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MIDWESTMissile THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED – MIDWEST REGION
CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS
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Greetings Delta Days Emergency Response Team
STATE NEWS Illinois
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Alpha Nu Bloomington-‐Normal Alumnae Champaign-‐Urbana Alumnae Chicago Alumnae East St. Louis Alumnae Evanston Northern Shore Alumnae Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Joliet Area South Suburban Alumnae Lambda Peoria Alumnae Rockford Alumnae Theta Epsilon Theta Zeta Zeta Iota
Indiana
Michigan
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Minnesota
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Ohio
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Delta Upsilon Detroit Alumnae Epsilon Epsilon Grand Rapids Alumnae Mu Phi Pontiac Alumnae Southfield Alumnae
Minneapolis-‐St Paul Alumnae Nu Epsilon
Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Dayton Alumnae Greater Cleveland Alumnae Nu Phi Youngstown Alumnae
West Virginia 13
Evansville Alumnae Fort Wayne Alumnae Gary Alumnae Indianapolis Alumnae
Greater Morgantown Alumnae Omicron Upsilon
Wisconsin
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Kappa Eta Madison Alumnae
Kentucky
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MEET THE JOURNALISTS
Eta Omicron Frankfort Alumnae Lexington Alumnae Mu Epsilon
On the Cover : Soror Mona Y. Davenport, Midwest Regional Director; Soror Shaquira Robinson, Midwest Regional Representative; Soror Kimberly Offord, Midwest Member, National Scholarship and Standards Committee
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GREETINGS As we complete the 2014-‐2015 fiscal year, I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the most phenomenal region in the Sorority! Empowered by the vision of our 25th National President, Dr. Paulette C. Walker: Uncompromising Commitment to Communities: Service, Leadership, Empowerment, we have set the pace to Excellence! I am PROUD of our chapters’ accomplishments!!! • 100% of the grade reports were submitted from Fall 2014 and 83% of the Collegiate Sorors in the Midwest have a 2.75 GPA or better • The Alumnae chapters raised over $11,000 in support of collegiate members attending Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital • The Midwest had 78 Collegiate Sorors in attendance at DDNC this year • Arts & Letters Commission– the Region hosted several Red Carpet events with (﴾3)﴿ States hosting Authors on Tour events. We would like to also congratulate (﴾3)﴿ Midwest Chapters that entered the Sing Soror! Sing! Choir Competition-‐ Chicago Alumnae (﴾Midwest winner)﴿, Grand Rapids & Indianapolis Alumnae chapters • Collegiate Transition Task Force -‐ 100% of Alumnae chapters responded to the CTT survey • Long Range Planning Task Force -‐ Thank you Alpha Nu (﴾University of Illinois)﴿ and Lorain County Alumnae for completing a pilot Strategic Planning workshop with the Long Range Planning Task Force • Program Planning & Development – the Midwest had (﴾24)﴿ Submissions [16 Michigan; 6 Illinois; 1 Indiana; and 1 Minnesota] for the DST Women-‐Owned Business Plan Competition Keep up the AWESOME work as we Magnify the Mighty in the Midwest!!!!! I pray that everyone is preparing for the 52nd National Convention where ALL sorors will know – “How the MidWEST was ONE!” With Sisterly Love, Mona Y. Davenport, Ph.D. Regional Director Over 100 Sorors of the Mighty Midwest were able to gather together and bond in the name of sisterhood at our Midwest Collegiate Retreat. We were very excited to have Soror Brittani Blackwell, our National Second Vice President, present to lead our slumber talks where collegiate sorors were able to get answers to questions they had 2015 Midwest Collegiate Retreat-‐The R.E.A.L. Sorority Sisters about what is going on with the Sorority. We enjoyed having a state stroll off and seeing the different styles of each state. We also learned about branding ourselves and finding how it is that we want to represent ourselves as "Sorority sisters". Sorors were able to have a good time and fellowship, but also gain some knowledge on becoming better effective members of Delta Sigma Theta.
With Sisterly Love, Shaquira Robinson Regional Representative
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REGIONAL NEWS
Delta Days at the State Capitol
Illinois Indiana
Minnesota
West Virginia -‐ Left to right: Carolyn Williams Bluefield Alumnae President , Lynn Wade Bluefield Alumnae,WV Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and Marsha Lawson State Coordinator
Wisconsin
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REGIONAL NEWS Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital
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REGIONAL NEWS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (ERT) Tornado Season Is Here! Let’s Be Prepared
We are a part of the Mighty Midwest Region of DST which ultimately places us within the Midwest portion of the United States! Knowing this, we have a sincere need to be prepared as the tornado season approaches which greatly impacts the Midwest every year. The first step to being prepared is to know the hazards and weather conditions that can affect you where you live and work. Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds. Review the details below for information on how to protect you and your loved ones. Be ready to act quickly if and when a storm hits because every second counts. WHAT A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Once the tornado has passed, the National Weather Service (﴾NWS)﴿ rates them using the Enhanced Fujita (﴾EF)﴿ scale based on the severity of the damage and estimated wind speed. The scale goes from an EF0 tornado, which causes light damage, to an EF5 tornado, which causes total devastation. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. WHEN Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m. WHERE About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains. Protect Yourself Before A Tornado Strikes—Take Action Now!! KNOW Know the areas that are prone to frequent and severe tornadoes. Know how to stay informed. Know where you would go to have the highest available level of protection from a tornado for every place where you spend a lot of time, such as home, work, school, or house of worship. PRACTICE Practice moving quickly to the protective location in the places where you spend a lot of time. Practice how you will communicate with family members. Practice first aid skills and emergency response actions through training classes. Take extra precautions during this tornado season to be safe. Please contact me directly or your chapter’s Emergency Response Team Coordinator for additional information regarding any weather related events or emergency preparedness. You can also use the website, ready.gov, as an additional resource. Takesha Stokes, Midwest Emergency Response Team Chair
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STATE NEWS
ILLINOIS
Alpha Nu -‐ It's On Us: To STOP Sexual Assault Sorors
Students protesting against sexual assault in front of the Alma Mater
‘It's On Us’ is a national program initiated by President Obama to bring greater understanding and awareness in recognizing cases of non-‐consensual sex and actively preventing the occurrences of sexual assault. The program also emphasizes the importance of learning how to identify situations in which sexual assault may occur, how to intervene in a situation where consent has not or cannot be given and how to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and where survivors are supported.
of Alpha Nu utilized audio and visual content from the ‘It’s On Us’ website in which influential actors spoke on sexual assault prevention and ways to intervene. The organizers suggested separating into smaller groups, each with two facilitating leaders, to discuss specific scenarios. Following the small group sessions, everyone reconvened in a larger group to share thoughts and opinions on the scenarios. The chapter then shared a myriad of tips and advice for dealing with sexual assault situations including the following: trust your gut, if something looks like it is bad then it probably is, don't be a bystander, and never blame the victim. Sorors informed the community about the resources available on campus and online concerning sexual assault. Lastly, the entire group took the ‘It's On Us’ pledge. This pledge serves as a personal commitment to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault. It’s a promise not to be a bystander to the problem, but to be a part of the solution. The program culminated with the creation of signs to support a silent protest against sexual assault the following day.
