CINCINNATI — Fifty years in the past, a gaggle of Black ladies in Cincinnati fashioned a golf membership at a time when entry and inclusion within the sport have been restricted.
“We weren’t welcome in lots of locations, and the golf course was not an exception,” mentioned Jackie Parker, membership chair of Les Birdies Golf Membership.
Now, Les Birdies is getting ready for its fiftieth anniversary gala on Saturday, honoring a legacy that goes far past the golf green.
WATCH: How the ladies created their very own lane, one swing at a time
Cincinnati golf membership began by Black ladies 50 years in the past celebrates sisterhood
In 1976, founding members Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert and extra determined to develop the sport for a gaggle not usually discovered on the course.
“(They) bought collectively and bought a gaggle of women who have been to play, and so they started their golf membership,” mentioned Beverly Lathan, chair of the membership’s fiftieth anniversary gala.
Many years later, Les Birdies Golf Membership remains to be going robust. The group has developed right into a sisterhood that spans generations.
“All ages — we now have youthful ladies who’ve smaller youngsters, and we now have the retired ladies,” mentioned Diane Williams, former president and scholarship committee chair of Les Birdies Golf Membership.
Members describe the group as a compassionate and pleasant sisterhood.
“It is a feeling that is (in)describable, however I am glad I am part of it,” mentioned Joyce Thomas, former president of Les Birdies Golf Membership.
Nevertheless it’s not simply in regards to the ladies contained in the group. Les Birdies additionally extends into the group by means of varied initiatives and help methods.
“We have had a coat drive, we additionally attempt to mentor younger women,” Williams mentioned. “We mentored one in every of our scholarship recipients this final 12 months.”
Final 12 months, WCPO interviewed Cooksey in regards to the obstacles the membership broke on the time and the affect it is continued to have.
“It makes me proud that I’m a part of an incredible group of women,” Cooksey mentioned.
As the ladies put together for his or her upcoming gala, they’re wanting again on their milestones, celebrating not simply their longevity however their lasting legacy.
“I can not consider that we’re nonetheless right here for 50 years, however so proud that we’re,” Thomas mentioned.
The golf membership is searching for new members and anybody concerned about studying golf.
Replay: WCPO 9 Information at Midday
