A Publication of Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter
Soror Jylla Moore Tearte Guiding Zeta’s to the 2020 Centennial
BLU PEARL • PAGE 2
Welcome TO from Dr. Rosemarie Merritt-Farngalo Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter President
A
s we begin of our sorority year we have put together a Blu’ Pearl issue filled with so many accomplishments, information and entertainment. The dynamic new look of the Blu’ Pearl will surely reflect who we are today - a contemporary and relevant organization and cherishes who we are and the foundation that we have built. This Fall issue of the BLU’ PEARL is to serve as an impactful historical document geared toward information and promotion.. Just as we are changing seasons, we are also transitioning within the organization. There are many changes taking shape and a “new normal” is upon us. These include but are not limited to submitting data electronically and updating our chapter policies and procedures. Our State Leadership
has begun hosting webinars to keep us informed of some of the changes and new initiatives and requirements. So I hope that you are read because the train is moving. I welcome new and reclaimed sorors to the chapter . The committees have continued to strategize exciting plans for the year. Please know that we remain steadfast and support our efforts to impact the lives of those in the DeKalb County community. Yours in Zeta,
PUBLISHER Sigma Mu Zeta
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS Maureen Walker Marketa H. Killingbeck
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Shirley Bailey Malkia Lockhart-Darrington Aleda Smith McNeill Sherry Pope Jennifer Toussaint Maureen Walker
DESIGN SMZ Public Relations BLU PEARL • PAGE 4
The Blu’ Pearl js published quarterly by Sigma Mu Zeta. The Blu’ Pearl is the official publication of Sigma Mu Zeta. Information presented within the pages are for the benefit of its members and the community.
PUBLISHER: Sigma Mu Zeta P.O. Box 136 Stone Mountain, GA 30086
WEBSITE:
A Word from the
www.sigmamuzeta.org
SUBMISSIONS: Members of Sigma Mu Zeta. Attention: SMZ Public Relations at smzpublicrlations@gmail.com
ABOUT SIGMA MU ZETA Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter chartered on December 20, 2001 by 7 classy ladies. The chapter has held meetings since its inception at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Sorors Rosemarie Farngalo, Jocasta Frazier, Trellis Buckles, Serafina Williams, Darleen Benson Smith, Cheryl Nugent Nugent--Bishop, Teresa Green Johnson, and Daarina Abdul Mateen had a vision for a new chapter in the Stone Mountain Mountain-- Lithonia area. Their heartfelt desire was to create a chapter focused on the Zeta principle of sisterly love. A chapter where a true sisterhood would be forged, finer womanhood would be a consistent norm, and atmosphere that would be drama free which we believe our 5 pearls envisioned for the organization in 1920.
While you all are preparing to get to work for the new chapter year with all the calendar events, the Public Relations Committee is getting ready as well for this upcoming sorority year to provide useful information to our newly formatted quarterly newsmagazine. We are excited to have our newest chapter member Katoria Jones come on board and provide her expertise and support to the committee. Be sure to send in your suggestions or comments to the committee or tell us something you would like to see. Sisterly,
Marketa H. Killingbeck PR Committee Chair
Letter From the What a year! We have traveled through the valley, climbed the mountain and made it to our destination. It has been quite a year filled with numerous community service projects and sister bonding moments. As we come near to the end of our fiscal year, I reflect on the great success of this chapter, from increased members to the top graduate chapter 26 to 50 to the coveted “Chapter of the Year Award”. Let’s look at how we got he+-re; we started our journey with the 1ST Annual Community Health Fair with the Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and Stoneview Elementary School. This event focused on Breast Cancer Awareness and Childhood Obesity that included a 3 mile walk. Our monthly program, with Traditions Health & Rehabilitation Center which leaves our guest wanting more; our active participation as members of the State & Regional Registration Team with our own Jocasta Frazier at the helm. Our gift for gab at Breaking Bread - Fellowship among friends, March for Babies, Sickle Cell Walk, Feed the Homeless, Clothes the Needed, Food & Clothes Pantry, and much more. Sorors the stars are the limit, great job to you all in holding us strong to being a community conscious, action oriented organization. We truly hope you enjoy this edition of the Blu’ Pearl. Sisterly,
Maureen Walker Editor in Chief BLU PEARL • PAGE 6
Sigma Mu Zeta’s Z-Hope Project for the Adopt-A-School Program adopted Rainbow Elementary School. In March SMZ donated supplies to the school. Items donated were Kleenex tissues, Clorox wipes, Hand sanitizers, Hand Soaps, Lysol sprays and Toys for the School's Treasure Chest. Dr. Della ThomasCulver thanked the SMZ Chapter and looks forward to working with the SMZ Chapter for a successful Adopt-A-School Project with Rainbow Elementary.
