The Sounding Block Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians held its Chartering Ceremony and Installation of Officers Luncheon on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at The Radisson Hotel, 1241 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas. The Sounding Block Unit is the first unit of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians to be chartered by African-Americans.

The event was attended by NAP District Six Director Ella Carlson, several Texas State Association of Parliamentary officers including TSAP President Kirk Overbey and TSAP 1^st Vice President Lucy Hicks Anderson, and guests from other units in the D/FW area. Remarks were given by Carl Sherman, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of DeSoto. The Charge to the Unit was given by former TSAP President Ada Williams.  Many other guest and dignitaries from the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex was also in attendance.

Mr. Overbey, who presented the Charter on behalf of NAP, said he believes The Sounding Block Unit is the largest unit to be chartered in the State of Texas. Mrs. Carson who presented pins for District Six and on behalf of National President Ron Stinson commended the Unit for its efforts and called the SBU a model unit.

During the installation of officer’s portion of the luncheon, board members The Sounding Block Unit were sworn in by TSAP officers. TSAP President Kirk Overbey conducted the swearing in of SBU Founding President Rhonda Clark-Randle. TSAP 1^st Vice President Lucy Hicks Anderson conducted the swearing in of SBU Vice President Rita L. Cloman. TSAP Corresponding Secretary Katie Pope conducted the swearing in of SBU Secretary Mariè Anderson. TSAP Parliamentarian Dennis Clark conducted the swearing in of SBU Treasurer Vernita Rickett. Mrs. Cheryle Edmonds, SBU Parliamentarian and Mrs. Ada Williams, SBU Board Advisor were the overseers of the installation ceremony.

“The Installation and Chartering Luncheon was held in grand fashion. I was very excited about this historical event. We have received lots of accolades, comments and thoughts regarding the quality, presentation and success of the event,” said Mrs. Clark-Randle.

The formation of The Sounding Block Unit was the inceptive thought of Althea Adams, Dr. James R. Adams, Mariè Anderson, Rhonda Clark-Randle, Rita L. Cloman and Deri Hooper. Cheryle Edmonds and Vernita Rickett joined the group when mass meetings were held. After and extensive process, unit bylaws were accepted, the membership roster was signed, an election of officers was held, and chartering papers were developed and presented to NAP for review and approval.

The mission of The Sounding Block Unit is “to study, teach, practice and further the interest of parliamentary law within our organization and in the community.”

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Zula B. Wylie Library, 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104. Those interested in the study of parliamentary procedure are encouraged to contact President Clark-Randle at R2sbuR2@gmail.com .