The Improved Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks of the World will kick off its 120th Grand Lodge and 116th Grand Temple International Convention in New Orleans Friday (Aug. 2) at the Hilton Riverside Hotel.
The IBPOEW is expecting more than 3000 to attend this year’s conference.
Grand opening Ceremonies continue 8 a.m. Saturday with the organization recognizing New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell with the “Grand Exhaled Ruler’s Award of Prominence” for her contributions to the city.
Started in 1898 by two African Americans from Ohio, the IBPOEW is one of the largest African-American fraternal organizations in the world. The 2019 Convention is lead by Grand Exalted Ruler Leonard J. Polk Jr., and Grand Daughter Ruler Margaret D. Scott.
State Rep. Joe Bouie will be honored with the Elijah P. Lovejoy Award at the IBPOEW Civil Liberties Luncheon at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5.
While in New Orleans, the group is will also provide financial, spiritual and emotional aid to the community. A Community Giveback Event has been planned at the Central City Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6. And the organization will also hold an oratorical competition to award a $10,000 scholarship to a student.
Other community service activities include:
- Wig donations to a cancer organization
- Eye glasses to the Light House of the Blind
- Provide financial assistance to a family crisis organization
- Work with agencies to help feed the homeless/needy
- Concert by the Temptations