THE SENSATIONAL
WINTER 2014
JOURNAL
Defining
the Next Century of
Service
I n s p i r i n g a L e g a c y o f E x c e l l e n c e : D e d i c a te d to S i s te r h o o d , S c h o l a rs h i p , a n d S e r v i c e
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C
ENTENNIAL
CONVENTION
HIGHLIGHTS
VISIT WWW.DSTSOUTHATLANTICREGION.ORG FOR FULL PHOTO COVERAGE OF EVENTS
Greetings Sorors! 2013 has been called “The Year of Delta” and we have celebrated in grand style from coast to coast and across the seas. We have honored our Founders as well as past and present leadership. We have reconnected with line sisters and renewed our spirit to serve our communities. We must maintain the momentum built and use it as a catalyst for greater change and more involvement in our chapters and region. We look forward to working with our newly elected 25th National President, Dr. Paulette Walker, her Executive Committee and Executive Board. Congratulations are extended to the South Atlantic region's very own Terri Rivalte, who was reelected to manage the sorority's finances as National Treasurer and to Soror Yvette Bean, who was elected to serve as the collegiate member of the National Scholarship and Standards committee. In October, Soror Walker began rolling out her biennium theme: “Uncompromising Commitment to Communities: Service, Leadership and Empowerment” with a core focus on Communications, Institutional Research, Operations and Technology with her “25th on the 25th” message. Moving forward into the next century of our sisterhood, we are reminded of our commitment to serve you, the members of the South Atlantic region. Traveling to North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina for the fall state meetings we were met with amazing hospitality, which allowed us to carry out our duties as your elected officers. We shared with sorors in attendance our commitment and hope that you will pledge to do the same: As the Director and Representative of the South Atlantic Region, we will continue to develop and utilize the talents, skills and resources of the sorors in order to provide effective and significant programs to address the needs of our communities. We pledge to encourage and motivate sorors to forge upon their commitment toward strengthening the legacy of our Founders with “excellence” as the target measure in all that we do. In this issue of the South Atlantic Regional Journal we are excited to share highlights of the National Convention, Fall State Meetings and the work of sorors and chapters. Please enjoy this issue, but also take a moment to reflect on ways that you can contribute your unique talents to "Inspire a Legacy of Excellence: Dedicated to Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service" for our next century of service.
Violets and Pearls,
Andria and ShaVon Regional Director and Regional Representative
INSPIRING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: DEDICATED TO SISTERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, AND SERVICE
PHOTO
HIGHLIGHTS
-
AROUND
THE
REGION
VISIT WWW.DSTSOUTHATLANTICREGION.ORG FOR FULL PHOTO COVERAGE OF EVENTS
WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 2
THE SENSATIONAL
JOURNAL
Andria Jeffries Regional Director ShaVon Johnson Regional Representative
Pamela Lewis Regional Secretary
A. Michelle Lewis
TABLE OF CONTENTS Regional Director and Regional Representative’s Greeting
1
Uncompromising Commitment to Communities 25th National President Paulette Walker’s Vision
4
New Elected Officers
6
St. Judes Walk
7
“This is How We Do It” - Fall State Meeting Cycle
8
Regional Journalist
Gloria Bolden Regional Chaplain
Schrendria Robinson Assistant Chaplain
Norika Fisher Regional Photographer
Denise Riviere Bermuda Coordinator
Demetrics Davis North Carolina State Coordinator
Convention Highlights Honoring Excellence
12
An International Affair - Regional Luncheon
14
2013 Regional Award Winners
15
Ministering Through Dance
16
2013-2014 Leadership Delta Participants
18
Sensational Sorors
19
Around the Region
25
Snapshots of Sisterhood
27
Upcoming Events
28
Article Submission Guidelines
29
Shawanda Jackson North Carolina State Facilitator
Trish Johnson North Carolina State Secretary
Lisa S. King South Carolina State Coordinator
LeAndra Keller South Carolina State Facilitator
Yolanda Holmes South Carolina State Secretary
Lisa Downey-Hood Virginia State Coordinator
Danielle Stokes Virginia State Facilitator
Natasha Palmer Virginia State Secretary
National Convention and State Meeting Photos provided by: Norika Fisher, Regional Photographer Michelle Lewis, Regional Journalist Mildred Daniels, Greenville (NC) Alumnae Cassandra Murphy, Newport News Alumnae Rhonda Long, Northern Virginia Alumnae Marcella Taylor, Summerville Alumnae Tiffany Jones, Summerville Alumnae
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Congratulations
Soror Paulette C. Walker 25th National President FALL 2013 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 31
UNCOMPROMISING COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITIES: Service, Leadership, Empowerment
D
r. Paulette C. Walker is the 25th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Initiated into the Sorority through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan State University in October 1966, Soror Walker has shown an uncompromising commitment to service for more than 45 years. She has served the Sorority on the local, regional, and national levels, gaining the respect and admiration of the membership. Walker is known as a visionary and a dedicated leader. Walker is an educator in every sense of the word. In July 2011, she retired as the director of undergraduate programs and internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. Walker's research agenda focused on curriculum and instruction as well as administration and supervision issues in urban schools. She has shared her research and expertise during presentations at local, regional and national conferences, university and college campuses, and school districts. Walker is the co-author of the book, “We Can Have Better Urban Schools.” Also, she has served as a classroom teacher, middle school and high school counselor, director of counseling, assistant principal and district wide supervisor of state/federal projects. Walker received her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education from Michigan State University, Master of Arts in guidance and counseling from The University of Michigan, and her Doctor of Education in administration and supervision from The University of Michigan. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” is Walker's motto. She believes every person has a special gift that should be shared with the world. As a result, Walker strives to inspire everyone to find their inner gift by uplifting and empowering each life she touches.
