HONORING LIVING LEGENDS AT FOURTH ANNUAL WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PRAYER BREAKFAST IN TEXAS

Verna Melton and Laura Hornbeck

Long-time WFWP Texas leader Laura Hornbeck was among fourteen women honored as a “2018 Living Legend” at a special event at Edison’s, an event venue in Dallas. The Fourth Annual Women’s Empowerment Prayer Breakfast on April 28 was sponsored by the Verna’s H.E.L.P. (Helping Everyone Live Positively) Foundation, a non-profit serving the needs of school children and job seekers in the area, among other activities.  

Laura Hornbeck, who has lived and worked in the Dallas area most of her life, has been a public librarian, adult education provider, and has served various volunteer positions for WFWP. Since the founding of WFWP in 1992, she has been the national newsletter editor, a regional coordinator, an education committee member, and a local chapter leader of WFWP. As such, she has met and worked with many organizations and women leaders. One of those women leaders is Verna Melton, entrepreneur and founder of Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation. Mrs. Melton is a dynamic and respected leader in the Dallas area. She and her husband, Ray, are tireless advocates for education and moral uplift.  

Verna Thomas‐Melton was the first African-American to be appointed to the Texas Health Care Information Council by then-Governor George W. Bush. She has a long resume of involvement in Texas efforts to combat crime through service and education of young people, as well as helping adults improve their job prospects.

Held each year prior to Mother’s Day, the Women’s Empowerment Prayer Breakfast is a multi‐ethnic recognition of the power of women to improve society. This year honorees included another long-time WFWP supporter, Dr. Ester Davis, writer and media personality. The other honorees were prominent women in politics, medicine, education, business, and charitable work.

Each “Living Legend” was allotted three minutes to say a few words of appreciation. Laura Hornbeck talked about her faith, which has taught her that God is more than just “Our Father,” but also “Our Mother.” She thanked her eight friends and family members who attended the event to see her receive the award.

WFWP President Angelika Selle on the far left with Verna Melton in the center and others who spoke at the event

Special recognition was given to three “African-American Women Shattering the Glass Ceiling:” Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall; Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown; and Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson. “Faith Awards” were given to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Dr. Christopher Perkins for their efforts during the terrible ebola crisis of 2015 and their leadership since then.

WFWP USA President Angelika Selle had been invited as a special guest, and was given a special recognition by the Mayor of Dallas. President Selle then offered a prayer of peace for the nation, calling for healing of America of racism and for people of faiths to come together in unity for the sake of peace.

Both Mrs. Hornbeck and Mrs. Selle were featured prominently in the program and were escorted to their seats on the red carpet at the commencement of the program. When asked for comments later, both WFWP leaders expressed that they were enthusiastically looking forward to great things happening in Dallas in the future.

WFWP USA President Angelika Selle being recognized by the Mayor of Dallas

Dallas District Attorney Faith Johnson, a recipient of the Shattering the Glass Ceiling Award

Ester Davis

Laura Hornbeck

Laura and family and friends

Laura escorted to table

Police Captain

Rev. Mark Hernandez of the DFW Family Church, Verna Melton, and Angelika Selle

Reverend Mark Hernandez praying at Thanksgiving Square, for unity and peace

Right to left: Ester Davis, Verna Melton, Ester's young mentee, and another speaker

Sub-Region 4 Coordinator Laura Hornbeck and WFWP President Angelika Selle