SISTERS, SISTERHOOD , SISTERLY LOVE Aleda H.S. McNeill Does sisterhood begin and end with a chapter meeting? That is a question that each member of our beloved Sorority should consider. Perhaps it could even be a discussion that each chapter could/should have. Are we really being sisterly and/or sister-like to one another? It is a commonly held belief that when a group of women get together, there is bound to be dissension, arguing, disputes and catty behavior. Are we, as a group of college educated women going to live up to this label? How do we begin to show that we, members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., are, in fact and indeed, OUR SISTERS KEEPERS? We can begin by refusing to participate in gossip mongering. Trust and believe that if someone comes to you with gossip, they are going to leave you and take with them any words that you may add. “Girl, that motion sounded stupid’ can turn into “Girl, she called her stupid”. Add to that fire, the fact that one Soror is a friend to the one whose motion is being called stupid (are you still following?) and we may end up with “Soror, she was in the meeting telling people that you’re stupid!” Do you whisper bad comments about a Soror? Are you sure that the Soror can’t hear you? Are you sure that your negative comments can’t be overheard? Do you care that your comments are very possibly hurtful? Can the Soror see you whispering and looking in her direction which can lead to her, and others, feeling that you are talking about them? Yes, these are a lot of maybes; however, it is sometimes the “appearance” that can lead to situations that cause hurt feelings. Perception can often be everything. We must also show respect for one another. We don’t always have to agree, however, we must be respectful in voicing that disagreement. As sisters, we must not attack one another personally. We can disagree in a manner that leaves no one with a bad taste in their mouths. Did you “yell” your disagreement or displeasure with them or their comment? Do you give a facial expression that shouts your displeasure with them? Let’s not say, “I can’t help my face”. Yes, indeed, you can! Let’s not say “that’s just me, I’m honest”. Tact is forever in style! The bottom line is that “we can agree to disagree”, and be Finer Women at all times. We should be considerate of and kind to one another. Do you know of a Soror who’s having health issues? Do you pick up the phone and call her just to say “I was thinking about you today. How are you doing? Do you need anything?” That brief exchange can mean wonders and can actually lead to the ill Soror having a better day health-wise and moodwise. Even if you and the Soror aren’t the closest, a kind word can go a long way towards having a better relationship. Do you know of a Soror who lives alone and doesn’t have any or many close relatives who live nearby? Do you check on her to make sure that she is okay and not in need of anything? Everyone in a chapter is not going to be close. To expect that, is setting everyone up for a huge failure. Some people will naturally gravitate towards one another. That is to be expected. Some people will not like one another. That is to be ex-
pected. Be we must all remember that we joined this Sisterhood for Sisterly Love. We joined this Sisterhood to Service our Community. We joined this Sisterhood to promote Scholarship. We joined this Sisterhood because we believe in
Finer Womanhood.
