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Black Infant Health Issues in the Community
Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Collaborates to Address Black Infant Health Issues in the Community
By Fasha Liley, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter
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The yearly collaboration between the Children’s Collective Black Infant Health , the Theta Rho Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho and the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter continued in spite of the social distancing modifications . Instead of stuffing back packs together, the two chapters donated supplies that were shipped directly to the Black Infant Health Organization. The supplies donated this year focused on postpartum care for moms (cream, nursing pads, and specialized postpartum cleansing items).
To continue the emphasis on self-care, the chapters arranged an informative lunch and learn entitled “You Are Not Alone”. The discussion led by Dr. Ashley Bennett, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC and Cherrelle Harris, Mental Health Specialist. The guest speakers pointed out that Mothers need just as much attention as a newborn as they too have just been born. Women also shared stories from their initiation into motherhood and recalled strategies that assisted them along the journey of motherhood. One of the best strategies is to establish and maintain a support system. The Black Infant Health Organization provided resources and gave tips on how to develop this network. The young mothers were encouraged to seek out healthcare providers that treated them and their family with respect. Enthusiasm and appreciation were expressed for the wealth of information and the raffle prizes.
Although the workshop took on a different format, the activities were impactful in contributing to the goal - to reduce infant and maternal mortality and to improve pregnancy outcomes for women in the Inglewood community.
Fasha Liley Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Physical and Mental Health Co-Chair
Inglewood Alumnae Chapter in collaboration with the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, collaborate to support an annual donation drive for the Black Infant Health Organization of Inglewood .
Postpartum supplies donated to Black Infant Health Organization in Inglewood, CA.
Heart2Heart Virtual Event
a medical professional, on the importance of listening to your body and being persistent if your doctor dismisses your concerns. One practical tip is to ask your physician to document in your medical file that you asked for a specific test, particularly if your request was not honored.
The Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter in collaboration with Stockton Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc hosted a Heart 2 Heart virtual event and discussion on Feb 17, 2022 in recognition of American Heart Month. A panel of five distinguished African American women medical practitioners convened to educate women on what to ask your physician, an overview of how to interpret your numbers and tests (i.e., blood pressure…), how to improve your heart health, and firsthand experience from healthcare professionals on health equity and advocacy.
A heart disease survivor gave an account of her journey, as This was the first collaboration with the TAAC and the Stockton chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The event’s subtitle was Pink goes to Red. Three of the five medical practitioners were Sorors: Dr. Rachelle Johnson, ND – Dr. Otashe Golden, and Dr. Lucinda Bazile, MPH.
The Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter’s (TAAC) annual signature event, the “Love You Project”, was held on Saturday, March 12, to celebrate National Women’s History month. This year we served as host to 8 women from the Chest of Hope domestic violence shelter and treated them to a spa day at Adrian’s Beauty College in Tracy, CA. The beauty college students provided customized hair care (shampoo, conditioning, cut and style) followed by manicure and pedicure services.
The chapter’s project chair, Soror Veronica Butler, and her team consisting of Sorors Renee Sawyer and Tanya Vaughn set up a refreshment table for the women to enjoy during their services that comprised of sparkling cider,
Love You Project
fresh fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers and of course sweets. It was a blessing for the TAAC to be able to treat these women who have survived very difficult relationships with a day of pampering. The shelter’s director informed us that this was the first time for some to experience any kind of beauty services. At the conclusion of the day, a basket full of beauty products was gifted to each participant courtesy of the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter.
Ventura County Alumnae
Blood Drive in Ventura County
Recognizing the increased demand for certain blood products routinely needed by the Black Community, the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter answered the call for service by collaborating with the Community Advocacy Coalition in sponsoring a blood drive during Black History Month to spotlight sickle cell anemia which disproportionately affects African Americas. Sorors raised the awareness of this silent Black health disparity and provided education and advocacy on the need for Black donors generally. While assisting with registration, sorors answered questions to help participants overcome their anxiety and hesitancy to give blood, gave encouragement, and some donated blood themselves.
Women’s History Month: Emergency Response Team
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter’s Emergency Response Team championed a volunteer event in partnership with the Oxnard Food Pantry and the Ruben Castro Charities. Sorors and their families unloaded food deliveries, organized and sorted food donations for the food pantry, and created emergency food boxes for families affected by emergency disasters. The efforts of this day of service will help to provide a week’s worth of food for 610 individuals – 160 children, 336 adults, and 114 seniors.
With International Awareness and Involvement in mind, the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter hosted a shoe drive during both Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The efforts resulted in a collection of over 200 pairs of new and gently worn shoes for the nonprofit organization Soles4Souls. The Soles4Souls organization focuses on empowering women in developing nations by creating opportunities for them to start and sustain small businesses.
