From the Editor It’s certainly been awhile! Firstly, thank you to all the supporters of Dovely who have let me know that you were looking forward to our next issue and assisted us along the way. With the life changes that have occured within the staff ’s personal lives (I had my first child and Denise also had her first child), this issue truly comes from a place of inspiration and love. Women within my own organization continue to amaze me and it’s literally written all over this edition. This issue has, as my service photo eloquently portrays, caused me to really get my hands dirty in order to make it happen. The most important thing is that we made it HAPPEN in the face of adversity and changes. As a reminder to all reading, this is truly a magazine created for and about members of our organization. As inspiring and fantastic their stories and experiences are, I am and continue to be compelled to share with anyone interested. From Broadway to Capitol Hill, we are a FORCE to be reckoned with! What can I say? My Sorors inspire me! And I hope something in this issue inspires YOU. I’d also like to dedicate this issue to our little ones -Baby Pratcher and Baby Snow - because they are our latest and greatest inspirations.
Stay Dovely,
Amber Pratcher Editor-In-Chief
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Winter 2012 >> In this Issue
12
12 Let the Church Say Amen!
Soror Kadejah Oné sits down with Writer Denise Snow to share why her star shines so brightly.
15 Founders’ Day Reflections
Sorors share what Founders’ Day means to them.
16 I’m a Survivor!
Soror LaTanya Tatum shares her breast cancer survival story.
18 Got Snob?
5 RZ Facebook Page Happenings
Popular political and social commentator Soror Danielle Belton shares how her struggles and successes equally brought her to her goals.
See what’s happening on the popular RZ Facebook Page.
6 Q&A with Soror Olympian Amber Campbell
Soror Campbell talks to Dovely about her Olympic-sized accomplishments and aspirations.
8 #OccupyTheHill
Sorors travel to Washington D.C. to make their voices heard. Read up on what they had to say in this issue’s cover story. By Krysta Jones
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Editor in Chief Amber Pratcher Senior Content Editor Denise Marie Snow Guest Contributer Krysta Jones Special Consultants - Winter 2012 Issue Tamara Manning Kevin Davis Art Production & Design Amber Pratcher Dovely Magazine is devoted to highlighting the accomplishments and activities of members of RealZetas.com and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Dovely is a publication of RealZetas.com and is not affiliated with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. The views expressed in Dovely are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Dovely or its staff. All persons interested in submitting materials for publication in Dovely acknowledge the editor’s right to accept, deny or edit materials for clarity, accuracy and length. Photographs submitted are preferred to be of high resolution (300 dpi or higher). Please include captions with all photographs. By submitting photos, you affirm that the photos are your property or you have a right to use them, and you grant Dovely the right to use photos as we see fit. Please submit your materials to the editor by the deadline indicated. Only articles that reflect the mission and purpose of Dovely Magazine will be reviewed for publication. Materials submitted after deadlines will be considered for the following issue. Submit to ambie@realzetas.com or denisemariesnow@gmail.com .
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Dovely Magazine is published in the Spring and Winter. Next submission deadline: March 1st, 2012 Real Zetas Website www.realzetas.com
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Q& with Olympian Soror Amber Campbell
Amber Campbell tHROWS.
Soror Campbell was generous and took time out to speak with Dovely, right after winning a bronze medal at the Pan American Championship in Mexico. This is a woman who’s accomplishments include being the 2008 USA Olympic Trials Silver Medalist, a 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 USA Indoor Champion (along with a host of other accomplishments)...and still has time to represent for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Not only do we share the same name, hometown and high school, the fact we are both Sorors made this interview special. By Amber Pratcher Q: Firstly, Thanks for chatting with me. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? A: Well I’m a 2004 graduate of Coastal Carolina University where I earned my B.A. in Psychology. It was there that I learned to throw the hammer. I have three older brothers who were also athletes and they gave me the love for competition. When I’m not competing I like to watch other sports such as football and Mixed Martial Arts. I’m also an avid reader. If there’s any time left I like to spend it with family and friends.
