ATLANTIC ADVANCE JULY 2016
HIDDEN BOOKSHOPS
Arizona Cleaver Stemons Pearl Anna Neal Myrtle Tyler Faithful Viola Tyler Goings Fannie Pettie Watts
Born 1/30/1898 – Pike County, MO Died 3/10/80 – Philadelphia, PA Born 10/10/1900 – Charlotte, NC Died 1/31/78 – Charlotte, NC Born 11/7/1901 – Flushing, OH Died 4/21/93 – Baltimore, MD Born 8/29/1899 – Flushing, OH Died 3/9/83 – Springfield, OH Born 12/20/1899 – Perry, GA Died 8/22/95 – Brooklyn, NY
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is an international women's organization that has established itself as the foremost network of socially and politically conscious activists working to empower disenfranchised communities. On January 16, 1920, five trailblazers at Howard University in Washington, D.C. sought to separate from the established organizations and founded a new sisterhood predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Zeta has been and continues to be the "Sorority of Firsts", creating best-inclass educational programming models like Stork's Nest and Z-HOPE, and a family of youth and adult auxiliary groups to advance our local communities. With more than 120,000 members inducted, Zeta has become one of the world's foremost movements for social justice and civic change. Members of Zeta are called to a higher purpose of Finer Womanhood. Zeta women are achievers and leaders in every field in more than 800 communities across the United States, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe.
Atlantic Advance Publisher Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Atlantic Region Zeta Phi Beta Founders Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts International President Mary Breaux Wright Atlantic Regional Director Janet Y. Bivins, Esq. Editor-in-Chief Denise Marie Snow
A t l a nt i c R e g i on L e a d e rs h i p T e a m 18th International President Secretary Vice Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Parliamentarian Reg. Rep. to the Nt'l Nominating Committee Delaware State Director Maryland State Director New Jersey State Director New York State Director Pennsylvania State Director Tri-State Director 13th Atlantic Regional Director 14th Atlantic Regional Director 15th Atlantic Regional Director Chairman of the Undergraduate Council Regional Undergraduate Coordinator
Dr. Edith V. Francis Janice M. T. Johnson Kimberly Faulkner Andrea P. Jack Crystal Johnson Beverly Tatham, Esq. Oredola Edwards Martha Sims-Wilson Danielle R. Green Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. Shanell L. Robinson Barbara A. Cousar Annette Draper-Moore Jacqueline Lemon-Denton Kimberly A. Smith Jacqueline C. McNair Ireisha Vaughn Karima N. Rose
www.atlanticregionzetas.org
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 3
Atlantic Region Appointed Officers Chief of Staff DOARS Healthy Living Choir Director Choir Co-Director Chaplain Co-Historians Demographics Social Action Social Media Zeta Doves Zeta Partnerships Amicae Affairs Budget and Finance Life Members Necrology Protocol Reclamation Youth Affiliates Zeta Male Network IDC Coordinator Legal Counsel Public Relations Standard Operating Procedures
Roshonda L. Scipio Patricia Timmons Camille Titus Kendra Wilson Coreen Sims Rev. Lynette P. McMilan Myra Witcher, Rita Woods Kimyatta Pitts Teraleen Campbell Natasha Jones Pauline Gibson Joanne Yarde Wanda Cromartie Jones Charbet Duckett Charbet Duckett Monica L. Younger Dana Moore Saniah M. Johnson, CPA Virna Springer Andrea Puckerine-Braxton Tamara Harris Keysha N. Council, Esq. Stephanie L. Arnold Charlotte Weston
Rhonda Lawson Andrea Todman Maliyka A. Muhammad Natasha Jones Nickki Weyant Yolanda Goodwin-Humphrey Lisa Turner Weldina Lewis Conde Dr. E. Fran Johnson, Tracey Lafayette Nt'l Legacy Club Lauwana Martin Nt'l Constitution and Bylaws Saniah M. Johnson, CPA March of Dimes Scholarship Stork's Nest Webmistress Z-HOPE MIP Review Committee Photographer Awards Nt'l Handbook Committee
Committee Undergrad Rep. to the Undergrad Advisor Committee Z-NEF Elder Care March 4 Babies Ambassador Rededication Meeting Planner Fundraising St. Jude Registrar Vendors
Ireisha Vaughn Juliet Duggins Linda Lawrence Maryanne French Valerie Villines Wanda Calvin Claiborne Eunice Samuels Lewis Kristal Miller Ebony McLean Angela Lewis, Valerie McCoy
National Elected Officers from the Atlantic Region Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker National First Anti-Basileus
Jacqueline Lemon-Denton National Trustee
Ireisha Vaughn
National Undergraduate Rep. to the National Nominating Committee
Nationally Elected Members of the National Educational Foundation from the Atlantic Region
Sieta Achampong Roslyn Hannibal-Booker Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths www.atlanticregionzetas.org ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 4
CONTENTS FEATURES
09 THE FUTURE OF EXCELLENCE: UNDERGRADUATES 12 MU ETA 40TH ANNIVERSARY 20 NURTURING THE SEEDS OF ZETA'S LEGACY 23 ALPHA ALPHA CHI ZETA CHAPTER 29 IOTA THETA ZETA CHAPTER ACTION-ORIENTED
SPOTLIGHT
ZETA AMICAE OF BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
NEW JERSEY: BUILDING AN 13 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR YOUTH
TRENDING
15 ELDER CARE INITIATIVE
ATLANTIC REGION CONFERENCE BAG BROKE THE INTERNET!
