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Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
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The Los Angeles Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., held its first Annual Christmas Dance at the University Hotel recently. The connotation 'Top' in the organization, indicates "Top in Service to the Community." Through service they earn the right to be called "Lady."

The original purpose of the T.L.O.D., was to help alleviate the problems of young people by sponsoring an organization known as the Top Teens of America, in order to provide opportunities for the wholesome development of their potential by promoting such activities that will enhance their educational, social, spiritual, cultural, moral and economic development. 

Since its founding, the objectives have expanded to include not only focus on youth, but involving the status of women, service to senior citizens and community beautification, that is to help keep America beautiful.

The national organization is composed of distinguished women who are interested in the well being of all people, and in the preservation of values significant to productive living.

T.L.O.D., is a non-profit, educational, humanitarian organization which was organized after a luncheon meeting held by Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson. She called together women from all walks of life to discuss improving conditions for youth, women and the cultural improvement as well as the beautification of America. Present at this meeting was Major Ozell Dean, who called together some of the women she knew and organized the first chapter.

The first meeting was held at Tyler, Texas on June 4, 1964. Presiding Lady Franchell Boswell was the first national president. Since that time 27 chapters have been organized over the country. 

The Los Angeles Chapter was organized in September of 1973, with Lady Billie Oliver as the first president and organizer of the eleven chapter members.

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The Chapter awards scholarships and cooperates with other organizations in the areas of service. The group contributes to the National Negro College Fund, the NAACP, and encourages life memberships in the NAACP, as well as individual memberships.

The Los Angeles Chapter now has twenty members dedicated to the task of promoting service to the community through its work with youth and senior citizens. Promoting continuance of the social graces in a time when moral standards seem to be lowering.

Guests at the dance were asked to bring a wrapped gift for a senior citizen. In so doing, it helped to increase the number of shut-ins who would receive added Christmas cheer this year from Top Ladies and Friends. 

[[black and white photo of eleven African American women. Two women are seated and nine are standing. They are all smiling and wearing gowns]]

Above - (seated) Margo Tweed, Ida Brown (Standing) Lettye Young, May Lee, Rosslyn Thompson, Sarah Nelson, Athol Davis, Earline Hudson, Marilynn Holder (who presented awards) Lois Broadway and Charlene Woodson.

Below (seated) Mildred S. Cato and Lady Barbara Mounts. (Standing) Minnie Shaw, Addie Thompson, Jo Ann Yancy, Pauline Goins, Marie Willis and Marie Larsuel.

[[black and white photo of eight African American women.  Two women are sitting and  six are standing]]