The Black Jewels Ladies' Golf Association of Florida is a newly charted chapter of Black Jewels Ladies Golf Association (BJLGA).  Founder Rasheena Wilson came to Florida June 20-21, 2008 and established the chapter at a retreat held at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.  BJLGA of Florida was granted coverage of the entire state of Florida, with the understanding that it will eventually establish smaller regional chapters in other parts of Florida such as West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, etc.; all of the smaller regional chapters will fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Chapter.  The Florida Chapter is unique in that it is the only chapter to cover an entire state; the others primarily cover one city. 

BJLGA of Florida is a 501 ( c )  3 organization whose mission focuses on encouraging women of color and young girls to:

(1) enjoy healthy personal development and relationships through golf programs;

 

(2) participate in the game of golf by providing golf clinics, golf skill and instruction, and opportunities for athletic development and competition;

 

(3) enjoy mentoring opportunities provided through BJLGA of Florida’s mentioning program. 

“We are not only excited about the game, but about our ability to invoke change on the courses in Florida,” said Founding President, Lorian Williams.  “From a mentoring perspective, given what I know now on a personal and business level, I just wish I had been introduced to the game when I was much younger.   For our mentoring program, we plan to reach out to organizations that already mentor young girls, and invite them to have their young ladies participate in our golf programs and activities.”

BJLGA of Florida has eight (8) charter/board members, all of whom are new to the game of golf.  They are:

 Lorian Williams, Founding President (Deceased)

 Nikki Gaskin-Capehart (St. Petersburg), President

 Regina Booker (St. Petersburg), Interim Vice President, Treasurer & Information 

      Technology Specialist

 Renita Crosby (Tampa), Secretary

 Wyvonnia McGee (St. Petersburg), Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms

 Lynette Darrell (Tampa), Director of Special Events

 Tommye Brown (Orlando), Director of Membership Development