17 MARCH OF DIMES 18 REGIONAL SOCIAL ACTION EFFORTS
GAME. SET. MATCH.
ATLANTIC REGION REPRESENTS AT THE $250,000 PRESENTATION TO THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE!
CAUGHT CHEESIN' MARYLAND STATE DIRECTOR, DANIELLE R. GREEN, AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR BIVINS
GREETINGS FROM THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Dear Sorors and Amicae, Hail to Founders Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful and Fannie Pettie Watts for their wisdom, vision and courage. Thank you to our International Grand Basileus Mary Breaux Wright for continuing that vision and wisdom with transparency and yes…courage. Thank you to the Sorors, Amicae and Youth because the Atlantic Region is AMAZING! Your chapter Basileus/auxiliary President has reported your achievements to your State Director. Your State Director has compiled and reported to me. In my capacity I am blessed to see the complete picture of the work, the dedication and the love that is produced by the Atlantic Region. You are AWESOME! Please take time to read my Grand Boulé report received by attendees and your delegates upon their return from our national convention. Welcome to all of our new members, new chapters and auxiliaries. Special shout to the FIRST international Amica Auxiliary – Brussels, Belgium, chartered on May 22, 2016. Welcome to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and to the Atlantic Region! The Atlantic Advance captures a glimpse of who we are and what we do. Thank you to our Editor, Soror Denise Marie Snow for bringing her talents to bear by creating another excellent edition. This issue is an opportunity to highlight the service and scholarship focus of our States and Chapters within the region. Thank you to all that shared your work with us. Within these pages, please note the upcoming Atlantic Region Social Action Initiative regarding Voter Registration. The 15th and 19th Amendments afforded us the Right to Vote. Ancestors fought and died for our birthright. Let’s do our part to continue the fight to ensure that ALL CITIZENS exercise that sacred right on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 6
GREETINGS FROM THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
I thank each of you for your labors thus far and your future labor as we handled our business “The Zeta Way” in Orlando, FL. Congratulations to the 135 Atlantic Region Charter Members of the Myrtle and Viola Tyler National Legacy Club—85 of which participated in the induction ceremony. If you were the Seed Legacy, heightened congratulations to you for it is through your example that other members of your family decided to go “the Zeta Way”, to emulate you and to do the work that we do. It is because of you that Zeta and your legacy grows. And it is because of you that the legacy continues… We are thankful to you for your leadership. We are proud, glad and inspired that you are a member of the Atlantic Region. As we closed out FY 2015 – 2016, I take this opportunity to salute the six women who first joined forces around my dining room table in August of 2012—and that have served with me since. Madame State Directors Martha Sims-Wilson (DE), Danielle R. Green (MD), Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. (NJ), Shanell L. Robinson (NY); Barbara A. Cousar (PA) and Annette Draper-Moore (Tri)—my team, your team, our TEAM ATLANTIC. YOU ARE ASTOUNDING! You have led with dignity, grace, transparency and intelligence and have ensured that the programs of our International Grand Basileus and all initiatives have been exquisitely executed within your respective states. Thank you! For all of the above reasons, Sorors and Amicae of the Atlantic Region, you are a testament that Leadership Lives Here!
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Team Atlantic Martha Sims-Wilson Delaware State Director Danielle R. Green Maryland State Director Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. New Jersey State Director Shanell L. Robinson New York State Director Barbara A. Cousar Pennsylvania State Director Annette Draper-Moore Tri-State Director
NOMADIC
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The Future of Zeta Excellence THE YEAR OF THE UNDERGRADUATE Atlantic Region Zetas show you how service
'
is done on today s college campuses
Pictured
:
Mu Eta Chapter
,
Penn State University
Photograph courtesy of Commonwealth of PA Facebook page
!
Soror Mildred Young ( Xi Iota Chapter ) @ Montclair State University was featured in the university ' s newsletter The Montclarion for her work as a " one woman chapter " .
Soror Danielle White graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Soror Chrismine Brun was initiated into the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society being the only black female out of 12 initiates from the senior class handpicked from faculty. Soror Brun has also won Second Place in the University of Connecticut ' s School of Nursing Innovations Conventions out of over 12 teams. Her and her team proposed a new modality to promote cost effective and efficient disinfection and sterilization in order to prevent patients from acquired hospital - acquired infections. Soror Brun has also been awarded NPHC Woman of the Year at the University for her commitment not only to Zeta but to all the family members of the Divine Nine.