A: I would appreciate any support my sorors can give. I have a blog that they can visit and follow the journey to London. If they want to leave comments of support or well wishes or whatever! It is: www.AmberCampbellThrows.blogspot.com. There are t-shirts for sale and there is also a donate button if you choose to utilize that option. Q: What is the most difficult thing about competing?
A: I became a Zeta in the spring of 2003 Mu Rho Chapter. There were seven of us that came in together.
A: The most difficult thing about competing is all the preparation that goes into it. I train for about six hours a day six days a week. It takes a lot out of me to be able to maintain that kind of schedule so I sacrifice time with family and friends. Also during the spring I travel abroad to most of my competitions, and getting off the plane to compete is pretty hard.
Q: How do you rep Zeta when going overseas and to various places for your competitions?
Q: How long do you plan on doing Shotput and do you have any plans for after you stop competing?
A: When I travel I wear my Zeta gear so everybody knows who I’m representing. I also make sure I conduct myself as a finerwoman would.
A: I will throw the hammer hopefully through the 2016 Olympics. I pray my body holds up that long. If God says the same I’ll compete as long as I can. But other than that I work at a wellness facility called SportsDoctors, Inc. in Myrtle Beach. I’m the Fitness Manager there so I will just continue to try and help grow the business when I retire from throwing.
Q: Where and when did you become a Zeta, and what do you love about Zeta?
Q: How can we support you and what and where are your upcoming competitions?
Follow Soror Campbell on Twitter @USAHammerHottie
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dovely cover story
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By Krysta Jones Photos by Lisa Turner-Rustin
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“I consider it an honor to have been a part of a team that dared to dream.” - Soror Barbara Cousar
ressed in royal blue and armed with an attitude of determination, coming from as far as Missouri, New York, and Georgia, over 35 members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., gathered on Capitol Hill to learn how to be more effective advocates for their communities. “Even though it was his birthday, my husband would not let me miss this,” recounted Candace Keeby of New York. “ After seeing the agenda, and the important work we were doing, he told me to head to Washington to be with my Sorors.” With an unemployment rate of 9.1% as of September 2011 and efforts across the nation to curtail voting rights in several states, it was the opportune time to share how local communities are affected by the crises with elected officials.
As the event organizer, I started the day with an overview of why it was important to come to Capitol Hill. “As professional women we have a responsibility to advocate for our families and communities. Not only to share our opinions, but be thought leaders and develop innovative solutions to the complex problems that plague our society.” Representative Jim Moran (D-VA); Jenny Lawson, State Voices; Hilary Shelton, Washington Bureau-NAACP; and Stephanie Brown, field director for the Youth and College division, NAACP, led discussions on the political climate in Washington, nonprofit political activity, the NAACP’s congressional priorities, and an interactive workshop on how to continue to effect change at home. Sorors also participated in a National PanHellenic Council Forum moderated by Roland Martin of CNN. While focusing on the activities of the Greek community in promoting civic participation, the action item for each Greek organization was to turn their attention to Ohio. 9 dovely :: Winter 2012
In June 2011, the Ohio legislature passed HB 194, which would place barriers on early voting. On September 29, Ohio activists gathered well over the required petition signatures to put a hold on the law. In November 2012, Ohio voters will have an opportunity to vote on HB 194 to repeal it officially. The fight in Ohio is indicative of what is happening around the nation, and Mr. Martin also challenged each organization to use their power to fight the rising tide of voter suppression initiatives in several other states. Sorors finished the day with a renewed sense commitment to go back to their communities and be leaders in political action and gushed about what had occurred: “The whole experience was a phenomenon and ended up as a grassroots movement, where all those involved and in attendance have become more committed to ensure that our communities are aware. I left there with a charge and daily, I am working to ensure that the charge of being an effective advocate is nurtured, so that I can be a better servant to others,” said Barbara Cousar of Pennsylvania. “I consider it an honor to have been a part of a team that dared to dream.” Soror Gigi Gilliard shared, “I admittedly had a very specific focus for securing a meeting with Representative Joe Crowley; to honestly discuss both his support of the President’s proposed legislation on jobs – as well as discuss important local community matters. I inquired if he would be willing to conduct a “Town Hall” meeting in our district in order to connect with Bronx residents. Since our meeting his aides and I have begun discussions about topic, logistics and the feasibility of a Town Hall meeting in our District. I am convinced that the Congressman laid tremendous weight to the fact that I was not just a lone constituent, but rather part of a national women’s organization.” Read more about advocacy at http://www.naacp.org/programs/entry/federal-advocacy. Soror Krysta Jones is the Founder & President of Virginia Leadership Institute - www.virginialead.org and the President of Nu Xi Zeta Chapter, serving the city of Alexandria, VA - www.nuxizeta.org.
