**************  TIA AWARD WINNERS  ************** 

"The Journey to Success"

     The Tia Award recognizes commitment, persistance and a postitve attitude in the pursuit of one's dreams. In a world full of distractions and shortcuts, it is important to recognize that a relentless work ethic is required for success. It is easy to succumb to distractions when you are climbing uphill towards your goal, especially if it seems far out of reach; along the way, you may see signs that read "SHORTCUT", but two miles down the road the shortcuts simply lead to dead ends.Undoubtfully, there is simply no path to circumvent the laborious yet ultimately rewarding path to success.

     As I continue on my journey to become a physician, I celebrate the refreshing sunlight on every hiltop and transform the stark darkness of each valley into an opportunity to nurture my faith and inner strength. If I am ever unsure about which way to turn when I reach a crossroad, I always consult God, my compass, to point me in the right direction. Through it all, every success has been a direct result of commitment, persistence and a positive attitude. It is certainly a privilege to have an award named in honor of my accomplishments and I hope that the meaniong of this award encourages us, the Foster-Jackson-Jones family, to always strive for our personal best as we achieve our dreams.

                                                                  
                                                                 Tia Foster Robertson

     The Tia Award was inspired by a family member by the name of Tia Foster Robinson, the daughter of Jesse Foster. Tia is the first recipient at the Buffalo Family Reunion in 2005. Therefore, it was named in her honor.

     We thank you Tia for giving us the inspirtation to create a magnificent award.

     The Tia Award will be presented every two years at the Family Reunion. Participants must submit their applications no later than three months prior to date of the Family Reunion. The award is to acknowledge the outstanding family member who demonstrates the standers of religion, family, education, community involvement and self. The participant must be dedicated to attending family reunions on a regular basis.

     All participants are required to submit an essay covering all 5 categories. Mail your essay to:

Louis Foster
129 Durham Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 897-0490
(email) maxandlou41@gmail.com

     Good luck and let's all get involved.

If you don't define yourself for yourself, you will always be caught up in others people's fantasies"
  "Louie"

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                                         2019 Winners Of The' Tia Award

                                                  Taryn Butler

It feels just like yesterday I was sitting in a conference room amongst the Foster

Jackson Jones clan at our traditional family meeting. At 10 years old I remember a guy

going to the front of the room and unwrapping a small statue and saying “This is the Tia

Award”. It was an award he named after his daughter that would be presented to

someone biennial at each reunion. He went on to explain why the award was so special

to him and the qualities one would have to exemplify to be worthy of such an award. 13

years later I have the honor of being nominated for such a significant award. I would like

to Thank God, the 2019 Detroit committee and this beautiful family for my nomination.

I am Taryn J’Lila Butler, and I say that proudly as I share a name with the late

great Lila Butler. That beautiful soul and her wonderful husband Oliver Butler were my

great grandparents. “Aunt Lila” and “Uncle Oliver” some of you may know them as or

“Granny” and “Grandad” to me and my siblings. They are the sole reason I am so aware

and so involved in the Foster Jackson Jones family. Janet is my grandmother, Janette is

my mother and Vince, Mark, & LaRon Sr. are the magnificent men in my life that are my

uncles.

They are my village and the reason I work so hard at achieving my dreams and

accomplishing my goals. As of today, I am a fifth year senior at Eastern Michigan

University working on my bachelor’s degree in Science Literacy with a minor in

Chemistry and concentration in Pre-Medical studies. My goal is to get accepted into

medical school and eventually become an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist or

Anesthesiologist. Since I was a child I knew I wanted to be a doctor and with faith in

God I know I will become one!

Psalm 46:5 reads “God is within her, she will not fail” I remind myself of this verse

daily and even more so when I find myself reaching obstacles, trials, and tribulations. It

is what gets me through all my days and nights and undoubtedly the reason I am still

standing today. It brings me so much peace to know that during my darkest hours I can

call on the good lord and he will show up and show out. I am thankful that his mercy and

grace has yet to fail me and confident that it never will. All glory be to God.

To really know me is to know I work a lot, I’ve held many jobs over the years,

many of them in the medical field. I started out as a nursing assistant where I worked in

long term care then eventually in the hospital. After a short time, I obtained my

Emergency Medical Technician license which helped me land a job as an ER technician

for one of Detroit’s busiest emergency departments. Currently I work as medical

personnel for a psychiatric unit for a well-known nonprofit organization and I love it.

In my spare time I love to volunteer my time as a softball pitching coach, any time

spent helping a young lady develop her softball skills is time well spent to me. I also

enjoy tutoring math and my hope is by the end of this year I can develop a small

program dedicated to increasing the number of children excelling in math and science

and entering the STEM field.

More than anything I am dedicated to assisting in the continuation of the Foster

Jackson Jones legacy and traditions that manifest at each reunion for generations to

come. In closing I would like to give many THANKS and much LOVE to God, the FJJ

family, and my guardian angels Lila and Oliver. None of this would be possible without

you ALL.