Psi Pi Chapter Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ
The Psi Pi Chapter volunteered at Brookhaven Nursing Home in East Orange, NJ. Some of the activities held with the residents included painting nails, room visits, and giving out Valentine’s Day cards. The chapter opens up these trips to all members of the Seton Hall community, hoping that more students will join in their efforts to support elder care. This was the Psi Pi Chapter’s first time attending the nursing home and they will continue to volunteer every second Saturday of the month throughout the semester. Through these monthly visits, the Psi Pi Chapter hopes to uplift the spirits and build a connection with the residents of the nursing home. The Psi Pi Chapter also hosted “The Royal Revue” at Seton Hall University which aimed to raise money for the March of Dimes March for Babies. At this event, there were a number of performances from students attending Seton Hall University and from various schools in the North Jersey area including spoken word, singing, and dancing. Numerous Greek and non-Greek vendors were present and guests enjoyed a catered dinner and raffled items that were donated from local South Orange businesses. The special guest performer, Miles Hodges, who is a poet from The Strivers Row, performed three spoken word pieces and gave special commendations about how much he admires the brotherhood and sisterhood of black Greek-lettered organizations on college campuses. He acknowledged the importance of our organizations, especially considering the social injustices that are occurring within our communities. The night was filled with fun and inspiration and through this event Psi Pi was able to raise over $500 to be donated to the March of Dimes and to send a delegate to the 2016 Boule. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 11
Mu Eta Chapter 40th Anniversary
PRESERVING THE LEGACY
This year, the "Mighty" Mu Eta Chapter gathered together at The Pennsylvania State University for a celebration of forty and fabulous years of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Mu Eta has a long history of doing programs on the University Park campus to raise money for the lupus foundation as well as establishing a pageant called “Mr. Black Penn State” which is a yearly scholarship contest that is held for the men of color on campus, as well as a benefit concert to raise money for The March of Dimes; just to name a few. During the weekend, a banquet was held at Toftrees Hotel and Resort where Sorors reminisced on memories, old and new. New Members were presented after the banquet highlighting two new members to the chapter. A Rededication ceremony was followed by brunch and inspirational service. The chapter donated items to the Women’s Resource Center in State College as a community service project. Community Service is a huge part of being a Zeta and chapter members always strive to find opportunities to give back in some way. The entire weekend was filled with Sorors reconnecting with each other, rededicating ourselves to Zeta, and reminiscing on the hard work, and the fun times that Mu Eta has accomplished thus far and the many years of hard work, and fun times that have yet to come.
New Jersey Building an Infrastructure for Change Under the leadership of state director, Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., NJ chapters of the sorority got engaged with bringing Text, Talk, Act to over 200 local schools and over 50 community partners and faith-based groups and reached thousands via social media, Upward Bound youth workshops, MLK Days of Service, body image, bullying and domestic violence mental health discussions, healthy living symposiums, eldercare youth and senior mentoring programs, emergency preparedness activities and more! They have built a national network of families that are engaged in community conscious and action-oriented conversations via local driven initiatives and leadership training for girls that centers around mental health. Chapters are also the proud recipients of all three of the Atlantic region's #ZetasGetEngaged #SOcialACTion awards and thrilled to have received Text, Talk, Act, Youth Service Alliance and other grants to leverage their youth and civic engagement around mental health. These awards also included youth book donations all valued at over $8,000. Technology via Text, Talk, Act provided an easy, interactive and fun way to help our youth auxiliary girls address the stigma around mental health and develop action plans for on-going related community service including meeting with political leaders and spearheading state capitol conversations with school districts that exposed more than 2,000 students to not only the social-emotional learning from Text, Talk, Act, but also the impact of the lack of emergency preparedness can have on pregnant women, elders and the disabled. Members of our sorority and Amicae friends of Zeta auxiliary went to different classrooms and lead discussions on 9/11 and how terrorism impacts mental health, pulled out their family plan cell phones to do the Text, Talk, Act exercises with their own children, placed chapter youth into small groups and walked them through the informative steps of Text, Talk, Act, while also addressing violence in our communities. Zetas shared mental health data and related legislation with parents and the larger social media community, met with Senator Booker and Senator Menendez in DC to gather additional resources on disaster related mental health issues, poverty, school mentoring to increase youth well-being and more! By integrating an additional community service element in September the Text, Talk, Act Zeta youth also put together emergency preparedness month kits and donated them in October to those fighting breast cancer. Trenton, New Jersey area members of the social action chapter of the year, Epsilon Xi Zeta, hosted Zeta's NJ Day at the State House where Sister Greek Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman presented Zeta a New Jersey proclamation and
In addition, Zeta member Congresswoman Donna Edwards, a Center for Women in American Politics Lipman Chair and violence prevention advocate, nationally congratulated the Camden, New Jersey Gamma Nu Zeta chapter youth for their dedication to mental health and community service and encouraged all Zetas to continue the conversation around wellness. Text, Talk, Act also helped position New Jersey Zetas to emergency preparedness certify their youth and Amicae auxiliary and sorority members in an effort to help save lives and address some related mental health needs. Text, Talk, Act helps Zeta communities spread awareness on key mental health issues, promoting voter registration and mobilization around healthcare advocacy, building relationships with elected officials and teaching girls the importance of leadership and being action-oriented. Zeta women are integral to communities around the world. They are mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters; they are also leaders, advocates and change agents committed to keeping neighborhoods safe and families healthy. Zeta members and their amicae and youth auxiliaries also recognize the responsibility they have to bring our communities together for collective action, which includes mental health awareness. Your limitations are only as big as you make them. Everyone has the opportunity to be a zealous catalyst for change and the finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. empowers our youth to be the change they wish to see in the world! Visit www.ZPhiBNJ.org to learn more about our #ZetasGetEngaged and related youth and mental health programming opportunities. The #OurGirls initiative empowers New Jersey Zetas to better support the mental health of our local youth." Dr. Denalerie Johnson-Faniel, NJ Social Action and Partnerships Coordinator. Overall, bullying, gun violence and suicide are real and one of the most important things we can do for any of our youth is to model pro–social and pro–community behavior. Communication and compassion is key and following are some helpful tips for connecting with girls in respectful ways to help build an understanding of mental health awareness and cultivate self care: • Listen to girls, hear what they say without judging, assigning motivation, feeling the need to agree or disagree with them, or questioning authenticity. "
Let girls know you care about them, even when they make mistakes and demonstrate poor decision making—remind them that we all make mistakes. •
•
Acknowledge their strengths and skills—help them to use these in pro–social ways.
