first and only African American female astronaut. 

 

1995

The fifth annual meeting was held on the last weekend of July, 1995 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Bay Street in Savannah, GA. The theme was "Lifting as we Climb." 

There were sixteen excited women looking forward to becoming members of this great organization, the Consortium of Doctors. Ltd. The fact that the meeting was being held in the home city of our organizer, the incomparable Dr. Abigail Jordan, could have added to the climate of excitement. What an emotional moment when the presenter began to read the information which rendered each individual eligible for membership. Adding to the magic of the moment was the privilege to have members of our families and close friends join us on stage, according to Dr. Pennie Perry. 

It was at this event that the proposed monument to honor African American Contributions to Savannah, GA. was presented. We saluted Congresswomen Maxine Waters from California. She was the keynote speaker at the Induction Banquet. 

 

1996 

The sixth annual meeting was held in Dallas. Texas, at the Doubletree Hotel. We saluted Dr. Gloria Scott at the banquet. Also, Dr. Scott was president of Bennett College and served as Keynote Speaker at the annual bouquet of Doctors banquet. 

 

1997 

The seventh annual meeting was held in Kansas City, MO. The theme was "Reaching New Horizons." We saluted Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey. She was a past national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has taught as a professor at various universities as well as served on major corporate boards. 

 

1998 

The Consortium of Doctors, Ltd., an organization for professional African American women who have earned doctorates in various disciplines celebrated its eighth anniversary in Savannah, GA, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during the weekend of July 23, 1998. The banquet theme was "Looking Back and Moving Forward". 

The theme for the weekend of events was "From Slavery to the Promise of Freedom." The celebration also was designed to kick off fund-raising efforts, and to bring greater attention to the long-awaited African American monument, to be located on the riverfront behind City Hall in Savannah. 

Dr. Abigail Jordan, a retired educator and founder of the consortium was the initial force behind the monument project. Although the site for and the design of the monument had been approved, concerns over the context of the monument and lack of funding had delayed the start of construction. 

Dr. Muriel Battle, Director of the consortium, said the monument was expected to be in place within a year. "We realize that is being very ambitious," she said, "but we have some very influential women involved in this." The granite and bronze structure would stand 11 feet and would feature family embracing with broken chains at their feet. 

The weekend began with a private reception on Friday evening at Savannah State University. It featured 1990 Miss America, Dr. Debbye Turner, and actress, Dr. Tommie "Tonea" Stewart of the movie" A Time to Kill" and a star of the television series "In the Heat of the Night." Both were consortium members. 

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. at the future site of the monument, which was to honor African Americans Contributions to Savannah. As part of the ceremony, Dr. Stewart presented, "Slaves No More" which illustrated the realities of slavery in America. 

The performance, centered on dramatic readings from interviews with ex-slaves, featured aspiring actors from Alabama State University and Savannah's Asbury United Memorial Methodist Church. The interviews, compiled by the Federal Writers' Project in the 1930's were taken from "The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography." 

Along with the readings. Dr. Stewart used African music and dance (performed by Stewart & Co.) to create a presentation designed to bring life trials and triumphs of African Americans during slavery. The performance also featured the Rev. Billy Hester, former Broadway actor and the current pastor of Asbury United Memorial Methodist Church, as well as the Ben Tucker Trio. 

The evening's events moved to the Savannah Hyatt Regency ballroom, where African American women worldwide were honored for excellence in their respective fields at a Bouquet of Doctors Banquet. An 11 a.m. Sunday service at First Bryan Baptist Church ended the weekend celebration. 

 

1999 

The Ninth Annual Meeting was held in Hampton, VA. The theme was "African American Women and the New Millennium Liberating Spirit, Splendor, and Excellence." Hampton University Consortium of doctor members hosted the consortium. COD visited the world renown art museums and exhibits housed at Hampton University. COD had a scrumptious meal under the famous Emaneipation Oak Tree on the Campus. 

 

2000 

The Tenth Annual Meeting was held in Charlotte, NC, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel. The theme was “Reunion, Renewal, and Rededication”. 

There were 20 members inducted. Dr. Bertha M. Roddy served as hostess. She was able to get various sponsors to host a dinner for the new members at the top of the Bank of America building in downtown Charlotte, NC. The events of the weekend included a historic tour of the Black museum, an authors signing reception and attending a Baptist church service. 

 

2001 

The Eleventh Annual Meeting was held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Rosa Lawson hosted the event. The inductees along with several college presidents, who are COD members were honored. 

The events included a shopping trip, a night cruise, youth sessions, and attending of a church service. 

Consortium members who were college presidents were honored at the annual Bouquet of Doctors Banquet. Our DOD presidents included: 

Dr. Marjorie Harris, Lewis Business School, Detroit, Michigan 
Dr. Shirley Air Lewis, Paine College, Augusta, Georgia 
Dr. Sebetha Jenkins, Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas 
Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber, St. Augustine College, Raleigh, North Carolina 
Dr. Gloria Randle Scott, Bannett College, Greensboro, North Carolina 

 

2002 

The Twelfth National Meeting of the Consortium of Doctors, Ltd. was held at Rousakis Plaza in Savannah, GA, on July 27. This meeting, A Tribute to the Black Family and "Roots Reunion", featured unveiling of the African American monument and was co-sponsored by the African American Monument Association. 

After eleven years, Dr. Jordan's vision was a reality as the monument became the first to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans who account for 57% of Savannah's population. Savannah is also the location where Alex Haley's novel-based epic "Roots" was filmed and featured many of Savannah's citizens. 

The meeting concluded with the Negro Heritage Tour with church service at the first African American Baptist Church- the oldest African American Church in America. pastored by Rev. Thurmon Tillman. 

