F.&.A.M. P.H.A.
Honored Grand Associate Matron Crystal E. Banks, Ed.D.
Dr. Crystal E. Banks is the devoted wife of the Honorable Bro. L. Lamont Banks, 17th Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Tennessee and they have three beautiful children known to all as Trinity, LJ and Christian. Her parents instilled in her at an early age, a strong bond with the Most High God, dedication to family, and to pursue excellence in all her endeavors. She is a proud alum of the University of Louisville where she graduated with honors while receiving her bachelor’s degree majoring in Communications with a minor in Pan-African Studies. She is also a proud alum of Bethel University where she graduated with honors while receiving her Master of Business Administration (MBA). Most recently she completed her studies from Trevecca Nazarene University where she received her Doctorate in Leadership and Professional practice.
Dr. Banks has worked in various diverse fields during her professional career. They range from human resources to management. She currently works for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, “The Black College Fund”. She holds the title of Director and Special Assistant and is responsible for ensuring that the eleven HBCUs supported by the Methodist Church receive thousands of dollars that allows over 16,000 minority students to pursue Higher Education.
Dr. Banks joined Naomi Chapter No. 121 Order of the Eastern Star, a subordinate chapter of Cecilia Dunlap Grand Chapter, PHA Jurisdiction of KY in July of 2000. She served in several stations before becoming Worthy Matron in January 2003. She demitted to Capitol Hill No. 133 OES in 2005 and has served in many stations and committee chairs and was honored by the Grand Chapter as the OES of the year in 2015. She has served with honor and distinction, Excelsior Grand Chapter, as the Grand Warder, Drill Team Captain for Chapter of Sorrow, and a member of the Queen of the South Drill Team. In her local district, she is currently the District Deputy Grand Matron, past District Matron of the Nashville OES District, past Loyal Lady Ruler of St. Mary’s Assembly No. 48, Order of the Golden Circle, actual Past Commandress of Hella Court No. 76, Prince Hall Shrine Auxiliary, past Royal Perfect Matron of Mt. Ararat Court No. 5, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, past Most Ancient Matron of Mt. Horeb Court No. 20, Heroines of Jericho, and past Princes Captain of Apollo Guild No. 8, Heroines of the Templar Crusaders. Dr. Banks has won the honors of Desert Queen in 2008, Commandress of the year for Desert of TN 2009 and is currently the Regional Imperial Directress for the Deep South D.I.M.E. youth mentoring program. She is also an active board member of the Arvin W. Glass Foundation where charity is always first for those in need.
Dr. Banks is very active in her community and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Nashville Alumnae Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Metropolitan Nashville Chapter Inc., Women in Higher Education in Tennessee (WHET) board member, Cable - Connecting Women and Opportunity, and Higher Education Leadership Foundation – H.E.L.F. Theta Cohort.
Dr. Banks is…a child of God, a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a supporter, a listener, a follower, a champion, a LEADER! She is very excited to support the Grand Chapter and is allowing God to order her steps along the way. “To whom much is given, much will be required” – Luke 12:48.