Midwest Missile

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.!

MAY 2012

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.!

Features ... Greetings from Our Leadership Exploring the March of Dimes Feature: Wilma F. Robinson Financial Fortitude Epsilon Epsilon Article Correction

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State of Affairs ... Illinois in Review

Glen Ellyn Chapter Theta Alpha Chapter Bloomington Normal Alumnae Chapter Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter Theta Epsilon Chapter Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Chicago Alumnae Chapter Lambda City-Wide Chapter

Kentucky is Shaking Things Up!9 Eta Rho Chapter Frankfort Alumnae Chapter Eta Zeta Chapter Louisville Alumnae Chapter Lexington Alumnae Chapter Xi Chapter

Michigan is on the Move Epsilon Epsilon Chapter Mu Pi Chapter Nu Chapter Zeta Rho Chapter Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter Flint Alumnae Chapter

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Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter Inkster Alumnae Chapter Southfield Alumnae Chapter

Magnificent Minnesota

Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter

Ohio Making a Difference!!

Epsilon Iota Alumnae Chapter Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter Wilberforce Alumnae Chapter Akron Alumnae Chapter Cincinnati Queen Alumnae Chapter Stark County Alumnae Chapter Zeta Alpha Chapter Dayton Alumnae Chapter Columbus Alumnae Chapter

Wild, Wonderful WV! !

What’s Happening Wisconsin

Beckley Alumnae Chapter Bluefield Alumnae Chapter Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter Charleston Institute Alumnae Chapter Huntington Alumnae Chapter

Madison Alumnae Chapter Lambda Alpha Chapter Sigma Upsilon Chapter Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Zeta Xi Chapter

Midwest Co-Journalist!!

Kimberley Crockett (West Virginia) Tanisha Mallett (Ohio)

Table of Contents Pictured above: Sorors from West Virginia attend Delta Days in the Nation’s Capitol.

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.!

Sisterhood

Scholarship

MAY 2012

Service

Midwest Missile Greetings from Our Leadership Greeting Sorors of the Mighty Midwest Region! It is May 2012, and we are about to close another sorority year. It is clear that sorors in the Midwest Region are deeply committed to uplifting and empowering our communities through hands-on service. Regina R. Harper Individual chapters have Midwest Regional Director created programs that not only supported our current National initiatives, but embraced the Midwest Region’s Sexual and Domestic Violence, Diabetes Awareness and the March of Dimes initiatives. In addition, sorors in the Midwest Region showed out in force for the Collegiate Retreat in Dayton, the 23rd Annual Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital and the Hortense Golden Canady International Women’s Conference. I am encouraged by the work you continue to do to strengthen our communities. As we approach our Centennial Celebration, I challenge you to continue reclaiming and retaining our sorors. We must welcome them back to our chapters and keep them engaged. As we have learned from the tragic case of Trayvon Martin, we still have a lot of work to do in our communities and it will take all of us to be successful. Sorors, in the Midwest we have a charge to keep: From the Heart We Lead, We Serve and We Empower. Thank you to my Regional Leadership team for its support of the region’s goals and initiatives. Thank you, to all of my sorors, for once again making the Midwest Region mighty!

With Delta Love and Mine, Regina R. Harper Regional Director

Greetings Sorors of the Mighty Midwest Region! I would like to start out by extending a warm welcome to the SPRING 2012 New Initiates - Ladies, welcome to the greatest Sisterhood on Earth!!! I am very excited to work Diona M. Morgan with you in the spirit of Midwest Regional sisterhood, scholarship, Representative and service. As you begin your life in Delta, remember that we are an organization called to serve and lead from the heart. Be a light on your campuses and in your communities, and wear the letters ‘DST’ with honor and dignity. Love, care, and protect your sisters, and always remember that membership in Delta Sigma Theta is a lifetime commitment. Also, CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2012 graduates across the region! Thank you for always serving your chapters to the best of your ability. I pray that your future endeavors will be filled with blessings and prosperity. If you are in need of assistance with transitioning to an alumnae chapter, please contact Alicia Johnson, Co-Chair of the Collegiate Transition Task Force at ajohnson21913@yahoo.com. Sorors, let’s end this sorority year with a BANG!!! Continue to strive for academic excellence, provide service to others and continue with outstanding programming. Yours in the Spirit of Sisterhood, Diona M. Morgan Regional Representative

