The Torch XLII, 2 (October 2017) by Houston Metropolitan Deltas

Volume XLII, Issue 2

The Harvest

President’s Pointers | The Investment of Sisterhood

by Candra O. Lacy In any relationship, the general rule is: You get out of it what you put in it. This is a basic, common-sense, time tested investment rule, if you will. We invest in so many things these days – but for a few moments, I’d like to share about the one investment that everyone reading this has in common: the Sisterhood that is Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Let’s go back to about 2004. I’d been a Delta for a little over a year and had transitioned into an alumnae chapter. I was a worker bee and really enjoyed working, but still shied away from doing the “big” work of Delta. I had a nice, little sisterhood relationship with my line sisters and prophytes, but hadn’t thought much about sisterhood beyond that. One day as I was headed to the mall, I got a random phone call. A soft, pleasant voice on the other end pipes up:

I recalled this beautiful memory last week while having lunch with a few sorors AFTER we had been doing the work of Delta. It was then that I realized that the only way to continue to make good on the investment of Sisterhood in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is to spend time in service and fellowship with each other. When we serve with each other, we learn what each of us is made of. When we serve with each other, we see each other’s strengths and help make each other stronger. When we serve with each other, we see “Hello, little Soror Lacy. This is Soror Audrey. each other’s weaknesses and support each What are you doing? Come over to the Life other along the way. When we fellowship Development Center for a bit.” with each other, we spend invaluable time In my mind, I’m like, “Soror Audrey???? How loving each other. When we fellowship with did she get my number? These are my daytime each other, we may ease a rough day or a minutes… What did I do? She’s just gon’ tell weary heart. When we fellowship with each other, we begin to embody the true meaning me to come over…” of sisterhood – and whether we agree or not I responded that I would and instead of we always return back to what connects us heading to the mall, I headed to meet Soror - sisterhood. Audrey, curiosity in tow. I know we all have lives and things to do, but When I arrived at the Center, there were not I just want to encourage all of you – invest many sorors there – just a few I truly admired. a little more time in our Sisterhood. Start a After sharing hugs and sweet greetings with conversation with a soror that you’ve seen, my beloveds, one says, “Ok. We are in there but have never “met”. Your sisters need you. cleaning out that closet and we can’t get to Join a committee where you can contribute the top, so we called you.” your ideas and see them come to light. Your sisters need you. Lend a hand – even though “I KNEW it! Y’all set me up!” I began to no one asked you to. Your sisters need you. laugh. And from that moment on until well Never skip an opportunity to serve and into the evening, I laughed. As I worked in fellowship with a soror because those might the top of that closet, standing on stacks of be the moments where the spirit of Delta chairs, I laughed and I learned. They told me Sisterhood shines brightest. And because we stories of their time as younger sorors. They need you. shared their experiences in the chapter and as regional and national leaders. They poured In service, GRATITUDE and love, into me and I soaked it all up.They encouraged me to work in the chapter – the DID chair even made me her co-chair that day. They wouldn’t let me go. They were investing and so was I.This was the Sisterhood I envisioned.

October 2017

What’s Inside Metropolitan Leadership 2 Sisters Lighting the Way 2 Detour to Grace and Gratitude 2 Program STOPlight: 3 - Arts & Letters - Social Action Committee Interchange Dates to Remember

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Celebration of Sweethearts 5 Website Tip of the Month 5

Raise Your Torch Executive Board Meeting Monday, October 9, 2017 6:30 pm Metropolitan Place 5441 Trafalgar Drive General Chapter Meeting Saturday, October 21, 2017 10:00 am GCCSA 9320 Kirby Drive All Red Attire, pants acceptable CHAPTER PICTURES WILL BE TAKEN

Note: All meetings will begin promptly and as scheduled. The Crimson Caper Holiday Party December 16, 2017 $30.00 Joint Founders Day Celebration January 20, 2018 $55.00 Mardi Gras Ball February 24, 2018 $75.00

Little Pearls “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” - Coretta Scott King

