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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
outh tlanti c egi o n S A R
COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL JOURNAL
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ELEBRATING
THE
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VISIT WWW.DSTSOUTHATLANTICREGION.ORG FOR FULL PHOTO COVERAGE OF EVENTS Scan the QR code with your smart phone to view more photos
Greetings Sorors! Welcome to the 51st National Convention and the birthplace of our illustrious sorority! It's hard to believe that the time has come for us to gather and celebrate this occasion, after months and years of planning and anticipation. This convention is the largest in the sorority's history and a true testament of the love that we have for our Founders and our sisterhood. The South Atlantic region has proudly participated in three torch events, which allowed chapters an opportunity to showcase and celebrate their communities and service they provide within them. From Bermuda, to Greensboro, to Charlotte the planning committees produced stellar events that engaged, and inspired participants. As we move into the next century of Delta, it is an honor to have the South Atlantic's own Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey, 20th National President deliver the charge set forth by the Executive Committee, Past National Presidents and Executive Board. Her commitment to Delta, public service and lifelong learning is unparalleled. In this special commemorative issue we also focus on International Awareness and how fitting to pay tribute to our hard working sorors from Bermuda. We welcome them to this convention and note that they are attending in record-numbers with over 40 registered sorors! Please continue to enjoy your time in Washington DC, 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
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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Plan Your Visit to National Headquarters 2013 HQ Facelift Mary Bennett. Sutton Co-Chair, National Housing and Properties Committee Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter An extensive 2013 HQ Facelift was completed for the Sorority's 100th Birthday. When the doors opened to welcome sorors and guests on January 9, 2013 every spectacular detail was revealed. The official Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held January 10, 2013 with guided tours throughout Founders Weekend. A virtual tour of the entire facility is available on the National website. The following areas received major cosmetic changes: Front Lawn, National President's Office, Front Lobby/Reception area, Multi-Purpose Room, Primary Boardroom and Founders Library. Furniture and decorative pieces seen throughout the building were selected by Vicki Alston of High Point Alumnae, High Point, North Carolina and purchased from Priba Furniture located in Greensboro, North Carolina. A permanent sign has been erected in front of Headquarters at building 1709. The beautiful marble marker etched with gold lettering is a gift from the historic and dynamic Eastern Region marking the 100th Anniversary. South Atlantic Regional Director Andria Jeffries and Regional Representative ShaVon Johnson graciously accepted the plea to add fresh flowers and plants to enhance the facility during Founders Weekend by requesting floral tributes from chapters of the Sensational South Atlantic Region. The Region responded overwhelmingly (in four days) with more than 70 arrangements.
National Headquarters Tour Hours If you have an opportunity during the convention to visit National Headquarters, self-guided tour hours are listed to the right. Please call before visiting to confirm hours.
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Thursday, July 11 Tuesday, July 16 Wednesday, July 17
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1707 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 202-986-2400
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
THE SENSATIONAL
JOURNAL Andria Jeffries Regional Director ShaVon Johnson Regional Representative Pamela Lewis Regional Secretary
A. Michelle Lewis Regional Journalist
Table of Contents COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL JOURNAL
Gloria Bolden Regional Chaplain
Schrendria Robinson
Regional Director and Regional Representative’s Greeting
1
Visiting National Headquarters
2
Sisterhood Luncheon Program
4
Closing Banquet Program
5
Legendary Leaders
6
Centennial Torch Tour - Bermuda
8
Centennial Torch Tour - Greensboro, NC
10
Centennial Torch Tour - Charlotte, NC
12
Special Feature: International Awareness
14
Emergency Response Team: Are you Prepared?
