Poised and Progressive WINTER 2021
Happy New Year Sorors! Like you, I am glad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. However, as I reflect on all that we have endured, I will hold on to the memory of how we reinvented our whole way of living under the weight of a crippling pandemic. So many of us had to make significant changes both personally and professionally and, if nothing else, 2020 has confirmed that we are undoubtedly ivy strong. I am exceedingly proud of how each of you has worked to keep the Alpha Kappa Alpha light shining bright in our communities. Virtually, you supplied frontline workers with PPE, food and funds. You educated members of our community on health, wealth and survival. You instilled confidence in young women through your debutante balls and supported matriculating high school seniors with much needed scholarships to attend college. You connected with our senior citizens, who have experienced the greatest isolation, and you took care of each other. No, 2020 will not go down as one of our favorite years, but 2020 certainly highlighted and underscored our determination, strength and endurance. Just like the ivy vine, we now have proof that we can grow in most any condition. As we now turn our attention to a new year, continue to be vigilant in your practice to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our communities are looking to us for leadership, education and support. I want to express my appreciation to our first responders, healthcare personnel and caregivers. Your service is invaluable and incalculable. Thank you. Sorors, with our renewed strength, I look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2021. Sisterly,
Soror Shelby
Poised and Progressive
FASCINATING FAR WESTERN
Dates to Remember JANUARY 8 - Last Day to Register for Virtual Founders' Day Celebration 15 - International Founders' Day Celebration featuring Soror Kamala Harris 15 - FWRC Registration Begins 18 - MLK Day of Service Impact Day 20 - Inauguration Day 29 - Regional "Pajama Jammy Jam" Fundraiser - Virtual Pajama Party 30 - Virtual Regional Founders' Day Celebration
FEBRUARY 5 - Pink Goes Red for Heart Health Impact Day
MARCH 11-14 - 92nd Far Western Regional Conference
Weekly Prayer Call "Now unto Him, that can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." - Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
Join us every Thursday at 6:00 pm PDT in prayer and solidarity. The weekly call number is 323-347-7885. No pin or passcode is required. Please CLICK HERE to access the Prayer Request Form. Rest assured, each request is handled with care and confidentiality by our Regional Spiritual Oversight committee. Can you help sorors find strength through prayer? If the answer is yes, we want to hear from you! Submit your name to lead a weekly prayer call by emailing FWR Weekly Prayer Call Coordinator, Soror Eboni Cotton, Delta Beta Omega, at eboni.cotton12@gmail.com.
Sisterhood powered by prayer
pens O n o i t a tr 21 Regis , 20 15 ary Janu
92ND FAR WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
March 11 - 14, 2021
CONSIDERING THE COVID-19 VACCINE Divine Nine Enlisted to Inform & Educate
After more than ten months into a raging pandemic, vaccines are emerging and being made available to the public. The Divine Nine has been asked to ease vaccination trepidation in African-American communities. CLICK HERE to view the news story.
Sorors on the Frontlines: Putting Our Safety First
The Surgeon General of the United Staes met with the leaders of the Divine Nine on December 14, 2020 to ask for support in raising awareness about the benefits of taking the new COVID-19 vaccine. Madam Surpreme Basilues, Soror Glenda Glover, has agreed to create an awareness campaign. More details on how your chapter can get involved coming soon!
Soror Karen Cole (Alpha Gamma Omega) was amongst the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination
MLK Day of Service: Options for Implementation Soror Ora B. Douglass, Chairman, International Program Committee Soror Shawn E. Simmons, Chairman, Impact Days Committee
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® continues making an Impact on communities as we pivot to find ways to safely serve, even in the midst of a pandemic. On Monday, January 18, 2021, members will once again observe AKA MLK Day of Service. We encourage chapters to creatively implement their signature service projects virtually. For example, if a chapter usually volunteers at their local food bank, consider making an online contribution HERE or supporting AKA’s partnership with Feeding Children Everywhere where boxes of food are shipped directly to families in need. Chapters are reminded to refer to the “Guide to Virtual Program Activities & Resources,” p. 6 for suggested MLK Day virtual activities. The program focus at the international level will occur in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. It will feature the AKA Mammogram coach, COVID testing provided by CORE, as well as educational information about vaccines and convalescent plasma drives. Details about the event will be shared prior to the event. Please share this information with all sorors and encourage them to post their highlights of service on social media. We look forward to seeing your examples of service as we continue to honor the MLK legacy of service by having “a day on, not a day off.”