                                     

                                         2019 Winner Of The' Tia Award

                                                  Beverly Lindsay - Johnson

It is my honor and pleasure to be selected as a recipient of the “Tia Award” at the 2019 Foster, Jackson,

Jones Family Reunion being held in Detroit, Michigan. My lineage is that I am the great- great

granddaughter of Octavius (b. 1837) and Margaret Foster (b. 1842), great granddaughter of William Barron

(b. 1865) and Mallie Foster, Granddaugter of Eddie Foster (b. 1900) and Elizabeth Foster and daughter of

Julia Foster Lindsay and the late William Lindsay.

It’s really hard to narrow down my accomplishments and life stories. But here’s a few.

I am an Emmy nominated and Emmy Award winning documentary producer. Upon working my way up

from a secretary to a staff producer at WHUT-TV Howard University Television (PBS) in Washington, DC, I

received 24 awards for broadcast excellence for my productions at WHUT.

After retiring from WHUT-TV in 2009, I began to work for myself with my company, Kendall Productions LLC

in which I am an agent for artists in the music genre of Doo-Wop and early R&B of the 1960s. I book

performance dates for such artists as The Clovers, The Spaniels, Baby Washington, Maxine Brown, The

Chantels, Kim Weston, The Velvelettes, The Three Degrees, Jean Carne, Black Ivory, and many more with

venues in the Washington, DC area, New York and San Sebastian, Spain. Also, I produce award winning

documentaries for clients.

In 2017 I returned to Howard University to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree which I began in 1978-1980

in Television Production. Although I did not have a degree, I had an exemplary career in television. I

returned to Howard University from 2017 and completed the degree with a major in Television and minor

in History, and graduated from Howard on May 11, 2019. I was asked to be a keynote speaker at the

Howard University School of Communications Honors and Awards Ceremony on May 10, 2019, as I inspired

the Dean of the School of Communications. I was featured in the legendary Howard U newspaper The Hill

Top as the oldest student in the television curriculum at that time with 10 years of television experience,

and the journey it took for me to get there. Next to Emmy Award acceptance speech, this was one of the

most rewarding speeches I have had to deliver as I addressed my fellow classmates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IskEpao63Q (YouTube video of speech)

I am currently producing a theatrical musical now in development “Dancing on the Air: The Teenarama

Story” based on my Emmy Award winning documentary, “Dance Party: The Teenarama Story”.

I have also received numerous community service awards for my work in the music business and preserving

African American history.

My family is very important to me in my life. My husband, Bill and my immediate family and my FJJ family

have supported me and showed me love during my journey.

It is my honor and pleasure to be selected as a recipient of the “Tia Award” at the 2019 Foster, Jackson,

Jones Family Reunion being held in Detroit, Michigan. My lineage is that I am the great- great

granddaughter of Octavius (b. 1837) and Margaret Foster (b. 1842), great granddaughter of William Barron

(b. 1865) and Mallie Foster, Granddaugter of Eddie Foster (b. 1900) and Elizabeth Foster and daughter of

Julia Foster Lindsay and the late William Lindsay.

It’s really hard to narrow down my accomplishments and life stories. But here’s a few.

I am an Emmy nominated and Emmy Award winning documentary producer. Upon working my way up

from a secretary to a staff producer at WHUT-TV Howard University Television (PBS) in Washington, DC, I

received 24 awards for broadcast excellence for my productions at WHUT.

After retiring from WHUT-TV in 2009, I began to work for myself with my company, Kendall Productions LLC

in which I am an agent for artists in the music genre of Doo-Wop and early R&B of the 1960s. I book

performance dates for such artists as The Clovers, The Spaniels, Baby Washington, Maxine Brown, The

Chantels, Kim Weston, The Velvelettes, The Three Degrees, Jean Carne, Black Ivory, and many more with

venues in the Washington, DC area, New York and San Sebastian, Spain. Also, I produce award winning

documentaries for clients.

In 2017 I returned to Howard University to complete a Bachelor of Arts Degree which I began in 1978-1980

in Television Production. Although I did not have a degree, I had an exemplary career in television. I

returned to Howard University from 2017 and completed the degree with a major in Television and minor

in History, and graduated from Howard on May 11, 2019. I was asked to be a keynote speaker at the

Howard University School of Communications Honors and Awards Ceremony on May 10, 2019, as I inspired

the Dean of the School of Communications. I was featured in the legendary Howard U newspaper The Hill

Top as the oldest student in the television curriculum at that time with 10 years of television experience,

and the journey it took for me to get there. Next to Emmy Award acceptance speech, this was one of the

most rewarding speeches I have had to deliver as I addressed my fellow classmates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IskEpao63Q (YouTube video of speech)

I am currently producing a theatrical musical now in development “Dancing on the Air: The Teenarama

Story” based on my Emmy Award winning documentary, “Dance Party: The Teenarama Story”.

I have also received numerous community service awards for my work in the music business and preserving

African American history.

