D4 The Afro-American February 1, 2025 - February 7, 2025
A life well lived: Honoring the legacy of Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen
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n Jan. 20 Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen, known as “The People’s Emcee” in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, took her last breath. The beloved Dr. Allen earned her title and a permanent place in hearts of many around the region as a television and radio personality with her top rated show on WLVS, titled the “The Renee Allen and Friends Show.” To the AFRO, Renee was a friend and an ardent supporter who, along with the late Edgar Brookins, kept the AFRO top of mind throughout D.C. Dr. Allen could often be seen at an AFRO event and last September, served as the emcee of AFRO’s D.C. High Tea. She was also a board member of several organizations to include We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC); the American Veteran’s Ball (AVB); American Mothers Inc. (2nd Vice President, AMI Maryland Chapter) and Open My Heart Foundation. Dr. Allen also served as the secretary, historian and lifetime member of Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc., where the motto is: women helping women to connect. Dr. Allen, of Springdale, Md., served in the United States military for 22 years. She worked in the METU Mayo-Clinic Unit with Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. During her time in the military, Dr. Allen served in the Granada Invasion and Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. She ended her
Courtesy photo
Rest in peace Dr. Renee Allen Oct. 18. 1961 - Jan. 20, 2025
career of 22 years honorably and highly decorated. The inaugural host of the Women’s Business Report on WJLA – TV7, Dr. Allen had seven books and anthologies under her belt. She was the visionary author of “The J Word,” a book featuring a diverse group of women who share their testimonies of jealousy. In 2022, Dr. Allen received the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden for over 10,000 hours of volunteerism and her commitment to humanity. In 2023 she earned the Heels and Motivation Award which represents women who connect, educate and inspire others. H.E. Dr. Allen (AMB) also spoke on the United Nations floor regarding the importance of Education and received the Danny Glover and Platinum Who’s Who Certificate of Achievement at the United Nations High Level Summit 2023. Dr. Allen will be laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 1. The family will receive friends between 10:30 a.m. and noon, with a service immediately following the viewing time. The service will be held at the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square, 5300 S. Crain Highway, in Upper Marlboro, Md. Dr. Allen is survived by her mother, Charlotte Frazier; two sisters, Lisa Frazier and Sonya Frazier, and one son, Chase Allen.
Courtesy photo AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Renee Allen, honorary board member of the Open My Heart Foundation, speaks to those gathered at the Red Dress Gala in Feb. 2023.
A decorated veteran, renowned author and community leader, Dr. Renee Allen enjoyed a full life while also impacting the lives of many.
Photo courtesy of Eddie Patton
Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen, cofounder of DMV 48 Men of Power, hosts a Feb. 24, 2023 event Honoring Rahman Ali, brother of Muhammed Ali, at the Bethesda Marriott.
AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper (left), AFRO CEO and publisher, addresses the 2024 AFRO High Tea audience in D.C. after induction by longtime AFRO supporter and event host, Dr. Renee Allen (right).
Courtesy photo AFRO Photo / Patricia McDougall
AFRO Photo / James Fields
Dr. Renee Allen (left), Peggy Morrison and Monique Anderson-Walker enjoy the 2024 AFRO High Tea in D.C. at Shiloh Baptist Church.
Dr. Renee Allen enjoys a moment with Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.07) at the 2023 AFRO High Tea in Baltimore.
Dr. Renee Allen serves as mistress of ceremonies for the 2022 D.C. High Tea at the Masonic Temple.
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