Regional Founders' Day Festivities Founders' Day Celebration Register for Virtual Founders' Day Celebration by January 8th
Invite inactive sorors to pre-register for the FWR Virtual Founders' Day Celebration
Wear white with the new regional scarf for the Celebration
Don't log off after the Founders' Day Celebration
Take a quick break, grab a snack and a wardrobe change for the Social
Wear new regional t-shirt for the Social
Be ready for shopping and sisterly fun!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Pajama Party Register for MRD's "Pajama Jammy Jam" Pajama Party
Submit photo for PJ Fashion Show on or before Friday, Jan. 8th (optional). Categories Twinning Twosome (matching pajama sets) Poised in Pink (best pink pajama look) Green with Ivy (best green pajama look) Pearlescent (best white pajama look)
Wear sleepwear for the Party
Have supplies on hand for breakout rooms (lists will be emailed to registrants)
Have a blast!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Undergraduates: Get Your Stroll On! Be featured in the Founders' Day compilation video. Upload your video doing our international stroll. To upload your video,
CLICK HERE The deadline has been extended to Friday, Jan 8th
BINGO Laced in Diamonds, Pearls & Gold The Regional Hostess Committee has launched virtual BINGO parties for our Diamond, Pearl, Golden and Silver sorors. The events held in November and December were exclusive to Diamond, Pearl and Golden sorors. Silver sorors get ready! Your party will he held in February.
BINGO Party with the Glamorous Golden Sorors
Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) Partners with the Far Western Region
The Fascinating Far Western Region partnered with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) for interactive previews of the “OWN for the Holidays” 2020 movie slate. Our members gained exclusive
first look access to OWN’s three new original holiday films: A Christmas for Mary,
Cooking Up Christmas, and First Christmas written by our very own Soror Rasheeda Garner of Tau Tau Omega Chapter!
The launch event was star-studded featuring stars from the movies - sorors were able to connect directly with our VIP and Celebrity Guests. At the First Look event, sorors gained behind the scenes knowledge about the film industry, on-set life, and Hollywood glam!
If you
missed it, don’t worry. Our partnership with OWN will launch more exclusive events throughout the year that will bring you closer to your on-screen favorites, accomplished executives, and fascinating sorors in the industry. Each film is now available to stream on demand.
Welcome our 2020 Two! Through the many restrictions of 2020, two bright lights, Sorors Nicole Bryant and Heyab Daniel were initiated into the Beta Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Our new sorors are the only members initiated into the Far Western Region during the 2020 calendar year. Beta Theta is a city-wide chapter serving Seattle, WA since 1933. Each soror is an undergraduate member attending the University of Washington and Seattle University respectively. Join us in congratulating the 2020 Two!
Soror Nicole Bryant
Soror Heyab Daniel
Senior
Sophomore
University of Washington
Seattle University
Major: Finance
Major: Marketing &
Minor: Diversity
International Business
Soror Spotlight Jean Giggers REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN
Service, Innovation, Sisterhood
Soror Jean Giggers serves as the Far Western Regional Technology Chairman, a vital role in the technology reliant world we find ourselves in. Soror Jean works tirelessly to execute virtual events, develop graphic designs, distribute communications, prepare critical documents, and create designs for our regional merchandise. Soror Jean designed our Fascinating Far Western Regional scarf. Soror Jean is a Nurse Executive for the largest public Medicaid Health Plan in the country, where she leads a sizable staff of physicians, nurses, and coordinators in authorizing care for over 2.5 million plan members. Her team is on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic by coordinating emergency patient transfers for over 120 hospitals in Los Angeles and the surrounding counties; providing convalescent housing and benefits for the homeless and displaced; providing service authorizations for medical equipment and services; and other instrumental utilities needed for health maintenance. She attended Southern University (Baton Rouge), the University of Memphis, and the University of Texas at Arlington, and holds a Master of Science in Nursing with Informatics. Soror Jean and her daughter, Soror Adria Harris, are members of the Tau Beta Omega Chapter in Marina del Rey, California. She resides in Burbank, CA with her husband, Charlie, and daughter, Genesis. She and the FWR Technology Committee, that she affectionately named, “Pixels and Pearls,� are serving with excellence!