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“Tactics are being utilized that strip individuals of their right to vote, in the 2012 U. S. election, it is the voter ID attempt and the focus of local elections under the radar to gain power and influence.......We must fight for right in 2012.” –Past International Grand Basileus Jylla Moore Tearte
“Everything centers on God’s mercy and timing is everything.”
Let the Church say, “Amen”! A profile on Soror Kadejah Oné By Denise Marie Snow ACT I If you’ve seen the critically acclaimed Broadway hit The Color Purple, chances are that you were moved by the riveting sounds of Soror Kadejah Oné as the Church Soloist. Kadejah has traveled with the show since 2007 and sings her heart out to packed audiences across the United States. Her journey to this role of a lifetime was born out of unimaginable pain, faith in Christ, and her commitment to sharing her God-given talent with the world. In 2002, Kadejah won the Helen Hayes Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical” for her role as the Blue Speak Woman in an adaptation of Soror Zora Neale Hurston’s SPUNK. After winning the award, tragedy struck Kadejah’s life when her newborn son passed away from a rare heart disease right after she got married. The healing process took seven years and she didn’t know if she should start auditioning for roles again. “You have to be prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually,” Kadejah says. “Everything centers on God’s mercy and timing is everything.” Her obedience took her to an audition in New York where she was one of thousands to audition for The Color Purple. Kadejah was selected as the Church Soloist on her first try. The experience of touring with a powerhouse team of actors has been very rewarding. Kadejah recalls people telling horror stories about the theater and the back biting that would ensue. “But this cast is amazing,” Kadejah says. “We are a family; we love each other, and look after one another. Every person has a strong spiritual relationship and a supernatural love and respect for one another.”
Traveling on the road can be exhausting, but Kadejah loves seeing her sorority sisters come out to her shows. In Baltimore, more than 30 Zetas were waiting in the lobby to greet her with support. Connecting with sorors during the show or on Facebook is the way this Zeta legacy keeps her fire for the sisterhood burning. Kadejah’s roots are deeply embedded in the blue and white family. Her mother, aunts, and cousins are Zetas and her father is a Sigma. Once she got to Bowie State University, becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta “was never really a choice for me,” Kadejah says with a laugh. She remembers the Omicron Gamma sisters being ladylike, spiritual women with high scholastic abilities. “Zeta brought a family to me. It was a wonderful experience getting to know my line sisters. They are like my real sisters and we are inseparable.”
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ACT II As early as 12 years old, Soror Kadejah Oné knew that she had a gift to share with the world. Back in New Orleans, she would enter talent shows and beat contestants who were older than her. “You are born doing it [singing] because it’s your purpose and your gift,” Kadejah says. Singing always took precedence in her life, but she began acting once she got to Bowie State. Kadejah gave heart-stopping performances in musicals including The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Dreamgirls. After college, she realized a tight rein on the theater industry and how Broadway shows weren’t targeted for Black audiences. There were very few all Black casts. “Your height, weight, skin tone, and color all play a role in being casted,” says Kadejah. “It is a tight situation getting picked for a part. Stories are written with how you would look and sound.” People looking to break into theater should “pray about everything”, Kadejah encourages. “Be extremely confident. Make yourself be that character. Whether you get it or not, don’t be discouraged.” Had Soror Kadejah Oné been discouraged after experiencing personal trials, she wouldn’t be touring with the celebrated, award winning show today. “Where there are mountains, there are always valleys. But whatever is for you, it is for you.” Let the church say amen…
Support Soror Kadejah Oné by checking out The Color Purple. Connect with her on Facebook (The Sounds of Kadejah One), on Twitter (@KadejahOne), or via her website (www.kadejahone.com). 14 dovely :: Winter 2012
Founders’ Day is right around the corner and in this issue, Dovely reflects on the impact of our Five Pearls and we rededicate ourselves to the principles upon which we were founded. RZ members weigh in on what Founders’ Day means to them: “Our Five Pearls charted a new path – going against the mundane and ordinary – while maintaining integrity. Their legacy hasn’t changed. I’m reminded of our responsibility to continue the trend, by not only being innovative leaders, but in bringing honor in all we do, so that Zeta’s heritage is one to be proud of generations from now.” Soror Dionne Watts-Williams Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter Norristown, PA “Honoring the beloved ancestors of our sisterhood while rededicating ourselves to the noble mission…” Soror Mary Francis Moses Pledged Gamma Chapter Morgan State University
To behold; the beginning. To uphold; the precepts. To remold; the concepts. To celebrate, recapitulate, and re-embrace, the Sisterhood. To honor the PearlZ the DoveZ the Journey.
“Founders’ Day to me means celebrating the courage our five pearls took to act upon a need of a new and different type of Greek-letter organization that reflects our four principles of embracing Scholarship, true Service, Sisterly Love, & define the concept of Finer Womanhood.”
To share the Service the Scholarship the Sisterly Love and to live the Finer Womanhood.
Soror Tonya Goodwill Beta Lambda Chapter Houston, TX
Rev. Soror Chiyona Bourne Iota Zeta Chapter Indianapolis, IN
Make sure you take fabulous pictures of you and your local Sorors celebrating Founders’ Day and send them in to Dovely to denisemariesnow@gmail.com or post them on the RealZetas Facebook Page!
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I’m a Survivor!! By Denise Marie Snow
E
very October, Zeta women trade in their royal blue for pink to promote breast cancer initiatives that aim to educate others on the disease that claims the lives of more than 40,000 people per year. Zetas are visible advocates who contribute annually to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the Susan G. Komen walk. For Soror LaTanya M. Tatum, this year was especially momentous as she celebrated her fifth year as a breast cancer survivor. Dovely Magazine is honored to share how she tackled this debilitating disease with courage and faith. Soror Tatum is adamant about women knowing their bodies so they can pinpoint when something is wrong. This conviction saved her life.
In August 2006, she noticed a lump in her breast and simply dismissed it. Soror Tatum never thought it would be cancer. “Nobody else in my immediate family had cancer,” LaTanya said. She also knew that you shouldn’t feel your breasts before your menstrual cycle so she figured the lump would eventually go away. After getting encouragement from a friend, Soror Tatum went to the doctor’s office and was told that they don’t do mammograms on 29-year-olds. Her gynecologist - a well respected doctor - actually misdiagnosed her saying that the lump “was nothing that would cause concern.” Soror Tatum remained vigilant and asked to receive an ultrasound. “I remember being so calm,” Soror Tatum recalls as she waited for the biopsy results. “It was like the calm before the storm.” On November 10, 2006 she was told that she had stage one breast cancer. “I was stunned,” remembers Soror Tatum. “I couldn’t even say anything. I remember thinking well this sucks. I don’t have time for this!”
Soror Tatum reviewed her treatment options with the doctor. She opted for the lumpectomy in the hopes of saving her breasts. “I NEED mine,” she told the doctor. “Whatever you have to do to save them, please do.” By the time her surgery was scheduled, the cancer had already progressed to stage two. Soror Tatum endured 30 days of radiation, four rounds of chemotherapy treatment, and an additional year of treatment before the cancer was removed. Losing her hair was a difficult experience and one of the few times that she actually felt alone. After finding a bald spot, Soror Tatum cut off all of her hair and wore a wig given to her by Soror Lesa JeanPierre. By cutting her hair, Soror Tatum felt like she had taken control of the cancer. Today, LaTanya is widely recognized around the sisterhood for her beautiful, natural hair. Soror Tatum understands the fear women have once they learn that they’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. She believes that your attitude will directly impact how your treatment regimen will go. Soror Tatum encouraged herself by remembering “fear and faith cannot cohabitate. I have a true faith in God that whatever I face, I will be brought out of. When I was going through chemo, I kept a positive attitude and I
NEVER got sick.” Soror Tatum encourages women to discuss fertility issues with their doctor before undergoing chemotherapy treatment. “I wish doctors would talk to [breast cancer patients] about their ability to have children,” LaTanya says. “Chemo can kill a significant amount of your eggs and no one told me that. In speaking with other African American breast cancer survivors, no one told them either.” Next year, you can catch “Team Tatalicious” raising money and awareness in the Austin, Texas community. Soror Tatum has supported the Susan G. Komen walk since 2002, but reveals how different it is to walk as a survivor. “Every time I pull up to the walk, I cry,” says LaTanya. “I think about being a survivor and it is overwhelming.” Talking with other breast cancer survivors has re-energized Soror Tatum’s quest to become a voice in ending this epidemic. She increased her participation in a local support group called the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls and offers words of healing to women who are going through treatment. “A cancer diagnosis is NOT a death sentence. Live life to the fullest,” says LaTanya. Soror Tatum knows that God carried her through this test like “footprints in the sand” and now her testimony to the world is “I had cancer, cancer didn’t have me.” Soror LaTanya M. Tatum (affectionately known as T.T.) is a member of Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter in Austin, Texas.
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Got Snob? A look into the life of sought after commentator and social media success story,
“The Black Snob� Soror Danielle Belton. By Amber Pratcher
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e h t d n a t s le to b a n e e b ful s r ’ t e i . d . . n e o l w b ira sa a m h d a d n y a r e e ctiv a y l l “Zeta is v u f i t eau Y.” b A s i D , O e T m i n eve d o test of t o h r e t sis
oror Danielle Belton knows what it means to perservere. This fact may be missed when watching her sitting next to CNN commentators holding her own while sharing her opinions on pop culture and politics, but if you check under the surface it’s more than evident. Soror Belton wouldn’t have this any other way, as giving her opinion is like breathing. You could say that her blog, www.blacksnob. com was her oxygen tank as she battled through tough times, and the vehicle just happened to get her noticed. “Commentary was my way to get my name out there so people would want to read my writing”, Soror Belton explains. Interestingly enough, her numerous TV and Radio show appearances aren’t the most memorable to her, it’s her speaking engagement at Harvard while serving on a panel for a Black Political conference that brought her out of her shell. “When I spoke at Harvard in 2009 up until that point I had been pretty private, particularly regarding her battle with Bipolar disorder. “I felt like my world had stopped for 10 years prior to Harvard. That experience made me remember how much I loved Journalism, blogging and realize how much I wanted to get better.” Soror Belton credits her family and friends for helping her survive the darkest years battling her BiPolar disorder and shares that though she still has the disorder, she’s much better at managing it. “The Harvard experience represented stepping into the next stage of my life”. That next step for Soror Belton - a legacy - made at Southern Illinois University, Delta Kappa Chapter in 1999, has included appearances on NPR and heavy traffic on her website, with people eager to know what she thinks of Herman Cain or The Tea Party. “ I LOVE my career!” Danielle gushes. “I’m humbled that people want to interview me, and it’s very validating that people want to read what I write or hear what I have to say.” Soror Belton’s popularity picked up when she was featured on the now defunct NPR show, “News and Notes”. From there, she got an offer to go on “NightLine” to discuss the First Lady, and her career has been on an upward trajectory from there. When it comes to Zeta, Soror Belton has her opinions, of course. In remembering her undergraduate experience, Soror Belton wants for sorors to continue to support girls and help mold them into Finer Women. She feels that if she had more support she could have possibly had better focus. Her love for Zeta remains burning bright to this day, however. “Zeta is very admirable...it’s been able to stand the test of time, is beautifully active and has a wonderful sisterhood even TODAY. Zeta for me, was and is about Family”.
Check out Soror Belton at www.blacksnob.com
facebook.com/blacksnob
@blacksnob
Make sure you check out Soror Belton in the January issue of Essence Magazine, featured in the article “The Interruption of Everything” on page 85.
And it always will be.
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