•
Acknowledge and praise their efforts and the good things they do no matter how small.
Don’t buy into the resistance—oftentimes when girls are acting “tough” and as if they don’t care, this is a smoke screen for fear, confusion, and feelings of hurt and shame. •
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Don’t take what they say and do personally.
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Let them know you have faith in them and provide encouragement every step of the way.
Be respectful and “real” with girls; don’t withhold important information to “protect” them. Ask them what they need and what is in their best interest and be an active and engaged listener that tries to reduce personal bias and harsh judgement. •
Mentor and show all youth how to be allies and self sufficient advocates that use civic engagement, community organizing and advocacy as a tool for #OurGirls empowerment because #WeAreMore and mental health matters! •
Serving Our Elders Eta Pi Zeta Chapter is a known provider of services for seniors in the Montgomery County community. Eta Pi Zeta initially provided services at Arcola Towers, its adopted senior living facility in Silver Spring. Recognizing needs elsewhere, the Chapter branched out to the Sunrise Senior Center facility in Silver Spring. Eta Pi Zeta provided cookie-bake sessions, decorated holiday ornaments, and provided holiday cards to bring a little joy to the seniors. The Chapter also provided a pre-summer party at Arcola to celebrate senior citizen’s month in Montgomery County. Eta Pi Zeta hosted several educational seminars focusing on healthy living; fraud and abuse; financial literacy and care for caregivers. Eta Pi Zeta hosted a “Stretch It Out” fitness day to emphasize healthy habits and to educate seniors on proper exercise and stretching while enhancing their mind, body and spirit. Eta Pi Zeta provided a financial literacy educational seminar, “Money Smarts for Seniors”, in collaboration with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office to educate seniors on the prevention and detection of financial fraud and abuse affecting seniors every day. The Chapter also provided a seminar for caregivers, “Taking Care of Your Legacy”, to emphasize advanced planning and legal issues that arise in taking care of our senior loved ones. Given the rise of fraud, abuse and neglect in senior center facilities today, Eta Pi Zeta decided to address this need by collaborating with the Montgomery County Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Unit to provide an educational seminar entitled “Protecting Seniors From Abuse and Neglect”. The Chapter also hosted a public forum concerning elder abuse issues that included a panel discussion of the Elder Justice Act and the role of the Elder Justice Coalition. The panel consisted of representatives from the Montgomery County Family Justice Center; the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Elder Justice Coalition. Eta Pi Zeta Chapter is dedicated to educating its senior population in Montgomery County.
Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter (Norristown, PA) held ongoing activities through the sorority year at Towne Manor East facility for seniors. The chapter organized bingo and game days, provided fresh fruit and healthy snacks for residents, and wrote Christmas cards to over 100 seniors to spread cheer during the holidays.
Tau Delta Zeta Chapter Committed to the Cause
The eyes of the senior residents light up when cheerful women in royal blue and white show up to the Arbor Terrace Senior Living Residence in Greenbelt, Maryland. Every month, their lives are touched in some way by the Zetas. As part of Zeta's Elder Care Adopt a Senior Center Initiative, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Tau Delta Zeta Chapter have adopted this senior facility to serve and encourage its residents. Whether it’s receiving cards and sentiments to celebrate various holidays, receiving useful gifts, or playing fun and competitive games of bingo, time shared with the residents of Arbor Terrace have left both mutually blessed. To the delight of the chapter, we discovered that one of the Arbor Terrace residents is a Zeta! Soror Barbara Moten Johnson proudly explained that she was initiated through what is now known as the University of the District of Columbia. The one request that Soror Moten Johnson made was for a Zeta t-shirt. Chapter members decided to outfit their new-found Soror with some Zeta paraphernalia.
MARCH FOR BABIES NEWS AROUND THE REGION
Rho Sigma Zeta Erie, PA
Rho Sigma Zeta Sorors raised more than $500 for the March for Babies this year in addition to participating in the local community walk.