16
Upcoming Events
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Article Submission Guidelines
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Assistant Chaplain
Norika Fisher Regional Photographer
Denise Riviere Bermuda Coordinator
Demetrics Davis North Carolina State Coordinator
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
Curtrice Zeigler South Carolina State Secretary
Lisa Downey-Hood Virginia State Coordinator
Danielle Stokes Virginia State Facilitator
Natasha Palmer Virginia State Secretary CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL JOURNAL
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S O U T H AT L A N T I C R E G I O N
Sisterhood Luncheon PROCESSIONAL
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013 PRESIDING
WELCOME
ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Director
GREETINGS
Demetrics Davis and Shawanda Jackson NC State Coordinator and Facilitator Lisa S. King and LeAndra Keller SC State Coordinator and Facilitator B. Lisa Downey-Hood and Danielle Stokes VA State Coordinator and Facilitator Thelma Pettis, Past Regional Director Norma Sermon Boyd, Past Regional Director Nettie Faulcon, Past Regional Director Mary B. Sutton, Past Regional Director Yvette Robinson, Past Regional Director Linda R. Wilson, Immediate Past Regional Director
INTRODUCTION OF THE DAIS
Pamela M. Lewis, Regional Secretary
MUSICAL SELECTION
Sounds of Delta, Richland County Alumnae Chapter Choir
INVOCATION
Gloria P. Bolden, Regional Chaplain
LUNCH
Special Presentation of Chapter Highlights
MUSICAL SELECTION
Sounds of Delta, Richland County Alumnae Chapter
CHAPTER PROGRAMMING AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS
Lori Gibbs and Antoinette Mann Co-Chairs, Regional Program Planning and Development
Denise Riviere Bermuda State Coordinator
SISTERHOOD AWARDS Advisor of the Year Collegiate Soror of the Year Collegiate Chapter of the Year Delta Dear of the Year Alumnae Soror of the Year Alumnae Chapter of the Year
Lisa S. King, SC State Coordinator ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative Demetrics Davis, NC State Coordinator Lisa Downey-Hood, VA State Coordinator Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Director
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Natasha Palmer, VA State Secretary
CLOSING REMARKS
ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Director
RECESSIONAL 4
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
S O U T H AT L A N T I C R E G I O N
Closing Banquet PROCESSIONAL WELCOME
Daphne Maxwell Reid, Honorary Member ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Director
INTRODUCTION OF THE DAIS
Pamela M. Lewis, Regional Secretary
MUSICAL SELECTION
Sounds of Delta, Richland County Alumnae Chapter
INVOCATION
Gloria P. Bolden, Regional Chaplain
DINNER
SPECIAL Presentation of Convention Highlights
MUSICAL SELECTION
Sounds of Delta, Richland County Alumnae Chapter
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013 PRESIDING Andria M. Jeffries Regional Director
SISTERHOOD CHARGE FOR THE NEXT CENTURY OF DELTA
Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey 20th National President ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trish Johnson, NC State Secretary
CLOSING REMARKS
ShaVon T. Johnson, Regional Representative Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Director
RECESSIONAL
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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Honoring the South Atlantic Region’s
Legendary Leaders DR. BERTHA MAXWELL RODDEY 20th National President 1992 - 1996 8th SA Regional Director 1982-1986 Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey is an educator, activist and humanitarian whose life has been dedicated to serving others and standing up for what she believes in. A native of Seneca, South Carolina, Soror Roddey was raised by grandparents on her mother's and father's sides of the family. She split her summers by spending time with her mother in Charlotte and her father in Washington, DC. Her quest for knowledge and interest in education was nurtured at an early age and she began reading when she was only 4 years old. She graduated from high school when she was 16 but was too poor to begin college. She went to Charlotte and worked at Woolworth and the bus station before moving to Washington DC where she worked at a pancake house and as a waitress at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She was too poor to attend college immediately after graduation; however, she never lost sight of her bigger goals and passion for learning. Although she passed the entrance exam to study nursing at John Hopkins University, she returned to Charlotte and enrolled in Johnson C. Smith University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1954. During her time at Johnson C. Smith, she also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Soror Roddey began her education career as a classroom teacher at Alexander Street School in Charlotte and shortly afterward was promoted to principal at Albemarle Road Elementary, becoming North Carolina's first African-American administrator in a predominantly white school. The promotion did not come without challenges and push back
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
South Atlantic Regional Directors
Past Regional Directors: Sutton, Sermon-Boyd, Pettis, Wilson and Robinson from some members in the community, who resisted desegregation in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. She moved on to the collegiate level and became a professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in the college of human development and learning. It was during that period that she developed the African-American studies program and founded the Afro-American Cultural Center (today the Harvey B. Gantt Center). She felt that is was important for people to understand that AfricanAmerican studies encompassed everything from psychology, religion, history and sociology to the arts. It was vital to the community's growth to know the history and contributions of African-Americans in the Charlotte area. An innovator and pioneer, Soror Roddey also founded the National Council for Black Studies, the Theodore and Bertha Roddey Foundation for Arts, Archives, Research and Education, and the Bertha Roddey Center. Often described as a “master teacher�, she taught at UNC-Charlotte for 17 years, USC Lancaster for 20 years and Queens University of Charlotte and Clinton Junior College. Her lifelong passion for learning extended beyond teaching as evidenced by her advanced degrees from UNC-Greensboro in Administration and a doctorate in Administration/Curriculum Development from Union Graduate School in Cincinnati.