Metropolitan Leadership

HMAC: Sisters Lighting the Way | The Local Impact of Sisterhood by Ja’Milla C.K. Lomas, Corresponding Secretary

Candra O. Lacy President MaryKaye Childs-Henry 1st Vice-President April S. Inman 2nd Vice-President Ja’Milla C. K. Lomas Corresponding Secretary Keesha S. Bone-Smith Recording Secretary Sherri L. Daniels Treasurer Patricia A. Allison Financial Secretary Karen L. Bledsoe Demita N. Sweet Assistant Financial Secretaries Dana Burns Chaplain Cassandra Brooks Historian Tracee M. Fletcher Journalist Gloria Hays Keeper of Properties Barbara J. Branch Parliamentarian Victoria Lackey Judy C. Smith Jacqueline Moton Sergeants-at-Arms Chemene P. Jackson Web Administrator 2

No matter the state of our Community – rain or shine, feast or famine, crisis or calm – one thing is certain: the women of Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter are boldly invested and constantly working. In this very moment, the needs of the Houston community have never been greater. Our moment is now, yesterday, tomorrow and tomorrow’s tomorrow.

impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s effects on Houston, losing previously (and hard-earned) purchased school supplies, clothes, food, and other valuables. This gave our mission to serve an ever-greater sense of urgency. Working with other organizations, including Jack & Jill of America, Inc., The Wade Smith Foundation and the YWCA Houston, scores of area school children were assured of the tools they would need for a winning start to the fall semester. There are not many things in this world that are certain. But with faith we may move forward believing that in times of disaster we will not wither, and in days of famine we will enjoy plenty. So too in times of famine, HMAC is boldly here. Yet in times of feast we will remain ever more present. We are invested in our community – rain or shine, feast or famine, crisis or calm.

Following in the tradition of our founders who laid out the charge that educating our communities is essential in the eradication of discrimination, HMAC joined forces at the YWCA Houston: Gateway Branch for the Back-to-School Giveaway. Spearheaded by the Social Action Committee and powered with many of our own generous donations of school supplies and backpacks, we touched, We spoke with and had warm communion with neighborhood families who were getting ready for the school year. We knew that many of these families had been negatively

are generous. We are invested. We are bold. We are HMAC.

Detour to Grace and Gratitude by Dana Burns The One Hundred/ Zero Principle...

I would like to introduce you to The 100 / 0 Principle...its the secret to Great Relationships. With this principle - you take full responsibility (the 100) for your relationships, expecting nothing (the 0) in return. Implementing The 100 / 0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship as well as unconditional love and acceptance. The same way God loves us. Let’s begin this sorority year doing everything as if we are doing it unto God and showing genuine love. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends Prayer Requests Please keep those in sorrow, who have lost loved ones, and in mourning; those in pain, ill and aggrieved; and all those who are in need of guidance and comfort, in prayer. If you have prayer requests, please send them to Chaplain Dana Burns: dabsf88@yahoo.com.

Prayer conference call every Monday @ 6:13 a.m. Phone No: (712) 775-7031 Access Code: 697705#

Torch Contributors Ja’Milla C. K. Lomas, Editor-in-Chief Cassandra Brooks, Photographer Tracee M. Fletcher, Journalist

October Contributors Candra O. Lacy, MaryKaye Childs-Henry, Dana Burns, Chemene Jackson, Eryka M. Robinson, Karolyn D. Williams, and all announcing committees

Program Stoplight: Arts & Letters Houston-Area Author on Fire to Inspire by Eryka M. Robinson, Arts & Letters Chair

Soror Latrell Myers, a member of Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter, is the author of What to Do When the Shoe Fits: The Power of Friendship. When the Shoe Fits is her story about the art of friendship and shares stories about loyalty, consistency, sacrifice, understanding and love. Soror Myers tells us that her novel began when she began journaling her thoughts because she kept waking up at three in the morning. After a family member read it, (with her permission of course), she suggested that Latrell continue writing and put her journal in book form. Born in Lufkin, Texas, Latrell Myers is a God-fearing woman who lives life to the fullest. She once stated, “If I had to describe myself in only three words, it would have to be ‘always helping others.’” Her faith and belief in God have brought her through many of life’s trials and tribulations. Her traditional values are deeply rooted in love, honesty, integrity, and the desire to serve. Myers currently resides in Houston, where she is an educator, philanthropist, and advocate for the homeless. Soror Myers’ Delta journey started at Lufkin Alumnae in 1998. She is a spirit-filled and genuine sister whose book will give you food for thought. What to Do When the Shoe Fits, her first published book, can be purchased on Amazon as a kindle download or as a paperback. Let’s support Soror Myers!