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MIDWEST MOMENT Exploring the March of Dimes President Franklin Roosevelt’s personal struggle birth defects, to promote newborn screening, and to with polio led him to create the National Foundation educate medical professionals and the public about for Infantile Paralysis (NFIP). Although the best practices for healthy pregnancy. The recent organization began as the NFIP, the name “March of Folic Acid Campaign achieved a dramatic reduction Dimes”—coined in the late 1930s by vaudeville star in the incidence of neural tube defects, and birth Eddie Cantor as a play on the contemporary defects of the brain and spine. newsreel series “The March of Time” - was The foundation also launched its expanded originally used for the foundation’s annual program against birth defects, infant mortality, fundraising event and gradually became synonymous arthritis, and virus diseases, seeking to become a with that of the organization. It was officially flexible force in the field of public health. At the adopted as the organization’s name in 1976, time of this shift in focus the cause of birth when it became known as the March of defects was unknown; only the Dimes Birth Defects default effects were visible. Foundation. In 2007, the .html Established in name became the March 1970, the March for of Dimes Foundation. Babies, previously called WalkAmerica, is the largest At its inception, the foundation established a fundraiser of the year for the March of Dimes, as polio patient aid program and funded research for well as the oldest nationwide charitable walking vaccines that effectively ended the polio epidemic in event. In the decades since, many other the United States. organizations have used the “walk-athon” format to With its original mission accomplished, the help raise money. Funds raised by the event support foundation turned its focus to preventing birth March of Dimes-sponsored research and other defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes programs to prevent premature birth, birth defects has led the way to discover the genetic causes of and infant mortality. According to the March of Dimes, March for Babies is held in more than 900 communities across the nation. Every year, 1 million people—including 20,000 company teams, family teams and national sponsors —participate in the event, which has raised more than $1.8 billion since 1970. The March of Dimes states that seventy-six cents of every dollar raised in March for Babies is spent on research and programs to help prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

(Information excerpted from www.marchofdimes.com). PAGE 4

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WILMA F. ROBINSON CELEBRATING 70 YEARS IN DELTA Soror Wilma F. Robinson was born on November 18, 1920, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Beta Chi Chapter in May, 1942, at Lane College (Jackson, Tennessee). The initiation fee was $25! (That was a lot of money in 1942. Soror Robinson indicated she had to go to the bank to borrow the money.) One “fond” memory she recalled is that the pledges had to “leap” down a hill. If they touched the concrete, they would be paddled. (Thank goodness hazing is no longer allowed.) It is a small world – Soror Effie Mae Golden (mother of our 18th National President Soror Hortense Golden Canady) was a faculty member at Lane College and helped charter Beta Chi Chapter. Soror Robinson knew Soror Canady as a young girl. Soror Robinson worked as a part-time teacher while attending Lane College. She graduated from Lane College in 1942. In June 3, 1943, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Administrative Corps. They were not taking Black Women in the Navy or Air Force at that time. She served in World War II and worked in the Army hospital as a medical technician for 2 ½ years. After leaving the armed services, she relocated to Washington, DC where she worked at the Pentagon and obtained her Masters

Degree in Language from Catholic University. When she moved to Dayton, she hoped to be hired by Wright Patterson Air Force Base, but the United States Postal Services called first. She retired from USPS in August, 1979. She affiliated with Dayton Alumnae Chapter in 1953. Just a few of her service areas include: working with the DelTeens for four years, serving on the Jabberwock Committee, visiting Deltas (especially those sick and shut in), chairing the Peppermint Ball in 1973 and 1974, we cannot forget her longtime service as Chair of the Telephone Committee. She has faithfully served this committee for 23 years.