As a Delta, Dr. Roddey served as President of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter and the South Atlantic's eighth Regional Director before becoming the 20th National President in 1992. Upon her election, she challenged the membership to participate in a unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity and build 22 homes in honor of the sorority's twenty-two Founders. Her vision provided for building one house in each of the sorority's seven regions and fifteen in St. Louis, Missouri, site of the 1994 42nd National Convention. More than $500,000 was collected from the 1992 Delta Christmas Party and donated to Delta Habitat for Humanity. The program broadened to include the construction of 40 additional homes in Africa during her second term. Thirty volunteers, including Deltas and their spouses traveled to Ghana to complete the project. Other notable accomplishments during her term as National President include establishing the Ritual and Ceremonies Commission, partnering with the NAACP to increase the number of registered voters, participating in the Fourth World Conference on Women Non-Governmental Organization Forum in China, and holding Summit meetings to discuss health care, and political and economic visibility for African-American women. Soror Roddey remains active and is a member of the Charlotte Alumnae chapter.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Marietta Hall Cephas Edythe Tweedy Barbara Williams Jenkins Alice Fleet Louise Riddick Ruby Davis Norma Sermon-Boyd Bertha Maxwell Roddey Thelma Pettis Sharon Reed Nettie Faulcon Dorothy White Mary Bennett Sutton Yvette G. Robinson Linda R. Wilson Andria M. Jeffries
1960-1964 1964-1968 1968-1970 1970-1972 1972-1976 1976-1978 1978-1982 1982-1986 1986-1989 1989-1993 1993-1997 1997-1999 1999-2003 2003-2007 2007-2011 2011-Present
South Atlantic Regional Representatives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
E. Victoria Burke 1970-1972 Charetta Tyson 1972-1974 Doris Blackwell 1974-1976 Marsha Pearson 1976-1978 Cheryl Williams 1978-1980 Andrea Fulton (Toliver) 1980-1982 Carla Watson (Carter) 1982-1984 Cheryl Hickman 1984-1986 Bridget L. Wall 1986-1989 Sonya Spratley 1989-1991 Alicia P. Smith Freshwater 1991-1993 Milele L. Kudumu 1993-1995 Ruth Tamar Jones 1995-1997 Jillian H. Davis 1997-1999 Stacy Faye President 1999-2001 Shameka Pollard 2001-2003 Taineisha Sledge 2003-2005 Natalie Pennywell 2005-2007 Tarryn Simmons 2007-2009 Amanda Wise 2009-2011 ShaVon T. Johnson 2011-Present
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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entenni a l C
South Atlantic Region
orch T TOUR
BERMUDA June 1-2, 2013
The Bermuda Alumnae chapter did not hold back when planning for the Centennial Torch's arrival on the island. After hearing that Bermuda was one of the two international stops on the tour, sorors set out to create a celebration that would go down in the history books, in the way that Deltas have done for the last 100 years.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
T
he year-long celebration included a “100 for 100” community service initiative, participation in the Bermuda Heritage Day parade, a Proclamation, public symposium , motorcade, Torch ceremony, Gala and worship service. Lead organizer for the volunteer event, Donna Edwards, came up with the idea to host the '100 for 100' service initiative during a meeting last September. Since then chapter members have been volunteering individually or as a group. Their efforts have led to their involvement with rest homes and helping the Salvation Army feed the homeless. The chapter also hosts an annual reading festival. They also regularly meet with women in the Co-Educational Facility to offer workshops on resume writing and provide them with resources and tools for their lives when they exit the prison. Chapter President Roxanne Christopher said, “Our members already have a strong affinity, bond and personal commitment to improving the lives of those in the community. “Now with the '100 for 100' we are just documenting it more meticulously, but it's not pushing us to do more than we ordinarily do.” During the week-long celebration, the chapter hosted an education symposium entitled: The Triple Link to Saving our Girls for middle school