HISTORY MAKING DISCOURSE
Gamma Xi Zeta Westchester, NY
Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter organized a lively visit to the office of the Westchester County Executive, Mr. Robert Astorino. Attracting new businesses into Westchester is a primary goal for the County Executive,while providing jobs and affordable housing are issues the sorority members focused upon. This "crash course" in county goals for the foreseeable future was arranged by Carrie Mobley -Johnson, Senior Advisor for Faith based Partnership Initiatives. Gamma Xi Zeta has made history! The chapter is the only Greek Letter Organization ever granted such an opportunity with the County Executive.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ ZETAS SHOW THEIR "SUPER POWERS" FOR BABIES Zetas, Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, family and friends of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter of Gloucester County, New Jersey came out to the March of Dimes March for Babies. The walk was held at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The chapter was a checkpoint sponsor. The thirty-one participants either walked or stood at the checkpoint booth cheering the walkers on; providing water and healthy snacks of raisins, bananas and apples. Each year the chapter participates in the March of Dimes checkpoint theme contest. This year the chapter’s theme was Healthy Babies Become Super Heroes. Everyone wore royal blue, light blue or navy blue capes and masks to show the super powers of Zeta. The booth was decorated with life size posters of super heroes and walkers could listen to the theme song from Superman and Batman. For the last 4 years the chapter has won for best checkpoint theme. Last year, the chapter won first place in the county for organizational team donations. The event chair, Soror Michelle Baynes said, she looks forward to once again winning the checkpoint theme award and being one of the top teams in the county with $1,550 in donations.
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REGIONAL SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVE
Submitted by: Soror Teraleen R. Campbell Atlantic Region Social Action Coordinator
Chapters and Auxiliaries within the Atlantic Region are asked to participate in the region's Social Action Initiative. We are well aware that the upcoming general election is very important to our nation. With this in mind it is critical that Zeta chapters and auxiliaries are actively engaged and ensuring that members of our communities are involved in voter registration and get out the vote efforts. National Voter Registration Day is September 27, 2016. Understanding that this date falls on a weekday, chapters and auxiliaries are encouraged to be visible within our communities conducting voter registration on the weekends of September 24, 2016 or October 1, 2016. Additionally, chapters with social media pages are asked to change their profile pictures to the official National Voter Registration Day graphic and post photos of members conducting voter registration. As an action-oriented organization, the goal is to be visible within the community and on social media registering new voters. Additional information and resources for hosting successful voter registration drives can be found at http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/ ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 18
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
"Membership is the key to setting ZETA on FIRE for the 21st Century and Beyond!"
GROWING "AWESOME" ZETAS IN THE REGION
RHO SIGMA ZETA ERIE, PA
DELTA BETA ZETA QUEENS, NY
GAMMA OMICRON ZETA ESSEX COUNTY, NJ
ETA PI ZETA MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD
Year of the Zeta Legacy GROOMING YOUNG WOMEN FOR THE WORK OF ZETA The Atlantic Region is proud to see the amazing number of Zeta legacies who came into this Sisterhood this year
!
The Legacy Effect: Nurturing Seeds for the Future The “Awesome” Atlantic Region has seen an incredible rise in the number of Zeta legacies. Our Atlantic Regional Director, Janet Y. Bivins, Esq. comes from an extraordinary Zeta lineage. She understands intimately how becoming active in Zeta youth auxiliaries can transform young girls into Zeta women. Soror Bivins was an Archonette in the Midwestern Region. She was voted President at a regional conference and even presided over a regional meeting in 1978. Soror Bivins credits her mother, Soror Sarah Bivins, as being a “Zeta light” before the Archonette group was created. Her mom is a past National Trustee and Missouri State Director. Her sister, Soror Cheryl Christie, is a past Ohio State Director, who along with Jan integrated their schools as young girls. Soror Bivins says that she feels blessed because her mom’s activity in Zeta helped her build leadership skills and embrace the tenets of the Sorority. The Archonettes provided an opportunity for Black girls to participate in fashion shows, talent shows, Stork’s Nest, volunteer at senior citizen homes, and be around other girls like her. Because of the tremendous impact of the Archonettes on her journey through Zeta, Soror Bivins is an advocate of keeping Archonettes connected once they get to college. She encourages chapters to connect young women with undergraduate chapters on college campuses, and support the connection the girls have to the blue and white family. Soror Bivins, her mother, and sister, were all initiated into Theta Beta Chapter at Tuskegee University. In addition to her aunt, cousin and second cousin, the most recent addition to their legacy as of April 2010, is her niece, Soror Angela M. Christie.
Written by Soror Wanda Cromatie Jones Regional Amicae Coordinator
Zeta Amicae Accomplishments from MD to PA
The Prince George County, MD Amicae attended the National Amicae Retreat that held in Washington, DC. With the assistance of sponsoring chapter, Delta Zeta Zeta, workshops were conducted for new members to share information on policy, procedures, protocol, by-laws, etc. Prince George County Amicae were represented at the Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, PA. The auxiliary participated in the Wigs for Awareness Z-Hope Program and donated eight new wigs. Amicae also celebrated with Delta Zeta Zeta Chapter on the 5th Anniversary of their Stork’s Nest where they donated new baby items. For Thanksgiving, the Amicae donated nonperishable food and grocery store gift cards to a family in need. For Christmas, gifts were purchased for one of the families at Maryland State's Adopted School – Choptank Elementary School. Four members attended the 2016 Maryland State Leadership Conference in Hunt Valley, MD. Also, in March in celebration of Finer Womanhood, in a joint effort with our sponsoring chapter, we held a prayer breakfast. The theme was “Zeta and Amicae Together Striving for Finer Service, Finer Scholarship, Finer Sisterhood, Finer Womanhood and a Finer Relationship.”Two book awards were presented to two graduating seniors. Congratulations to members of Delta Zeta Zeta and Amica LaVerne Lowery for walking in the March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies. The Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries of Pennsylvania have been very busy this year! The Amicae has participated in various Z-HOPE initiatives to include Prematurity Awareness, Adopt a School and March of Dimes. In April the Amicae held their State meeting at the Chubbs Hotel and Conference Center. During the luncheon all of the Amicae Auxiliaries in PA were recognized for their Z-HOPE participation! Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Philadelphia won first place for an auxiliary with 5-25 members, Zeta Amicae of Chester won 2nd place for the same category. For the category of 1-4 members Zeta Amicae of Harrisburg won 1st place, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh won 2nd place and Zeta Amicae of Norristown won 3rd place. Congratulations to all the Amicae auxiliaries for all their hard work. Also during the state meeting the Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries held elections for state officers. The new state officers are: President Amica Gail Black, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh; Vice President Amica Gloria Sharpe, Zeta Amicae of Philadelphia; Financial Secretary Amica Denise Bolden, Zeta Amicae of Chester and Chaplain Amica Tamara Clark, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh. Congratulations to the new Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Amicae Executive Board.
Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter Personifies Working "For the Love of Zeta"
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Since their chartering in July 2015, the ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta have been on Fire for Zeta. Their zeal has been demonstrated through their love and dedication to the chapter and one another. The chapter hosted their 1st “Great 18” Bowling Meet and Greet event that drew over 100 people out to support and welcome them to Monmouth County. Attendees including Sorors and Frat from North and South Jersey and several members of Monmouth County’s Pan-hel. Sisterly love continued to flourish at their second sisterly outing in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event was hosted at Uncorked Wine Inspired, Asbury Park, NJ. There, they had the opportunity to test their artistic ability by drawing and painting a Finer Woman and incorporating pink as a part of the art piece in order to show continuous support in “Making Strides for Breast Cancer.” This year the “Making Strides for Breast Cancer” walk had a new meaning for AAXZ as they honored and walked on behalf of their charter Soror Tracey Davidson-Durham. Tracey has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. since Spring 2007. She is a wife, mother of four and a SURVIVOR! AAXZ believes in building an unbreakable bond and are grateful for all of its members especially their Zeta Dove, Patricia K. Thomas. Miss Pat, as she is affectionately known, became a member at Phi Chapter on December 10, 1960 at Virginia State College, Petersburg, Virginia. After graduating and relocating, she did not become affiliated with another chapter until she was reclaimed as a charter member of AAXZ chapter. AAXZ puts their faith in making a difference to work by providing service in their service area of Neptune, NJ at Neptune Day. The chapter collected funds for Making Strides against Breast Cancer, registered people to vote, made contact with key community partners and informed the public about the Sorority. AAXZ works continued as they volunteered at the literacy and recreation fair sponsored by the North Jersey Shore Chapter of Continental Societies Inc. on February 27, 2016 at Shark River Hills Elementary School in Neptune. This event encouraged children to read more and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Chapter members participated in this event by helping with registrations and getting children and their parents to different break out groups during the fair. On that same day members also participated in the 13th Annual Neptune Township Black History Month Celebration: Rise of the Queen. The ladies interacted and discussed the history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. with local politicians, community organizations, students and other residents of Neptune Township. Many local African American women were honored at this event for their outstanding contributions to the Neptune Township community, through scholarship and service.
The dedicated ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter didn’t stop there. The chapter partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County and sponsored a Domestic & Dating Violence Program for Teens. A presentation was given by a local organization, 180 Turning Lives Around. 180 Turning Lives Around is a private non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in the community. They have served individuals and families who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence since 1976. This program provided the teens with valuable information on the many signs of domestic dating violence. The teens were encouraged to call the 2NDFLOOR Youth Hotline if they need help with any problems. Chapter members interacted with the teens and together they were able to depict signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. AAXZ got the eye of the tiger, you’re gonna hear them roar! Several Sorors from the Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter attended the Eastern Region Candidates Forum sponsored by the brothers of the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. The forum was held at the Neptune Township Municipal Building and was hosted by the Iota Chi Sigma Chapter (Monmouth County). The forum allowed candidates within their region present to the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma their goals of what they hope to accomplish if elected. Soror McDonald spoke during the forum and brought greetings on behalf of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 25
Belgium Zetas
Chapter hosts its first Mardi Gras event with rave reviews!
President Rhonda Lawson and Vice President Meaghan Bicklein-Davis run in the Sexual Assault Take Back the NIght 5K at SHAPE, Belgium.
