Judson Eneas was educated at Jamaica College, Fisk University and at the Medical School: University of California Medical Center in San Francisco. He is the recipient of many academic, professional and civic honours, and is now in private practice in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Doctors Hospital. He is also Medical Director and Founder of RenalMed Associates, Ltd., Nassau, Bahamas. Judson met his wife, the former Marcheta Q. McManus, of Maryland, at Fisk University. Their children are: Kemba Tiombe Eneas Walton, an attorney in Washington, D.C., Judson Picot Eneas, MA, a portrait artist, and Kashta Kandia Eneas, LL.B, an attorney in Los Angeles, California. Both Judson and is older brother, Dr. Cleveland W. Eneas, Jr. (Fritzi) are members of Eta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Fisk University. When Fritzi returned home he became a charter member of Pi Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Nassau, of which Judson is also a member.
Like her mother-in-law Muriel Eneas before her, when Marcheta came to The Bahamas she immediately became involved and started the Links Chapter in The Bahamas with new found friends. Marcheta also introduced the Beautillion to The Bahamas in 1991 and the first Ball was held in 1992, when twelve (12) young men were presented to society, as members of The Gentlemen’s Club. Since that time the Committee has been doing a wonderful job in preparing young men for life. To date they have mentored 824 young men and awarded over $5 million in scholarships in cash, awards and school scholarships to Morehouse College, Fisk University and St. John’s University. In addition to Judson and Marcheta, the charter members of the organisation were Dr. Eugene Newry, Mr. Alain Newry, Mrs. Rose Braynen, Mr. Patrick Rahming, Mrs. Marilyn Rahming, Dr. Barry Russell., Mrs. Missy Russell, Mr. Rodney Williams and Mrs. Frances Williams.
The History of the Beautillion states in part:
“In October 1991, Mrs. Marcheta Eneas organized a group of professional men and women in her home and organized the first Bahamas Beautillion Committee. In today’s society, many events, Cotillions, and scholarships are presented to young ladies. The news of the increasing crime statistics and the negative press on men in The Bahamas, demonstrates the need for positive programmes to further develop the young men of our society. As a result, the Committee met and planned the production of the First Bahamas Beautillion ball. A number of workshops and cultural events were planned. The young men were chosen by the counselors at the various public and private secondary schools and submitted to the committee. Thus the Gentlemen’s Club was formed.”
In 1994 the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity adopted the Gentlemen’s Club as its community responsibility. Similarly, in 2009, the Nassau Chapter of the Links, Inc. joined the Beautillion Committee as co-sponsors of the Gentlemen’s Art and Talent competition. Collaboration with both organisations continues.
I find it wonderfully refreshing to see the members of the Gentlemen’s Club attending, concerts plays and other events, thereby fostering an appreciation for the arts and helping them to become well rounded individuals. Were it not for the Gentlemen’s Club many young men would not have had the opportunity to further their education. Thank you to Judson, Marcheta and the Beautillion Committee, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the Nassau Chapter of Links, Inc. for their generosity in helping to allow Bahamian young men to realize their full potential.
Gentlemen’s Club 2011 – Photograph by J & J Imaging
© Copyright Rosemary C. Hanna 2013