At the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch we love to recognize and celebrate those who demonstrate a strong commitment to engage with the local community and beyond.
RECOGNITION
MARCH 21:
McKenzie Branch was awarded a plaque for outstanding contributions to the field of African American History by the Greater Pittsburgh Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Greater Pittsburgh Section NCNW Valentine’s Gala at the Rivers Club.
CELEBRATION
FEBRUARY 26, 2026:
Rev. Welch gave an outstanding Black History Month Presentation at AARP Chapter 4542 at St James Church on Black Boys.
McKenzie Branch members shown (l-r): Evelyn Ford, Ruth Ann Still, Ronald F. Saunders, and Judith Sanders
The plaque Rev. Welch is holding was given to her by President Saunders at her retirement dinner on January 14, 2026 at the Sheraton at Station Square for outstanding contributions to her faith community and community at large.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FEBRUARY 21:
“All You Can Eat (Free!) Pancake Breakfast” at St. Matthews AME Zion Church in Sewickly PA followed by Tuskegee Airmen Outdoor Memorial Visit.
Our branch has partnered with St. Matthews AME Zion Church on three previous “All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast” events during Black History Month. Note that St. Matthew’s AME Zion Church played a key support role for our McKenzie Branch Tuskegee Airmen Salute in 2018.
FEBRUARY 7:
Pittsburgh African American “Read In” | Carnegie Library Homewood Branch
“We want to extend our thanks and congratulations to the United Black Book Clubs of Pittsburgh(UBBCP) for presenting its twenty-first year of the International African American Read In. An event of this magnitude requires a lot of behind-the-scenes heart. We thank Rena, Bonita, Toni, and everyone for their dedication to making this year’s African Read In a resounding success.
Further, I would like to thank all the participants and attendees who joined us for the African American Read In. By showing up, you’ve helped us celebrate the rich tapestry of Black authors, readers, poets and literacy. Each participant did an outstanding job of presenting their respective works and for that we are most grateful.”
—Ronald B. Saunders, President of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch
Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch Participants:
Cheryl Biggs
Carlotta Black
Judge Kim Clark
Martha Richards Conley
Ronald Lawrence
Bonita Lee Penn
Anita D. Russell
Dr. Beatrice Vasser
Ronald B. Saunders
DR. EDNA B. MCKENZIE BRANCH OF ASALH 