The Black Pearl Award was started in 2012 and recognizes an individual for their outstanding commitment to, and participation in, the betterment of women and to the Business Women United Network. Started four years ago, the award showcases the black pearl. Pearls are said to symbolize wisdom acquired through experience. They are believed to attract wealth and luck as well as offer protection. Known for their calming effect, pearls can balance one’s karma, strengthen relationships, and keep children safe. The pearl is also said to symbolize the purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty of its wearer. The black pearl is particularly unique. Many myths and folktales surround this ancient gemstones of the sea:
Early Chinese civilization considered black pearls a symbol of wisdom and believed they were formed within a dragon’s head. Once full-grown, the pearls were carried between the dragon’s teeth. According to the myth, one had to slay the dragon to gather the pearls. The ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures, such as mermaids, nymphs, and angels.
One Persian legend tells that pearls were created when a rainbow met the earth after a storm. Imperfections in a pearl’s appearance were thought to be the result of thunder and lightning.
The ancient Egyptians prized pearls so much that they were buried with them. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a pearl from one of her earrings in a glass of either wine or vinegar, depending on the source, and drank it. She did this just to show Mark Anthony that she could devour the wealth of an entire nation in just one gulp.
It is with great honor that we award tonight’s nominee “The BWUN Black Pearl Award.” The nominee should demonstrate evidence of support for the goals and objectives of BWUN and have been a member for a minimum of three (3) years. They should also demonstrate:
Examples of contributions to women and furthering the advancement of women
Examples of activities advancing the cause of women
Examples of programs to advancing the cause of women
This individual selected embodies all three in that she is constantly advancing the cause of women through activities and programs, as well as contributions to the cause of women. We have been the benefactor each year at our Winter Retreat of her gifts and talents to bettering all of us through meditative practices and guided hypnotism. She is a national speaker, mother, free-spirit, loving friend, and beautiful individual inside and out. We are so thankful for her and her commitment to our cause, as one of our first and longest-standing members, and we could not be more proud to award, Randi Light, with the 2016 Black Pearl Award.
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