TTA History
In 1964, the eight founders of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) Inc.'s primary objective was to help alleviate the moral and social problems engulfing the youth in our communities. This was done via a youth organization. In 1968, while meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, the membership of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. decided that the group should have an official name. Lady Cordelia Mackey, President of the Texarkana Twin City Chapter, suggested the name of Top Teens of America. The name was adopted.
In 1969, there was a need to form a Top Teens of America group in each chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction. A committee was appointed and resultantly, the first National Top Teens of America convention was organized.
The Houston Chapter of Top Ladies and Top Teens hosted a meeting to organize the National Top Teens. Teen representatives from all Top Teens of America chapters were in attendance. Under the guidance of the first National Director of Top Teens of America, Lady Willie Lee Glass, the first National Convention of Top Teens of America was held in Houston, Texas in 1969. Over 300 Top Teens were in attendance.
Top Teen Harnell Price of the Rose City Chapter, Tyler, Texas, was elected as the first National TTA President. At this convention, the purposes of TTA were defined.
The TTA projects have expanded over the years to include:
Participation in the NAACP
Sickle Cell Disease Awareness
Participation in the UNCF
March of Dimes
Participation in NCNW
Mentoring Program/TLC
Click here for additional information on our National TTA program.