Journey Through Education Gamma Omicron Zeta Honors HBCUs in Scholarship Brunch The Zetas and Amicae of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter in Gloucester County, New Jersey also chose to take a Journey. On April 16, 2016, the chapter’s Scholarship Award Brunch took a Journey thru Education with a Tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).The Scholarship Awards Brunch is the chapter’s event to present the chapter’s scholarship recipients to the public. The commitment to scholarship has allowed the chapter to award over $100,000 in scholarships since it chartering in 1993. This year, the Zetas awarded two $1,000 scholarships and the Amicae awarded 3 Amica Evelyn Cullins Book Scholarships of $500 each. Of the five scholarship recipients, three will be attending HBCU’s. In addition to the individual scholarships the Zetas and the Amicae gave an additional one thousand dollars to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Mr. Gregory L. Lyles, the UNCF Area Development Director from the Philadelphia Regional office was invited to accept the generous donation. Mr. Lyles told the audience that the UNCF is the nation's largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to African American students and a leading advocate of college readiness; preparing students for college success from pre-school through high school. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $4.5 billion to help more than 400,000 students receive college degrees. Lastly he said “Remember a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.” He thanked the chapter for the donation and commended the chapter on its commitment to scholarship endeavors. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 27
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS
OMEGA MU ZETA CHAPTER
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter
Visionary Sorors Getting Results Omega Mu Zeta Chapter (Serving Middle and Southern Middlesex County of New Jersey) was chartered in May 2012. As we perform Next Level quality service to the Middle and Southern Middlesex county New Jersey community, we are inspiring and encouraging inactive Sorors to return home. OMZ is home to 52 Sorors and is largest chapter in the state of New Jersey. The chapter has accomplished quite a number achievements since chartering, including Reclamation and ZHOPE awards on the State, Regional and National levels.
The ladies of Zeta Delta Zeta chapter have a long rich history of working and sharing within our southern New Jersey community. Serving Burlington County since 1959, we believe it is not only our privilege, but also our obligation to continue to ensure a strong presence as we work with all our constituents while as Zetas Helping Other People Excel. ALL FOR THE LOVE OF ZETA!
Soror Denise Davis-Smith, continues to lead the chapter upward, focusing on the sorority principles and preparing for Centennial. In unison with our Centennial enthusiasm and commitment, our chapter has purchased a Centennial Stamp and have opened a Bronze Visionary account. Utilizing our ZHOPE spirit, we were proud to donate a pallet of water to Flint, MI for their water initiative this sorority year. We have other programs such as a shoe drive, blessing bags and our donations to MOD and Breast Cancer that always exemplify our belief in Helping Other People Excel. In addition to ZHOPE, our Scholarship commitment is strong. Annually, we raise upwards of $10,000 for scholarship with our SOLD OUT All White Day Party which all proceeds go to deserving college bound students. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 28
PROFILE
CONTINUING TO BUILD ON THE LEGACY OF GREATNESS by Soror Ashley Noble
Rho Sigma Zeta Chartering Ceremony with Atlantic Regional Director Bivins and PA State Director Cousar
As women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, we desire to exemplify the high standards and principles of our beloved organization in our hearts and in our actions every single day. Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood were all highlighted on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, at the Iota Theta Zeta chapter’s thirty-seventh anniversary celebration finer womanhood brunch. Soror Julliahann Washington, Iota Theta Zeta Basileus and Life Member opened the stage with her warm greetings as she stated, “While society tends to highlight areas where we as a nation can improve conditions, ITZ remains steadfast in honoring and celebrating those who have gone out of their way to seek a remedy to those conditions by being pillars of hope, while fostering the advancement of women leaders”. Iota Theta Zeta was also very proud to receive greetings from and have in attendance, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, National First Anti-Basileus, Soror Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker and Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, Soror Dorothy L. Goosby. The Mistress of Ceremony, Soror Georgia Grange-Simmons carried the event with such class as she introduced the keynote speaker, Soror Gigi Gillard, who precisely left a strong impact on the room as she told us her life’s story and showed us each how to realize whether we had positive or negative mindsets based on if we had the ability to see that “opportunity is now here”. ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 29
It was certainly one of those, you had to be there to get it, moments. The ladies of ITZ recognized five distinguished women for all their work within the Nassau County community with beautifully engraved blue glass plaques. The notable honorees were Mrs. Tina Hodge Bowles, Ms. Shantay Carter, Mrs. Deidre Helberg, Mrs. Barbara Jordan, and Mrs. Cynthia Roberts. Each time an honoree took her stand at the podium, the humility and modesty of these remarkable and outstanding women, amazed me. Each woman brought tears to my eyes as they spoke to the audience so openly about their education, their backgrounds, their families, their journeys, and their desire continue to do more with their lives. Being in that room, made me feel blessed just to have the honor to hear their stories. On top of that, I was happy to know that there were young men and women present to hear these wise words as well. A young Zuri Milliner of the Gloria Eve Dance Company powered through a tap dance selection even through the technical difficulties with her musical accompaniment. Also, the amazing young voices of the Hempstead High School Chorale delivered two beautifully sung pieces under the direction of Choir Leader Ms. Rachel Blackburn. The Iota Theta Zeta Finer Womanhood Brunch honored five woman as distinguished women of excellence dedicated to serving the community and fulfilling destiny, however, I felt that my destiny was fulfilled by being a witness of this wonderful event. To close the event, ITZ kept to our Sisterly Love traditions and honored the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter Doves, Sorors Loree Jeanmarie and Dorothy McGuire. Iota Theta Zeta Chapter was chartered on January 27th, 1979 when seven women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated organized in Rockville Centre, New York. The charter members were Sorors Elgivia Ball, Francis Edmonston, Ann France, Linette Mott, Loree Jeanmarie, Joyce Robinson, and Inez Spear. Soror Jan Thompson joined them shortly afterward. These ladies were convinced that the community, composed of many universities and colleges, needed a chapter. Under their guidance, undergraduate chapters were founded at Long Island University: C.W. Post Campus (Zeta Kappa), SUNY at Old Westbury (Eta Kappa), SUNY at Stonybrook (Theta Kappa), and Adelphi University (Alpha Lambda). Iota Theta Zeta is very proud to continue building on our very strong legacy of greatness!