Program Stoplight: Social Action Marshalling Our Voting Power by Karolyn D.Williams, Social Action Chair

The HMAC Social Action Committee is continuing an aggressive Voter Registration campaign and is already off to a great start. We have registered 25 people to vote! Our goal for the year is to register 500 citizens to vote for future elections. Social Action is the heartbeat of our beloved Sisterhood and we need YOU to make this happen!!!! Please join the committee or consider volunteering any portion of your time for any and all upcoming events. The Progress of Social Action… On Monday, September 25, 2017, the HMAC Social Action Committee registered 2 citizens at the Brentwood Baptist Church Food Pantry. On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, the SAC participated in National Voter Registration Day.The committee registered 34 residents at Westbury Senior High and 2 more citizens to vote at Corinthian Village Independent Senior Living. Our efforts for August and September total 63 more citizens towards our goal of 500 who will newly be able to make their voices heard. The Red Army is on the move!!!!!!!!!!!!! Upcoming Social Action Voter Registration Events… On Monday, October 9, 2017, we will be at Brentwood Baptist Church Food Pantry. On Wednesday, October 18, 2017, we will attend Parent Night at Manvel Jr. High and register Brazoria County citizens to vote.

Committee Interchange

Membership Services | “The Committee”

Physical & Mental Health Committee

Jewel of the Month

Inner Kid Alert

Sorors, Courtesy is the October Jewel of the Month. Courtesy is the gift of treating others with warmth and respect. It means offering dignity to people by being thoughtful, receptive and gentle in our dealings with them. Courtesy helps us to remember our manners, not necessarily in a formal sense, but in the way we regularly and sincerely express gratitude; considerately acknowledging feelings and offering genuine friendliness. As Sisters, let’s remember to always be Courteous to one another. Doing so, enables all of us to have successful interactions and negotiations, liberally laying a foundation for understanding and harmony.

HMAC Delta-versary

We are celebrating our 43rd Delta-versary this month! If you would like help us plan, please participate in the next Membership Services meeting, October 18, 2017.

Chapter Directory Pictures

Chapter Pictures will be taken at the October 21st General Chapter Meeting. The attire is all RED or members may wear your RED chapter jackets. This will be the only time pictures will be taken. There will be no other scheduling times for the directory pictures.

Celebrating a Delta Milestone?

Chapter members who are approaching their 25 years of service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., please send your information to – dldelta97@gmail.com - or call Soror MaryKaye Childs-Henry at 281-236-8622.

Educational Development: GEMS Committee WANTED: Committee Members

We are in need of committee members for DELTA GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)!! We will be meeting at Metropolitan Place, 3rd Wednesdays of the Month @ 6:30 PM. We have exciting and new programming for young girls ages 14-18 in our servicing area and we need you to help make it happen. Our people need our time Sorors! Please sign up under Educational Development Committee on hmacdeltas.org. Thank you! Soror Robin R. Simpson | Co-chair, Delta GEMS Robin.Simpson@harrishealth.org

We are letting our inner kid out, releasing some stress and having fun jumping on 10,000 square feet of inflatable themed zones. Come out for an hour, dance to the tunes of the resident DJ, and relax with your sisters. Adults only! The Big Bounce America October 28, 2017 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cost $25 + $2.25 (online service fee) https://thebigbounceamerica.ticketleap.com/houston/dates ***Sorors, we are responsible for purchasing our own ticket online; the chapter will not make group purchases for this event. Once you have secured your ticket, please email DyMisha Richardson at dymisha.richardson@ gmail.com so that the committee can keep count. We hope to see you all there! Any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out - phone (832) 421-8506.

