We are Black Pearls Book Club: Socialites of Houston
An Organization of Sisterhood
Established Since 2005
WHO WE ARE:
Black Pearls (BP) is a group of women, who share a passion for reading and inthe process, support the efforts of various authors and genres. We believe thatreading enlightens the mind, body, and spirit. Our meetings provide a forum where woman can gather in thought provoking discussions of writing relevant to
our lives and the times in which we live.
OUR MISSION:
Our mission is to insure a perpetual bond of friendship and sisterhood, develop strong womanly character, and promote high standards of conduct. Black Pearls exists
to provide a lifelong friendship experience for women. This circle of sisterhood is to
demonstrate strength, intelligence, and capture the positive image of each dedicated
member. OUR VISION:
Black Pearls will have a strong and vibrant future that will ensure a positive and
enriching sisterhood experience for our members. We will...
- Be fiscally strong
- Be organizational growth leaders
- Develop Nationally Recognized Programs for the City of Houston
- Promote educational and leadership skills of women to meet the demands of contemporary society
- Provide debutante balls for young ladies graduating high school
- Make available scholarships and grants to worthy female students
OUR COLOR (S)
Our primary color is BLACK. However, the predominant basic colors of a Tahitian “BLACK” pearl are GREY, BLUE, GREEN, and BROWN. Overtones include PINK, GOLD, SILVER, REDDISH PURPLE, and PEACOCK GREEN. BP OFFICERS
Officers include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, event coordinator, and parliamentarian. OUR MEETINGS
Black Pearls discussion meetings are held the second or third Saturday or Sunday of each month. The location varies depending on the location of the hostess. Along with the hostess, the president and/or parliamentarian ensures that the discussions focus remains on the agenda at hand as well as the book to be discussed. Members reflect on and converse about a series of questions related to characters and events in the book. A Little Q & A with the Black Pearls
Q. How long has your organization been in existence?A: We have been together for over two (2) years. We originated June 12, 2005 to be exact.
Q: How many members do you have in your club? A: We have a limit of 12. At present, we have ten (10) members.Q: How are the members selected? Is there an open enrollment for your organization all the time, or are there specific months when new members are allowed to join your club?
A: We have an interest social once a year for perspective members. Because we have a maximum number of members, we do have an application and interview process in which members are selected. Our current members deliver invitations to whomever they think may be interested in joining. Because we are not only a book club, we must be selective about members. Some women may not want to be involved in community service. Therefore, we rely on the interview process as our source of choice. However, if you have a passion for reading, we strongly encourage you complete an application.Q: Who lead the book discussions, and do you use reading guides?A: The host of the month leads their own book discussion. The hostess has the option of creating her own questions, or we may use reading guides if they are available.Q: How are books chosen, and what kind of books do your club read?A: Each member chooses her own book for her month. In January, our 1st meeting of the year, we come to the meeting with a book in mind for our month. We compile that list during the very first meeting. There is no one genre that we read. We have read a variety of genres. Again, the book selection is up to the host. Q: What are some of the best discussions or favorite books read by your club?A: One of the books we read, in which, we were all somewhat apprehensive about was Night by Elie Wiesel. It was about the holocoust. Some of us cried during the discussion. Another favorite of ours is Addicted by Zane. Q: How does your organization keep activities and meetings enjoyable for all?A: Again, we are not only a book club, but a social & community organization as well. Our agendas are busy and entertaining. Just last year, we attended the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta during the month of August, where we met various authors, especially up and coming, in which we had the pleasure of reading and discussing their books with them. On our calendar this year, we are visiting a girls group home and donating various necessities including clothes and school supplies. As for meetings, most of our members cater their meetings and menus
around a theme, sometimes related to the book they have chosen.
Of course, it is not mandatory that we have food, but we all do. Once
a year, we have the following: BP Eatery Night (we go out to a
restaurant for book discussion), our anniversary during the month of June,
an out of town book club retreat, girls group home donations, feeding the
homeless drive, and our end of the year social in December. Needless to
say, we have at least two fundraiser per year to raise funds in efforts of
purchasing and providing items for the less fortunate.
Q: Is there anything unique or noteworthy about your organization that you would like to share, and what advice would you give to other book clubs?A: We are unique in that we are not only enlightening our own mind andspirit, but we want to share it with others. For example, providing goods and spending time with the girls at the group home is our privilege. We
want to do so much more for our female, teenage population. Our
long-term goal is to provide debutante balls and set up college scholarship
funds for females who may be in need and wish to further their education.
Happiness means nothing if you don't share it with others. That's
what being a Black Pearl: Socialite of Houston is all about.
BLACK PEARLS BOOK CLUB: Socialites of Houston
A Professional Organization