Bloomington-‐Normal Alumnae Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. S o r o r s o f t h e B l o o m i n g t o n -‐ N o r m a l Alumnae Chapter, past member and Midwest Regional Director Dr. Mona Davenport, along with several sorors representing alumnae and Soror Vash) Murphy McKenzie "Keeps the Dream Alive" in Bloomington-‐Normal IL c o l l e g i a t e c h a p t e r s throughout Central Illinois gathered to welcome Soror Vashti Murphy McKenzie to their community. 1234567 Soror Murphy McKenzie, our National Chaplain, served as the keynote speaker for the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards program held on January 17th at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center. She challenged the capacity crowd of 600 "to find more people with uncommon courage to work toward a solution to the problems that face us in our communities...find a way to speak with one voice...find a way to stand on common ground". In addition to celebrating the legacy of Dr. King, two adults and two students were honored for their efforts to promote tolerance and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. One of this year's award recipients was Soror Takesha Stokes, the Midwest Region's Emergency Response Coordinator, a past chapter president of the Bloomington-‐Normal Alumnae Chapter, and currently First Vice President for the Bloomington-‐Normal NAACP.
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STATE NEWS ILLINOIS Champaign Urbana Alumnae participates in a 5K Race The Champaign Urbana Alumnae Chapter set a fitness goal for chapter members to register and participate in the 5K run as part of the Illinois Marathon. Sorors prepared for this daunting task by walking at local parks and running laps at the university track, attending a dance class to encourage movement, and using Fitbit devices to track steps and compete in motivational challenges during the workweek and weekends. The hard work paid off and on Friday, April 24th ten sorors successfully finished the 5K run that’s held as part of the Illinois Marathon. Prior to the race, sorors each set personal goals that ranged from finishing within 30 -‐ 60 minutes, running at least half of the 5K, to just simply finishing.
Champaign Urbana Alumnae Chapter completes the 5K Race.
The energy from volunteers and supporters along the course made a world of . difference by motivating sorors to keep going. There were motivational signs along the course, cheers, high fives from the crowd, and entertainment arranged by the marathon event planners. As sorors crossed the finish line, they found themselves on the 50-‐yard line of Memorial Stadium. The chapter has a renewed commitment to better physical health thanks to the run.
Chicago Alumnae Chapter holds Leadership Forum Featuring President of Fashion Fair Cosmetics Sorors stood, swaying and clapping as the upbeat 8 0 ’s s o n g " A i n' t N o Stopping Us Now," filled the room as Amy Hilliard, president of Fashion Fair C o s m e t i c s a n d s o ro r, danced her way in. Soror Hilliard set the stage for her presentation to seventy-‐five members of Soror Amy Hilliard, president of the Chicago Alumnae Fashion Fair Cosmetics Chapter during their annual Leadership Forum -‐ _______ "Authentic & Transparent Leadership: Essentials for Success.” Soror Hilliard's compelling story began with her foray into fashion marketing. While working at Bloomingdale’s she had a chance encounter with the late Eunice Johnson, also soror and creator of Ebony Fashion Fair of one of the oldest black-‐owned cosmetics company. She began an entrepreneurship as creator and owner of ComfortCake; afterward she went on to become the pres S PRING 2015 M IDWEST M ISSILE
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president of Fashion Fair. Equally funny, profound and engaging, Soror Hilliard stressed the importance of being the kind of leader people “would want to follow," as she shared quotes and anecdotes from her book "Tap Into Your Juice.” The second part of the forum featured a panel of professionals who spoke on how to achieve "transparent leadership," in a society that has become more self-‐centered and does not reward honesty or candor. The four-‐person panel consisted of two members of the chapter – a bank senior vice president and a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's office. The other panelists included a member of Alpha Phi Alpha who is a CEO/President of a non-‐profit organization, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, an attorney who owns his own law firm. Each addressed the importance of managing professional interpersonal relationships, recognizing what it means to be "an authentic" leader and how vital it is to remain true to ones values. "Worthwhile" and "memorable", were sentiments by CAC members as the forum wrapped for the day, with many saying "we have to do this again." WWW. DSTMIDWESTREGION. COM
STATE NEWS ILLINOIS East St Louis Alumnae holds a Soiree’ Recently, the East Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter (﴾ESLAC)﴿ proudly presented its 2015 Ms. Delta Soiree' at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, MO. The elegant evening was filled with dinner, music, and dance as five Ms. Delta Contestants were recognized for leading the chapter on an amazing, enriching, and fun filled journey over the past three months, raising funds to support the Delta Child Development Center. The mission and purpose of the Delta Child Development Center is to provide quality childcare services that are accessible and affordable in order to meet the current and emerging needs of the residents
of East Saint Louis and its surrounding communities. The 2015 Ms. Delta Court and their team of Delta women, family, and friends worked tirelessly to bring forth a variety of fundraising events promoting sisterhood, health and fitness, community involvement and musical therapy. Collectively, the five Ms. Delta Contestants, the fundraising committee along with the help and support of the chapter Sorors exceeded their $75,000 fundraising goal. ESLAC fundraising efforts continue to allow the Delta Child Development Center to be an integral part of impacting and revitalizing the community and youth.
Evanston Northern Shore Alumnae (﴾ENSA)﴿ Celebrates Black Beauty in Young Women
ENSA Celebrates Black Beauty in Young Women
On March 28th , ENSA's Delta Academy and Delta GEMS partnered with Proctor & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful campaign (﴾MBIB)﴿ to present "My Black is Beautiful: A conversation on the relevance, power, and image of the African American girl.” During the interactive discussion, Dr. Kimberly D. Brown, assistant professor of history at Alabama State University, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc., spoke to 35 young girls and their parents about her own personal experiences fighting the stereotypes that plague black women today. She provided historical context as to how some perceptions of black imagery have developed, in
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order to empower the girls as they encounter these stereotypes in their lives. Throughout the program, the girls ages 11-‐18, and their parents were able to ask questions, take notes, and share their own personal stories. This is the second year that ENSA has hosted the MBIB event. “We look forward to having this program every year as a way to give our young girls a platform to voice their opinions, and provide them with historical and factual truths that enable them to more truthfully define their concepts of beauty and self-‐worth” stated a member of the chapter.
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STATE NEWS ILLINOIS Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae-‐An Award Winning Chapter The sorors of the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter have been experiencing an award-‐winning year of service. During the 2015 National Pan Hellenic Council of Chicago Annual Sankofa Awards Gala held in February, GEAAC was the recipient of several awards. The chapter and individual sorors were recognized with the following awards: Large Chapter of the Year; Outstanding Program of the Year (﴾Dominican Republic Mission Trip)﴿ Outstanding Community Service (﴾Marion N. Stamps Youth Center, Soror Justice Stamps)﴿ Divine Nine Legacy of Service (﴾Soror Alesha Henley)﴿; and Soror of the Year (﴾State Senator Kimberly Lightford)﴿. In addition, during Sisterhood Month, the chapter attended Mars Hill Baptist Church which gave out their first People Reaching People Awards. The award recognized the chapter for their outstanding contribution in community service.
