Fortitude is the quality of mind enabling one to face danger or adversity courageously.
 The Yellow Roses Luncheon is named for the symbol used by the Suffragists to signify their united cause of winning women the right to vote. Yellow Roses not only symbolize the beauty of the flower, but also that it's hardy and prickly when it's not handled properly.
A flower with fortitude.
The same could be said for our honorees. There's no doubt it takes a lot of fortitude for women to succeed in arenas typically held by men, and none more difficult than the political arena.
The 2010 Yellow Roses Luncheon honored the longest serving Democratic & Republican woman from each branch of the Tennessee General Assembly.
Speaker Pro-Tempore Lois DeBerry (D) - 37 Years in the House
Representative Beth Harwell (R) - 22 Years in the House
Senator Thelma Harper (D) - 21 Years in the Senate
Senator Mae Beavers (R) - 7 Years in the Senate / 7 Years in the House
 Women of today are sitting in seats that the Suffragists dreamed for us. They knew, as we do, that the conversation changes when women are at the table. Issues are looked at with new perspectives and solutions are approached from a range of experience that's totally different from that of a man. Having women at the table balances the perspectives and provides a better representation of all our citizens.
The Suffragists would be very proud of the four women honored at the 2010 Yellow Roses Luncheon. Combined, they have provided 95 years of leadership. They've opened doors, bumped their heads on the glass ceiling and set examples for other women and young girls to aspire to.
Just like the Yellow Rose - these are women with fortitude!
It was the distinct pleasure of the Tennessee Women's Political Caucus to acknowledge and honor these women leaders for their fortitude, for the examples they set and for their long and dedicated service to the State of Tennessee.
Presentation of a dozen yellow roses were made to each honoree by Tennessee Women's Political Caucus members:
 Gabriela Salinas, a student member of the Memphis Women's Political Caucus presented to Speaker Lois DeBerry;
Beth Fortune, Vice Chancellor of Public Relations at Vanderbilt University and a past-president of the Nashville Women's Political Caucus presented to Representative Beth Harwell;
Yvonne Wood, one of the first members of the Tennessee Women's Political Caucus and a founding member of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women presented to Senator Thelma Harper; and
Karen Johnson, a long-time member of the Nashville Women's Political Caucus and a candidate for Juvenile Court Clerk in Davidson County presented to Senator Mae Beavers.
Each of our presenters represent the diversity and talent of the members of the Tennessee Women's Political Caucus.
click here to read about the 2009 Yellow Roses Luncheon |
