One of our own, Ms. Diane Larche, the founder of Larche Communications and the Annual Atlanta Family Food Fest, passed away recently from Pancreatic cancer. Diane Larche founded was the founder of the Greater Atlanta Section of the National Council of Negro Women, where she led as President. She is a charter member of the City of Atlanta Commission on Women. Her love for life and our community was reflected in her work. She worked with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, The United Negro College Fund, The Sickle Cell Foundation, The Lupus Foundation, and many other organizations, including the local arts community. Although she was a native of Pittsburgh, she adopted Atlanta as her home. I asked a few folks to join me today in her honor.
Stepp Stewart shares that he met Diane through her husband, Joe Larche. He speaks about Diane’s superpower of networking. He credits her with bringing an enduring audience to his annual production of A Soulful Christmas. Stewart also brought Larche’s desire for a Kid’s Zone at the Atlanta Food Fest to life, mentioning her devotion to young people.
Economy McGee Jackson has known Larche for over thirty years. They worked together promoting the National Council of Negro Women Annual Black Family Reunion Picnics that activist Dorothy Height led. This work led Diane Larche to found the Atlanta Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Jackson speaks about her work leading local and national organization.
Chef Ashley Keyes, founder of C. H. O. I. C. E. S., recalls that Diane Larche was the organization’s first public relations manager. Larche was responsible for their growth into the mainstream community, including working directly with Atlanta Public Schools. Keyes shares that Larche encouraged her always to have a young person involved with her work so they could follow in her footsteps. She mentions that after she graduated from culinary school, Larche was responsible for her first “live” cooking demonstration and radio interview. Keyes mentions that Larche taught her always to be ready for opportunities.