Pictured above members of GEAAC at Mars Hills Baptist Church. First Row seated (﴾L-‐R)﴿, Sorors Ylandus Roundy, Earnest Jean Jamison, Second Vice President Nikki Lang-‐Perkins, President Regenia L.Griswold, Pastor Clarence Stowers Jr., First Lady Shauntai Stowers, First Vice President LaSondra Banks, Charter Member Thomasine Leon, and Soror Karen Odom.
Joliet Area South Suburban Alumnae Chapter: Echoes of Excellence "Honoring Outstanding Women"
Back Row, Left to right: IL Senator Toi W. Hutchinson, Barbara Bates, Derrick Young, Verett A. Mims, Rev. Linda Napier Howell Front Row, Left to right: Dr. Lisa K. Wright, Donna Thompson, Santrice R. Martin, Lauren C. Ward Not Pictured: Toni Preckwinkle and Angela Martin
The Echoes of Excellence Program began over twenty years ago, in 1995. Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter (﴾JASSAC)﴿ established this bi-‐annual event to honor outstanding African-‐American women who make extraordinary contributions to the community and exemplify excellence in their chosen professional field. These women must reside in the Joliet Area/South Suburban and/or Chicago Metropolitan Areas.
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The ten women are chosen under Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Five-‐Point Programmatic Thrust and selected based on the following criteria: Professional and/or academic background; Leadership and accomplishments related to their field; and Impact of leadership and accomplishments to the Joliet Area/ South Suburban and/or Chicago Metropolitan Areas. Co-‐Chairs, Sorors Demetra Kirksey and Jo-‐Ann Hunigan, and the committee welcomed approximately 200 people to this year's event, whose theme was, "Visionaries." The event was held on March 7th at the Holiday Inn Matteson in Matteson, IL and hosted by Derrick Young, CBS Chicago Morning Traffic Reporter. The ten honorees were lauded in categories that included arts & entertainment, civic leadership/ organization, education, politics and law and science and technology. JASSAC was honored to salute these "Visionaries" in this 2015 Program and they can't wait for the next bi-‐annual event.
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STATE NEWS ILLINOIS Lambda Chapter Hosts Fashion Show Within the past months, the news been filled with stories highlighting police brutality and racial stereotypes. The sorors of the Lambda chapter used the recent events as an opportunity to address their social action initiatives in the "Reclaiming Our Dynasty" fashion show co-‐hosted with the Nu Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Chapter members decided that using an artistic approach with spoken word, live painting, videography, and fashion to address the civic unrest and racial profiling would best serve the community. Considering that most profiling is attributed to a person’s appearance and the manner in which
Peoria Alumnae Chapter Celebrates 40 Years of Service
It was a weekend for celebrating 40 years of service and renewing the vows of sisterhood for the Peoria Alumnae Chapter. Sorors, community leaders and friends gathered at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette the weekend of April 17th through April 19th to honor the 12 charter members of Peoria Alumnae, who initiated the chapter April 17, 1975, and to recognize the chapter's 40 years of service to the Peoria community. On Friday, the City of Peoria paid homage to the chapter by presenting the ladies with a City of Peoria Proclamation and Illinois House Resolution. This was followed by sentiments of appreciation and congratulations from National PanHellenic Council organizations and other community partners. The charter members were then presented with individual
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someone is dressed, the chapter believed that in addition to other art forms, the fashion show was the perfect way to express their concern and lift their voices on the subject. Models wearing elegant attire similar to those of kings and queens, ripped rags from the middle passage and today's casual attire to express the dynamics of an individual’s appearance; the fashion show was organized in conjunction with the position papers the Lambda Chapter wrote for Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital Delta Days at the State Capital on racially profiling.
Peoria Alumnae Celebrates 40 years plaques in recognition and gratitude from current members of Peoria Alumnae. On Saturday Peoria Alumnae held Economic Development and Physical and Mental Health workshops for the community, then collaborated with the undergraduate members of Theta Epsilon, at Peoria Bradley University, to host a reclamation luncheon and leadership workshop for sorors that was led by Midwest Regional Director, Soror Mona Davenport. Saturday evening, was full of fellowship and fun as sorors and members of the Peoria community put on their dancing shoes to compete in a two-‐step contest that awarded a $100 cash prize to the winning couple. The 40th celebration events concluded with an ecumenical service on Sunday that aimed to foster goodwill to sorors and community friends who celebrated the weekend with Peoria Alumnae. Sunday also marked the end of a toiletries collection the chapter facilitated that weekend as part of Peoria Alumnae's partnership with the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Over 100 toiletry items were donated to help the men, women and children serviced by the center.
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STATE NEWS ILLINOIS
Rockford Alumnae Chapter Prepares their Dears The Rockford Alumnae Chapter helped Delta Dears prepare for potential emergencies at the chapter's Founder's Day Luncheon held on January 17th. There were more than 20 people in attendance at the luncheon. A brief presentation on the importance of preparedness was conducted by the ERT Coordinator. Following the presentation, Delta Dears were presented with donated emergency response kits from Sorors in the chapter. The kits included (﴾radios, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, wrenches, 3 days of non-‐perishable food and more)﴿. Rockford Alumnae Chapter is committed to getting Delta Dears prepared for emergencies.
Theta Epsilon's 3rd Annual Black History Ceremony
Rockford Alumnae prepares Delta Dears for an emergency
It was an exciting start to Black History Month as Theta Epsilon sorors hosted their 3rd Annual Black History Ceremony, where 89 Bradley University's students, faculty, and staff attended, on February 13th . The Black History ceremony is a program that is designed to unite the multiethnic community of Bradley University's campus. Participants are able to enjoy a night filled with heritage, culture, and fun, through entertainment. In previous years, the ceremony was held in the Robert H. Michael Student Center Ballroom but this year the chapter hosted this event for the first time in the Romeo B. Garrett Cultural Center. Due to the Garrett Center’s lack of use, sorors dedicated the ceremony to restore life back into the building. Decorations graced the walls, elaborate lighting set the tone and several great performers ranging from spoken word artists, dancers and singers presented a night to
remember. In addition, the ceremony was also an effort to complete the sorority's Collegiate Task Force initiative, in which Theta Epsilon sorors were honored to have their very own soror as well as Bradley faculty member, Dr. Demetrice Worley, perform a few of her published poetry pieces. The ceremony received high praises from not only those who attended but it was featured in Bradley University's student newspaper, The Scout. In addition, soror Ivoree Larkin and soror Raven Williams were interviewed from Peoria's local radio station to discuss the relevance of the event. Overall, Theta Epsilon created an atmosphere that left Bradley University's students, faculty, and staff anxious for next year's celebration, which is sure to be bigger and greater.
The Theta Zeta Chapter at Eastern Illinois University held their annual fitness and health event, "Slide into Shape." This event allows the campus to learn about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle while doing fun slides, abdominal work, toning, relaxing yoga, and moderate cardio. Thrilled and delighted, approximately 30 students participated in the Slide into Shape event. The event opened up with a slide, led by a chapter soror, as a warm up. There were smiles and laughs as everyone attempted to learn the slides while heart rates began to rise. After the two warm up slides, participants were split
into four groups. The workout stations consisted of abs, toning, yoga, and cardio led by 1-‐2 chapter sorors. In addition, students were informed with 2-‐3 facts about the importance of doing the different workouts. Each group stayed in their exercise station for 7 minutes and after their workout, they rotated to the next fitness station. This resulted in each group experiencing a taste of every workout. Last, after the full body workout, the session ended with a cool down slide. The Theta Zeta Chapter was overjoyed with the fulfillment of educating the campus on physical health.