Get Your Regional Scarf in time for our Founders' Day Celebration!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
FWR ON TARGET: INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS THE FASCINATING WAY!
Zeta Omega Omega Chapter’s Virtual Breast Cancer Conversations Event Aubmitted by Soror Sharon Freeman, Basileus, and Soror Stephanie Flagg, Target 2 Chairman
This event was sponsored by Zeta Omega Omega Chapter on October 31, 2020. A retired radiologist gave a concise yet detailed lecture on breast cancer facts including prevalence, incidence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. The lecture was followed by the very personal and heartfelt stories of two warriors and one survivor, describing their personal journeys through diagnosis, treatment, and emotional aftermaths. The importance of routine screening and performing self-breast exams was emphasized. Early detection says lives! Included in this event were prizes for many participants. There were 53 attendees on this Zoom presentation including community members, active, inactive, and general members. The event was well received and there were many requests for an encore next year.
Mu Beta Omega's Black Dollar Project Aubmitted by Soror Nichole Dodd, Ivy Leaf Reporter
In support of entrepreneurship and the Black Dollar 365 initiative, Mu Beta Omega uses a sisterly, incentivized competition to encourage support and spending with Black-owned businesses. Sorors are challenged monthly to record their spending; by the end of the year, the Soror who has spent the most money with Black-owned businesses receives a prize from a Black-owned business. This promotes participation within the chapter to recycle Black dollars. Mu Beta Omega also uses social media to show support of Black-owned establishments. When the pandemic first emerged, sorors from MBO chose one Black-owned business and created oneminute long videos letting followers know that the business was still operating during the crisis and how to contact the business. Most of the businesses highlighted during this time responded with immense gratitude and even reshared the video highlights to their own business pages!
FWR ON TARGET: INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS THE FASCINATING WAY! Theta Mu Omega Shone During Breast Cancer Awareness Month Aubmitted by Soror Sharon Freeman, Basileus, and Soror Stephanie Flagg, Target 2 Chairman
During October Theta Mu Omega provided education, workouts and collected donations. TMO’s events were safe and socially distanced on Zoom and Facebook. The series was kicked off with a TMO Talk about Breast Cancer Awareness featuring our soror, Dr. Samara Bowen, and Breast Cancer Advocate, April Jackson. Soror Samara provided valuable breast cancer, early detection, and prevention information. April shared her very touching breast cancer journey. Theta Mu Omega's 2nd annual Kick to Cure workout series, led by Mark Smiley occurred on Friday, October 9th. TMO and guests kickboxed until they couldn’t kick box anymore (45 mins). During the 3rd week of Breast Cancer Awareness, chapter member, Dr. Marchelle Broussard led the group in restorative yoga practices for relaxation and release. Finally, Fly Fit Lenise stretched TMO Sorors and guests to the core to culminate the series with a demonstration of her aerial acrobatics. In October donations were collected for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, totaling $2110 by the end of October over $1000 more than last year!
Soror Debeliah (Debbie) Anthony Elected in the Far West Soror Debeliah (Debbie) Anthony, a retired Monterey Peninsula College Counselor and Community Activist was elected to the 4th District of the Monterey Peninsula College Board of Trustees. Soror Debbie is an upcoming Golden Soror. She became a member of Rho Chapter in January 1971 on the campus of University of California, Berkeley. She holds a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley and a MA from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Following her graduation, she became a charter member of Kappa Gamma Omega Chapter in Monterey, CA where her membership is still active. Please congratulate Soror Debbie on her accomplishment to serve the MPC Board to develop and support the vision of MPC as it affects the students, faculty, staff and communities served by the College!!
