2026 Texas State Association Convention Recap

A Celebration of Leadership, Legacy, and Community Progress

The 2026 Texas State Association Convention brought together a powerful mix of professionals, community leaders, and policymakers from across the state. This annual gathering continues to serve as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues, sharing innovative ideas, and strengthening the bonds that move Texas forward.

This year’s convention stood out for its focus on practical solutions, cultural celebration, and deep community engagement. Below are the key highlights and memorable moments that shaped this year’s event.

Honoring Our Grand Representatives

We were honored to welcome two distinguished Grand Representatives:

• Brother Terry Porter – Tri-State

• Daughter E. Yvonne Joyce– Daughter State President Tennessee

Their presence added prestige and inspiration to our conference, reminding us of the strength and unity of our national organization.

Beauty & Talent Competition

This year’s Beauty & Talent Competition featured two exceptional contestants, supported by our reigning 2025 Queen, who returned to cheer them on.

Highlights

• Jan’nae Alexander – Runner-Up & Miss Congeniality

• Brianna Alexander – 2026 TSA Queen

We are thrilled to be heading back to Nationals and are hopeful that Texas will bring home the crown for the third consecutive year.

Elections

This year’s convention also included the highly anticipated State Elections. Delegates from across Texas cast their votes to select the leader who will guide the Daughters for the next term.

We are proud to announce that Daughter State President Peggy Kirkwood was re‑elected for another two years, a testament to her dedication, and commitment to strengthening our sisterhood.

Newly Elected Daughter of Elks Officers

We look forward to the work they will accomplish together as they support our mission and elevate the officers of the Texas State Association.

Awards Banquet: A Night at the Oscars

Our “Night at the Oscars” Awards Banquet was a true celebration of excellence. It was a night filled with elegance, recognition, and heartfelt appreciation as we honored members who exemplify dedication, leadership, and service. A true red carpet event.

Award Recipients

• President's Award - Royce Bailey

• Daughter Elk of the Year – Deborah Collins, Lunar Dallas Metroplex #1210

• Brother Elk of the Year - Charles McDowell,

• Daughter Ruler of the Year – Tyronna McKenzie, Tulip Temple #581

• Deputy of the Year - Bruce Hicks

• Emma McGhee Leadership Award – Omiko Brown, Viola London Temple #1372

• Emma McGhee Leadership Award – Bobbie Jean Alexander, Lunar Dallas Metroplex #1210

• Annabelle Hunter Service Award – Paulette Jackson, Viola London Temple #1372

• Temple of the Year – Tulip Temple #581

• President’s Award – Carolyn Bass Bailey, El‑Tex Temple #636

• Thank you Award - Bobbie Thompson

• Thank you Award - Rosemary Morgan

• Thank you Award - Linda McDonald

A special thank‑you goes to Sharon Scott, Sharon Byrd, Laura Mitchell, and Patricia Valerie for transforming the banquet space into a glamorous red‑carpet experience.

Civil Liberties Luncheon: The Art of Civil Liberties

This year’s Civil Liberties Luncheon centered on the theme: “Civil Liberties is Art — the art of expressing what freedom means

and how we build it every day.”

Featured Speakers

• Deborah Omowale Jarmon, Director and CEO for the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum spoke on preserving history and legacy through art, words, images, and action.

• Amari Dickerson, representing State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins encouraged members to take meaningful action today to protect tomorrow.

During lunch, attendees participated in a hands‑on activity, writing a single word that represented:

• What freedom means to them

• How they protect their freedom

• How they contribute to building liberty

The final collective artwork is titled:

“The Hands That Build Freedom”

Please be reminded that the Civil Liberties organization is offering Take Action Kits for community use. The proceeds will support educational opportunities within the community. We encourage your participation by sending letters to your local officials today.

You can either download the version or purchase the entire kit with the bag, envelopes, highlighter, cards and stationery. Click here to purchase.

Oratorical Competition

We were inspired by a powerful speaker, Chelsa Stone, who addressed the importance of mental health, a topic deeply needed and well‑received. We are proud to have her represent us at Regional 5 and, with confidence and faith, at Nationals.

Elk King and Queen of The Year

Another highlight of this year’s conference was the recognition of our Elk King and Queen of the Year, an esteemed honor reserved for members who represent the Texas State Association with dignity, pride, and excellence.

We proudly celebrate:

• Dgt. Shirelle Sampson – Queen

• Darryl Bible – King
  

Their grace, leadership, and commitment to service embody the very best of Elkdom. This honor reflects not only their individual contributions but also the prestige they bring to our organization as ambassadors of excellence.

Media Department Raffle

The Media Department had a raffle and the winner is Bobbie J. Thompson.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Purpose

The 2026 Texas State Convention highlighted Texas’s commitment to addressing challenges. From education and healthcare to cultural preservation and civic engagement, this year’s event showcased a shared vision for a stronger, more connected Texas.

We look forward to building on this momentum as we prepare to gather again in Austin next year.

If you want to share any photos you took at the convention, please email them to texasibpoew@gmail.com. If we overlooked any event, feel free to email us with the details.