UNCF Committee UNCF Virtual Walk for Education

Due to Hurricane Harvey, the 32nd UNCF Houston Walk for Education was canceled. In lieu of the traditional walk, we formed a UNCF Virtual Walk Team - DST-HMAC and held our all day “walk” on September 30, 2017. We have raised $550 thus far towards our stretch goal of $750! Please help us reach our goal. We have until Oct. 14th to donate. To be a virtual walker on team DST-HMAC or to donate on behalf of team DST-HMAC, please visit: http://give .uncf.org/site/TR/HoustonWalk/General?team_ id=31153&pg=team&fr_id=2462 The site takes credit or debit cards and makes donating very quick and easy! If you were a Virtual Walker on Sep 30th, please post pictures on social media using the hashtag #LaceUp4UNCFHouston Please reach out to me with any questions.Thank you in advance for your support of UNCF Houston! Soror Julie Fitzpatrick | UNCF Committee julie_fitzpatrick@verizon.net

Dates to Remember... Oct 13 - 15, 2017 | Southwest Regional Leadership Retreat Oct 15, 2017 | Bayou City Arts Festival, HMAC Volunteers Oct 20, 2017 | Delta Red Carpet Event: Marshall Nov 3, 2017 | First Friday HMAC Style (Sisterhood Event) Dec 2017 | 2017-2018 Debutante Season Kick-Off Event Dec 2, 2017 | PACE Conference (New Faith Church Life Center) Dec 16, 2017 | The Crimson Caper Holiday Party 4

A Celebration of Sweethearts September Birthdays October Birthdays 3 - 6 - 9 - 12 - 13 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 20 - 25 - 26 - 26 - 26 - 27 - 27 - 28 - 30 -

Carnelliue Styles Braden Karen L. Bledsoe Pearl Black Cheryl H. Jones Maureen L. Gordon Melanie Ecter James Pamela Jean Broady Victoria Elaine Lackey Cynthia Blaylock Zella Butler Minter Jurodell Banks Cheryl B. Hancock Mary Patten April Inman Mildred Solomon Grace Macklin Valresa J. White

1 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 6 - 6 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 12 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 18 - 19 - 23 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 29 - 29 - 31 -

Daphne G. Moss Genevieve Gaynor Zoia L. Jones Karen Jackson Marvalyn Williams Valerie Leverett Cynthia H. Humphrey Ella H. Newsome Ashley Zone Rosalyn Arceneux Percy Ly Melton Annie Johnson Benifield Stephanie Oliver-Green Melba A. Payne-Shaw Tracee Monique Fletcher Christine Fortson Jasmine Lynch Katrina Whitlock Sarita Brown-Brooker Cassandra Brooks Ashley Betts Karen Arbuckle McGhee Loretta E. Ausbie Dana Rochelle Brown Vivian Fisher Vincent

HMAC Delta Website Tip of the Month by Chemene P. Jackson,Web Administrator

HMAC Website Highlights: PAGE TOOLS The “Page Tools” menu contains help, print, text size links, search buttons, admin links and other convenient useful links. “Page Tools” are displayed on each website page as a gray rectangle at the far right of the website. If you hover over the angle brackets “<” symbol, the “Page Tools” menu slides out to show you the options available for that page. You can: print page content, increase the size of the text on the page, get help on particular topics, etc. We hope these tips help!

THE TORCH

Place Postage Here

Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Post Office Box 56108 Houston, Texas 77256-6108

About HMAC The Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) was chartered by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in October of 1974. Since its inception, HMAC has been actively involved in supporting national and local service agencies, all while sponsoring and presenting community workshops, awareness forums and health fairs. HMAC members and partners have provided over $700,000 in scholarships, directly benefitting the youth of the Greater Houston area. If you or your company/organization are interested in joining our community efforts, visit us at www.HMACDelta.org to learn how.

One Heart! One Purpose! Southwest!