Vision Preserve our past and fulfill our purpose
Mission Remain committed to the constructive development of our members and public service with a primary focus on the black community.
2013-2015 Biennium Plan Communications Maintain the enhanced communication channels between the National leadership, the Regional leadership, chapters and sorors.
Ensure national and regional leadership is accessible and responsive
Enhance communication between National Headquarters staff and membership
Institutional Research Collect and use appropriate data to assess the ideas, needs and concerns of Grand Chapter in all aspects of the Sorority's programs and processes.
Develop a set of recommendations that will result in a strategic direction for the Sorority
Operations Ensure that all components of the Sorority's infrastructure receiv the resources to work effectively and efficiently
Integrate corporate best practices into the daily operations of the Sorority
Technology Continue a comprehensive assessment of the technology issues, projected needs, and structural/organizational technological limitations
Upgrade and purchase necessary hardware and software based on the findings of the comprehensive assessment
WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 5
Terri Rivalte National Treasurer Charlotte Alumnae Chapter
National President, Dr. Paulette C. Walker National First Vice President, Beverly Evans Smith National Second Vice President Brittani Blackwell
Newly Elected Officers from the
51st
National Secretary Cheryl A. Hickmon National Treasurer Terri Rivalte Chair, National Finance Committee Michelle Rhodes Brown Chair 2015 National Nominating Committee Dr. Joi L. Moore
National Convention
Chair, National Internal Audit Committee Myrna P. Philips Member, National Finance Committee Tanya C. Smith Collegiate Member, National Scholarship and Standards Committee Yvette Bean Collegiate Member National Nominating Committee Khanay Yvette Turner
Yvette Bean Collegiate Member, National Scholarship & Standards Committee Omicron Iota Chapter, Elon University (NC)
WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 6
mail.com by March15 g @ s i w alistle n r u o o sarj t s o t o nd P h Subm a s e l c i t it your Walk Ar
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“This Is How We Do It” Fall State Meetings Inform, Equip and Empower Sorors
S
orors swayed from side to side, nodded their heads to the beat and followed the commands as the song said “all hands in the air, and wave them from here to there” while Montell Jordan's mega hit “This Is How We Do It” played for the opening of the fall state meetings. The up-tempo sound set the tone and reaffirmed the commitment to serving with excellence in the South Atlantic region. The Regional Leadership Team along with the State Leadership Teams from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia went into full planning mode for the fall state meetings after receiving important updates during the national convention. Each state meeting included Friday night meetings for chapter presidents and Social Action committee chairs. Saturday morning was set aside for greetings from local officials, updates from national and regional committees, and the Regional Director and Regional Representative's Report. According to Regional Director Andria Jeffries, “the state meeting is held to inform, equip and empower sorors to serve others”. As such, a variety of workshops were available to educate members on Delta's policies, programs and protocol.
PUBLIC SERVICE Not only do Sorors gather to gain information from workshops, but also meet the needs of those less fortunate in the local area. Over the years, the South Atlantic region has committed to leaving a positive footprint of public service in the communities where it meets. This year's service projects benefitted Pitt County Schools in North Carolina, the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center in Virginia and My Sister's House in South Carolina. In North Carolina, Pitt County Schools Lead Social Worker Cassandra Campbell was on hand to receive nearly $3,000 in gift cards which would help families purchase school uniforms and other supplies. The project was part of the “Deltas on the Move for Education" initiative. The Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center in Virginia was the recipient of donations from Virginia chapters. The Center, which was also the site of the meeting's workshops, is a historical landmark recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service. It is named in honor of a former slave who became one of the first teachers at the Jefferson School. The donations will assist with maintaining the
center and increasing its educational services. South Carolina sorors filled several SUVs and cars with toiletries, non-perishable food items and household supplies for My Sister's House, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 that provides services, programs and resources to empower domestic violence victims and their children to live free from abuse. Executive Director Elmira Raven accepted the donation and stressed how prevalent domestic violence is, especially in South Carolina, which ranks FIRST in the nation with the highest homicide rate for female victims by male offenders. LEADERSHIP FELLOWS Domestic violence month was recognized at all meetings and the Leadership Fellows from all states proposed projects that would have a component that focuses on the everincreasing problem. Soror Jeffries tasked Leadership Fellows Regional Chair, Vivian Williams to develop leaders within the region enhancing mentor/mentee relationships when she began her term. The Fellows have been developing their leadership skills through reading assignments, teleconferences and webinars.
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The members of the 2012-2014 SA Region Leadership Fellows Class are collaboratively designing and developing a public service project for the chapters in the Region. The project must be an extension or expansion of existing programs in one or more of our five-point programmatic thrust areas and should be applicable to any chapter in the region (collegiate or alumnae). The Leadership Fellows committee maintains oversight of this entire phase of the program and provides guidance, counsel, and leadership to the Fellows. NATIONAL AND REGIONAL AND UPDATES National updates were provided by the Scholarship and Standards and Technology Committees and regional updates from Nominating, Social Action, and Program Planning & Development committees.
Preparing for the upcoming regional conference, Regional Nominating Committee chair Anita Powers-Branch and members of the committee attended the three meetings and outlined the criteria for running for office. The committee also released a survey to gauge sorors' opinions about the process. “The committee that never sleeps” proudly tagged by Social Action Chair, Ava Foster lined up dynamic and engaging guest speakers for each meeting. Omega man Jeremy Collins, Staff Attorney for the Southern Coalition for Justice rallied sorors in North Carolina to understand the changes in the states’ voting rules. He encouraged sorors to educate the community because many of the changes implemented could easily “confuse and discourage” voters.