and high school girls across the island aimed at saving them from the results of bad choices and the effects of detrimental environments. Panelist led discussions on crime, education deficiency, teen pregnancy, drugs, gang involvement and family issues. To keep the participants engaged, the event had three components: D - Discussing the issues (Panelist discussion) S - Strategizing for a better tomorrow (Question & Answer period) T - Targeting action that create change (Organizational Consultants) “The panel for the night will include a prison officer, social worker, parent who has been impacted by gang violence and teenage mother. Panel members will discuss the above mentioned matters that have direct implications on our young girls and how various agencies can coordinate efforts and solutions to combat such”, the spokesperson continued. Soror Kara Simmons, event chair said, “the Chapter has joined forces with diverse individuals, service based administrators, and community based organizations to host the Public Symposium”. The panel included a prison officer, social worker, a parent who has been impacted by gang violence and a teenage
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
mother. Representatives from various agencies also explained the various resources available to combat the issues. As the weekend progressed, the sorority held a proclamation ceremony at City Hall on Friday with music, remarks by Opposition Leader Marc Bean and a motorcade to St George's with the Olympic-style torch. On Saturday night, 22nd National President, Gwendolyn Boyd was the guest speaker at the Gala at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. For many Bermudians, it was there first time to hear Soror Boyd speak. Soror Boyd has been very instrumental in the growth of the Bermuda Alumnae chapter and she delivered the keynote address with her signature style displaying strength and a powerful presence. “For those who know, Deltas do it big. We did it very big on Saturday night”, Ms Christopher added. To wrap up the week, the members attended a special church service on Sunday at St Paul's AME.
Photo Credits: Bermuda Sun, Bermuda Royal Gazette, BERNEWS
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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entenni a l C
South Atlantic Region
orch T TOUR
GREENSBORO June 7-8, 2013
Following a cross-county and international route, the Centennial Torch arrived in Greensboro, North Carolina for its 18th stop. Eagerly awaiting its arrival were sorors from the Greensboro Alumnae Chapter along with alumnae & collegiate chapters from Burlington, High Point, Winston Salem and Elon who hosted the Centennial Torch Tour June 7-8. The weekend celebration activities included a welcome reception, youth STEM activities, torch lighting ceremony, parade and jazz luncheon. The weekend activities kicked off Friday evening with a reception and tours at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. The museum is devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights and celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Saturday morning participants gathered at the
The Centennial Torch Custodian, Soror
Greensboro Four monument on the campus of
Stephanie Luster Teasley, led the STEM activity
North Carolina A&T State University to pay
and gave instructions to the children as they
tribute and honor the four courageous
were divided into teams to compete by
freshmen students who sat down at the
educational level. Sorors from Greensboro
“whites-only” lunch counter February 1, 1960
Alumnae, Burlington Alumnae, High Point
and ignited America’s sit-in movement.
Alumnae and Winston Salem Alumnae
In the Delta spirit of community activism and social justice, the “Greensboro Four” - Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair, Jr. and David Richmond were honored during the weekend celebration.
participated in the STEM activity along with Sorors from the Alpha Mu Chapter, NC A&T State University, who served as the team guides. Everyone that participated, adult and children, enjoyed the activity and learned a lot about how The Greensboro Four and the
Bridging the gap between the activists of the
university were instrumental in the Civil
60s and today’s technology savvy youth was a
Rights Movement and how ingrained we are in
highly interactive STEM activity.
STEM activities.
For the STEM activity, a scavenger hunt was
Participants also enjoyed a parade of local units
held on the campus of NC Agricultural &
and sorors that traveled through the streets of
Technical State University for elementary,
Greensboro. The activities also included a
middle and high school students. The group
luncheon.
included children in Project SEE, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS and EMBODI along with other children's groups. As a team, they had to search for locations on campus associated with The Greensboro Four, the Civil Rights Movement, STEM activities and Delta Sigma Theta by using longitude and latitude coordinates on a GPS system. At each location, they were required to answer questions about
The event was a huge success, welcoming sorors from throughout the region to connect with local sorors and celebrate the sorority and community leaders. Meticulous planning and organization of the event was spearheaded by Immediate Past Regional Director Linda R. Wilson and Greensboro Alumnae Chapter President Marsha Goins.
