Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Blythewood Graduate Chapter Chartering Celebration Launching New Dimensions of Service in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community
The Medallion Conference Center 7309 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, South Carolina December 12, 2015
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Patricia Moore Henegan Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. CLUSTER VII South Atlantic Region
®
December 12, 2015 My Dear Sisters, Congratulations! Today is truly a day for a celebration and I celebrate and share in the excitement with you. Welcome to the friends, family and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who came from near and far to join in today’s celebration. God really showered us with His favor when He created this illustrious sisterhood. I ask myself all the time, “What was God thinking when He put this idea into Ethel Hedgeman Lyle’s head?” The Blythewood Community Interest Group is another indication of what God meant. You represent a powerful organization of strong, hardworking, valuable women whose aim is to serve mankind. In fact, our core foundation is based on sisterhood, scholarship and service. Our International President, Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson’s theme is “Launching New Dimensions of Service.” As members of the Blythewood Community Interest Group, you have already demonstrated an ongoing commitment to community service, leadership and sisterhood by sponsoring or partnering with others in activities that have brought awareness, ownership, leadership and political changes to your community. The longevity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is grounded in the strength and creative talents of her leaders at all levels; and its witnessed by our South Atlantic Regional Director, Ms. Sharon Brown Harriott, who will provide greater levels of leadership as you go forward. On behalf of all Cluster VII chapters and members of the South Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, I welcome our new chapter and its members. With Sisterly Love,
Patricia Moore Henegan Cluster VII Coordinator South Atlantic Region Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®
Marshalynn Morgan Franklin Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® Blythewood Graduate Chapter
December 12, 2015 Greetings Guests: In the children’s book What Do You Do With an Idea, the author tells the story of a child who nurtures a brilliant idea. After adequate time and attention, the idea bursts into existence and changes the world. The idea of establishing an Alpha Kappa Alpha graduate chapter to provide service in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community has been nurtured, and today the idea bursts into existence. What began as just an idea has evolved and is now an amazing group of seventy Alpha Kappa Alpha women with a sincere interest in providing service to the BlythewoodNortheast Columbia Community with an unprecedented level of excellence and effectiveness. I extend sincere thanks to Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director, and Mrs. Marsha Lewis Brown, Immediate Past South Atlantic Regional Director, for their unwavering support and leadership during the interest group process. I am also grateful to the three Midlands-area chapters, Gamma Nu Omega, Iota Omega Omega and Upsilon Omega Omega, for embracing the idea of extending the Alpha Kappa Alpha brand in the Midlands. When the idea in What Do You Do With an Idea burst into being, it marked the beginning of the change agent stage. Likewise, the chartering of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter is only just the beginning. There’s so much more to come, as we endeavor to effect change in the world around us, the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community. It is with an abundance of joy that I welcome you to the chartering celebration of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter. Our journey to this day has been extraordinary, and I am delighted that you are here to help us celebrate. Not only do we celebrate what we have accomplished thus far, we also celebrate the limitless possibilities that await us as we expand Alpha Kappa Alpha’s footprint in the great state of South Carolina. Kind regards,
Marshalynn Morgan Franklin President
Meteorologist/ Environmental Reporter Von Gaskin is a meteorologist with an extensive background in severe weather tracking and radar interpretation. She serves as a meteorologist at WIS TV in Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that, Von was a meteorologist at WNCT TV in Greenville, North Carolina. There, she tracked tornadoes and severe thunderstorms using Baron’s Viper Radar. Additionally, Von has been a meteorologist at WWAY in Wilmington, North Carolina and WPDE in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Von holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of South Carolina (Columbia, South Carolina) and a Master of Science degree in Geosciences and Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University (Starkville, Mississippi). Von is well known by teachers across the Midlands of South Carolina as a source for weather expertise. She is frequently invited into classrooms to share her weather knowledge with students. Additionally, Von is often called upon to emcee or judge local events and speak to students and church groups about turning dreams into realities through hard work and perseverance. Von has served as a volunteer with Citizens Opposed to Domestic Violence (CODA), helping women and children to rebuild their lives after having been victims of domestic violence. Von’s volunteerism isn’t limited to the Midlands, as she has also volunteered abroad on the Island of Hispaniola (Dominican/Republic/Haiti) as a missionary. Her experience there involved helping to build a church and assisting at an orphanage. Von, a South Carolina native, is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She enjoys the great outdoors, mainly along the Carolina beaches. Von is married to her soul mate, J. Anthony Gaskin, and they are the proud of parents of three handsome little boys, Emmanuel, Shamar and Marsalis.