Scholarship and Standards shared the powerful and thoughtprovoking new video, “You are Always Wearing Your Letters” and discussed changes in the MIT Trainer certification process. S&S members, Juanita Massenburg and Yvette Bean also conducted a workshop on Policies and Procedures in each state.
Program Planning and Development co-chairs, Lori Gibbs and Antoinette Mann announced the categories and submission deadlines for the 2014 Regional Awards and provided strategies to incorporate the Project 13 into chapter programs. The South Atlantic Region is the lead coordinator for the partnership with the United Negro College Fund and Urban League.
National Technology Committee chair, Deirdre White says the committee will “continue to seek ways for the sorority to stay connected and operate more efficiently”. The committee will continue to maintain the corporate and centennial websites as well as manage the Facebook and LinkedIn social media accounts.
With renewed vigor, sorors left the workshops and state meetings empowered to serve their chapters and show their communities “this is how we do it”.
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STATE MEETING HOST CHAPTERS North Carolina GREENVILLE (NC) ALUMNAE South Carolina SUMMERVILLE ALUMNAE Virginia CHARLOTTESVILLE ALUMNAE IOTA ALPHA KAPPA RHO
PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS: Pitt County Schools pitt.k12.nc.us Jefferson School AfricanAmerican Heritage Center Jeffschoolheritagecenter.org My Sister's House mysistershouse.org
Bermuda Coordinator, Denise Riviere (above left) attended all 3 state meetings and was joined in South Carolina by fellow Bermudian, Soror Julita Peniston (above right). WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 10
2014 Regional Awards SUBMIT YOUR SOROR, PROGRAM, AND/OR CHAPTER DUE APRIL 2014
Chapter of the Year (Collegiate and Alumnae)
Delta Dear of the Year
Alumnae Soror of the Year
Collegiate Soror of the Year
Advisor of the Year
Educational Development
Economic Development
Physical and Mental Health
Political Awareness and Involvement/Social Action
International Awareness and Involvement
Special Recognition
Project 13
Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and EMBODI
For More Information Email:
ppdsargibbsmann@gmail.com WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 11
2013 HONORARY MEMBERS
Honoring Excellence
Delta has a long and celebrated history of extending honorary membership to women who have excelled in their chosen field and this year's selection upheld that tradition. During an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the Sorority inducted six women prominent in their fields into the sorority. Angela Bassett Actress and Producer Alluring audiences with emotionally tinged performances has been the signature of Angela Bassett who personifies a sense of dignity and pride whenever she appears on screen. Her talent and abilities as an actress and executive producer in both television and film have time and again earned the respect and acclaim from her peers and secured her position as one of the entertainment industry's premier leading ladies. The Yale University, School of Drama graduate began her career on stage and completed several productions on and off Broadway. Perhaps best known for her intense portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What's Love Got To Do With It opposite Laurence Fishburne, Bassett earned the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama as well as an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture and earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance. Bassett has also received NAACP Image Awards for her performance in How Stella Got Her Groove Back opposite Whoopi Goldberg and Taye Diggs and Malcolm X opposite Denzel Washington.
Lisa P. Jackson Vice President for Environmental Initiatives, Apple, Inc. Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lisa Perez Jackson, Apple's Vice President for Environmental Initiatives, is a chemical engineer who in 2008 became the first African American to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As Administrator, Jackson pledged to focus on core issues of protecting air and water quality, preventing exposure to toxic contamination in communities, and reducing greenhouse gases. She and a staff of more than 17,000 professionals worked across the nation to usher in a green economy, address health threats from toxins and pollution, and renew public trust in EPA's work. She made it a priority to focus on vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and lowincome communities that are particularly susceptible to environmental and health threats. Before becoming EPA's Administrator, Jackson served as Chief of Staff to New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine and Commissioner of the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Prior to joining DEP, she worked for 16 years as an employee of the U.S. EPA.
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HONORING EXCELLENCE
continued
Suzan D. Johnson Cook
Susan L. Taylor
Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom
Former Editor In Chief, Essence Magazine National Cares Mentoring Movement, Founder
President Barack Obama appointed Suzan D. Johnson Cook as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a position confirmed by the United States Senate. She is the principal advisor to both the President of the United States and Secretary of State for Religious Freedom globally. She is the first African American and the first female to hold this position. Prior to joining the Department of State, Ambassador Johnson Cook served as the senior pastor and CEO of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in New York City. She has had three Presidential appointments, two appointments from Cabinet Secretaries and a United States Senate confirmation. In 1993, Johnson Cook was a White House Fellow on the Domestic Policy Council. In that role, she advised President Bill Clinton on a range of issues including homelessness, violence, and community empowerment. President Clinton appointed her in 1997 to serve on his National Initiative on Race as its only faith advisor, and this present appointment was made by President Obama in 2011. Johnson Cook has traveled to five continents to promote religious freedom.
As the soul of Essence magazine for over three decades, Taylor was the driving force behind one of the most celebrated African American owned business success stories. She flourished in her leadership role, building the brand and guiding it through a period of phenomenal growth to a readership of over 8 million. During this time she penned the popular “In the Spirit” column and wrote the best-selling books, In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor, and Lessons in Living and Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives. Now, as the Founder of National Cares Mentoring Movement, she shares her inspirational passion for empowering African Americans in a call to action to recruit mentors for at-risk youth. She continues to inspire hope and encourage people to reclaim their lives and create sustainable communities. Genuine, energetic, and spiritual, Susan Taylor's passion is to help people realize their strengths and take charge of their lives.
