Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful
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Finally Getting the Recognition They DeserveÂ
Friday, April 25, 2025
6:00 pm
The Garden at Berean
The Story Behind the Space of Honor
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Growing up, I was blessed to witness the quiet power and unwavering strength of my mother, Cliffornia Wimberley. She didn’t seek the spotlight, but her actions illuminated the lives of everyone she touched. Whether she was nurturing her family, guiding her community, or standing as a pillar of wisdom and grace, her impact was profound and lasting. She taught me that true greatness doesn’t require applause—it’s reflected in the lives we uplift and the legacies we leave behind.
This event, Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful, was born from a deep desire to honor not just my mother, but all the remarkable Black women like her. Women whose stories often go untold, whose sacrifices and achievements are woven into the fabric of our families and communities. By creating this space, I hope to shine a light on their contributions and inspire others to recognize the power of resilience, love, and service. It’s a celebration of the extraordinary in the everyday—a tribute to the women who have shaped our world with their hands, hearts, and hopes.
 Woman of Substance,
Strong and Beautiful
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WHY ATTEND?
Imagine an evening that transcends a mere gathering—a celebration of resilience, excellence, and legacy. The Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful event is not just a dinner; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor the untold stories of 250+ extraordinary Black women who shaped their Raleigh community and industries, often without recognition. This evening promises to inspire, educate, and uplift through an immersive experience of tribute poetry, captivating audiovisual presentations, and a keynote by a distinguished speaker who embodies the values of perseverance and leadership.
By attending, you become part of a movement to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of these trailblazing women while creating a bridge for future generations to learn from their strength. Whether you're seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a meaningful evening, this event offers a rich, cultural, and emotional experience that will leave a lasting impact.
WHY PURCHASE A TICKET?
Your ticket to Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful is more than admission—it’s a way to honor the past, engage with the present, and invest in the future. At an accessible price, you gain access to a curated four-course Southern-inspired dinner, powerful storytelling through multimedia tributes, and an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie.
With every ticket purchased, you’re also supporting the effort to inspire youth and preserve the stories of Black women’s contributions. From young men serving as hosts to the unique keepsake book chronicling the honorees’ lives, your attendance helps turn this event into a platform for education and celebration.
WHY SPONSOR PART OF THE EVENT?
Click to SponsorSponsorship of Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful is more than a philanthropic gesture—it’s a strategic investment in community, diversity, and legacy. Align your brand with a historic event that celebrates the achievements of Black women, fostering goodwill and visibility among an audience of engaged professionals, community leaders, and families.
As a sponsor, your business will benefit from premium exposure through event materials, social media, and on-site recognition, ensuring your name is associated with the values of equity, excellence, and cultural appreciation. Beyond the immediate marketing value, your support demonstrates a tangible commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and preserving history.
In a world where consumers increasingly seek authenticity, sponsoring this event provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with your audience while being a champion of progress and heritage.
SPONSORSHIPS
Read below and click on each picture to find out about the types of sponsorships offered.
TRAILBLAZERS
Honoring women who are pioneers who boldly step into uncharted territory, driving progress and innovation. Through fearless leadership and groundbreaking achievements, she opens doors for future generations. Her influence often reshapes industries, communities, and societal norms, leaving an enduring legacy of positive change.
EMPOWERERS
Celebrating women who are builders and motivators who nurture the success of those around her. She leads with intention, creating opportunities for growth and instilling a sense of possibility in individuals and communities alike. Her transformative work fosters environments where confidence and collaboration thrive.
INSPIRATORS
Recognizing women who captivate through their extraordinary ability to uplift others with their journey and achievements. Whether facing challenges or guiding others toward fulfillment, she ignites passion and encourages dreams with her perseverance, creative vision, and compassionate example.
RESILIENT
Highlighting women who exemplifY a profound ability to adapt and thrive despite life’s hardships. Her resolve is marked by strength tempered by wisdom, and her journey speaks to an inner resourcefulness that inspires others to persevere and rebuild when faced with difficulty.
STRONG
Acknowledging women who have stood as foundations of support, leadership, and unwavering determination. Whether advocating for others or guiding her community, her ability to weather challenges while maintaining a steady and reliable presence makes her a role model for fortitude and leadership.
BEAUTIFUL
Paying tribute to women who embody a radiant spirit characterized by empathy, authenticity, and a genuine love for humanity. Her actions and demeanor create warmth and harmony, making the lives of those around her more meaningful. Her beauty lies in her dedication to nurturing peace, joy, and compassion wherever she goes.
A COMMUNITY OF MEN HONORING HER LEGACY
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In a world where women's contributions have often been overlooked or undervalued, it is a powerful act of respect and recognition for men to take the lead in honoring them. When men step forward to celebrate the achievements, sacrifices, and legacies of women, it sends a profound message: that these contributions are vital not only to families but to the community and society at large.
By creating and presenting tributes, men have the opportunity to model respect, gratitude, and admiration, showing younger generations what it means to uplift and value the women who shape and have shaped our lives. It’s not only an act of acknowledgment but also a demonstration of unity—men standing as allies in the ongoing effort to highlight the importance of equity, dignity, and appreciation for women everywhere. Through their voices, actions, and presence, they help foster a culture where respect and celebration of women are woven into the fabric of our communities.
I'M CARMEN
I am Carmen Wimberley Cauthen, daughter of Cliffornia Grady, granddaughter of Laura Ruth Peele and Mamie Esther Winn.
A lifelong lover of family history, and a child who grew up knowing the history on the maternal side of my family and knowing little of the history on the paternal side of my family, I have begun a crusade for my community to know the TRUTH of all of our history.
In that vein, I research, write, and teach the history of the Black community. Since those who were enslaved were rarely taught to read and write, they were orally telling the stories of their history - and that was not often written down in the textbooks that so many of us learned from. I delight in taking oral histories from elders and making sure that the history is not only written down but also placed where it will be preserved.
My book, Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh came out of the recognition that I didn't know how the Black neighborhoods in my city were created and with the demise of affordable housing and gentrification, the research that I found needed to be told.
My company, Research and Resource, is based on the premise that we will not only do the research but that we will also be a resource for those who want to know more about history, legacy and community.
And thus, it is our honor to offer this event to finally acknowledge the Black women that have touched the City of Raleigh since the 1800s, many of whom were never recognized for how they not only undergirded society but oftentimes carried it forward.
Thank you Woman of Substance. You are strong and beautiful in our sight.
"Record the legacy moments."
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MRH
"Historical actions continue to have profound effects on future generations."
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GETÂ YOUR TICKETS HERE
We offer three separate types of tickets.
Date and Important Information
Can I Purchase More Than One Ticket?
What If I Have More Than 2 Children In My Family?
How Long Will The Event Last?
Can I Purchase Additional Books at the Event?