Voices Rising in Harmony The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter’s Arts and Letters committee presented its 2nd Annual Poetry Slam themed “Voices Rising in Harmony”. This virtual Black History Month event highlighted nine artists from the east coast to the west coast including VCAC’s own, Soror Michelle Davis. The artists shared their gift of spoken word on topics of love, socioeconomic concerns, Black pride, and songs from the heart. The atmosphere was filled with music, interactive dancing, and great fellowship. In the words of VCAC’s Arts and Letters Chairwoman and Farwest Region Arts and Letters Chairwoman, Soror Helaine Stallion, “The Arts are food to the soul, and we must keep them alive.” All proceeds raised from the event will fund scholarships for graduating high school students in Ventura County.
Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Sorors Bond Through the Movements of Tai Chi
Century City Virtual 5K Raises Scholarship Dollars
breathe and have fun”. She was very attentive and ensured each participant achieved correct posture. She also modeled how to release body tension in order to achieve more fluid movements.
Inglewood Alumnae Chapter’s Physical and Mental Health (PMH) Committee hosted a Tai chi class as a part of the chapter’s Sisterhood Month activities. Tai Chi has many health benefits such as decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves mood and flexibility and improves aerobic capacity, muscle strength and definition. The benefits of Tai chi, coupled with perfect weather for the outdoor event motivated sorors to join the PMH committee on the lawn of Inglewood’s Darby Park. Diane Griggs-Ross guided sorors in a type of Tai chi known as Yang style, which incorporates a philosophy about life with martial arts movements. Diane GriggsRoss has been practicing Tai chi for nearly two decades and insists that the practice keeps her healthy, young, and strong. Diane started the 60-minute session by instructing participants to “just At the end of the Tai chi session participants felt relaxed and energized. One soror felt immediate relief of tensed muscles and assures herself that she needs more Tai chi in her life. The final movement in the Tai chi series for Inglewood sorors was a thumbs up. Tai chi was a great opportunity for sorors to bond together while engaging in a fun physical activity.
A total of 100 runners and walkers participated in the 2nd Annual RUN DST Virtual 5K sponsored by Century City Alumnae Chapter in Los Angeles. The event raised $600 toward the chapter’s scholarship program.
The RUN DST Virtual 5K was a week-long event, March 26 – March 31, 2022, that allowed participants to complete their walk/run at their leisure during the event period. This event was open to both runners and walkers, adults and children. Participants completed the race in a variety of locations: local parks, their neighborhood, at the gym and on home treadmills. A total of 15 people completed their walk/run on March 26 at an in-person meet up in Marina Del Rey which kicked off the race week.
The event culminated with a post-race celebration where participants were recognized and prizes in age categories and overall awards were presented.
Red Alert Townhalls
Red Alert Townhall Series
Redistricting
Redistricting Townhall discussion educated the community about the redistricting process and the importance of engaging in the redistricting process. There was also a discussion around the strategies surrounding the drawing of map lines.
World AIDS Day
For the World AIDS Day Townhall discussion, VAC Social Action Committee partnered with Solano County Public Health Increase awareness to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections, provide education and resources for services within Solano County.
The goal was to also promote HIV testing, encouraging the community to know their HIV status.
High School Voter Registration Week –
On 10/1/2021, 50+ students at John Finney High School attended an on-campus session and were educated on how to pre-register or register to vote.
Chapter Letter Writing Campaigns
SB 65 California Momnibus Act
Vallejo Alumnae Chapter Sorors participated in a letter writing campaign in support of Senate Bill 65 (also known as the California Momnibus Act), partnering with California Nurse Midwives Association (CNMA) who are cosponsors of the legislation. SB 65 aims to improve outcomes for birthing people and to reduce racial disparities in birth outcomes.
Letters of support were sent to Governor Newsom advocating for his signature on this important piece of legislation.
On October 4th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 65! This is a huge victory, standing up in the fight for social justice and health equity!
John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
On January 13th, the House passed H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, a bill that combined the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This legislation seeks to address the current conditions in voting by restoring the full protections of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was last authorized by Congress in 2006, but gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013.
Vallejo Alumnae Chapter Sorors participated in a letter-writing campaign in support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
This issue has become a partisan issue in Congress where there is no agreement among the parties.
Individual Sorors sent letters to California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla.
Diapers and Wipes Donation Drive:
Donations benefited participants of the A More Excellent Way (MEW) Community Baby Shower held on February 26, 2022.
This event supports Black pregnant women and their partners by providing education and baby items to support them. These women are in need of basic baby items that they likely could not afford on their own.
Statistically, 1 in 3 US families cannot afford diapers. This is a specific targeted area of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act that seeks to promote equity by ensuring that every dimension of maternal health is addressed to improve health outcomes.