Paula Madison
Dr. Tererari Trent
Owner, WNBA LA Sparks Owner, The Africa Channel
Zimbabwean scholar, motivator, global humanitarian, and social activist Founder, Tinogona Foundation
Paula Williams Madison is Chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC, a division of Williams Group Holdings LLC. Madison Media Management LLC invests primarily in emerging media, entertainment and communication businesses. Williams Group Holdings manages its significant investments in media (The Africa Channel), a sports franchise (WNBA's Los Angeles team, The LA Sparks), banking (LA's Broadway Federal Bank), and various real estate, consumer, financial and trading businesses. Madison retired from NBC Universal, where she had been Executive Vice President of Diversity as well as a Vice President of the General Electric Company (GE). During her 22 years with NBCU, she held a number of successful leadership roles, including President and General Manager of NBC4 Los Angeles, Los Angeles Regional General Manager for NBCU's Telemundo TV stations and Vice President and News Director of NBC4 New York. Her career as a journalist led to a 1996 Peabody Award for NBC4 New York's investigation, “A License to Kill.” Madison's continued dedication to quality journalism earned numerous Emmy, Golden Mike and Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.
With very little education, and only her mother's encouragement to break the cycle of poverty, Tererai Trent wrote down her five dreams on a scrap of paper; to go to America, to achieve a bachelor's, a master's and a doctorate degree along with the seemingly insurmountable goal of giving back to her community. Sealed the list of dreams in a tin can, and buried the tin under a rock. After reaching all her academic aspirations, she realized the need to achieve her last dream-giving back to her community. She founded Tinogona Foundation to help build schools in rural Zimbabwe and introduce quality education to thousands of girls and boys. It was a dream that became a reality when Oprah Winfrey named her “favorite guest ever” and donated $1.5 million in her honor to rebuild the Matau Primary School, the school she briefly attended as a child. Dr. Trent holds a Bachelor's degree and a Masters degree in Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University; a Masters degree in Public Health from UC Berkeley; and a PhD degree in Evaluation from Western Michigan University.
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South Atlantic Region Luncheon
An International Affair After days of navigating the sea of red and white that filled the Washington DC Convention Center halls, sorors of the South Atlantic region eagerly found their way to the luncheon where they could connect with chapter members and fellow sorors from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Bermuda. Excitement continued to build as past and current leadership team members along with Honorary Members Daphne Maxwell Reid and Retired Brigadier General Clara Adams-Ender processed into the hall and were greeted by nearly 5,000 sorors. After making their way to the dais, Regional Director Andria M. Jeffries exclaimed, “We are honored to have 39 of our Bermudian sorors attending this grand centennial celebration” and introduced the event's emcee, Bermuda Coordinator Denise Riviere. Soror Riviere acknowledged that many might not understand what she was saying because of her strong accent and offered a short translation tutorial. With the help of Soror Jeffries stating a phrase, such as “hey boy”, Soror Riviere would repeat the phrase, which always seemed different and in this case sounded like “Aye bye”! The international influence was spread throughout the program and included a traditional Bermuda Gombey dance reflecting the island's blend of African, Native American, Caribbean, and British cultures. Bermuda Alumnae sorors Rachael Robinson, Kara Simmons, Antonia Holder and Kimberley Tankard adorned with colorful and elaborate headdresses, masks, capes and props performed the intricate dance to rhythmic drum beats and whistles. WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 14
2013
RegionalAwards The leadership team presented the following awards: Chapter of the Year Durham Alumnae Collegiate Chapter of the Year Iota Chi, University of South Carolina Advisor of the Year Davida Hopkins, Columbia (SC) Alumnae Alumnae Soror of the Year Regina Milteer-Rock, Fairfax County Alumnae Collegiate Soror of the Year Khalia Braswell Mu Omicron, North Carolina State University Delta Dear of the Year Jenever Brown, Newport News Alumnae 5 POINT PROGRAMMATIC THRUST AWARDS Economic Development Orangeburg Alumnae 2nd Place - Durham Alumnae 3rd Place - Johnston County Alumnae Educational Development Fairfax County Alumnae 2nd Place - Northern Virginia Alumnae 3rd Place - Richmond Alumnae International Awareness and Involvement Prince William County Alumnae 2nd Place - Fairfax County Alumnae 3rd Place - Richmond Alumnae Physical and Mental Health Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Alumnae 2nd Place - Prince William County Alumnae 3rd Place - Duplin County Alumnae Political Awareness and Involvement Prince William County Alumnae 2nd Place - Columbia (SC) Alumnae 3rd Place - Orangeburg Alumnae PROJECT 13 AWARDS American Heart Association Lynchburg Alumnae 2nd Place - Mu Omicron 3rd Place - Shelby Alumnae St. Judes Walk Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Alumnae 2nd Place - Beaufort Alumnae 3rd Place - Iota Rho
“Praise H im with tambourines and dancing…” Psalm 150:4
Ministering through
Dance By Freda Briggman Northern Virginia Alumnae
22nd National President, Reverend Gwendolyn Boyd's vision for the centennial events included liturgical dancers who would honor God, our Founders and our Sorority. Under the direction of choreographers Tammy Brown (Fort Washington Alumnae) and Freda Briggman (Northern Virginia Alumnae) the Liturgical dance journey began in November 2012 to bring life to that vision. The original ensemble consisted of 10 sorors from the Washington, DC metropolitan area and followed an extensive rehearsal schedule in preparation for the Founders' Day Ecumenical Service in January. They ministered “My Time for God's Favor” by Kurt Carr and the “Corinthians Song” by Kathy Taylor.
