Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
61 Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Marriott, Brooklyn, New York. Contact Pastor Jim Cymbala at (718) 290-2000 for information. October 7-9, 2009, "Ministry of Excellence: Empowerment Conference," Lyle & Deborah Dukes Ministries, Harvest Life Changers Church, Wood Bridge, Virginia. Contact Pastor Lyle Dukes at (703) 490-4040 for information. October 10-13, 2009, "Wisdom Women Worldwide Conference," Dr. Sujay & Friends, Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. Contact Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook at (718) 231-1033 for information. October 14-16, 2009, "Gospel Tabernacle Cathedral Leadership Summit," Gospel Tabernacle Cathedral, Hyatt Place Hotel, Lithonia, Georgia. Contact Bishop Wiley Jackson at (404) 370-3800 for information October 15-17, 2009, "Woman Thou Art Loosed – Thankful Women," T. D. Jakes Ministries, The Potter's House of Dallas, Dallas, Texas. Contact (800) 247-4672 for information. October 15-17, 2009, "Prophetic Edge Summit," TDL Ministries, Holiday Inn Plaza Hotel, Beaumont, Texas. Contact Pastor Tyrone D. Lane at (888) 509-0997 for infor- mation. October 15, 2009, "Christian Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Marketplace Expo, Workshop & Luncheon," Christian Chamber of Commerce, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Contact Angela Pipersburgh at (856) 414-0818 for information. November 4-6, 2009, "Pastors' Retreat," Lyle & Deborah Dukes Ministries, Hyatt Regency, Savannah, Georgia. Contact Pastor Lyle Dukes at (703) 490-4040 for information. November 7, 2009, "Diva Day - Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude," HeartWing Ministries, Crenshaw Christian Center East – Faith Dome, New York, New York. Contact Michelle McKinley Hammond at (866) 391-0955 for more information. November 14, 2009, "Music Symposium Workshop '09 – Enhancing the Strengths of Your Ministry," University of Delaware - Clayton Hall, Newark, Delaware. Contact Steven Ford at (302) 449-2268 for information. is with much sadness that we report the loss of one of our BM&T family members – Richard Lawson – who unexpectedly transitioned on August 28, 2009. Richard played a key role in creating the award-winning graphics that graced the pages of Black Meetings & Tourism over the past dozen years, and his creative genius helped cement our reputation as a top-quality publication and an industry leader. Richard was born on August 14, 1948, and lived his early childhood in Massachusetts before moving to Los Angeles where he graduated from L.A. High. After completing his tenure in the United States Navy, stationed in San Jose, California, he started his career at the VA Hospital and then obtained a job at Northrop Grumman where he worked as a supervisor until he retired in 2007. Richard's greatest loves in life were his family and friends. He had a passion for photography and flying, loved to play dominos, monopoly, golf and video games, and enjoyed riding on his Harley. He enjoyed spending school vacations with his youngest children, Rich and Leslie, taking them to breakfast, going on motorcycle rides and to visit family members. No matter how challenging meeting the deadlines at BM&T or the pressures inherent in the creative process he so masterfully executed, Richard always had a smile, a kind word or a joke to put you at ease. He was a pleasure to work with and one of the kindest, gentlest and most generous people we have ever known. The BM&T team offers our deepest condolences to Richard's many family members and friends. We will miss him dearly. Richard Lawson Memorial It