Fitness and Health Event hosted by Theta Zeta
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STATE NEWS ILLINOIS Zeta Iota Recently the Zeta Iota Chapter hosted a program entitled "It's My Life." The program began with a discussion with Soror Ericka Wade, who works in the Counseling and Student Development Center. Soror Wade's presentation consisted of facts and statistics about mental health and the correlation it has to college students. The purpose of the program is to help raise awareness, detect signs, and provide resources that students can use to better understand themselves as well as ending the stigma of receiving counseling. Ericka also examined some common mental health illnesses that college students encounter, i.e. depression and anxiety because of testing, societal issues, unhealthy relationships, being away from home, and other common stress factors.
The next portion of the program featured Eleni Mussared, a Northern Illinois University nursing student who explained her personal experience having a mental disorder and how she copes with it. Her loyal dog is also professionally trained to help her as well. This program has provided an open space for students to be able to learn about mental health issues. It also gave students information about services on campus that are confidential and can help students who may be dealing with a mental disorder, anxiety or having personal problems. For more updates on the Zeta Iota Chapter, visit www.dstzetaiota.org
Zeta Iota with Guest Speakers Eleni Mussared (﴾middle w/dog)﴿ and Soror Ericka Wade
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STATE NEWS INDIANA Evansville Alumnae Chapter "Celebrating Sisterhood and Scholarship" The Delta Research and Educational Foundation, in partnership with the Evansville Alumnae Chapter, held its 6th annual Strawberries & Champagne Scholarship Gala: "A Royal Affair." The gala is the chapter's signature scholarship fundraising event. Many local and state leaders, including the City of Evansville Mayor and the Indiana State Lieutenant Governor, attend this annual event showing their support of the work the chapter is doing in the southwestern corner of Indiana. This year's gala raised $13,000, all of which will assist deserving high school students as well as the chapter's youth programs. In the last 6 years, the chapter has awarded $51,000 in scholarships.
Evansville Alumnae kicked off Sisterhood Month by celebrating our 102nd Founders Day, using the theme of "The 22 Are Counting on You!" The chapter was delighted to host our Immediate Past Regional Director, Soror Regina R. Harper as she encouraged and empowered the membership to keep moving forward as good examples of our twenty-‐two founders. The celebration included a workshop on Leadership Competencies, a Sisterhood Luncheon, and Rededication Ceremony-‐-‐all of which allowed the chapter membership to reflect, rededicate, and renew our commitment to excellence in womanhood and as servants through our work in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter Offers Educational Development Awareness Program
Students of My Brother's Keeper Interact with EMBODI Workshop Leaders
The Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter held an EMBODI workshop entitled "Building Independence through Educational Choice." It was a joint venture with the local My Brother's Keeper Program (﴾MBK)﴿. Founded six years ago, MBK's purpose is to mentor middle through high school African-‐American males in a holistic manner. Program leaders initially met with chapter members to discuss formal collaboration, chose curriculum and plan logistics. The program also
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included young ladies from Delta Academy and GEMS. The goals of the program were designed to help the young men; learn about the college admission process; comprehend goal-‐setting and interpersonal relationships with peers and faculty and analyze career opportunities within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (﴾STEM)﴿ field. The workshops were conducted by retired and current teachers. The final session was a presentation by Mr. Desmond Jones, a senior computer engineering student at Indiana Tech. A past president of the university's National Society of Black Engineers, Mr. Jones related his experience as an engineering intern and the value of a STEM education to an engaged audience of 75 young people. Eleven sorors were on hand to arrange the set-‐up, conduct registration and encourage the attendees to continue their education. The program concluded with the distribution of sack lunches and materials from area colleges, universities and training organizations.
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STATE NEWS
INDIANA
Gary Alumnae Chapter Presents a Video Tribute to the History of their Chapter
Members of GAC in attendance for the viewing and discussion of "An Accomplished Past and Inspired Future."
As part of a National Initiative implemented by Grand Chapter, the Delta Heritage Celebration required chapters to create and display an exhibition of the chapter's history, accomplishments and community service programs. The Gary Alumnae Chapter (﴾GAC)﴿ Heritage and Archives Committee prepared a submission for the 2015 Delta Heritage Celebration Award to be presented at the 52nd National Convention. Heritage and Archives, Soror Saundra Parrott, also submitted information on behalf of Delta Dears 80 years old and older including initiating chapter, school and year. The GAC submission included parts of the 2014 DVD
titled "An Accomplished Past and Inspired Future." The DVD presentation features Five Point Thrusts' storyboard photos, depicts the progression of the chapter throughout the 76 years. The chapter also presented its history starting with Beta Nu's charter in 1938 and its history through 2013. The public was invited to view the artifacts which were displayed in 2013 at the Lake County and Gary Public Libraries. The video, "GAC: An Accomplished Past, and An Inspired Future," was broadcast on local television and highlighted the accomplishments of the sorority and the impact the chapter has made in Northwest Indiana. The Gary Alumnae Chapter recently celebrated the legacy of the sorority and heritage of the chapter by viewing the video which was released in June 2014. Sorors met on March 9th for a viewing and discussion of the video. There were twenty-‐two sorors in attendance and many Delta Dears present to add to the discussion and history of the legacy of the Gary Alumnae Chapter. The event was quite informative for all those in attendance.
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Celebrates its 30th Black College Tour The award-‐winning Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of one of its signature Educational Development programs, The Black College Tour (﴾BCT)﴿. Since 1985, the Chapter has taken area high school students on campus tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The BCT occurs annually during Spring Break with five soror-‐chaperones and 42 students who take a 6-‐day excursion of nine colleges and universities through five states. To date, approximately 1,300 students have had an opportunity to tour at least 30 colleges and universities in the southeast (﴾Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky)﴿, southern (﴾Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi)﴿, and eastern shore (﴾Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Mar yland, Washington, DC)﴿ areas of the country. The BCT affords students the chance to get "first-‐hand" experience on campuses, allows them to see what HBCUs have to offer, to determine whether they can envision themselves on respective campuses, and to decide
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whether any particular campus has the potential of being included in their academic plans. While on the tour, BCT students talk to administrators, admissions officers, student leaders, faculty, and often BCT alumni. They look at residence halls, athletic facilities, student centers, including dining halls, investigate extracurricular activities, and can make comparisons to other colleges. Senior students can apply and are often offered admissions and scholarships on-‐site. The 2015 Tour, which took place on March 29th through April 3rd , enabled students to visit Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Morehouse, Albany State, Florida A&M, Savannah State, South Carolina State, Claflin, Kentucky State, and several cultural sites and tourist attractions. It's no wonder that in a May 2015 Proclamation, the Mayor of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard, recognized the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter for its commitment to higher education in its 30th Anniversary of the Black College Tour!