They opened up with the “Anthem of Praise” by Richard Smallwood a lively praise dance that had over 150 props that moved across the stage and through the aisles.
After the Prayer Response, the ensemble ushered in the Holy Spirit with “A Praying Spirit” by Karen Clark-Sheard. If ever a praying spirit was needed, it was that In April, Sorors Brown and Briggman began weekend as many grieved over the not guilty preparations for the National Convention by verdict in the Trayvon Martin case. “Lord, holding an Open Call for sorors with a heart when I pray, give me what to say.” We for God and Liturgical dance. This produced learned from soror Bishop Vashti Murphy a 50-member ministry and an additional 7 McKenzie that we must pray and “Stand sorors who served as Props team members. Your Ground.” As an effort to make clear An administrative team was also formed to the urgency and necessity of “Stand Your handle the garments, logistics, Ground,” the ensemble joined Bishop communications and Audio/Visual needs. McKenzie, the current and past National Presidents, soror Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, After months of rehearsing two to three other sorors and clergy in linking arms in times per week, it was time to minister. Up solidarity to stand for justice everywhere. first was the Dance Ensemble consisting of 17 members of the Centennial Liturgical The Ministry ended their Liturgical dance Dance Ministry who ministered “Changed” journey at the Gospel Concert with the by Tramaine Hawkins at the Friday night ensemble, once again, ministering Revival. It was a blessing to all those who “Changed.” witnessed their fluid movements and felt What started as a ministry of 10 sorors in their spirits lifted. With little rest, they pressed on continuing to prepare themselves January ended with over 50 in July and for the Sunday morning Ecumenical Service. brought together sorors not only from the
Washington, DC area but also from Alabama, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. Through the laughter, tears, prayers, sweat, injuries, personal crises and love of God, they formed a bond that will not be broken. “We were grateful and honored for the opportunity to minister through dance for God and to celebrate our Centennial year. To God be the glory for what HE has done for us and through us!” The South Atlantic Regional sorors were: Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter Freda Briggman Celena Noel LaShan Forney Virginia Raye Kenyona “Kim” Lane Alisia Smith Rucker Michelle Lewis Cheryl Wade Stephanie Moore Rana Wilson Fairfax Alumnae Chapter Delicia “Lee” Guyton Member-At-Large Charla Armstead Stacy Claytor
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SOUTH ATLANTIC COLLEGIATE SORORS SELECTED FOR 2013-2014 LEADERSHIP DELTA Leadership DELTA is a competitive, leadership development program co-sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and General Electric. The program is designed to develop collegiate leaders, expose them to professional opportunities and networks, and pair them with a mentor to help guide their career development. Mentors are business women who are highly regarded in their chosen fields and may include members of the National Executive Committee and National Executive Board. The year-long program kicks off at a national leadership conference and culminates with graduation at the national convention or regional conferences. NAME DeHavelyn Barnes Nia Bowser Amber S. Brown Chinue Brown Jasmine Brown Jazmine C. Brown Mya Ervin Crystal Green Darian James Chelsea Johnson Qadera Malveaux Beshada McGregor Courtney Pittman
CHAPTER Iota Chi Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Gamma Pi Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Xi Alpha Xi Xi Beta Alpha Mu Iota Chi Lambda Omicron
SCHOOL University of South Carolina North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina A&T State University Allen University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina A&T State University South Carolina State University South Carolina State University Winthrop University North Carolina A&T State University University of South Carolina College of Charleston
Regional Director Andria Jeffries with 2013-2014 Leadership Delta Participants Crystal Green and Darian James.
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Sensational Sorors
“
I believe that change brings opportunities, and the future as represented by the digital world brings unlimited possibilities.
”
SOROR DAVITA VANCE-COOKS TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE AS PUBLIC PRINTER OF THE UNITED STATES WASHINGTON – – In a ceremony attended by her family and friends along with GPO employees, business partners, and other stakeholders, Davita VanceCooks took the oath of office as Public Printer of the United States August 21, 2013. She was sworn in by Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. President Barack Obama nominated her for the position in May 2013 and she was confirmed by unanimous consent of the Senate on Aug 1, 2013. A graduate of Tufts University with an MBA from Columbia University, VanceCooks brings more than 30 years of private sector and Government managerial experience to the position of Public Printer, including nine years of senior and executive management at GPO. Her tenure as Acting Public Printer from January 2012 to August 2013 is the longest in GPO's history. Her confirmation marked the swiftest Senate
action on a Public Printer nominee in nearly 20 years. While Vance-Cooks is the 27th person to hold the title of Public Printer in the agency's history, she is the first AfricanAmerican and the first woman ever to be nominated and confirmed as Public Printer. At the swearing-in ceremony, master of ceremonies John Crawford, a GPO employee since 1966, remarked, "In my time here I have served under eleven different Public Printers. They each had their individual characteristics. But every one of them was addressed as 'Mister Public Printer.' Today, that is going to change." Vance-Cooks spoke of the continued need for change, saying "I believe that change brings opportunities, and the future as represented by the digital world brings unlimited possibilities." She told the assembled audience, "I am awed by the circumstances which brought me to this time and place in GPO's history, and
humbled by the opportunity. This is a blessing that I do not take for granted because I know that to whom much is given, much is expected. I willingly give to GPO all that is required of me to ensure its continued success.” GPO is the Federal Government's official, digital, secure resource for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating, and preserving the official information products of the U.S. Government. The GPO is responsible for the production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government, including U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies in digital and print formats. Soror Vance is a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter.