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LAGUNA BEACH Bringing the Blessings! Delta Mu Zeta Chapter - Manhattan, NY
CATCH SOME WAVES IN
Holding fast to the principle of service, the Delta Mu Zeta (DMZ) Chapter has proudly served within the Borough of Manhattan since it was chartered on June 30, 1950. This year we have continued our efforts to deliver outreach service programs that support local area residents and foster collaborative partnerships with community based organizations. DMZ has successfully delivered “Blessing Bags” and “Blankets of Love” to the homeless and impoverished members of our community. The chapter has conducted workshops to educate local residents on how to implement personal and home-safety procedures; we’ve also spent quality time with seniors through our Elder Care initiative. Delta Mu Zeta Chapter held their 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway. The senior class at the Frederick Douglass Academy was able to “shop” for their prom dresses. 27 young ladies walked in and said yes to the dress! The event turned out to be a success as the young ladies appreciated the opportunity to be able to obtain a dress. Delta Mu Zeta Chapter of New York held its 2016 Gospel Brunch at Bethel Gospel Assembly celebrating life and spiritual awareness with over 200 guests in attendance. DMZ’s chapter choice awards (also called the “Zemmy’s”) were given out during the event, and the deserving winners of the principle awards this year were:
Soror Patrice Shelby – The 2016 Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood Awards B y Chrystine J o y c e WJohnson r i g h t – The 2016 Scholarship Award Soror P h oLatricia t o g r aWarren p h s b y– The M a r2016 k H aService l b e r g Award Soror There was also the distinguished 2016 “Gloria Ortiz Presidential Award” presented by DMZ’s chapter president Ebony McLean to Soror Oredola Edwards.The day was filled with love and gratefulness as everyone continued to enjoy great gospel music and dance performances. Delta Mu Zeta Chapter was honored to be able to host such a blessed event and looks forward to hosting it again in 2017.
Delta Beta Zeta Chapter
Queens, NY Zetas Meeting the Needs of the Community
The members of the Delta Beta Zeta Chapter (Queens, NY) have put words into action and have blazed new paths of service to the Southeast Queens community.The sorority year began with the Adopt-A-School committee organizing and collecting donations of school and classroom supplies to benefit the students of two Queens County schools. Through Adopt C A-AT- School, C H SDelta O M Beta E WZeta A V(DBZ E S) Chapter I N has been able to sponsor a library titled “Lena’s Library” within the School of Law Enforcement and Public Safety in Queens. A workshop title “Zeta Stays Finer 101” was held in collaboration with Macy’s. Funds raised from this event went to our Z-HOPE breast cancer initiative. DBZ, in collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Zeta Lambda chapter, served the seniors of the Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center in Cambria Heights. DBZ, in addition to the other organizations was recognized in the local Queens paper for their participation and partnership. Delta Beta Zeta Sorors joined forces with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Rho Sigma chapter and the Mason of Lebanon Lodge 54 once again on Christmas day. Lebanon Lodge 54 opened their doors to the community by providing clothing, hot food and toys. DBZ also adopted three families within the local women’s shelter for Christmas. These families were provided home supplies as well as toys for the children. Soror Vanessa Dumont-Cole and Soror Wilhelmine Herard-James, Z-HOPE Coordinators for the chapter coordinated this activity. The chapter celebrated its 96th Anniversary this year, and inducted 6 new members into the sisterhood. Sorors Velma Jones, Janise Loreto, Sharlene Minus, Diann Pierre, Koren Robinson and Alicia White. In celebration of Martin Luther King, DBZ hosted a “I Have A Dream” essay contest at our local women’s shelter, providing the children an opportunity to talk about the dreams they have for their families. DBZ hosted an intimate dialog with the CEO of Dress for Success, Joi Gordon at York College, where Gordon expressed how she managed her multitude of hats. This event was recognized in the local Queens paper. We entered the month of March by attending the Women's Academy of Excellence 5th Annual P.E.A.R.L.S Award. The event honors women who have contributed to their community, country and world. Among the honorees was our very own International Grand Basileus, Mary Breaux Wright. She received the P.E.A.R.L.S Trinity award for International Leadership.
By Joyce Wright o t okicked g r a poff h sitsb5th yM a r k cycle H a l bwith e r gover 12 participants registered in the beginning of May and was awarded StorkP’shNest spring a grant to continue our great work! Kudos to Soror Andrea Scott. DBZ also hosted its 5th Annual Tea at Zora’s – A Celebration of our Youth, where 2 high school seniors were honored. Ending the month of May and the sorority year, DBZ hosted its annual Legal Seminar in observance of Violette Anderson Day, educating our seniors on the importance of elder care planning, wills, trusts and immigration laws, just to name a few. Soror Donna Anderson, Esq, spearheaded this event. DBZ also hosted a pamper day at the local women’s shelter. The event allowed the residents to have a day of relaxation. Delta Beta Zeta is a chapter that is constantly on the move with the times.
Stay Tuned...
56TH ARLC
FINER
PICTURE
WOMEN IN
HIGHLIGHTS
ATLANTIC
SHOWING
REGION
YOU HOW
ZETAS
IT'S DONE!
HIGH
FASHION