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STATE NEWS KENTUCKY Eta Omicron
Members of the Eta Omicron Chapter after their #LoveIsLouder program
The Eta Omicron Chapter at Morehead State University was the recipient of the only SEED Grant award in Kentucky during the 2014-‐2015 fiscal year. This grant allowed them to host a program that introduced the Love Is Louder movement to their campus. Love Is Louder was started by the JED Foundation, MTV and Brittany Snow to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. Essentially, it's a movement to prevent suicide and depression. On March 26, 2015 the Eta Omicron Chapter partnered with ALLYance (﴾an LGBT student group)﴿ and the University's Suicide Prevention Coordinator to host the #LoveIsLouder program. The Suicide Prevention
Coordinator gave a keynote address outlining who to talk to, what warning signs to look for in an effort to prevent suicide and depression, and ways to show people that their love is loud. The Coordinator also facilitated an activity called "Cross the Line" where program participants would cross a line of tape if a read statement related to them. Participants were only asked to identify with statements they felt comfortable identifying with. This activity helped illustrate that people are not alone on how they feel and what they choose to identify as difficult situations to overcome. Following the "Cross the Line" activity and small group discussions, participants were asked to finish the following statement and create a mantra or identify a quote to reinforce this statement: "I have to remember that #LoveIsLouder than __________." We had several brave volunteers read their statement or mantra for a video project that was put together to promote suicide prevention. The members had a great time introducing a new way to make education on suicide and depression fun and engaging! If you wish to learn more about the Love is Louder Movement, and wish to join it, visit: www.loveislouder.com.
Frankfort Alumnae Frankfort Alumnae Chapter celebrated Black History Month with the community with its annual African-‐ American History Program. The theme of the event was "Celebrating Diversity: Different Colors, Different Culture, One World". The program was revamped this year to include workshops and a health fair. Kids from the Franklin County area came out in strong numbers to join in diverse and interactive workshops. The program began with a Black History tribute step routine from Franklin County High School Step Team. Students from local area schools were grouped by grade levels and rotated through the workshops, which were geared toward crafts, dance, music and history. The hands-‐on and interactive workshops included students making beaded bracelets, learning a choreographed interpretive dance routine, singing old spirituals and learning historical facts that are influential to today. These workshops were all led by past and present members of
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the chapter. While students attended the workshop sessions, parents and college students visited the health fair. The health fair focused on issues of high interest to the African American community, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Participants got BMI readings and blood pressure checks. There was also a representative from Franklin County Health Department that distributed information on KYNECT and diabetes. Another demonstration for the health fair was a nutrition presentation with healthy eating tips and information on portion sizes. There was also a nutritional workshop from the Kentucky Cooperative on healthy foods. This year's event also included an award luncheon, where student essay contest winners and the local outstanding citizen award were announced. There were over 100 people in attendance and about 20 working members of the Sorority.
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STATE NEWS KENTUCKY Lexington Alumnae Making a Difference
2015 Women's Let's Run For Office Panel and Social Action Chairs
What is more fitting than Lexington (﴾KY)﴿ Alumnae sorors in their red bringing awareness to healthy heart care? Partnering with the American Heart Association (﴾AHA)﴿ for Project 13, sorors participated in the Go Red for Women campaign on February 6 for National Wear Red Day®. Bringing attention to the number one killer of women -‐ heart disease, sorors wore red and captured their involvement in photographs. Participating sorors received the signature Red Dress Pin from AHA at the March chapter meeting. Additionally, sorors took part in the American Diabetes Association Alert Day® March 24 and continue to push towards Diabetes awareness. Sorors were asked to take a self-‐assessment to determine their risk levels. The year-‐long online assessment can be found at http://www.diabetes.org/are-‐you-‐at-‐risk/ diabetes-‐risk-‐test/.
Also, amid continued efforts to register voters, Lexington (﴾KY)﴿ Alumnae's Social Action Committee spearheaded endeavors to increase the number of women holding an elected office. With Kentucky ranking near the bottom in numbers of female elected officials, the Committee is striving to change those statistics. Co-‐chaired by newly elected Magistrate, Soror Chrysanthia Carr-‐Seals and Soror Shayla Johnson, the Social Action Committee hosted its third annual "Women! Let's Run For Office" forum April 11, 2015. Gleaning from the experiences of current female officials including a Family Court judge, State Representative, former State Commissioner of Social Services, and newly elected Urban County Council member, Soror Angela Evans, the thirty plus persons in attendance learned some of the benefits and perils of a political candidacy. A participant of Emerge Kentucky-‐ an organization that educates interested women in successfully running for office, also took part in the forum. Capping the session, signed letters were gathered and directed to Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell in support of the confirmation of Loretta Lynch as the 83rd U.S. Attorney General.
Mu Epsilon On March 27-‐28 at Camp Camby in Indianapolis, IN, members of our illustrious sorority of the "Mighty" Midwest Region gathered to participate in The R.E.A.L. (﴾Reinventing, Achieving, Educated, Leaders)﴿ Sorority Sisters: Authentic Edition Collegiate Retreat. Before the retreat took place, collegiate sorors were challenged to create videos and post them on the chapter Instagram pages that (﴾through that chapter's eyes)﴿ what the true meaning of sisterhood was— what it meant to be a REAL Sorority Sister. The winners of this video challenge were sorors of the
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Mu Epsilon Chapter at the University of Kentucky located in Lexington Kentucky. This chapter's video was chosen because it showed that our sisterhood is about exerting—educational development, sisterly love, serving the community, forming lifelong bonds, being achievers, etc. If you would like to view Mu Epsilon's winning video, it is located on the chapter's chapter Instagram page (﴾@muepsilon.dst)﴿, and it is also located on the Midwest Region Instagram page (﴾@dst1913midwest)﴿.
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STATE NEWS MICHIGAN Delta Upsilon’s Community Outreach The Delta Upsilon Chapter at Western Michigan University (﴾WMU)﴿ launched an intense day of service during its Spring 2015 Delta Week. Dubbed “Community Outreach,” the chapter wanted to go above and beyond the duty to serve and volunteered at three facilities in one day. First, chapter members spoke with local high school students in Kalamazoo, encouraging them to make college a goal for themselves. During their second stop, they helped organize and display merchandise at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, where a record number of more than 20 WMU students volunteered. Finally, the chapter assisted and gave manicures to senior citizens from across the Greater Kalamazoo area. The fellowship at each location allowed Delta Upsilon to form new partnerships for lifelong service and meet some great people along the way.
Delta Upsilon leads group to volunteer at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
Detroit Alumnae’s Expungement Fair: Clearing Old Criminal Records to Live New Lives More than 1,500 metro Detroiters came to the home of Detroit Deltas for free legal assistance to clear criminal records and open paths toward better job opportunities. The service was provided at two Expungement Fairs developed and executed by the Detroit Alumnae Chapter. The first event was held on Feb. 21, and due to the overwhelming response and community need, a second session was held on March 21. These citizens have paid their debt to society and simply want to be eligible for employment. Criminal background checks are used to screen job applicants, disproportionally impacting the Black community. This is an essential as Detroit-‐based businesses ramp up their hiring and community leaders seek to ensure that Detroit's Black community is fairly included in that hiring. The innovative program helped people expunge old juvenile or adult misdemeanors or felonies. Participants
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first learned about the expungement laws and the process to apply to the State of Michigan for expungement. They then had a one-‐on-‐one consultation with a volunteer attorney which included individualized assistance to complete the expungement application forms. Additionally at the fair, there were wrap-‐around community resource services and agencies with information about available resources for job training, employment, housing, health insurance and child support issues. Program partners included volunteer attorneys from the chapter and from local and state courts. Community Impact Summary Survey Results showed that participants felt empowered and well-‐served. One participant said, "I am so glad that I didn't give up and came here today. I finally got the help that I needed. Thank you to the Deltas for doing this."