the site before proceeding to the next site.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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entenni a l C
South Atlantic Region
orch T
CHARLOTTE June 21-22, 2013
TOUR
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
20th National President Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey and National Treasurer Terri Prunty Honored During Torch Tour Charlotte, North Carolina is known as the Queen City. Therefore, it's only befitting that Sorors from the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter held a Centennial Celebration fit for Delta queens June 21-22, 2013 complete with a youth program, reception, honoree breakfast, parade, torch lighting and gala. Delta royalty near and far were in the Queen City, including National President Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre, SA Regional Director Andria M. Jeffries, Regional Representative ShaVon Johnson, current and past national and regional committee members and officers. Soror Bertha Roddey, 20th National President and National Treasurer, Terri Prunty, CPA, both members of the Charlotte Alumnae chapter were special guests and the weekend honorees. “The Centennial Torch Tour in Charlotte was simply marvelous,” says Prunty. “It was an awesome display of sisterhood, scholarship and service all weekend.” The Charlotte events were 'marvelous' in part due to many Sorors working diligently, led by the team of Pamela Hart Hemphill, Centennial Chair, Antoinette Cody, Co-Chair, Allison Jones Young, Custodian and Desiree Rew, Charlotte Alumnae Chapter President. Following is a weekend recap:
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013 Teen LIFT: Youth participants began the day at UNCCharlotte and completed their day at Johnson C. Smith University. Their itinerary included a series of workshops facilitated by Sorors and guest speakers introducing them to a variety of subjects including Science, Meteorology and Fitness. Centennial Opening Reception: Members of the Divine Nine, community leaders, sorors and guests were treated to an evening of great food held on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. One of the evening's highlights was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. serenading Soror McIntyre as other Kappa brothers presented her, Soror Prunty, Soror Jeffries and Soror Roddey beautiful red roses. SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013 Centennial Honoree Breakfast: The sold-out breakfast celebration for National Treasurer Prunty and 20th National President Roddey included musical tributes, a soul food breakfast and Sorors who paid homage to both honorees. Centennial Parade: Against a beautiful backdrop of sunshine, the Delta Centennial Parade weaved through downtown Charlotte with approximately 1,052 participants. Because Deltas always make
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
By Sondra E. Z. Hines, Charlotte Alumnae Chapter Photos by Norika Fisher, Regional Photographer
history, the parade was no exception. For the first time in the city's history, a parade was held by members of an African-American Greek letter organization. In addition to 15 Delta chapters, floats, high-school bands, fellow Greek organizations, and community members, the parade featured a replica of a stagecoach from Wells Fargo, one of the event sponsors. Lighting of the Centennial Torch: Participants from the parade excitedly awaited the lighting of the Centennial Torch. A brief program preceded the lighting to include a liturgical dance, spoken word, song and young legacies walking in memory of the 22 Founders. After the lighting, Sorors sang the Sweetheart Song and participated in line dancing across the staging area in laughter and fellowship. Centennial Gala: The Harvey B. Gantt Center the only African American museum in Charlotte was the perfect setting for the culmination of the Centennial weekend. The Center, formerly the Afro-American Cultural Center was co-founded by Soror Roddey. During the program, Soror Roddey and Soror Prunty were acknowledged for their Delta contributions and community service. Sorors presented the Center with a $5,000 financial donation.
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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International Awareness
by Angela Sampson Contributing Writer Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
With chapters abroad in England, Japan, Germany, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea, International Awareness & Involvement has been an integral element of our 5 Point Programmatic Thrust allowing our sorority to maintain a strong global presence. Through the years, the Sorority has brought international support and awareness to important topics such as HIV/Aids, clean water in Africa, and notably the Sorority's current focus on Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital, a 120 bed facility in Thika, Kenya that provides affordable prenatal and postnatal care, child immunization, family planning and nutritional education. At the Chapter level, the focus of the International Awareness and Involvement Committee is to increase cultural awareness in the local communities as well as internationally; striving to make an impact in the international community by conducting service projects to inform and benefit those in need. The Committee seeks to organize programs and events that will highlight the world's critically important social and political matters. Chapters in the South Atlantic Region have held dynamic programs and information sessions that focus on Africa, Clean Water Projects, Global HIV/Aids Awareness, support to Haiti, and Global Domestic Violence Awareness to name a few.