Presidents of the Central Midlands-Area Chapters
Gamma Nu Omega Chapter Columbia, South Carolina
Iota Omega Omega Chapter Camden, South Carolina
Upsilon Omega Omega Chapter Irmo, South Carolina
ur story is a story of rekindled love, reawakening of dreams and recommitment to a common purpose. The chartering members of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter are stakeholders in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community who value public service and understand the immeasurable potential of the Sorority’s presence in the community. These seventy women joined hands and hearts and expanded the Alpha Kappa Alpha footprint to the northeast quadrant of Richland County. Here’s how our story unfolds ... It was in November of 2012, when Marshalynn Morgan Franklin approached then Regional Director, Mrs. Marsha Lewis Brown about the possibility of establishing a graduate chapter in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community. With Lewis Brown’s “blessing” to determine the level of interest among inactive and general member AKAs, a five-member committee met on December 2, 2012 to prepare a strategic plan. Alvera Butler, Tracy Footman, Yvette Graham and Octavia Hamilton-Hankins joined Franklin in envisioning the limitless possibilities of an AKA presence in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community and laid the groundwork for igniting interest among other AKAs in the community. By December of 2013, the group of interested AKAs had grown to forty, and an application for interest group status was submitted. In March of 2014, Lewis Brown sent notification to the group indicating that Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Blythewood interest group. The forty-member interest group held its first meeting on Sunday, March 16, 2014. At that meeting, the name Blythewood Ivy League was selected as the group’s name and plans for infrastructure and a program calendar began. The service programs orchestrated by the group during its twenty-one month interest group period were great in both quantity and quality. With attention to detail, the group worked diligently and cohesively to ensure that programs reflected the Sorority’s international program framework, while also being responsive to local needs and interests. Being careful not to neglect the “sisterhood” facet of the organization, group members participated in several sisterly relations events and workshops designed to reacquaint them with the Sorority’s expectations and protocols. Additionally, members attended Sorority conferences at the local, regional and national levels.
Bristal Adams Pasquail Bates Rachel Bourke LaShawn Bridges Fredricka Brown Rashidah Brown Alvera Butler Janice Campbell Keicha Chandler-McCray Robin Dease Nakia Derrick Victoria Dixon-Mokeba Yolanda Dodd Monica Edwards Monica Elkins-Johnson Benjara Elliott Tracy Footman Marshalynn Franklin Twanisha Garner Marlena Gore Yvette Graham Kimberly Greene Octavia Hamilton-Hankins Karla Kawkins Harriett Haywood Breanna Henley A. Laverne Heyward Damara Hightower-Davis Jacqueline Holman Erica Jackson-Matthews Jacqueline Jacobs Sylvia James Candice Johnson Marilyn Johnson Pamela Johnson Karen Joye Patrice Keesee Michelle Kennedy Demetrice King Erica Leach Courtney Long Tamika Lowe India Mack Semyon Mack Brenda Mack-Foxworth Kristie Martin Karis Mazyck Jofonda McMullen Sonja Merriwether-Hawkins Ashanda Merritt Lia Milhouse Loraine Montgomery Shaunya Murrill Cheryl Peppers Lechel Pitts Yolanda Propps Vanessa Rhoden Dawana Robinson Deonca Shuler Sabrina Suber Malinda Taylor Angela Thom Beverly Turner Kimberly Watt-Brockington Tracey Weldon-Stewart LaWanda West LaKesha West-Missouri Tanya Wilson Latoya Young Tanya Youngblood
In July of 2014, Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott succeeded Lewis Brown as South Atlantic Regional Director, and subsequently assumed the responsibility of guiding the interest group in its efforts to become a chartered chapter. By January of 2015, the interest group had grown to seventy members and its presence in the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community was highly evident. Brown Harriott presented the group’s Application to Charter at the October 2015 Board of Directors meeting. Under the leadership of International President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, the Board of Directors approved the application. Plans for a chartering ceremony and celebration commenced. The Blythewood Graduate Chapter is committed to service and sisterhood. These like-minded women began this journey as sorority sisters and have evolved into friends. They are poised for greatness as they continue to provide service in the BlythewoodNortheast Columbia Community.
Blythewood-NE Columbia
The Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Community is located in the northeast quadrant of Richland County, South Carolina. The community, outlined on the map in blue, is one of South Carolina’s most diverse and rapidly growing areas. The community’s boundaries mirror the boundaries of the Richland School District Two geographical area.