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Sensational Sorors
“
the sky is the limit for applying to more grad schools
”
SOROR CRYSTAL GREEN AWARDED $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
C
rystal Green, a third-year returning summer student from the Operations and Business PAD's Nuclear Operations, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP). Through the Integrated University Program (IUP), 37 $5,000 scholarships were awarded to undergraduates for the 20132014 school term. The rigorous application included three reference letters, a personal career statement, a program eligibility essay and SAT scores. The scholarship is not a research grant. The money can be used to help cover any costs regarding education. Green plans to use the scholarship money to help pay for textbooks, the GRE test, graduate school applications, graduation expenses and fees. Born in Augusta, Ga., Green went to the Lab from South Carolina State University, where she is a senior nuclear engineering major with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. She serves as the vice president of the American Nuclear Society Student Chapter; vice president of the American Association of Blacks in Energy Student Chapter; a member of the Honor's College; and a member of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. This was her third summer at the Laboratory working for Dave Heinrichs with the Nuclear Criticality Safety Division. The past two summers she won first place at the LLNL Summer Student Poster Symposium, in which interns show their work during their stay at the Lab. "This scholarship is truly a blessing," Soror Green said. "I wasn't going to be able to apply to all the graduate programs I wanted to because of all the expenses involved with applying to graduate programs and fellowships. But since I have received this scholarship, the sky is the limit for applying to more grad schools.” As a senior, Soror Green will be eligible to apply for the IUP fellowship, and winning the DOE NEUP scholarship will help boost her chances. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Green plans to attend graduate school, hopefully at Georgia Institute of Technology or UC Berkeley. She hopes to continue her career path in nuclear engineering or shift to medical physics, potentially at LLNL. In her free time, Green enjoys skydiving, river rafting, parasailing and shopping. Article and Photo by Jamie Douglas/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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Sensational Sorors
Award of Honor presented to
Freedom Rider Soror Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
24th National President Cynthia Butler McIntyre presented Soror Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Delta’s “Award of Honor” during the 51st National Convention in Washington, DC for her lifelong commitment to non-violent activism supporting the civil rights movement. Soror Mulholland is featured in the PBS documentary, Freedom Riders, that chronicles the lives of black and white civil rights activists who risked their lives riding interstate buses in the south. The activists challenged the non-enforcement of federal regulations that banned discrimination in interstate travel. Often met with resistance and violence, the Freedom Riders traveled throughout the south for six months in 1961. Soror Mulholland was arrested and imprisoned for 2 months. After her release, she enrolled at Tougaloo Southern Christian College in Mississippi where she also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta. She later worked at the Smithsonian Institution with the Community Relations Service and at the Departments of Commerce and Justice before teaching English as a second language at an Arlington, VA elementary school. She currently lives in Arlington. Freedom Riders can be viewed online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/freedomriders/ WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 21
Sensational Sorors Soror Kaneisha Gaston First African-American From Town of Davidson to Graduate from Davidson College Kaneisha Gaston's ancestors helped build Davidson College as slaves. In May, she walked across the stage there and receive her diploma. She's the first African American from the town of Davidson to graduate from Davidson College, said school spokesman Bill Giduz. “It's taken us 176 years to get an African American from here to graduate,” said the Rev. Brenda Tapia, who was an assistant chaplain at the school for 20 years before retiring in 2005. Tapia was the school's first black female chaplain. “So for us for me, and I'm sure every black person here living and dead Sunday is going to be a very important day.” Soror Gaston said she didn't know the historical significance of her graduation until her great-grandmother, who lives in Davidson, did some research after Gaston was enrolled. “When I first learned what it meant, I didn't know what to make of it,” she said. “To see that progression seems like an affirmation of a lot of different dreams of years past and part of a larger story of history.” Her grandmother was a well-loved cook for many years at a Davidson fraternity, and Gaston still has several relatives who work at the college. She said she spent her early years in Davidson and later grew up in Charlotte and attended North Mecklenburg High. But she and her family have always attended church every weekend in Davidson, and she spent many summers there with her great-grandmother. Being constantly surrounded by mostly white people at college was an adjustment for Gaston. “I've never had to answer questions about my hair before,” she said. Some students told her they'd never interacted with black people before meeting her. She recalled thinking, “This is crazy right now, and I'm just down the street from my house.” Gaston said she loved her time at Davidson and she kept busy. She was a Bonner Community Service Scholarship recipient and interned for two summers with Freedom School Partners, a Charlotte nonprofit that provides summer programs for area children. She tutored children at
Ada Jenkins Center after-school enrichment program, helped develop an English language curriculum for students in Ghana and was a mentor for the STRIDE orientation program for minority students. She was also a hall counselor for freshmen and served as president of the Black Student Coalition and Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Davidson Mayor John Woods said Gaston's graduation would be a significant event for the entire community, and issued an official proclamation that graduation Sunday as Kaneisha Gaston Day. Gaston said she still couldn't believe she'd have a day named after her in Davidson. “Who has a day? I definitely don't consider myself up there with people who have days and weeks named after them, but I'm honored,” she said. “I'm glad I can represent my family and my community.” Gaston graduated with a 3.3 GPA and a degree in English with a concentration in ethnic studies. She interned at Afara Global in Davidson this summer; the group helps connect U.S. businesses to African business development. She is the immediate past president of Upsilon Mu (which is only 3 years old) and she was a 2009 recipient of Charlotte Alumnae Chapter's Dorothy Count Scoggins/E. Virginia Shadd "Breaking Barriers" Scholarship.
