“Black Americans and the Vote” 31st Annual Black History Banquet held

Members of the Black History Committee look on as Master of Ceremonies: Joe McNeal presents Keynote Speaker Patricia Kempthorne with an award commemorating the evening.

The Mountain Home Black History Committee held the 31st Annual Black History Banquet on Feb. 7, the evening’s theme was “Black Americans and the Vote.” The theme was chosen because 2020 marks the sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) of the 15th Amendment (giving black men the right to vote) and the Centennial of the 19th Amendment (giving women the right to vote).

The evening’s Keynote Speaker was Former First Lady Patricia Kempthorne who said she was shocked to hear from Joe McNeal asking her to speak at the event.

Patricia Kempthorne has dedicated her work life and her life’s work to building a family-consciousness in her family, workplace, and community. After graduating with a degree in business management from the University of Idaho she chose to build her career in the non-profit sector and community service. In 2014 she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Administrative Policy from the University of Idaho.

A champion for families and children, she was able to shine a spotlight on the issues closest to her while serving as Idaho’s first lady from 1999 to 2006. Mrs. Kempthorne volunteered her time to ensure that Idaho continues to be the best place to raise a family. In 2005, she created the Twiga Foundation, Inc. – a non-profit dedicated to continuing that work in organizations through educating them about work-life fit, flexibility, and effectiveness for working parents.For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.