We joined this Sisterhood because WE ARE OUR SISTERS KEEPERS! BLU PEARL • PAGE 8
Clayron State University Iota Sigma Chapter History
I
Serafina Williams n the fall of 2002 Bro. Cedric Roberts and Bro. Donald Wortham of the Treacherous Tri Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. approached a few co-eds about chartering a chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. With the interested young women and the support of the Clayton State chapter of Phi Beta Sigma; the national headquarters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was contacted. In the Spring of 2003, the first official interest
meeting was sponsored by Tri Beta in conjunction with the Sigma Omega Zeta graduated chapter. These graduate members were very excited at the prospect of helping to form a new chapter of their beloved organization. The graduates exposed the interested co-eds to many aspects of sorority life to include social and community service events; they even invited the interest to accompany them to a step show. Eventually five qualified interested women were found and began the journey to find the light of Zeta. Early on, one was lost, but four continued on in the pursuit of sisterhood. Finally in the Spring of 2003, on April 14, four CSU students and a graduate student became associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter. They would become known as The G.E.M.Z., the Alpha class of Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter. The 5 GEMZ-Spring 2003 (Sigma Omega Zeta, Alpha line) They soon went to work. hosting events to garner interest in the organization. Finally after a successful interest meeting, two more students and one more graduate student began to seek the light of Zeta. In Spring of 2004, The Quiet Storm also became associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta. Quiet Storm-Spring 2004 (Sigma Omega Zeta, Beta line) On Sunday, April 17, 2005, 7 dynamic and BLUEtiful young ladies made history as they became the charter members of the Iota Sigma chapter at Clayton State University. The charter members consisted of the 6 associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta graduate chapter and one transfer sorority sister from University of Alabama, Birmingham; Carla Gleaton, Shalea Griggs, Shanetha House, Lameka Nalls, Jerilynae Pointer, Terrilyn Scott, and Marisa Walker.
The Classy but Sassy Ladies of the Iota Sigma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Seven Significant Lines
Alpha Line (Spring 2006) – Elite 11 Beta Line (Summer 2007) – H.K.I.C. (Head KittieZ In Charge) Delta Line (Spring 2008) – Indestructable ForceZ of Blue Epsilon Line (Fall 2008) – Destiny Fulfilled Zeta Line (Spring 2013) – BLU T.A.L.E.Z. Eta Line (Fall 2013) – Lethal WeaponZ Theta Line (Spring 2014) – ReZilient Chaos
BLU PEARL • PAGE 10
How to Stay Prayed Up! Chianti Mitchell Unruly Children... Hellish Bosses... Aggregating Co-Workers... Ratchet Relatives... In the words of Marvin Gaye, life "makes you want to holler & throw up both your hands". What do you do when what you know falls completely apart? How do you handle a Cancer diagnosis? Who do you turn to when all you have is gone?!? Dearly Beloved, get on your knees and talk to God --- it's time to pray! The Bible gives us wonderful examples of leaders who, in the midst of personal conflict, came out on top. You have judges who led armies to conquer lands. You have wives who redeemed the legacy of their families. You even have a "harlot" who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, due to her belief & faithful to God. You may wonder, "what does this history lesson have to do with my pending foreclosure"? My dear Sister, I want to encourage you that our foremothers was able to survive because of their intimate relationship with God, a relationship birthed out of constant & sincere prayer. For the Christian, prayer is our lifeline --- it is a direct connection with the "One Who Sits High & Looks Low". In order
for us to handle the myriad of problems we face, we have to stay prayed up! We have to stay constantly connected to the true & divine power source. Even in the midst of our chaotic lives, you can stay prayed up. Consider the following‌ 1. Take off the SuperWoman cape & admit you need help --- God is willing & able, if we humble ourselves and seek the divine help. Ask God to help you resist putting the cape back on. 2. Have daily quiet time --- with all the chirping, ringing and dinging of our electronic devices,life is noisy! We need to quiet & settle ourselves to hear God authentically. Take a moment and "pause"... Resist the urge to think about your deadlines, projects or dinner menu. 3. Read the Bible --- there is no way around it! You HAVE to read & study the Bible in order to understand GOD. Make it a point to read a daily devotional. For the media- savvy sisters, download the Bible & set up a daily reminder to read a scripture. 4. Go to Worship regularly -- align yourself with a place of worship that is truth-based and supportive. Supportive environments are the breeding ground for effective habits. My dear lovelies, we come from a lineage of people who survived intentional hardships because of divine protection & guidance. If you stay prayed up, you can handle absolutely anything life throws your way.
Little prayer, Little Power... Much prayer, Much Power.