Our Vision A Sincere Sisterhood Providing Supreme Service Our Mission To implement meaningful, engaging programs which reflect an unprecedented level of excellence and effectiveness.
速
Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Von Gaskin Musical Prelude
Richland Northeast High School Orchestra
Processional
Dais Guests Blythewood Graduate Chapter
Introduction of Dais Guests and Special Guests
Mrs. Tracy Footman, Vice President
Greetings
Mrs. Patricia Moore Henegan Cluster VII Coordinator
The Occasion
Mrs. DeVetta Williams Hughes South Atlantic Region Chief of Staff
Blessing
Miss Zaylee Butler A.S.C.E.N.D. Student
Breakfast Pearls of Wisdom: New Dimensions of Service, Sisterhood & Spirituality Service - Mrs. Tracy Dye President, Gamma Nu Omega Chapter (Columbia) Sisterhood - Ms. Larissa Howard-Cuffie President, Iota Omega Omega Chapter (Camden) Spirituality - Mrs. Latonya Dilligard Edwards President, Upsilon Omega Omega Chapter (Irmo) The Charge
Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott South Atlantic Regional Director
Special Presentations
Mrs. Shaunya Murrill, Chartering Chairman Mrs. Marshalynn Franklin, President
Closing Remarks
Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott
Alpha Kappa Alpha Hymn
Shaunya Murrill, Chairman BUDGET Benjara Elliott Twanisha Garner Yvette Graham India Mack* Lia Milhouse DECORATIONS Alvera Butler Breanna Henley Jacqueline Holman Erica Jackson-Matthews Candice Johnson Erica Leach Yolanda Propps* FOOD & BEVERAGE Benjara Elliott Marlena Gore Jacqueline Jacobs Karen Joye* Ashanda Merritt GUEST SERVICES Robin Dease Marilyn Johnson Tamika Lowe* Kristie Martin Vanessa Rhoden HOSPITALITY Rachel Bourke LaShawn Bridges* Monica Edwards Laverne Heyward* Pamela Johnson Courtney Long Cheryl Peppers Dawana Robinson Deonca Shuler Beverly Turner Kimberly Watt-Brockington
PROTOCOL Bristal Adams* Fredricka Brown Nakia Derrick Octavia Hamilton-Hankins Damara Hightower-Davis Sylvia James Michelle Kennedy Karis Mazyck Tracey Weldon-Stewart Tanya Wilson PUBLICITY Keicha Chandler-McCray Yolanda Dodd Karla Hawkins Sabrina Suber LaWanda West Tanya Youngblood* REGISTRATION Pasquail Bates* Rashidah Brown Monica Elkins-Johnson Kimberly Greene Semyon Mack-Young Jofonda McMullen Lia Milhouse Loraine Montgomery LaToya Young SCHEDULE & PROGRAM Janice Campbell Victoria Dixon-Mokeba Marshalynn Franklin* Yvette Graham Harriett Haywood Sonja Merriwether-Hawkins Lechel Pitts Malinda Taylor LaKesha West-Missouri *Chairman
LOGISTICS/AV Tracy Footman* Patrice Keesee Demetrice King Brenda Mack-Foxworth Angela Thom
Delighted to be Charter Members of the
We honor the place where we began our AKA journey: Mu Xi Chapter at Winthrop University
Tamika Lowe Fall ‘94
Marshalynn Morgan Franklin Fall ‘94
Pasquail Stewart Bates Fall ‘98
Bristal Cornelius Adams Spring ‘06
Eagles in pearls … The best of both worlds!
Proud To Be Charter Members of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter Paying Honor to Our Chapter of Initiation Gamma Nu Chapter at Claflin University
ΓÎ?
