Dr. Pamela Allen wants to know who will carry the torch of leadership to the next generation of women — and men.

That was Allen’s message to the Inter-Racial Women’s Club of Enid as they celebrated their 40th anniversary Saturday at Central Christian Community Church.

Allen, an assistant professor and cosmetic director at the University of Oklahoma Department of Dermatology, spoke to the throng of guests about becoming role models to young children.

“I’m deeply concerned about our young torch bearers,” Allen said. “Many families are falling apart.

“In fact, many children are divorcing their parents.”

Allen, the guest speaker of the anniversary celebration, used several female biblical personalities to demonstrate the capabilities of women in an earlier part of the speech. She transitioned into speaking about the youth by saying these women — and many others throughout history — were “torch bearers of civil progress.”

She also commended the Inter-Racial Women’s Club for creating connections be-tween women of all races.

“Women must strive toward equality in the home, workplace and community,” she said.

That message carried over to her discussion about youth.

“Our focus must be on our youth,” she said, “and not just our black youth.

“Mentor a person,” she said to the audience. “Get involved. Be part of the solution, not the problem.”

The Saturday program was filled with musical performances, speeches and a recognition for the club’s two oldest members, Geneva Phillips and Dorothy Jones Sr. The two women were with the club when it got its start in 1969.

What became the Inter-Racial Women’s Club actually started as a group for both men and women. Two churches, First Missionary Baptist and Christian Church of the Covenant, decided to form the group to hold a joint vacation Bible school and study.

While the men eventually stopped coming, women continued to meet, and on June 16, 1969, the Inter-Racial Women’s Club of Enid was formed.

Lanita Robinson, current president of the club, credited the group for forming ties between women in Enid.

“We continue to strive, to be strong, dedicated and most of all, God-fearing women,” she said.

Lynne Bussell, publicity chair of the club, said they had been working on the 40th anniversary celebration for a few years.

It originally had been scheduled earlier in the year, she said, and the group targeted a few dates before settling on Oct. 31.

“We made it before the year was over. That was the goal,” Bussell said.