When asked about her contributions to the Chapter, she said she did “whatever she was asked to do, wherever she could lend a hand.” As a result of her willingness to serve, Soror Robinson was one of the first recipients to receive the Dayton Alumnae Handing Hands Award. This award is given to a Soror who has reached out to help others. She would call those that were sick and shut in and report any needs to the President. Soror Robinson shared that she was not always able to be financial. She was a divorcee with two children, but would attend sorority meetings even though she could not vote. We salute Soror Robinson and thank you for being an excellent example of the true Delta spirit.

Soror Wilma F. Robinson (seated) with Soror Regina Harper, Regional Director.

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ILLINOIS ... IN REVIEW Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter Elects to Tackle Voter Rights Recent events are raising concerns that voter rights are under attack. The New York Times reports, “Since Republicans won control of many statehouses last November, more than a dozen states have passed laws requiring voters to show photo identification at polls, cutting back early voting periods or imposing new restrictions on voter registration drives.” Believing that these types of measures will have an especially negative effect on the AfricanAmerican community, the sorors of the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter felt it was important to engage in the democratic process through voter education, mobilization and registration. The Chapter also wants to address voter apathy and stress to the electorate that each vote really does count.

The Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter’s deputy registrar training classes include the swearing-in of newly minted voter registration volunteers.

GEAAC challenged sorors to become deputy registrars, to maximize the chapter’s voter registration initiatives. They coordinated several deputy registrar training classes and held several voter registration drives, registering voters at Jewel food stores in Melrose Park, Oak Park, Westchester and Aurora. The Chapter reports it registered two first time voters, completed seven registration transfers and provided six take-home voter registration applications. More voter registration drives are planned for the upcoming months in preparation for the November general election, and GEAAC says they will continue to partner with other organizations for the greatest impact. THETA ALPHA WORKS IT OUT! During the Winter Quarter, the sorors of Northwestern University’s Theta Alpha Chapter focused on the Physical & Mental Health thrust of the sorority’s Five Point Program. The Sorors invited the community to join them at the campus gym every Sunday morning for their new program “DevaStaTing WorkOWTs,” featuring group classes such as Zumba and cycling. Theta Alpha Chapter, Northwestern University, participating in “Love the Skin You’re In.”

The chapter also conducted their second annual “Love the Skin You’re In” open mic event, to bring attention to Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

In collaboration with Northwestern’s African American Studies Department, Theta Alpha took part in the Controversial Blackness Lecture Series and invited professors for an in depth discussion of “Black Justice: Is the American Prison System the New Jim Crow?"

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.! Soror Janessa Williams Elected President ISU Alumni Association The Bloomington Normal Alumnae Chapter congratulates Soror Janessa Williams for her election as the first African-American president of the Illinois State University Alumni Association. She serves more than 180,000 alumni, the University, and its students, representing the association on campus at commencement ceremonies, Homecoming and Founders Day - as well as at alumni events across the country. Her primary objective is to increase the number of alumni giving their time, talents and treasure to ISU by fostering the relationships that these alumni built back when they were students and by encouraging current students to become involved, saying “Involved students make involved alumni.”

SPRINGFIELD-DECATUR AREA ALUMNAE CHAPTER IMPACTS FOR HEALTH The Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter focused on mental health awareness, domestic violence awareness and the “My Cry in the Dark” Initiative for IMPACT Day of Service, the weekend of March 9-11.