Robin Williams Dease ~ Spring 1981 Twanisha Foxworth Garner ~ Spring 1995 Demetrice King ~ Spring 1996 Monica Johnson Edwards ~ Spring 2001 LaWanda West ~ Spring 2010
Then: Undergraduates in the Theta Gamma Chapter Now: Charter Members of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter
Vanessa Rhoden Erica Leach
Brenda Mack-Foxworth
Courtney Long Shaunya Murrill
Kim Watt-Brockington Candice Johnson Bree Henley
We Honor the Chapter Through Which We Became Members of Our Great Sorority
We Continue to Embody the Theta Gamma Legacy of Service and Sisterhood
We are honored to be charter members of the Blythewood graduate chapter of 速
Benedict College Alumnae Psi Chapter
Harriett Scarborough Haywood Fall 1972 Sonja Merriwether-Hawkins Spring 1986 Sabrina Jones Suber Fall 1989 Tanya Youngblood Spring 1992 Damara Hightower Spring 1994
We are humbled by the opportunity to be Charter Members of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter
Charter Members Initiated Through the Beta Sigma Chapter at SC State University Marlena Gore, Fall ‘03 Karla Hawkins, Fall ‘91 Octavia Hamilton-Hankins, Spring ‘90 Semyon Mack, Spring ‘96 LaShawn Bridges, Spring ‘99 Tanya Wilson, Spring ‘97 Benjara Elliott, Spring ‘01
We are Proud to Honor Our Chapter of Initiation
Sumter, South Carolina
Kimberly Greene
Loraine Montgomery
Jacqueline Jacobs
Alvera Butler
There’s no other, like our sisterhood ... Sumter, South Carolina Home of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
Tracy Fqqtnao Yvette Graham Alvera Bvtler Marshalypo Fraoklio Octavia Hamiltqo-Haokios
We’re hqoqred tq have blazed the trail tq io the Blyuhewqqd-Nqruheast Cqlvmbia Cqmmvoity.
The jqvrpey qf a thqvsaod miles begios with a siogle ster. - Laq Tzv
For some, this phrase is a cliché’ … for
it’s a principle! Marsha, You’ve been 110% AKA since day one! We applaud your commitment and service. Best wishes to you and the Blythewood Graduate Chapter. Your parents & siblings, Freddie & Nancy Morgan Freddie Morgan, Jr., Valerie Morgan Iseah & Derek Morgan
October 1994
The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise. - Maya Angelou
CONGRATULATIONS
Blythewood Graduate Chapter Charter Member & Chartering Celebration chairman
You are successful at reaching for both the stars and hearts. I am ever so proud of you! Your husband, Terrence
to Charter Member & Chartering Chairman
You’re a great
and
Love, Soror Kimberely Mouzone Best
!
CONGRATULATIONS Blythewood Graduate Chapter of
SORORITY, Inc.
速
601 County Road 507 Sumter, South Carolina (803) 481-7003 www.victorychurchsc.com Pastor Joann & Elder Oliver Murrill Mother & Father-in-Love of Charter Member, Shaunya Murrill
-
To Our Mother Congratulations
on being a charter member of the Blythewood-Northeast Columbia Chapter of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
速
Love, Your children Soror Tamara S. Haywood, Soror Akiah S. Haywood, Mr. Atu S. Haywood & Dr. Carlton Haywood, Jr.
by blood
by destiny
CONGRATULATIONS Blythewood Graduate Chapter Charter Member & Chapter Historian
May your commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 速 remain strong as you continue to provide service to all. I am so proud of you. Your loving husband, James F. Campbell
CONGRATULATIONS
Charter Members from First Nazareth Baptist Church
Robin Dease Yolanda Dodd Monica Edwards India Mack Vanessa Rhoden Deonca Shuler Sabrina Suber
2351 Gervais Street Columbia, South Carolina (803) 254-6232 www.firstnazareth.com Reverend Blakely N. Scott, Pastor
CONGRATULATIONS
and the
on your newly chartered
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® Chapter
Your Family: Rufus C. Holman, husband Children: RJ Holman, Anthony & Courtney Jones, Stephanie Campbell, Tamika Holman & Granddaughter: Giselle Jones … Love You GiGi!
We extend congratulatory wishes to the
Women of
速
as you move forward to provide a standard of excellence and service to all mankind in our community.