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Article from Lindsay Ruebens, CharlotteObserver.com
Sensational Sorors SOROR SHAWNTAE NOLEN RECEIVES AWARD AT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Soror Shawntae Nolen of the Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter (Chesterfield, VA) displays the First Place award she received at the 1890 Association of Research Directors 17th Biennial Research Symposium for her research on Edamame Production using Season Extension Techniques. The symposium took place in Jacksonville Florida during the spring. Shawntae is also a graduate student at Virginia State University and her research was funded by a grant she received from Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE).
SOROR CRESSONDRA BROWN CONYERS FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN JUDGE IN VIRGINIA’S 9TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT On May 14, 2012, Soror Cressondra Brown Conyers a charter member of the Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter, was elected by the Virginia General Assembly as Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge for the counties of Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex. She is the first African-American woman to serve as a judge in Virginia's 9th judicial circuit. Judge Conyers is a native of Hampton, VA , graduated from Virginia State College (University) with a B.A. in English in 1977 and taught eighth grade English in Williamsburg, VA for eleven years. In May of 1992, she received her Juris Doctorate degree from the MarshallWythe School of Law, College of William and Mary. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Conyers served as the Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Williamsburg and the County of James City. Also, before coming to the Williamsburg/James City Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, she was a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney in Newport News, VA for eleven years, where she prosecuted all types of cases, specializing in child physical and sexual abuse cases. Judge Conyers is a past president of the Peninsula Bar Association, and in 2008, became the first AfricanAmerican President of the Williamsburg Bar Association, a position she held until May, 2010.
She is actively involved in teaching various aspects of law and has served on the faculty of the National District Attorney's Association's National Advocacy Center. In addition, she is an Adjunct Professor at the Marshall Wythe School of Law, College of William and Mary. Also is a frequent lecturer for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and served as an instructor for Child First, teaching interviewing skills to prosecutors, social workers and law enforcement officers across the state. In May of 2010, Judge Conyers was honored as one of Virginia Lawyers Media “Influential Women of Virginia” which recognized women who have made notable contributions to their chosen professions. In 2012, she was awarded the Jane Matilda Bolin Award for Outstanding Lawyering by the Black Law Students Association of the College of William and Mary Law School.
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Sensational Sorors STEPHANIE NASH Prince William County Alumnae Stonewall Jackson High School math teacher Stephanie Nash was named one of 12 semifinalists on the “Live with Kelly and Michael� ABC television show. Soror Nash was nominated by a parent for recognition in the show's Top Teacher contest. Nash teaches Algebra I Part I, Geometry, and MYP Geometry. She was recently nominated for The Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award and Prince William County Teacher of the Year and was honored by the Prince William County School Board and Superintendent at a reception. Mrs. Nash holds a Bachelor of Science in physics and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, both from Virginia State University. She is pursuing a Master of Science in mathematics from Walden University. Mrs. Nash joined PWCS and the staff of Stonewall Jackson High School in 2003. In addition, she works with the Early Identification Program through George Mason University.
Are you qualified to lead and guide the South Atlantic Region into the next century? Call for Nominations Coming Soon!!
Regional Nominating Committee Anita Powers-Branch, Chair Duplin County Alumnae Chapter Cynthia Brown, Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Tiffany Matthews, Durham Alumnae Chapter
Correll Townes, Danville Alumnae Chapter
Brittany Walker, Burlington Alumnae, Collegiate
QUESTIONS?? sar.rnc.2014@gmail.com
WE WANT TO KNOW! Share the accomplishments of your chapter and the milestones in your life with sorors around the region. Please submit the information to sarjournalistlewis@gmail.com. WINTER 2014 SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL 24
CHAPTER EVENTS
AROUND THE REGION BERMUDA
NORTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA
VIRGINIA
DENBIGH ALUMNAE CHAPTER 3rd Party Voter Registration Training The Denbigh Alumnae Chapter participated in 3RD Party Voter Registration Training on July 29, 2013. The Virginia General Assembly passed a law requiring individuals or groups obtaining 25 or more voter registration applications from the State Board of Elections or local voter registration offices to participate in third party voter registration training. On the heels of the National Convention, Sorors of the Denbigh Alumnae Chapter continued the chapter's political awareness activities and ensured compliance with this new state requirement by completing the training. The annual training was conducted by the City of Newport News Registrar. HILTON HEAD ISLAND -BLUFFTON ALUMNAE Jazz Camp Fundraiser Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Alumnae collaborated with Walgreens to raise funds for a number of youngsters ages 12 20 to develop their musical talents at the Hilton Head Jazz 2013 Summer Camp. Aspiring jazz musicians from across the Southeast were invited to attend the camp and learn jazz with an esteemed faculty. Walgreen's store managers in the chapter's service area went overboard to ensure the success of the fundraising project. Collection baskets were placed at the check-out counters and the Hilton Head Island Bluffton Alumnae Chapter held a Collection Rally at four Walgreens stores. Walgreens' patrons gave freely when asked to make a donation. Support for the event was spread when Anneliza Itkor, a local radio station reporter interviewed Chapter President Marion Payne. IOTA RHO (UNC-CHARLOTTE) 10 Awards During Greek Week UNC-Charlotte closes the spring semester with its annual Greek Week which serves as a time for all greek councils and chapters to get together and putting aside all differences. Throughout the week there are several opportunities for bonding which concludes with the popular “Greek Awards”. This year the Iota Rho chapter, full of new members attended for the first time. The chapter swept several categories coming home with ten awards. Chapter members Grace Wallace and Chiquita Floyd were recipients of the Outstanding Senior award. Iota Rho won Service Project of the Year for Project I.M.P.A.C.T, a mentoring program at EastWay Middle School in Charlotte. The chapter also won awards for the Advisor of the Year, Director's Choice, and Most Philanthropy in Raised Goods. They were the a finalist for the Sorority of the Year and the only NPHC chapter nominated. “ I am so proud of the work we've done. It's such a blessing. Our awards show we are more than stepping and strolling.” said Soror Raven Mosley.