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STATE NEWS MICHIGAN
Epsilon Epsilon Hosts Delta Week and More college students. Soror Michele Burton from the Detroit Alumnae Chapter gave advice to more than 80 students in attendance. Another program, which tested one’s mental abilities, was ChallengEE Day, where more than 40 women came out to participate in mentally stimulating activities. The week i n c o r p o r a te d a u n i q u e c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e opportunity. For SnuggEE, students donated t-‐shirts all week long that were used to create blankets to donate to Volunteers of America. Also in February, the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter participated in Michigan State University's National Pan-‐Hellenic Council Step Show: Lights, Camera, Blacktion! In front of more than 900 people, the chapter took on the theme of The Walking Dead television show and using zombie attire, ultimately brought the trophy home! The chapter presented two collegiate scholarship awards at its eighth annual scholarship ball: Lifting as We Climb, an Evening of Distinction. The April event included dinner and dancing. Finally, the chapter will end the school year with study tables and a "Trunks Up" clothing collection community ser vice opportunity.
The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter and participants enjoy ChallengEE Day during Delta Week.
The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Michigan State University in Lansing held its annual Delta Week in February with the theme: Limitless. All week, the programming focused on educating students about useful resources and issues that surround them today, encouraging them not to let anything limit their ability to succeed. Many of the programs used EE, short for Epsilon Epsilon, in their titles, like Financial StabilitEE, ThEE Game of Life, HeaDSTrong, Glass Half EmptEE, ChallengEE Day and SnuggEE. The week kicked off with Financial StabilitEE, a program focused on how to become financially stable
Grand Rapids Alumnae Twenty – seven amazing toddlers and children rocked the runway at a brand new event, Tiaras and Bowties, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The children's pageant and fashion showcase created an opportunity to reach out to families in the community with younger children and encourage them to begin saving for college. Every child in the pageant received a monetary award, and trophy. All of the children were able to keep their beautiful outfits, and the top winners received a cash prize, a modeling portfolio, and a membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens. The colorful summer fashions from the event were provided by Meijer. Over 250 people were in attendance. As part of the program, parents and community
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members were given two opportunities to attend debt awareness seminars. The first was a Debt Reduction Workshop with Renee Williams, Vice President of Community Development, Michigan Markets Manager, from Huntington Bank as the facilitator. The workshop was lively and informative as tips and strategies for debt reduction were discussed. The second seminar Planning for the Future, with Joe Morgan will be presented May 2nd as a conclusion to the program. Parents and the public were invited to attend an informational seminar encouraging them to open a college savings account their children. The program was a great success and promises to grow as more young families are given the tools needed and necessary to plan for a bright future.
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STATE NEWS MICHIGAN Mu Phi Chapter Promotes Unity and Good Health with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority The ladies of Mu Phi chapter at the University of Michigan in Flint joined the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority in hosting "Diabetes Awareness & Healthy Living". To promote Greek Unity and positive reflections of “Real Sorority Sisters,” the two sororities came together to bring awareness about Diabetes and the importance of healthy eating for college students. Both organizations presented statistics and numerous tips to be sure that the community was informed and fully understood the importance of good health and visiting a physician regularly. More than 20 students took advantage of this workshop, including many other Greek lettered organizations on the Flint campus.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mu Phi chapter and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Sigma Pi Chapter promote unity at joint service project.
Pontiac Alumnae Uses the Arts to Tackle Health & Domestic Violence
Survivor, Kimberly Trueheart, shows-‐off spring fashions in Pontiac Alumnae’s AAA fashion show.
"Arts, Action and Affirmations (﴾AAA)﴿," was the theme of Pontiac Alumnae Chapter's (﴾PAC)﴿ educational event to recognize survivors of health, domestic violence and other issues. The event included resource materials, brunch, a fashion show featuring survivors as models and guest speaker, Eunique Jones Gibson, past Second National Vice President of the sorority. Gibson's message included three pieces of advice. First, "Get out of your own way. Stop talking ourselves out of sharing our process and fears.” Next,
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"It's not always about us. Our purpose is to serve and help others.” And lastly, "We have to remember our why. This will help us remain committed to our work and to remember why it's important to speak up and speak out.” She also challenged the crowd to share their stories and then shared her story of survival. PAC hoped to help and inspire attendees of AAA to become more aware of the struggles of others and for those facing struggles to feel empowered to overcome. According to Jackie McClinton, chair of the Social Action Committee, "Arts, Action and Affirmations helped people who face challenges understand they can survive and be role models to others." Jennifer Banks, chair of the Health Education Committee, shared "the community must be educated on the struggles victims of health, domestic violence and other issues face in order to provide adequate help.” Using arts for healing was also emphasized. Guests were allowed to take home centerpieces with red and white, lavender-‐scented bath salts to encourage relaxation and healing.
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STATE NEWS MICHIGAN Southfield Alumnae Challenges Community with Fitness For the fifth year, the Southfield Alumnae Chapter (﴾SAC)﴿ sponsored Destination: Healthy You!, an 11 week health and fitness challenge created to encourage the community to improve its overall health. The program focused on body fat percentage and participation in educational and fitness activities, all with a goal of helping individuals begin and maintain a healthier lifestyle, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases. Activities included interval training, mall walking, yoga, ballroom dancing, and a hustle party. Nutrition, cooking and juicing lectures explained the benefits of juicing and provided tips on making healthy food selections and portions. The challenge assessed starting, midpoint and ending weight, in addition to body fat percentages of participants. Miles earned through exercise were tracked and submitted during the 11 weeks. A weekly newsletter provided additional
health and fitness information. Prizes were awarded to individual and team all-‐ around winners, and an individual winner for pounds lost. The all-‐around winners were judged on most miles recorded, most activities attended, and highest percentage of body fat loss. Soror Jewell Owens became the first Delta Dear to win the most pounds lost category. Soror Delores Cotton became the second Delta Dear to achieve the highest percentage of body fat loss. The challenge culminated with the sixth annual Get Up, Get Fit Total Health and Wellness Expo on April 18, which drew more than 250 people. The crowd enjoyed fitness sessions, health screenings and information, physicals for athletes, children's fun activities, vendors’ health products, and a Teen Suicide Prevention Forum.
Destination Health You! Winners. From left to right: Carmen Cook, Individual All-‐Around Winner with the Winning Team, "The Losers;" Kenyatta Juniel, Health Education Chair, Delores Cotton, recipient of the Highest Percent Body Fat Loss Honorable Mention and Jewell Owens, Most Pounds Lost Award.
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STATE NEWS MINNESOTA From Founders Day to Feeding Children in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter’s Literary Luncheon Committee poses with guest author, Iyanla Vanzant.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter continues to sustain an engaging energy throughout the 2014–15 sorority year. •The 2015 Founders Day Celebration was held February 20-‐21 in partnership with Nu Epsilon City-‐ Wide Chapter. The theme was: A Lifelong Journey of Sisterhood through Renewal, Restoration and Growth. 77 sorors attended the luncheon with Soror Yorri Berry Harris as the guest speaker. •The Membership Development Committee hosted a Sisterhood Month Fellowship Retreat March 21-‐22. 40 sorors gathered for an extensive agenda, including a series of development activities, updates from National Headquarters, fellowship games, and a Sisterhood DID facilitated by Soror Nuntiata Buck.