Diapers, wipes, and other essential baby items were
Affixed to every box (or included with the items) was this label that congratulations the family on their baby, acknowledges that the gift is from VAC, and infographic highlights the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which is currently awaiting Federal legislative approval.
The label included a QR code to track the legislation status as well as the social media hashtags.
World AIDS Day Health Fair
VAC International Awareness & Involvement and Social Action Committees partnered with Solano County Public Health and many community organizations in sponsoring a World AIDS Day Health Fair.
Educational Advocacy: Literacy Promotion
Members of the VAC Social Action Committee visited Mare Island Health & Fitness Academy on February 14th. In honor of Black History Month, a special delivery of the book, “Chocolate Covered Courage with Blessings on Top” from local Black author Nikki Cooper, BHM pencils, and heartshaped rulers were presented to 133 K-2 graders at the school.
VAC continues to support our National Social Action priorities of addressing educational disparities and inequities while promoting literacy.
Black History Month Event in Tucson
During the month of February, Tucson Alumnae Chapter (TAC) collaborated with the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center’s Minority Outreach Program (chaired by Soror Wanda Moore), Fort Huachuca, and Cochise Community College in support of Black History Month activities. TAC’s involvement has included expanding community education and outreach activities to include underserved minority communities. Together, we are transforming lives, solving big problems, and building a better future.
MLK Day & An Evening With AWVAC
By Soror Anya Burgess
As an organization focused on the Black Community, AWVAC made a priority in participating in various MLK Celebration throughout their service area: AWVAC participated simultaneously in the MLK Walks and Celebrations that were hosted in Anthem, Surprise, and Peoria. In Surprise, and Anthem, the chapter hosted booths to share information with the community about who Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is, and shared information regarding the chapters’ Delta GEMS, Academy and Scholarship Programs. Sorors Valyrie Murray, Octavia Madden, Angela Allen, Anya Burgess and Yuvelle McFarland sat at the tables to greet the community, while chapter sorors walked around the event to meet community partners and city leaders who invited us to attend additional events. In Anthem, Arizona, Soror Dene Wallace led the Delta efforts to participate in the first community MLK walk. There were over 10 sorors in attendance walking with the community where they met sorors looking to reconnect with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition to the walk, the city facilitated activities to donate food to those in need.
To continue to honor the legacy of Dr. King, The Arizona West Valley Alumnae Chapter hosted their first annual signature fundraiser, An Evening with AWVAC, under the leadership of Sorors Tifanie Lewis, Chair, Fundraising, Octavia Madden, 1st VP and Joan Frierson, Chair, Strategic Planning at The Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, AZ. This year’s event was a formal concert featuring American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones, the first African American artist to headline artist at the Vista Center for the Arts. The chapter sold two hundred tickets in under 30 days, with proceeds going toward the DST Arizona West Valley Scholarship Program, and additional community events that AWVAC plans to host. The intimate VIP experience welcomed guest on a red carpet, conversation over hors d’oeuvres, and music. Ms. Jones showcased the vocal stylings of soul, with selections by Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Honorary Member, Aretha Franklin. Ms. Jones had guests standing on their feet and dancing in the aisles. Mr. Luis Payan, Community Education representative was given a certificate of appreciation by AWVAC for his support and partnership of our VIP event. We are appreciative of him and his staff ensuring all guests had a memorable evening.
Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter’s Community Service Through Partnership Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service January 15, 2022 Ignited Light, in partnership with the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Holman United Methodist Church, Community Build, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses proudly executed the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The event is committed to the idea that the M.L.K. Day of Service is a “day on” rather than a day off – a way to serve the community in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.
Dr. King’s message of service to humanity conveyed his dream to see people of all ages and races, men, women, and children come together to help one another. The activity throughout the day and the giving spirit in the atmosphere depicted his vision. Despite the rain and surge in the Omicron variant, Deltas and community volunteers were on hand with smiles and grace to help improve the conditions facing Los Angeles residents due to the pandemic. Senator Sydney Kamalager, the M.L.K. Day of Service Honorary Co-chair, determined to keep her commitment, joined Deltas and volunteers in the rain.
It is impossible to know the daily life challenges that people experience, particularly with the surge of the Omicron variant. Nonetheless, the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter and Ignited Light adapted to the sudden changes and forged ahead with its goal of providing services to greater Los Angeles residents. This action proved to be significantly worthwhile, as over 1,300 South Los Angeles residents were served. The services provided included the distribution of 1,320 boxes of food, luggage for young ladies ages fourteen to twenty-eight, and backpacks for school-aged children. The chapter’s support of access to COVID-19 medical care resulted in ninety residents receiving COVID tests and the administration of seventy-eight vaccinations for adults and children. In addition, the Los Angeles Police Department was on hand to provide employment information.
The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. thanks Ignited Light for its continued community service partnership and looks forward to a successful seventh annual event in 2023.
Janice Semien Social Action