Dr. & Mrs. Baron R. Davis
1250 Polo Road Columbia, South Carolina 803.419.2226 richland2.org/pre Twitter: @PRE_Explorers Instagram: pre_explorers Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/PREonFacebook
State Report Card Absolute Rating - Excellent State Report Card Improvement Rating - Excellent
Principal: Marshalynn M. Franklin, Ph.D. Ad provided by the Polo Road PTO
110 Columbia Northeast Drive, Suite A Columbia, South Carolina 803.834.7948 kikischickenandwaffles@gmail.com
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MOVING SOON! 7001 Parklane Road (corner of Parklane & Two Notch, former Caprioska building)
Excellent! The chicken is old school fried chicken like my grandmother used to make. Waffles were light, fluffy and flavorful. The customer service was great! *Facebook customer reviews
Please support by making a financial contribution. P.O. Box 290522 Columbia, SC 29229 Monica Elkins Blythewood Graduate Chapter Charter Member
OR www.gofundme.com/v42hz4xs
to my daughter-in-law
May God bless you and your chapter with much success in your endeavors. Cynthia Hawkins Goodwin
Best Wishes to Karla McLawhorn Hawkins
as the Blythewood Graduate Chapter Launches a New Dimension of Leadership in the Blythewood-NE Columbia Community Your Husband, Eric & Sons, Eric, Jr. (EJ) and Bryson
Congratulations
Member of the Fabulous Five of Blythewood Ivy League Love, Royal McKenney
Sending love and support to you, dear cousin! I am VERY PROUD of the steps you and your sorority are taking to better serve the community. Vernon E. Craig, Sr. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ď Ž Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter Prince George’s County, Maryland
Congratulations on 25 Years of service to your beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha! We are so proud of all you have done and will continue to do in the name of AKA. Your loving family, Jerion, Tqylor & Jacob
Congratulations to the Blythewood Interest Group on your chartering as a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 速
8604 Farrow Road, Suite A Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-6822
CONGRATULATIONS to my favorite AKA on being a part of chartering a new chapter! Love, Alex Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Theta Chapter Spring ‘03
Mother ~ Loraine Montgomery Daughter ~ Kimberly Green Blythewood Graduate Chapter Charter Members
New Body Fat Loss & Fitness Congratulates on being a charter member of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter
CONGRATULATIONS Much success to you and this newly chartered chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. We are certain that great things are ahead!
Love & Blessings, Lisa Brailey-Barnes & Sheryl Barnes
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M.O.T.O Volleyball
Club
DEANNA RUDNIK
- IGNITEof Northeast Columbia, South Carolina
M.O.T.O. Volleyball Club Founder & Director motovolleyballclub@gmail.com www.motovolleyballclub.com
Congratulations to
Mrs. Jackie Holman and her sorors on the start of the Blythewood AKA Chapter!
We love you, Mrs. Mary E. “Mama J” Justice Conner Victoria Justice Andre & Elaine Boyd
CONGRATULATIONS
Our prayers are with you and the new chapter of
Your family, Barbara Gibbons, Katrina Kelley, Stephanie Holman (), Linda Johnson & Lakeisha Major Gibbons
Michelle Brailey Kennedy
Congratulations to my grandniece,
Breanna Henley I am so proud of you! Without a doubt, this is only the beginning. I look forward to witnessing all that is in store for you and your lovely AKA sisters. I love you! Your mom, Thelma Bailey
and sorors of the Blythewood Interest Group on chartering a new chapter!
Soror Sharon U. Richardson Lambda Omega Chapter Newport News, Virginia
Soror Jacqueline Holman Congratulations to you and the BIL Interest Group on your chartering ceremony December 12, 2015
Soror Darien Watson Horton AKA Sorority
Best Wishes & Sisterly Love to
Jacqueline Holman Congratulations on your new endeavor!
AKA Sorority Graduate Chapter Chartering Mrs. Gwendolyn Glisson-Mack
CONGRATULATIONS
on your Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter Chartering
Your Friend, Patricia Singleton Parr
Margaret Shaw
Congratulations to
Soror Lia Milhouse & The Sorors of the Blythewood Interest Group on your chartering! With sisterly love, Soror Nathele Roberson
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nathele.mypremierdesigns.com NatheleR@aol.com (803) 609-9296
Congratulations
Congratulations
Nakia
Lia C. Milhouse
on continuing the legacy of timeless and extraordinary service.
on being a charter member.
Continued success, Lisa Collins, Alfreda A. Dozier, Kelli Mitchell, Shonda Simmons, Sarah Williams
Love always, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie & Barbara Smith (parents) Jalen O. Milhouse (son)
Congratulations Harriett
Love, Your Sisters ...
Sorors Kathy, Cynthia and Carmen
CONGRATULATIONS
on becoming a charter member. What wonderful memories you will have for a lifetime! Gwenevere Ward & Family Randy, Royce, RJ, Alandria, Mariana, Remy & Randell
CONGRATULATIONS
on being a charter member of the Blythewood Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®
Dr. Kay Jacobs Theta Gamma ‘07
NOTICE OF POSSIBLE USE OF YOUR NAME, IMAGE OR LIKENESS Please be advised that attending and participating in any event associated with the chartering of the Blythewood Graduate Chapter may result in the use of your name, image and/or likeness in printed and electronic material, including, but not limited to, publication on the World Wide Web, social network sites, in press materials and in advertising and marketing materials. You hereby specifically release Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 速 and its agents from any and all claims arising from the use of your name, image and/or likeness based on any of the uses stated above.