Miss Hawaii USA Hosts 2020 Miss Fashionetta Virtual Pageant Author: Soror Tam Reed, Publicity Chairman
For the Lambda Chi Omega Chapter, 2020 has been the year to reimagine. Hawaii’s Miss Fashionetta 2020 contestants, however, never imagined Samantha Neyland, the reigning and firstever African-American Miss Hawaii USA, would host their pageant! The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic compelled the sorors of Lambda Chi Omega chapter to reimagine ways to bring Harlem to Paradise. Their pivot to a virtual pageant, teeming with celebrated music, treasured art and registered guests dressed in attire from the era, proved to be the most profitable fundraiser since the program’s inception in 2017. Streamed through Zoom’s webinar platform, Ms. Neyland inspired and encouraged the contestants who remained committed throughout the tumultuous year. “Ladies, community is huge. Life is hard and the only way it gets easier is when you have a team of people surrounding you to help lift you up and guide you through your journey. That is what we are here to do for you and that is what you have done for the high school seniors who will now receive scholarships for your hard work. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are so honored, so proud and so excited to help guide you through whatever chapter life has next for you,” she said. In this year’s salute to the Harlem Renaissance, contestants were exposed to art enrichment, culture and self-confidence through workshops and mentorship. This exploration began in November 2019 and continued through the challenges of 2020. As our contestants studied prolific African American figures and celebrated profiles of excellence in their “I Am” series, they developed an appreciation for the resilience and tenacity of so many in the fight for racial equality. The Miss Fashionetta 2020 Contestants have come to exemplify those same qualities through their commitment. Led by Chairman Michelle Dewberry, the event was well attended with over 200 friends and families tuned in from across the United States, Korea and South Africa. This is a wonderful testament to the power of commitment and unity. Congratulations to our newly crowned 2020 Renaissance Pearls of Paradise: Miss Fashionetta - Brandi Campbell Miss Junior Miss - Nya Karoki Miss La Petite - Gavrielle Major
Miss Hawaii USA, Samantha Neyland hosts Lambda Chi Omega Chapter’s Miss Fashionetta 2020 Virtual Pageant
In-Laws and Sisters by Choice: Kappa Beta Omega Congratulates New Goldens Kappa Beta Omega Chapter (Vallejo, CA) is celebrating an exciting milestone for Soror Hazel Wilson who reached Golden Soror status with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on October 24, 2020. Since her initiation into Alpha Zeta Chapter at Langston University, Soror Hazel has achieved uninterrupted service with the sorority. Soror Hazel is a charter member of Kappa Beta Omega which was chartered in 1974. She continues to be a very active and dedicated member, and has been an officer of the chapter in several capacities through the years. Currently, Soror Hazel serves as Tamiouchos and has previously served as Pecunious Grammateus. She has also served as Basileus. Soror Hazel is chairman of the Chapter’s Target 1 Program Committee. With strong support from her Education Committee members, Soror Hazel effectively accomplishes the goals of the Sorority leadership’s signature programs such as Emerging Young Leaders and HBCU for Life: A Call to Action. She and her committee members volunteer countless hours for the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program which has worked for more than 30 years to increase the number of African American students enrolling in college. Soror Hazel tirelessly channels her commitment to students through her service as a former member of the Vallejo City Unified School District Governing Board. She created and implemented a Teachers Store which receives donations of school supplies from chapter members and many community supporters where teachers can shop for free for needed items to support student instruction. She also coordinates the Education Committee’s Pack the Bus effort for the annual Juneteenth event to solicit donations of school supplies. Soror Hazel’s professional experience includes 35 years as a former IRS corporate auditor. She skillfully applies to her responsibilities as Finance Committee Chairman and demonstrates impeccable transparency and accountability to the chapter. Kappa Beta Omega is also proud to recognize Soror Laverne Barbarin upon reaching Golden Soror status on October 24, 2020. Soror Laverne was initiated into Alpha Zeta Chapter at Langston University, and remains an active, dedicated chapter member. She has held several positions in the chapter, one being a former Basileus. Soror Laverne is a lifelong educator and former middle school vice principal in the Vallejo School District retiring after 30 years of impeccable service. She is regarded as one of the best math instructors in Solano County. She was a member of the Black Educators of Solano County, and was very active at the local, regional and state levels of the Association of California School Administrators. Soror Hazel and Soror Laverne are sisters-in-law. Kappa Beta Omega is grateful for their dedicated service to the chapter, the community and to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Soror Hazel is 2nd from the left, Soror Laverne is 2nd from the right (1970)