The weekend concluded with sorors attending church together. •The Social Action Committee hosted Delta Days at the State Capital on March 26. Sorors and guests listened to the issues around sex trafficking and early childhood education before visiting legislators to discuss and solicit support. •The chapter hosted its 19th Annual Literary Luncheon on April 11. Guest author, Iyanla Vanzant, delivered an empowering speech to more than 600 attendees. •The Scholarship Committee awarded the Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship totaling $10,000 to five graduating seniors at the Literary Luncheon. •Ten Delta Dears volunteered at 'Feed My Starving Children' on April 14. The sorors prepared 88 boxes, which will provide 19,008 meals for malnourished children globally. •The youth development committee hosted the E.M.B.O.D.I. Spring Forum on April 18. 40 African-‐ American males, ages 12 – 18, attended the forum where adult male volunteers delivered workshops that focused on addressing the societal plights young black men may face. This year's theme was Game On: Making It Count – Invest in Your Future!
Nu Epsilon Shared Details on Diabetes The Nu-‐Epsilon City-‐Wide Chapter held a Deltas Against Diabetes event. The purpose of the event was to increase the awareness of diabetes and to promote healthy eating for students at the University of Minnesota-‐ Twin Cities. Soror Deeqa Hussein, Minnesota State Facilitator and Vice President and Soror Wunmi Amosu, Nu Epsilon Chapter President, staffed a table at the University of Minnesota's Coffman Memorial Union. Together, they distributed healthy snacks to students and pamphlets, which provided information on the prevention, symptoms, and living with diabetes.
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(﴾L-‐R)﴿ Soror Wunmi Amosu, Nu Epsilon Chapter President and Soror Deeqa Hussein, Minnesota State Facilitator and Vice President, at their Diabetes Awareness table
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STATE NEWS OHIO Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Continues 25 Year History of Empowering Young Men
The 2015 Beaux with Soror Myra Freed, Beautillion Militaire Chairperson.
The Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae (﴾CQCA)﴿ Chapter capped off its annual Beautillion Militaire program with an evening of dinner, dancing and celebration as the program's participants – or Beaux as they are commonly referred to – were publicly presented to the Greater Cincinnati community. More than 400 family members, friends, past Beaux, and community stakeholders were on hand to salute them at the formal gala, which took place April 18 and was presented in conjunction with the 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati. The gala is the culmination of the seven-‐month Beautillion Militaire empowerment
program, which consists of five components: Personal Growth and Development, Community Ser vice, Developing Positive Relationships, Scholarship and finally, the Formal Gala and Presentation. Throughout this year's program, the 2015 class of 10 young men participated in a variety of workshops addressing topics including managing personal finances and the definition of manhood. They also gave back to their communities through projects like a Habitat for Humanity build with their fathers. Lastly, the Beaux participated in a scholarship competition, where they earned more than $18,000 in scholarships and cash awards. This year marked the 25th Anniversary of the Beautillion Militaire designed to highlight the achievements of young African-‐American males and combat images in the media that portray them negatively. Formed in 1990, it followed the framework of the sorority's national program at the time "Summit III-‐Preparing Our Sons for Manhood." The Beautillion Militaire today supports the sorority's national EMBODI initiative and has impacted more than 330 young men and presented almost $370,000 in scholarships and cash awards since its inception.
Dayton Alumnae Chapter Addresses Mental Illness at Founders Day The Dayton Alumnae Chapter focused on mental illness in the African-‐American community at its 2015 Founders Day celebration. The keynote speaker for the March 14 luncheon was Terrie M. Williams, New York publicist and owner of the Terrie Williams Agency, who has been an early advocate for addressing mental health issues in the black community. Williams, author of the critically acclaimed book, "Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting," shared her personal experiences. Her book details her own struggle with depression and stresses the importance of being open about mental illness in the black community. Williams is also a force behind the national mental health advocacy campaign "Sharing Ourselves...Healing Starts With Us."
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Soror Laura Lewis, Founders Day chairwoman, said inviting Williams was a way to address the sorority's efforts to raise awareness of mental illness in the b l a c k c o m m u n i t y. M e n t a l h e a l t h i s s u e s disproportionately affect African Americans, according to Lewis. “While blacks make up 12 percent of the population in the United States, they account for 25 percent of those in the country who need some type of mental health treatment,” she said. She also says that many who need help don't seek it and the issue is magnified when those needing help are reluctant to seek it because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Williams said that is one of the reasons she is on a mission. She wants to get rid of the stigma associated with mental illness.
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STATE NEWS OHIO Greater Cleveland Alumnae Pushes Financial Literacy for Youth "Financial literacy is imperative for adults, but it is crucial for our youth," said Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter (﴾GCAC)﴿ Financial Fortitude Committee Chair Lenora Lockett. This idea guided the committee and five youth committees to create the 2015 Youth Financial Literacy Fair on Saturday, March 21 at the Harvard Community Center in Cleveland "Our youth need to know how to open a bank account, manage money and write a check," said Lockett. Participants ranging from 10 to 18 years old received a "passport" that was stamped at completion of the activity at each of the interactive stations hosted by: Financial Fortitude, Delta Academy, Delta Gems, EMBODI, Teen Lift, Teen Mothers Support and The National Association of Black Accountants. Each host provided a giveaway to the nearly 100 young people. Topics included: Money 101 and Money
Talk; Cash Flow; Wall Street; Smart Money—focused on budgeting; Banking 101—focused on general banking skills; Money Tree—focused on investing; and Young Boss—focused on entrepreneurship and business ownership. Fifth-‐Third Bank and more than 20 sorors worked to make the event a success. Students received banking information, a drawstring backpack, a calculator, a pen, and a light lunch. A completed passport earned entry into a raffle. Six winners received gift cards to local establishments. "This was fun and I learned a lot!" exclaimed a 13-‐year-‐ old. Plus, each committee has expressed interest in repeating the program. Witnessing the engagement of the youth let sorors know that the Youth Financial Literacy Fair was a great investment.
The members of Nu Phi chapter developed a program entitled, "Keys 2 Success: College Preparedness Workshops" that allowed high students to have an experience of early planning tools to prepare for college. This program is in collaboration with the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation for KIDS', Jump Start U4 College program. These workshops are sponsored with a Seed Grant from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On April 18, 38 students from Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati and Cleveland participated in the first Keys to Success Workshop at Ohio Dominican University. The first workshop entitled, "Using your Success for the Present Future" focused on the qualities of a successful student and early preparation tools for applying to college. Nu Phi chapter members separated the students into two groups to help with socialization as an additional ice
breaker activity. Various scenarios were presented and Nu Phi members shared their own personal collegiate journey stories with tips and tools on goal setting, time management and organizational skills. In addition to the importance of achieving high grades, involvement in school activities and volunteering in their local communities was also stressed. In the final part of the workshop, Nu Phi introduced an early awareness of the admissions process by having an admissions counselor from Ohio Dominican University speak to the students with an online tutorial. We are excited to implement the next workshop, "Career Exploration and FASFA 101" at Ohio Dominican University on May 30. Nu Phi Chapter will continue to implement this program, adding it to their signature programs list for the chapter.
