Democratic Women Honor Three
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Three St. Landry Parish women whose career contributions have created lasting local community imprints were honored Sunday night during an annual National Women’s History Month event held at the Opelousas Police Department meeting room.
Recognized by the St. Landry Federation of Democratic Women with plaques were longtime parish educator and administrator Elsie Semien, Opelousas Downtown Development District executive chairperson Lena Charles and Taneshia Aaron-Chenier, whose deep community involvement has included a strong commitment to all age levels.
Dr. Lou Ella Riggs Cook, a Lafayette Parish career educator and administrator, was guest speaker for the event.
Cook reminded her audience that women’s history month should be a celebratory occasion that recognizes women as strong and independent, something Cook said is illustrated by the ability of women to historically overcome “significant barriers and leave strong imprints in the world.”
Louisiana, Cook added, has produced a rich history of women “trailblazers.”
St. Landry, said Cook, has registered more women voters, but Cook also noted the irony of that situation.
“We have done an awesome job of registering (women), but we just need to get them out to vote,” said Cook.
It is up to women such as those with the parishwide Democratic Women’s Federation, Cook added, to educate a younger generation of women about the contributions that the predecessors made in history.
“You need to show (the younger women) that you should honor yourself as a remarkable woman and tell (other women) that their potentials are limitless,” Cook said.
Elsie Semien
Anne Harris, who taught at Arnaudville Middle School when Semien was principal there, noted the influence that Semien made on her career.
Semien, who received the President’s Award, said she is a career educator of nearly 40 years, who loves her community and wouldn’t want to reside anywhere else.
Lena Charles
Parish Councilwoman Nancy Carriere described Charles, who was presented with the Community Leader Award, as an individual who has dedicated much of her social contact with Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas.
Charles, added Carriere, has also been involved with community outreach efforts with children, youths and the elderly.
It’s important, Charles said, that when you work hard enough that someone eventually recognizes your effort.
Taneshia Chenier
Sona Anderson presented a long list of activities that have involved Chenier.
Among those include independent living arrangements for people with mental disabilities,vaccination awareness, senior programs, providing free eyewear for individuals who cannot afford them and involvement with Black Voters Matter campaigns.
During her acceptance speech, Chenier emphasized the importance of voting and the need to hold elected officials accountable.