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How can your Chapter's International Awareness & Involvement Committee be most impactful? By remaining active and vigilant on international issues that could impact your local area, Chapter Committee members have a wealth of options to consider supporting. The most successful programs and initiatives are closely aligned with National and Regional objectives and have high levels of participation and support from Chapter Members. After a 2010 mission trip to Ghana, the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (NoVAC) adopted a daughter, Fuseini Comfort thru World Vision. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of
poverty and injustice. Thru World Vision, NoVAC provides support specifically to the West Mamprusi Area Development Program in Ghana. Since taking Fuseini on as an adoptive daughter, NoVAC provides birthday cards and monetary support to her; inspiring her early aspirations of becoming a doctor. In addition to helping Fuseini and her family thru the West Mamprusi Area Development Program, NoVAC's financial support also provides health assessments, immunizations, food demonstrations, water and sanitation, and educational opportunities for the area in Ghana where Fuseini and her family live. In 2012, six health centers in Ghana were supplied medical equipment (i.e. crutches and assorted medicines) with just a portion of NoVAC's donation. This has drastically reduced
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
the long distance travel previously required to seek medical treatment for common ailments such as malaria, stomach pains, and headaches; benefitting an estimated 12,000 people in this Ghanian region. This is one of many shining examples of the impact Chapters in the Sensational South Atlantic Region are making towards International Awareness. With the social and political climate today, there are an increasing number of global issues that could benefit from the Sorority's support. In our Centennial year, the Sorority continues to maintain diligent focus and dedication to the importance of International Awareness. 2010-2013 INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS PROGRAMS
The Delta House (Mbabane, Swaziland) The Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Disabled (White City, Jabavu, South Africa)
TREE Project -Training Resources in Early Education (Durban, South Africa)
Thika Memorial Hospital (Nairobi, Kenya)
was ongoing at chapter events, retreats, meetings and youth events. To ensure that Haitian girls receive the clothing they deserve during these tough economic times, the chapter is looking forward to making this an annual event for the daughters of Haiti.
World AIDS DAY (December 1) Water Tanks and Wells Adopt-a-Child/Sponsor-a-Child Water For Haiti Mission Trip II (Ghana/Kenya/Dubai)
Chesterfield Alumnae Sorors turn Pillowcases into Dresses for Haitian Girls Submitted by: Jane Harris Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., partnered with a local group to transform pillowcases into dresses to cloth young girls in Haiti. Pictured is a replica of the dresses that were sent to Haiti. After observing the devastation that occurred in Haiti, Soror Indy Brunson Griffin led the effort to supply clothing to these young ladies. The chapter sorors collected over two hundred pillowcases that were delivered to Hurt and Company to convert the pillow cases into dresses. The drive to secure these pillowcases
Petersburg Alumnae Chapter - “We are all related”… these words were spoken on Sunday February 10, 2013, when the Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of presented, “An Evening of Culture”. The historic Gillfield Baptist Church was transformed into an international cultural haven, depicting the life and culture of the peoples of Bosnia, Cambodia, Columbia, the Diaspora, El Salvador, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Liberia, Panama, the Philippines, and West Africa through history, music, the visual arts, poetry, cuisine, fashion and dance. Larger than life masks, tapestries, sculptures, musical instruments, photos, dolls and other artifacts were the backdrop that set the tone for the Petersburg Alumnae Chapter's International Awareness and Involvement community outreach program. Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company of Richmond, Virginia opened the program with a beautiful dance entitled Lambdan, which is a physical prayer involving the mind, body, and spirit in celebration of life. The country of Greece was represented through
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF
SCHOLARSHIP, SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE
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INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS HIGHLIGHTS continued dance by the Byzantio Dancers. Participants were treated to a lesson on the history of belly dancing replete with a performance by Amineh Belly Dance. They were able to call on neighbors at Fort Lee Virginia, Army Logistics University (ALU). The International Military Students (IMS) of ALU participated on the program as guest speakers. The students came from Cambodia, Liberia, Bosnia, Egypt, Guyana and Ghana. This wonderful partnership allowed the community and the students to broaden their knowledge base of each other. It was an opportunity for IMS to interface with the community outside of the military base and learn a little about our sorority as well as the other cultures.