Nu Phi
Youngstown Alumnae’s Prayer Breakfast Provides Spiritual Awakening The Youngstown Alumnae Chapter presented its 2nd annual Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 21 in Youngstown, Ohio. The guest speaker was Minister Sandra Miles, a lifelong resident of Youngstown. Miles’ music ministry and her anointed word were a spiritual awakening to all in attendance. The theme for the
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Prayer Breakfast was "Walking in God’s Favor," supported by Psalms 5:12. Outside of the spirit-‐filled event, the chapter also raised money to continue to ser ve the community through its Five-‐Point Programmatic Thrust.
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STATE NEWS WEST VIRGINIA Greater Morgantown Alumnae
Soror Towanna Gwynn-‐Johnson and President, Soror Cheryl Williams
The Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter has kept close ties with the local American Heart Association in Morgantown, WV. In addition to partnering during their annual Heart Walk, we teamed up again and helped at the WVU Heart Institute for 'Women Love
Your Heart' Free Screening and Education Event on February 7, 2015. GMAC greeted hundreds of women and helped them register for the event. Women were given free information on how to prevent heart disease and to better understand their risks. Free screenings included: blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, EKG, BMI, nutrition, oral health, exercise education, counseling, and pharmacy consultations. Members of Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter also supported the 2015 Women Love Your Heart Billboard Photo. This annual 'Go Red' campaign billboard photo shoot kicks off American Heart Month and is a community event recognizing those affected by heart disease, survivors, and all women in the area. GMAC is committed to raising awareness of heart disease, promoting exercise, and a healthier lifestyle.
Omicron Upsilon Omicron Upsilon and The Paul Robeson and Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir paired up this spring to distribute bagged lunches to the homeless community in Morgantown. The homeless community is very prominent in downtown Morgantown and each organization wanted to take action to help. Both groups contributed something different to add to the bags. The lunch bags included a turkey or ham sandwich, cookies, chips, 2 water bottles, and other snacks. The bags were intended to provide them with a "long term" meal. On Friday, April 18th the bags were completed and the organizations walked down High Street, Spruce Street, and the Rail Trail that sits along the Monongahela River. The event was very fulfilling and every person was appreciative of the lunch. Leftover bags were donated to The Bartlett House a homeless shelter.
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The Gospel Choir and Omicron Upsilon prepares lunches for the homeless community in Morgantown, WV
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STATE NEWS WISCONSIN Kappa Eta
The Kappa Eta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in Milwaukee, WI is ending the Collegiate Sorority Year with a divastating bang! As the semester closes and the time for reflection approaches, the Kappa Eta chapter has much to be grateful for. Kappa Eta continued their drive in providing various events and programs for their respective college campuses. "A Right To Live" was an event that brought awareness to the civil injustices of minority men and women. This event was very informative and was recognized as The University of Wisconsin-‐Milwaukee's "Outstanding Program of the Year" for the 2014-‐2015 school year. The Fall 2014 Delta Week allowed the Kappa Eta chapter to host David Crowley, the District Director for the office of Wisconsin State Senator Nikiya Q. Harris-‐Dodd. This event was also recognized and awarded the "Educational Program of the Year" by Marquette University. The Kappa Eta chapter was also given the opportunity to serve as hostesses for the 2015 Milwaukee Alumnae 102nd Founders Day Luncheon in which the 24th National President Soror Cynthia Marie Antoinette Butler-‐McIntyre was a guest and keynote speaker. The spring semester for the Kappa Eta Chapter proved to be a wonderful time of sisterhood and academic success as they were noted for having the Highest Fall 2014 Sorority GPA at the University of Wisconsin-‐Milwaukee. Overall, the Kappa Eta chapter has been extremely humbled and blessed to serve Delta Sigma Theta as well as their college campuses and will continue to grow and improve as women of Delta and women of society. In the words of Soror Dorothy Height, "Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach their goals."
Madison Alumnae While the committees of Madison Alumnae carried out its impactful programming and continued to plan community events, one committee was quietly working in the background to execute one of the most significant events of the year. Since last September, the Founders Day Committee, chaired by Soror Jacquesha McFarlane, met regularly to begin mapping out the special day. "We decided on 'From Promise to P ro s p e r i t y : O u r L e g a c y M u s t Continue' as this year's theme," M c Fa r l a n e s a y s . " T h i s m o t i f underscores the message that we must reflect on our founding principles that guide us as we continue to work and achieve for Delta." Held on Saturday, March 21, over 70 Sorors from the Midwest partook in
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the reflective celebration of our glorious Founders that began with a poignant morning rededication ceremony honoring the visionary 22. While the celebration featured artistic expressions from sorors in the forms of musical selections and spoken word, the event's highlight was the keynote speech given by Immediate Past Regional Director, Soror Regina Harper. Soror Harper deconstructed the Sorority's mission, focusing on "Sisterhood, Constructive Development, Service and Black Community." For Harper, her whole life revolves around service. "While I am engaged in various projects that I am passionate about, everything comes back to helping people," she says. Coinciding beautifully with Soror H a r p e r 's m e s s a g e , t h e e v e n t culminated in Soror Carola Gaines,
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M a d i s o n A l u m n a e's o u t g o i n g president receiving the chapter awards for Trailblazer and Delta of the Year. While the weekend's celebratory events embodied the unconditional love and everlasting bond expressed between Sorors, the focus remained on the work we are still left with carrying out in our communities. "Delta has been known as an organization to incite change through public service and social action," says Soror McFarlane. "Today's current events confirms there is much more work to be done."
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MEET THE JOURNALISTS Dr. Bobbie Hayes Goodrum is the principal of two special education buildings and a special education supervisor in the Farmington Public Schools. Originally from Detroit, Soror Goodrum has a B.S. from Howard University, an M.A.T from Trinity University, an Sp.A. from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Oakland University. She was initiated into Alpha Chapter in Spring 1996 and is currently the corresponding secretary of the Southfield Alumnae Chapter.
Lutitia Lewis is a Senior Paralegal at NiSource Corporation. She handles corporate real estate transactions for the gas and energy provider. A graduate of Illinois State University, she also has a Master of Public Administration degree from Governors State University. Initiated in the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter in Spring 2009, Soror Lewis was born and raised in Chicago and is currently a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter.
Dr. Beverly Jordan is a school administrator with 24 years experience as an educator in the Chicago Public Schools. Soror Jordan is a native Chicagoan and has obtained a BA degree in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University, an MA in Educational Administration from Chicago State Univ., and Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction from Loyola University-‐Chicago. She was initiated into Theta Zeta Chapter in Fall 1984 and is currently a member of Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter (﴾GEAAC)﴿.
Vivian King is Vice President of Community Relations at Aurora Health Care. She has been in public and community relations for more than nine years after 18 years as an award-‐winning anchor-‐reporter at television stations in Louisiana, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin. A St. Louis native, Soror King has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-‐Columbia, where she was initiated into the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in 1985. She is currently a member of the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter.
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