SOROR IN THE SPOTLIGHT Soror Tawhana
Johnson
Chapter of the Year Challenge A challenge was made to our chapter in 2013; a goal was set and achieved. The challenger and pacesetter, is none other than Soror Tawhana Johnson an Atlanta native. She graduated from Redan High School and Georgia State University with Bachelors in Business. She is a proud mother of a son, Jaylen, who has been placed in the JR National Scholars Society and Beta Club, he is also plays baseball and true to form Tawhana is a “true baseball mom” supporting him at every game. The year was 1990, the chapter was Lambda Nu and the #2 was Tawhana Johnson “The Joker”. It was not only a special day for her in entering the world of Zeta, but it was also her dad’s birthday. Professional she has worked for SunTrust Bank for 14 years having started on her birthday (July); she currently is the Foreign Exchange Specialist Team Lead for the past 8 years after serving in various positions in their Wealth and Investment area. After being away from Zeta for the first 5 to 6 years of her son’s life to enjoy him, she reclaimed with Sigma Mu Zeta and hit the Zeta grind harder than she was known to do in her undergrad years. Tawhana has been quoted as saying, “I love my blue and white family and wouldn't have become anything but a ZETA!” And to that we are so appreciated, thank you Tawhana for your light to Zeta. BLU PEARL • PAGE 12
Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte
At the end of our 2014 Boule the clock started to tick towards our journey to the centennial in 2020, Washington D.C. the birthplace of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. At the forefront is our 20th past Grand Basileus Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte, President and CEO of Crystal Stairs, Inc. In our journey towards the centennial, at the January 2013 National Executive Board Meeting, during the Report of the Grand Basileus, Grand Wright announced that our 20th Past Grand Basileus Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte had been appointed as the Centennial Anniversary Celebration Chair. Having served as Grand Basileus during the 75th anniversary, Past Grand Moore-Tearte is certainly up to the challenge. Soror Tearte was tasked to chair this historic once in a life time event and she will do just that by making it a once in a life time experience for all. When the word spread, Sorors around the world were excited with this fabulous announcement. There are plans of glitz and glam or better yet diamonds and pearls. Our centennial kick off will be in 2015 so hold on this is going to be a trailblazers ride to the most momentous time in Zeta. We will celebrate the legacy of our sorority, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, along with numerous initiatives of the sorority, the Stork Nest, Z-Hope, and NEF, our social actions and partnerships such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the March of Dimes, where we have the longest relationship of 40 years. We will reflect on our journey, our founders, our future, Soror Tearte is ready for the challenge and is preparing for our 100th year milestone. She is looking forward to working with every member of the Blue and White Family as navigation our journey to the Centennial Celebration begins.
BLU PEARL • PAGE 14
THE CENTENNIAL GUIDING PRINCIPLES Honor our FOUNDERS Strengthen our ideals of Sisterhood, Service, Scholarship and Finer Womanhood Celebrate the Power of our Legacy Engage all members of the Blue and White Family Exhibit Professional, World-Class, Personal Growth and Development
Not only did Sigma Mu Zeta have the distinct honor to have an award in her name, The Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte Community Involvement Award, “The Tearte Award” but she was the presenter in its first year and presented it to Commissioner Larry Johnson 3rd District.
BLU PEARL • PAGE 16
Zumba With Zeta: Clothing & Toiletry Drive
Z
eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter Z-HOPE Committee hosted a Zumba fitness class on April 5, 2014 designed to raise money for the March of Dimes, March for Babies. The class was facilitated by Certified Master Zumba Instructor Cherisse Atwater. Cherisse is a dedicated community leader and owner of Moves2Inspire Fitness. The mission of Moves2Inspire is to provide a unique and refreshing fitness routine that will inspire others to feel great and to have fun while committing to simple lifestyle changes. Over 30 participants were in attendance; and each gave generously to support Zeta’s National Partner, March of Dimes and March for Babies. Additionally, participants were asked to bring lightly used clothing and new toiletries that would benefit the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. Their mission is to ease the burden of homelessness for women and children and to assist in establishing self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive education and supportive services in a manner that respects human dignity. The donations from Clothing and Toiletry Drive resulted in support for many at-risk and homeless families in city of Atlanta. Providing hours of laughter and encouragement, the event was a fun, sisterly activity while supporting the idea of Community Service and Zetas Helping Others to Excel.
BLU PEARL • PAGE 18
NEW SORORS
Welcome to our newest members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
E-mail: sigmamuzeta@yahoo.com Website: www.sigmamuzeta.org Facebook: sigmamuzetachapter Twitter: #Sigmamuzeta1920 BLU PEARL • PAGE 20