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The weekend was deemed a “72 Hour Hold” – to tie-in the fact that psychiatric patients can only be held for 72 hours if they are being evaluated under a “medical emergency hold.” “Deltas, Delicacies and Dialogue,” was the Friday event, with a focus on mental health. This Deltas-only dinner included a discussion of the Bebe Moore Campbell book 72 Hour Hold. Sorors participated in games, word searches and received educational information Soror Williams surveys the Alumni which enlightened them on Homecoming Float this topic. On Saturday, the Chapter Theta Epsilon Chapter presented “For Sisters Only: Shining Light on My Cry in the Dark,” an Centralizing the open forum for the community. A film dealing with mental illness and Sisterhood with a domestic/sexual violence was shown. Statewide Founders Day Health care and domestic/sexual violence professionals assisted with the post-screening discussion. The More than 200 sorors, from all Chapter was able to hold the forum over the state of Illinois, united in the in their training facility, based on an city of Morton from March 23-25, to established partnership with the celebrate the 2012 Illinois Statewide Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Founders Day. The Theta Epsilon Violence. Chapter of Bradley University in Peoria, and the Peoria Alumnae The weekend concluded with Sunday’s “Let the Healing Begin with Chapter, joined forces to present the weekend. Events included a welcome Him.” This worship service was an opportunity for participants to begin reception, thought-provoking workshops, and a luncheon featuring the healing process as they move towards recognizing the indicators of Midwest Regional Director, Soror Regina Harper as keynote speaker. issues that should The weekend concluded with an be addressed, or ecumenical service, led by the Illinois take action to improve their lives State Chaplain, the Rev. Marilyn Barnes. Attendees called the service or the lives of “empowering” and noted that the others, regarding mental illness and/ weekend was a time of rededication, reconnection, and re-commitment. or domestic violence. A panel of health care and domestic /sexual violence professionals leads the discussion during the Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter's IMPACT Day activities.

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ILLINOIS CAREER FAIR DAY “SPEEDS” YOUTH IN GOAL SETTING The Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter held Career Fair Day and supplied more than 30 youth participants with educational program information to prepare them for their future. The Chapter engaged students by pairing them with professionals in “speed chats” so the youth were able to ask questions one-onone. The panel featured a doctor, nurse, engineer, sales VP, educator, journalists and an insurance agency owner. The professionals told students about their lives and college years, and detailed information on their college degrees and career launch. The pros told students why the careers they selected interested them, and shared key learning experiences, including the plusses and minuses of their chosen career paths. The panel closed with words of advice that the youth found to be “memorable.” DELTA DIVA SISTERHOOD WORKOUT & NUTRITION DEMONSTRATION, A SMOOTH WAY TO LOSE The Membership Services Committee and the Healthy Lifestyles Committee put the focus on health as the East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter celebrated sisterhood month with a healthy workout and nutrition information session, on March 17. Sorors participated in a brief workout with a personal trainer, then received healthy nutritional tips from a registered nurse and certified weight management specialist. There were healthy snacks in lettuce wraps, touted Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter’s Career Fair Day allowed as being easy to make. youth one-on-one “speed chats” with professionals. The event featured a smoothie bar with made-to-order mixtures of healthy ingredients, such as fruit, juice, soy milk, and protein powder. Sorors stepped up to the bar, completed an order form, and in minutes were sipping - calling their drinks “delicious and nutritious.” Tips on stress management were given, including a hands-on demonstration of pressure point massage by a chiropractor. A large “basket” filled with healthy nutritious snacks, water, a water bottle, red and white towels, and a pedometer was raffled off. Those who attended said it was an opportunity for sorors to fellowship, have fun, partake in nutritious food and beverages, and get a work-out in, all at the same time.

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.! came together to debrief their experiences – and to pray as their own moments of gratitude were shared. They said, throughout the day, there had been both laughter and tears.

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KENTUCKY IS SHAKING THINGS UP Eta Rho Chapter