Voting is a Serious Matter Rho Delta Omega Brings New Meaning to Collaboration Submitted by: Soror Jorja Jackson, Connection Chairman
EMR - Education, Mobilization, Registration - was a collaborative event co-hosted by Rho Delta Omega and Xi Gamma Omega chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the SF-Peninsula chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on September 17, 2020. The event was virtual due to the pandemic, yet showed an amazing turnout of over 100 attendees. There was a prolific panel of speakers. The program was moderated by Soror LaNiece Jones, the Executive Director of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). Panel members included Tamara Rasberry, Asst. Deputy Secretary of State; Byrhonda Lyons, National Award-Winning Photojournalist for Cal Matters; Latressa Alford, CA Legislative Chair for BWOPA; and Penny Boyd, Elections Specialist at San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division. Operation EMR covered many top-of-mind subjects impacting black women and girls in the election. Speakers covered election nuts and bolts of how to register and who can register; key federal-level issues in the 2020 election; and California propositions on the ballot. There was a robust Q&A session where attendees directed questions to the panelists and received real-time responses to pressing concerns. The event earned a 91% rating by attendees and indicated the panelists shared helpful information for the 2020 election.
Strolling to the Polls
Soror Samantha Parker heeded the call for early voting. She donned her strolling to the polls AKA outfit and dropped off her ballot in Washington state.
Maintaining Bonds Virtually Submitted by: Soror Treshain Elerson, Ivy Leaf Reporter and Technology Chairman
Upsilon Beta Omega has been using Zoom to continue to spend time together! On September 26th, UBO sorors Emma E. Houston, Robyn Sherman, Shauna Graves-Robertson, Joei Robertson, and Ty'Jha Jackson worked up a sweat by participating in the Alpha Theta Omega chapter's HBCU Zumba's event. On October 7th, multiple UBO members participated in a virtual watch party for the Vice-President Debate! The watch party included a "Political Bingo" Sisterly Relations activity, where sorors answered political-related questions and looked for those answers on their BINGO cards.
Members of UBO gather to watch the vice-presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris
On
January
become
the
20th,
Soror
Kamala
Vice-President
of
Harris, The
will
United
States of America. Harris’ will become the first woman,
first
African-American,
first
HBCU
graduate, and first California native to serve in this position. Harris was reared in Oakland, CA. She will be sworn in at 9:00am (EST) that day in Washington,
DC.
Opening
remarks
are
historically scheduled for around 11:30am (EST) and broadcast internationally on television and streaming services.
Impacted by the Pandemic
Soror Shelby D. Boagni Far Western Regional Director
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all programming events and activities are to be held virtually. The Far Western Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha
email: SBoagni@aka1908.com phone: (323) 380-0043
Sorority, Inc. is not holding any in-person Founders' Day events, parties, or celebrations. The Regional Director will only approve Membership Intake Processes if they can comply with state, local and CDC health guidelines.
Regional Contacts Executive Assistant to the Regional Director Soror Whitney Moore White fwreasororwhitney@gmail.com
General Member Liaison Soror Kellie F. Johnson fwrgmlsororkellie@gmail.com
Regional Hodegos Soror Lynette Brooks fwrrhsororlynette@gmail.com
Regional Protocol Chairman Soror Charlene Lemon-Shivers fwrprotosororcharlene@gmail.com
Regional Technology Chairman Soror Jean Giggers fwrtech@aka1908.com
Standard Mail: P.O. Box 451576 Los Angeles, CA 90045 Packages: 3814 Lorado Way View Park, CA 90043
Poised andProgressive SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Chapter Highlights, Soror Highlights, Milestones: Maximum of 500 words. Include the name, title, and chapter affiliation(s) of all authors. Include picture(s) to illustrate the article and write a caption for each image. Include submitter's contact information.
Poised and Progressive EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Soror Charisma Deberry Omega Omicron Omega
Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2021 Please submit to: AKAFWRComms@gmail.com