 

2003

The thirteenth Annual meeting was held in San Francisco, California at the Renaissance Parc Hotel in the heart of the downtown shopping center, near the Union Square, the Bay Area Rapid Transit System which directly connects to the San Francisco Airport and to nearby Bay Area Cities. 

The San Francisco Local Planning Committee included:
Chair: Dr. Margaret Penn, San Francisco, California
Principal, JUMP Charter School

Co-Chair: Dr. Eleanor Ramsey, Oakland, California
President/CEO, Mason Tillman Associates

Dr. Shirley Thornton, Sausalito, California
President, Sausalito Board of Education
President, S.R. Martin School Board
Former State of California Deputy Superintendent, Special Programs

Dr. Ethel Pitts Walker, San Francisco, California
Professor, Theater Arts, San Jose State University

Dr. Frances L. Ford McCullough, Fairfield, California
Owner/Consultant, Success Center, Human Development and Training
Immediate Past President, Solano Community College Foundation

Dr. Rosemary S. Darden, Oakland, California
Dean Emerita, Science and Applied Technology, Santa Rosa Junior College
Board President, Goodwill Industries International

CONSORTIUM OF DOCTORS, LTD. LEADERSHIP TEAM 2003-2004
Director: Dr. Barbara E.M. Cannon, Alameda, California
Dean Emerita, Math/Science, Merritt College, Oakland, California
Educational Television Consultant, C0-Host, “Oakland Is” TV Show
Host/Producer, Family/Parent Education Television
Chair, Juvenile Justice/Delinquency Prevention Commission, Alameda County

Co-Director: Dr. Jacqualine Desmona Myers, Montgomery, Alabama
Profesor of Business, Alabama State University

Secretary/Membership Chair
Dr. Gloria Randle Scott, Riviera, Texas
President Emerita, Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina

Treasurer: Dr. Pennie E. Perry, Wendell, North Carolina
University Library Director Emerita

Immediate Past Director: Dr. Johnnye M. Jones, Hawkins, Texas
Vice President, Academic Affairs, Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas
Former Dean, School of Science, Hampton University

The theme of the Annual Meeting: BRIDGING, CONNECTING, AND CONTRIBUTING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND QUALITY OF LIFE. The theme was reflected in all aspects of the annual meeting.
Each day in San Francisco was filled with a variety of meetings, interactive sessions, a sit-down at elegant City Hall meet and greet hosted by the Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr., the dynamic mayor of San Francisco. . Friday evening, several members took a van to a special CONSORTIUM OF DOCTORS, LTD. reception hosted by Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Stovall in the lovely Oakland, California Hills. Dr. Stovall honored the Consortium informing the group of his scholarly project on the life and works of Frank Yerby.

Saturday as a special day to MEET THE AUTHORS who are members of the Consortium. Dr. Ethel Pitts Walker coordinated this outstanding session. Dr. Pitts Walker made special arrangements for a luncheon/fashion show at Nordstroms immediately following the session with COD authors.

Posters of the AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY MONUMENT IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA were available for purchase by members, relatives, and friends. In addition, lovely notecards developed by Dr. Muriel Battle, one of our former Directors and by Dr. Frances L. Ford McCullough, Class of 2002 were also available for purchase. In addition, Dr. McCullough had souvenir pins designed and available for purchase throughout the conference and the evening of the banquet.

The Bouquet of Doctors Banquet Program was dedicated to Dr.Muriel Williams Battle who passed March 1, 2003, in Columbia, Missouri.

New members honored and inducted into the Consortium included: Dr. Carole Ward Allen, Dr. Bettie Applewhite, Dr. Cecelia Lousie Hatshepsut Arrington, Dr. Alicestine Ashford, Dr. Claudette Bennett, Attorney Angela Glover Blackwell, Dr. Marquita Byrd, Dr. Pearl Chase, Attorney Fayedine Coulter, Attorney Jacqualine Coulter-Peebles, Dr. Elizabeth Davenport, Dr. Marva T. Dixon, Dr. Sheila Flemming, Dr. Lillie P. Howard, Dr. C. Diane Howell, Dr. Sandra Smith Jackson, Judge Claudine R. James, Dr. Edith Irby Jones, Dr. Pearlie Jones, Dr. Joyce Elaine King, Dr. Ladawn Law, Dr. Ruth Ann McClanahan, Dr. Valerie Mills, Dr. Mable Phifer, Rev/Judge Beverley M. Phillips, Dr. Lenora Madison Poe, Dr. Cheryl Polk, Dr. Ester Pollard, Dr. Rhonda C. Porter, Dr. Carol D. Rosboough, Dr. Linda R. Rosborough, Dr. Phyllis Simpson, Dr. Marian Smith, Dr. Ramona Tascoe, Dr. Kathryne Taylor-Favors, Dr. Brenda Wade, Dr. Doris Ward, Dr. Evelyn C, Wesley, Dr. Mildred K. West, Dr. Frances L. White, Dr. Sodonia M. Wilson.

Each inductee received a certificate from Honorable Barbara Lee, California Congresswoman, and a certificate from Honorable Wilma Chan, California Assemblywoman. Tributes were received from California Senators Honorable Diane Feinstein and Honorable Barbara Boxer.

The Consortium of Doctors, Ltd. was honored at a meeting of the Oakland City Council by Honorable Desley Brooks, Councilwoman. The group received honors from Honorable Nate Miley, Alameda County Supervisor. And the Oakland City manager, Mr. Robert Bobb. We were honored with the presence of Honorable Alona Clifton, Peralta Community College Trustee, and the Rev. Amos Brown, Pastor of Third Baptist Church, San Francisco, and former Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco.