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Sisterhood , Service & Social Justice
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Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black major-party candidate to run for President, who had to fight to fight to be included in the primary debates, unapologetically stated, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair and tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society because that talent wears a skirt.” Her words ring true today. The Elk Grove Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., honors the tenacity, integrity, and legacy of Shirley Chisolm by presenting “ Sisterhood, Service and Social Justice: Why Women Must Have a Seat at the Table, a conversational journey with four dynamic women leaders who inspire, empower, serve, and give back.
Our panelist included: Alana Mattehews, Attorney, Danielle E. Mosley, Associate Judge, Renee Hardman, West Des Moines Councilwoman, and Mayor Karmo Lette O’ Gilvie. Panelists each presented their journey to their “seat at the table” and provided valuable advice for women who are interested in starting their political careers. It was an emotional but uplifting night, participants also shared their personal stories and political aspirations. The encouragement and advice from the panelist was invaluable and right on time considering the current political climate.
Surprise Visit by California Governor Gavin Newsome!
During their Delta Days in the City of Compton event on Wednesday, March 16th, California Senator Steven Bradford surprised the Compton Alumnae Chapter with a few special guest appearances! Governor Gavin Newsome along with Toni G. Atkins, current President pro tempore of the California State Senate, and Sydney Kamlager, Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus gave greetings and addressed the virtual audience. Needless to say, this was a humbling and monumental experience Compton Alumnae.
Surprised Recognition in San Francisco
Thursday, May 5th, San Francisco Alumnae was surprised, delighted and HONORED to receive recognition from The United States Congress, presented by U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi AND The City and County of San Francisco presented by Mayor, London Breed!
EMBODI Workshop: Paralympic Bronze Medalist Inspires EMBODI Participants
By Carol Rogers, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter
One of the recent EMBODI workshops of the 2021-2022 Sorority year provided an opportunity for participants to learn life lessons from a Paralympic Bronze Medalist, Jamal Hill. Jamal Is challenged by a neurological condition that affects the muscles in his arms and legs. Despite his condition, he has, since childhood, been a fierce competitor. That is why he is a 5-time National Paralympic Swim Champion and American record holder in freestyle swimming. His zeal is felt in his message to his audiences.
Jamal shared nuggets of inspiration with the workshop audience. Jamal traveled to Tokyo in 2020 to win the bronze medal in the 50-meter freestyle swimming competition. Although he has a busy training and travel schedule, he always finds time to come to his hometown of Inglewood, California to share his experiences and to motivate young people.
At the age of 26, Jamal is Founder and Executive Director of the Swim Up Hill Foundation, a social justice driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation provides specialized swim education that is tailored to the specific needs of low-to-middle income communities which continue to be affected by disproportionately high drowning rates. The name Swim Uphill Foundation is an intentional pun on his last name. Under the nonprofit, Jamal’s goal is to teach one million people to swim.
Jamal’s story left an impact on the men of Inglewood EMBODI. One participant commented that he learned to push against the grain to make life better. Another stated that he learned not use your disabilities or other factors such as skin color, gender, or economic status as an excuse.
Jamal was phenomenal and looks forward to being invited to continue engage IAC youth in “life lessons” conversations.
Jamal Hill, Paralympic Bronze Medalist Caption: EMBODI Committee Members and workshop attendees listen intently as Jamal Hill shares is story of challenges and victories.
3/5/2022. The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter had the distinct honor of attending a lecture by Mr. Bernard Kinsey on the history of the Kinsey African American Art Collection at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum on the campus of Pepperdine University. Sorors were also able to peruse the exhibit first hand which featured works of art, photographs, rare books, letters and manuscripts chronicling the achievements and contributions of African Americans over the last five centuries. Sorors even had a chance to say hello to Soror Shirley Kinsey and Bernard Kinsey personally. It was a great afternoon of culture and enlightenment in Malibu! Presented by the Arts and Letters Committee.
3/19/22. The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter Celebrates Women’s History Month via Zoom with our hometown SHEro Misty Copeland, the first Black Principal Ballerina at a major International Dance Company. Misty not only has a career in dance, but is also a three-time author. Her latest book, Black Ballerinas, pays tribute to those that have influenced her on and off the stage. And did you know that Misty is from San Pedro, CA? We also got the inside scoop that she is expecting her first child with her husband. Our Chapter welcomed her with open arms and invited Los Angeles area schools to include Tom Bradley Elementary, View Park Prep Elementary and Middle School, and Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter. Our Chapter even received an acknowledgement at the top of the program from the organizers for our promotion of her event. With her many accommodations Misty Copeland IS Women’s History. We love you Misty! Presented by the Arts and Letters Committee.
3/19/22. After visiting the Kinsey Art Collection at Pepperdine, the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter participated in a guided tour of the Kinsey African American Art Collection at the brand new, state of the art, Sofi Stadium. Soror Helaine Stallion, Chair of the Regional Arts & Letters Committee, and committee members, also joined us for the event. The Kinseys took 100,000 square feet, located inside the American Airlines VIP portion of the stadium, and created a beautiful exhibit of their collection. The Kinsey at Sofi Stadium Collection also included digital art exhibits and artwork painted directly onto the walls. It was beautiful! Afterwards, Sorors had a little sisterhood time while taking a tour of Sofi Stadium. We even got a little play time in on the field. Lucky for us, the Superbowl paint was still there for photo opps. Culture and Sisterhood! What an awesome and memorable experience this was. A good time was had by all! Presented by the Arts and Letters Committee.
For more information contact Janice M. Semien, President, Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter, President@ dstlachapter.com