African fashions, both traditional and contemporary styles were showcased during the fashion show segment and modeled by Sorors and family members; to see them strut down the aisle you would have thought you were experiencing a scene straight from Fashion Week-Africa! The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter's International Awareness and Involvement Committee under the leadership of Co-Chairs Sorors Octavia Parker and Ndidi Mojay hosted “The Eastern Exchange” in February. The event was a huge success and showcased foreign exchange students from the countries of Japan and Ethiopia. The committee was applauded for the innovative way the event was presented. Attendees of the event heard the students speak about their cultural experiences and sampled food and drinks from their native lands. The interaction with the students as
they took attendees on a journey through their country was very informative. Chapter member, Roxanne Peterson is a host parent to one of the foreign exchange students that participated in the Eastern Exchange.
ARE YOU PREPARED? EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TODAY AND TOMORROW Linda Wilson, Chair, National ERT and Regina Milteer-Rock, Member, National ERT The DST National Emergency Response Team (ERT) was formed as a directive from Soror Cynthia Butler-McIntyre in 2012. The team consisting of a representative from each region, has worked to ensure the well-being of sorors during natural, chemical or biologic emergencies. The ERT’s purpose is to provide awareness, structured and systematic training; effective and immediate communication to facilitate and aid in preparedness; and resource support and guidance for sorority members (information and referrals) and the communities impacted by natural or man-made disasters during the restoration process. The ERT has been actively involved in determining the impact of disasters on sorors including the Oklahoma tornadoes and Hurricane Sandy. The team worked diligently to disseminate information about
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emergency preparedness for all attendees of the 51st National Convention. This convention is attended by more sorors than any other convention in our history. As we plan for all of the activities and fun, we must also prepare to respond appropriately to any emergency that may occur to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Carry medications with you and information about medical history and emergency contacts. Wear or carry flat comfortable shoes in case you need to move quickly to a safe location. Exit escalators when you get to the bottom to prevent tumbling of those behind you.
Carry a rechargeable battery Tornadoes have been very active in charger for your cell phone, if the country over the past few weeks. possible. They have touched the suburbs of Carry a mini first aid kit with Washington, DC in the past two years. essentials such as bandages. In August 2011 an earthquake shook the District of Columbia so hard that The following recommendations are the Washington Monument was damaged and in 2013 remains closed for other events that could occur: for repairs. Hence, we must be FIRE prepared for every possible catastrophic event. Know where the two closest exits are. Have an escape plan in mind. In order to be able to respond to any Listen to information from crowd emergency or disaster, sorors must control managers. In case of fire, be personally prepared by adhering to leave at once. Walk briskly. Do not the following recommendations: run so that you do not fall and injure Stay well hydrated. Drink water. yourself. Stairwells will be your primary Eat regularly. Carry snacks.
escape route. Never use the elevators. Proceed to the first floor and out of the building. Never go up.
TORNADO Go to the lowest level of the building and stay in the center. Stay away from windows.
Be aware of flying debris. Listen to the radio or television for information.
EARTHQUAKE Go to the lowest level of the building. Stay away from windows
Sit or stand against an inside wall. Be aware that aftershocks can occur.
Listen to the radio or television for information. Be alert. Be prepared. Respond appropriately and immediately to any possible emergency. Stay safe.
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED - SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
2013-2014 Upcoming Events
OCTOBER North Carolina Fall State Meeting October 4-5, 2013 Greenville, NC Virginia Fall State Meeting October 11-12, 2013 Charlottesville, Virginia South Carolina Fall State Meeting October 25-26, 2013 Summerville, SC
Virginia Tidewater/Central VA Founders Day January 11, 2014 Location TBD hosted by Suffolk Alumnae
FEBRUARY North Carolina Founders Day West February 22, 2014 Hickory, NC hosted by Hickory Alumnae
Please share your CENTENNIAL reflections, photos. favorite moments, events, and inspirations Convention reflections must be 75 words or less. Photos must be at least 150 dpi and include names, chapter affiliation and event.
Submit information to Michelle Lewis, Regional Journalist sarjournalistlewis@gmail.com by August 31, 2013.
JANUARY North Carolina Founders Day East January 11, 2014 Greenville, NC hosted by Elizabeth City Alumnae
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.
Journal articles are requested in the following areas:
Feature Topic - 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.
Criteria for article submission:
**Past issues of the SA Regional Journal are available in the Members’ Only Third-person narrative section of the regional website, Microsoft Word format www.dstsouthatlanticregion.org ** Limit three high-resolution digital photos (JPEG format-300dpi) Journalist reserves right to edit (including cutting copy)
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. 51ST NATIONAL CONVENTION SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION 2013