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AROUND THE REGION
JOHNSTON COUNTY ALUMNAE Miss Jabberwock 2013 Crowned
WILLIAMSBURG ALUMNAE $4,000 in Scholarships Awarded
The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its biennial scholarship and debutante pageant, where seven young women from area high schools were presented. After a dance tribute to past Hollywood stars by Ayira Tuphrah, from the Elite School of Dance in Durham, the seven participants danced the Waltz with their fathers and escorts. Following their presentations to the audience, Miss Jordi Wright was crowned Miss Jabberwock 2013.
Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority kicked-off their May Week with a Scholarship Breakfast, honoring the best and brightest of the class of 2012. Soror Cressondra Conyers, a charter member of the Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter was the guest speaker. The seniors from the sorority's service area received scholarships and book awards totaling $4000.00. The commemoration continued with a Financial Fortitude Workshop and the week was rounded out with the Sorors providing assistance to the Williamsburg-James City County Headstart graduation program.
Celebrating A Decade of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service In an array of presentations celebrating the tenth anniversary for the chartering of the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter, keynote speaker, Dr. Paulette Walker, National First Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., stated that “one tenth is significant for the local chapter as the national public service organization is celebrating 100 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service”. The spring celebration included greetings from local officials and Andria M. Jeffries, South Atlantic Regional Director. Chapter President, Alfreda Bryant, said “Johnston County Alumnae Chapter is proud of its accomplishments thus far, realizing there is much more work to be done in our continuous effort to uplift and support our community”. Dr. Walker applauded the local chapter for its efforts and vision to bring a chapter to the Johnston County area and concluded her message asking the audience, “Where are you in your commitment in supporting the Johnston County Deltas in its mission of scholarship, sisterhood, and service?” Other presentations included a donation to Harbor, Inc. as the local chapter generally sponsors its' Annual Walkin' Out Against Violence -5K, announcing the Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarding scholarships to local area high school seniors.
Share Your Chapter News & Photos for the Regional Journal Email: sarjournalistlewis@gmail.com Share Your Chapter Photos for the Regional Website Email: PhotographerSAR@gmail.com
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snapshots of Sisterhood & Service
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2013-2014 Upcoming Events
North Carolina Founders Day West South Carolina Statewide Founders Day February 22, 2014 Hickory, NC January 25, 2014 Hosted by Aiken Alumnae Hosted by
JANUARY
Hickory Alumnae
Virginia Delta Days at the General Assembly January 27, 2014 Richmond, VA
MARCH North Carolina Spring State Meeting March 7-8, 2014 Winston Salem, NC
FEBRUARY Northern Virginia Area-Wide Founders Day Celebration February 1, 2014
MAY South Carolina Delta Days at the State Capitol May 28, 2014
JULY South Atlantic Regional Conference July 10-13, 2014 Raleigh, NC
Virginia Western Area Founders Day March 22, 2014 Martinsville, VA
Hosted by Martinsville Hosted by Loudoun County Alumnae Alumnae
Project H.E.R.S. February 7-9, 2014 Charlotte, NC hosted by Iota Rho
Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital February 1-4 Washington, DC
APRIL Virginia Spring State Meeting April 11-12, 2014 Richmond, VA South Carolina Spring State Meeting April 25-26, 2014 Rock Hill, South Carolina
REGIONAL CONFERENCE Raleigh, NC
July 10-13, 2014
Submission Guidelines for Articles Do you have a successful chapter service, event or program you'd like to share? Then we want to hear from you! Our regional newsletter, the South Atlantic Journal, is your opportunity to share program stories and ideas not only to spotlight your chapter, but so other chapters can learn and build from these efforts as well. The Journal's purpose is to keep sorors informed of the Sensational South Atlantic Region's current issues and events, help build chapter relationships and empower our region through features and profiles. Each quarterly issue will be based on topics, as outlined in the deadlines and special features section.
Deadlines and Special Features Issue: SPRING 2014 Deadline: March 15, 2014 Feature: Economic Development *Delta Entrepreneurs and Chapter Programs Arts & Letters * Individual Artists and Chapter programs
SUMMER 2014 REGIONAL CONFERENCE Third-person narrative EDITION Topic-oriented Deadline: June 1, 2014 Microsoft Word format Feature: TBA Criteria for article submission:
Issue:
Limit three high-resolution digital photos (JPEG format-300dpi)
Journalist reserves right to edit (including cutting copy) Journal articles are requested in the following areas:
Feature Topic - (500 word maximum) Articles submitted for this section should align with the issue topic and provide tips, action items, and resources. Around the Region: Chapter News & Event (150 word maximum) - articles submitted for this section should include unique chaper programs. Clear, action photos are desired and given preference. Sensational Sorors and Stellar Students (150 word maximum) - Articles submitted for this section should highlight the soror’s recent accomplishment and also provide a headshot or action shot of the soror.
SUBMIT YOUR CHAPTER NEWS TO REGIONAL JOURNALIST Michelle Lewis sarjournalistlewis@gmail.com Sisterly reminder: No late submissions accepted
PAST ISSUES AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.DSTSOUTHATLANTICREGION.ORG
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ßß ß Inspiring a Legacy of Excellence Dedicated to Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service