My family is very important to me in my life. My husband, Bill and my immediate family and my FJJ family

have supported me and showed me love during my journey.


                                                               ...............................................................

 

2013 Winner Of The' Tia Award
Tanya Denise Foster

 

Thank you so very much for this honor!  Of all the accolades I have received, there is no recognition greater than the love of family!
I am Tanya Denise Foster.  I am daughter of Robert and Dorothy Foster of Saginaw, Michigan, and the granddaughter of John Edward Foster and the Late Nellie Foster of Marion, Alabama.  I am the middle of 3 daughters: my sisters are Yolonda Mosby and Romonica Ruffin.  I am also the proud aunt of Jacob- III and Kyndall Mosby, and Isaiah and Xavier Ruffin.  I was seven years old when the first Foster reunion took place on my grandparent’s lawn in Marion, Alabama! We have come a long way!  I currently serve as the treasurer over the family’s scholarship committee.
My spiritual journey began very young in life.  I openly professed my belief in Christ at age 8 at New Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Saginaw, Michigan.   I have experienced many triumphs and many blessings.  Through it all, I have been enlightened in God’s grace and mercy, and my faith nourished, through my fellowship with other Christians.  I am continually growing in my faith, and as I as mature in age, so does my love and appreciation of God’s abundant blessings!  I currently attend Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina. 
I thank God for His blessing to be a servant in the healthcare industry.  I have always had a dream to be a physician, and God has truly ordered my footsteps!  First, God blessed me with a family who has nurtured me spiritually, emotionally, and financially.   As a child, my parents made sure that we knew God by taking us to church, and keeping us active in church.   They made sure that I was accountable as a Christian, as a student, and instilled in me the importance of being a dependable human being.   They encouraged me to dream big- even when I told them I wanted to be Wonder Woman, and the Mighty Isis!  They made sure that I gave my best no matter the task, and they disciplined me when I didn’t measure up.  They have been my prayer warriors since birth, thus, imparting a praying spirit within me.  They taught me to be bold in my faith, and when I doubted myself, they prayed for me.  Secondly, God has blessed with me with an army of mentors: my professors, my ministers, my extended family, my sorority sisters, my friends and colleagues.  Each of them has guided me spiritually and professionally in helping me reach my career goals.  Lastly, God continues to reveal His magnificent power within every patient encounter.  He has gifted me with the knowledge, and a caring spirit to share in both the happy and the difficult moments in their lives.  In turn, my patients have taught me humility, patience, and vulnerability- God truly controls life.  I am but a servant with His blessing to care for those in need.
My career quest began with my graduation from Bridgeport High School in the class of 1988.  I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Howard University in 1992, followed by a Master’s Degree in Neuroscience at the University of Maryland in 1996.  Upon completion of my Master’s Degree, I worked as a researcher for the National Institute of Drug Abuse and addiction in Baltimore, Maryland.  Driven by my desire to become a physician, I entered medical school at Robert Wood Johnson in Camden, New Jersey in 1998.  I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD and I am currently in my 5th year of practice as a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Smithfield, North Carolina.

In my spare time, I enjoy international travel, fine dining, strength training, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and my sorors.  I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Skee Wee!).  I have been so fortunate to travel, and experience other cultures, and adventures.   I have had the opportunity to zip line, ride horseback, bike ride on Haleakala Mountain, and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef!    My International travels include the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Greece, and Australia!  It’s my goal to visit every continent!   As a physician, I have had the opportunity to teach youth, and women of all backgrounds about women’s health care, the importance of preventative health care.
    (Luke 12:48)  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
In closing, my faith, and my family have been the foundation for who I am today. I am so richly blessed! I hope that my life will continue to be honorable in God’s eyes, and that He will continue to guide me in all avenues of life.  With His guidance, I will continue to be the best daughter, sister, and aunt to my family.  I will work diligently to be the best physician to my patients, and to my community.  Finally, I hope that my life will encourage others that you can do all things through Christ!  Thank you again for the recognition!

Winner Of The 2011 Tia Award: Treva Lashun Foster
Tia Award Essay by Treva Lashun Foster


 

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Winner Of The 2009 Tia Award:  Tianisha Simmons
Tia Award Essay by Tianisha Simmons

Winner of the 2007 Tia Award: Ashleigh N. Foster

Ashleigh N. Foster Tia Award Essay

 

          My personal mission statement is building on the foundation of a family tradition
and exemplifying my personal goals, dreams, and desires as I pursue another route to my
lifelong journey. Life has thrown me some harsh curves, but nevertheless, my stamina and
determination holds me steadfast in my race to leave a legacy for my family and future children.
I know that I have potential to make all my dreams come true and I do not allow earthly
plans to take precedence over God's plans for me. Until I get to that place I will let God
use me and direct my path.

        I thank each of you who have supported me in the past and pray that your
generosity and love will continue. Thank you for allowing me to participate and
write this essay in an attempt to convey my love and dedication for the betterment
of myself in my future endeavor, and completion of my life long goals and dreams.