EVER LEE HAIRSTON
Ever Lee
Hairston, a native North Carolinian, left the cotton fields of Davie County,
North Carolina and overcame the challenges of being Black, blind, and female.
Ever Lee received
her spiritual foundation from her parents, Arizona and Clarence Hairston and
from her sanctuary; Buncombe Baptist Church, Lexington, North Carolina.
The story
of the Hairstons’ which has been published in the book, The Hairstons’: An American Family in Black and White includes a
chapter focusing on her life on the plantation. In addition, Ever Lee was featured
on the CBS Television program, “60 Minutes”; this was one of the highlights of
her seesaw journey.
TEACHER, COUNSELOR,
ACTIVIST
Ever Lee describes
herself as Black, Blind, Successful, and Blessed as she travels throughout the
U.S. and abroad lobbying for the blind. As an activist in the blind community,
she is the Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
and founder of the Garden State Chapter, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Ever Lee serves
as coordinator for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind Lead Program (a
mentoring program for blind and visually impaired teens; teaching leadership,
education, advocacy, and determination).
Ever Lee earned her
Bachelor of Arts Degree, “the Old Fashion Way,” hard work and determination at
North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina. She obtained her
Alcohol and Drug Clinical Supervision Certifications from Rowan College,
Glassboro, New Jersey; and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. In
addition, Ever Lee received
Braille, Mobility, and Adaptive Technology Skills from the Louisiana Center for
the Blind in Ruston, Louisiana.
Ever Lee began her
teaching career with the Camden City Board of Education, Camden New Jersey; however,
her teaching career was short lived due to her impending blindness as a result
of an eye disease (Ritinitis Pigmentosa).
In 1983, she began a new
career with the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, Division
of Substance Abuse. Ever Lee served in many capacities with the Division for more
than twenty-two years. She retired in April 2005 as the Director of
Rehabilitation. She was an advocate for her clients and an inspiration to her
staff members. Ever Lee’s courage and strength attributes to her popularity as a
sought after motivational speaker and presenter in the field of Fighting
Blindness.
Ever Lee is very active
in her community and church. She was featured regularly with the Bethany
Baptist Church Drama Ministry. She is a founder and member of the National
Association of Negro Business and Professional Womens’ Clubs, Inc., Delaware
Valley Club. Additionally, Ever Lee serves on the Advisory Board for The Collections
Committee for the National Library of Congress, Washington, D.C and the
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee, Baltimore, Maryland.
Ever Lee is the proud
mother of one son, Victor and blessed with a daughter-in-law and two adorable
grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, reading a good novel, and being surrounded
by her extended family and friends.
Lastly, Ever Lee Hairston
received numerous awards throughout her auspicious career:
- Camden County Department of Health &
Human Services Employee of the year
- Speakers Award Toastmasters International
- Delaware Valley Club Woman of the Year,
National Association of Negro Business and Professional Womens’ Clubs Inc.
- Unsung Hero Award, Camden County Human
Relations Commission
- Outstanding Women Achievement Girl Scouts
of America, Cherry Hill, NJ
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE
YEAR:
- ATTRACT
NEW MEMBERS AND MOTIVATE EXISTING MEMBERS TO CONTINUE UNIFYING AND
DEMONSTRATING THEIR LOVE, CARE AND CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER AND THE
ORGANIZATION.
- APPOINT
A BY-LAWS COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF UP-GRADING THE BY-LAWS; AND
CLARIFYING THE OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR THE HAIRSTON CLAN.
- TO
APPOINT STANDING COMMITTEES AS NEEDED FOR THE PURPOSE OFENABLING THE
ORGANIZATION TO ENHANCE AND MAXIMIZE ITS EFFECTIVENESS.
- TO
REACTIVATE AND UPDATE THE HAIRSTON CLAN WEB SITE.
EMPOWER EACH CHAPTER TO
REPORT ANY COMMUNICATION FOR THE WEBB ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
FEBRUARY 2006
MAY 2006
AUGUST 2006
- TO
ENJOY A SPECTACULAR 2006 REUNION AT THE SHERATON UNIVERSAL HOTEL, UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
MEETING
DATES:
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 29, 2006MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2006
ROOM RATES:
RUN OF HOUSE: $129.00
STANDARD TRIPLE/QUAD: $152.00
ALL RESERVATION MUST BE
MADE BEFORE AUGUST 8, 2006
EVER LEE HAIRSTON, PRESIDENT
NATIONAL HAIRSTON CLAN
113 GREENSWARD LANE
CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002-4710
(856) 482-0865
CELL (213) 926-4720
ehairston@verizon.net
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