During the week of March 12-16, the Eta Rho Chapter at Eastern Kentucky University had their 2012 Delta Week, “Dedicate Some Time to Behold a LaDy.” March is National Women’s Month and through Lambda City- programming, HP wanted to Wide Chapter empower the campus women. CHICAGO ALUMNAE CHAPTER Members of the Lambda CityThe first event was Monday, March 12, “Be in Holy Union: Wide Chapter in Chicago, IL, Fanning Out to Make an Disciples Seeking Truth Bible Study.” volunteered with the Word of Truth Impact on the Windy City During this Bible study, guests Food Pantry to donate its time during learned how to love one another. the Sorority’s IMPACT DAY OF Chicago Alumnae Chapter Tuesday, March 13 had two events, SERVICE held on Saturday, March disbursed members to nine facilities “Respect Her: I Don’t Stand for This throughout the city to provide service 10, 2012. Sorors assisted with food Sexual Assault Awareness Program with Greek on IMPACT Day 2012. The Life,” and facilities, including a Ronald Eta Rho members empowering women campus-wide. “Appreciate McDonald House, provide for Her Worth: the distressed, un-served and Ode to underserved members of the Women’s Chicago community. Suffrage Sorors conducted activities March.” including healthy lifestyle The Sexual workshops, provided Violence program important resource was the information, played games and Chapter’s prepared and served healthy meals. In one facility there was a woman who had just completed a 30 year prison term. She was so overcome by the and clothing distribution, cleaning, IMPACT Day of service program and love and outreach of the day, as she stocking shelves, and organizing presented information about said, “Thank you. You've given me clothes. Lambda was able provide a hope.” There were children at helping hand to the Saturday morning rape culture and its effects amongst another facility who asked, “Will you food distribution that has in excess of young people. The Ode to Women’s Suffrage was a mile walk around come back tomorrow?” Not only 30 families on any given Saturday. campus to celebrate all women and to were sorors impactful and The chapter felt they made a reflect upon the first public act in transforming in their efforts, but they difference and was able to see first which our Founders participated. said that they too were impacted and hand how many families in Chicago Wednesday, March 14, “Study transformed by their experiences. are in desperate need of food and Her Mind, Body, and Spirit: Delta At the end of their day, the sorors clothing to survive. Study Tables,” was open to all

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students who wanted extra study time after Midterms. On Thursday, March 15, “Be a Positive Influence: Campus Clean Up and Project R.E.D. (Recycle Every Day)” the Chapter members came together to clean up the campus. There was also a public announcement made to students encouraging them to pick up at least 5 pieces of trash and to recycle. The last event, Friday, March 16, was “Treat her like a Queen: DSTressed? Relax Here.” This was a program focused on self-worth, and learning the importance of style.

Pictured above: Frankfort Alumnae provided a photo of 31 of the 41 Sorors who attended Delta Days in the State Capitol. FRANKFORT ALUMNAE Delta Day at the Kentucky Capitol Delta Day was a success. All registered Sorors (41) met at the KY State Capitol Annex by 9 a.m. on February 17, 2012. The Frankfort Alumnae Chapter President Soror, Cathy Thomas, opened the event with greetings to all Sorors who had come from across the state. Ms. Sheila Mason, who works for KY Legislative Research Commission, gave an overview of the Legislative Research Commission and highlighted legislative bills that may be of concern to Sorors and their communities. There were two morning speakers. Soror Keidra King (State Director for Obama for Kentucky) discussed voting rights for KY citizens and on ways to encourage African American to vote. Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, MD (Director of Louisville Metro Dept. of Public Health and Wellness) discussed nutrition, Frankfort Alumnae EMBODI participants.

diabetes, and wellness. Announcements and remarks regarding Delta’s National and Regional level were given by Sorors Terina Matthews (State Coordinator), Gillian Griggs (State Facilitator) and Shenita McConis (State Social Action Coordinator). Ms. Renee Shaw, the guest speaker, spoke on the KY Legislative process and stated what bills concern African Americans the most. She encouraged Sorors to call their Legislators regarding the bills that concern them. Frankfort Alumnae Chapter held its first EMBODI program on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Second Street School from 10:00am to 2:00pm. We collaborated with Superintendent Rich Crowe, Frankfort Independent School System and students from Frankfort’s OWN. The theme for this even was Transforming Lives of African American Males in Frankfort, Kentucky. The deaths of young African Americans seem to be on the rise. The shooting of the African American citizens in Oklahoma and Chicago, and the recent death of Trayvon Martin in Florida, are only a few out of the estimated twelve alleged hate crimes that have taken place in the past months. All over the country, many are taking a stand against the recent tragedy in demand for justice. ETA ZETA CHAPTER March for the Fallen On the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Kentucky, the Eta Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated partnered with the Epsilon Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

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page of the campus newspaper.

Louisville Alumnae Chapter Celebrates Alice Martin

Alice Martin of Louisville Alumnae

Fraternity, Incorporated to lead a silent march through campus to raise awareness of the injustice in the death of young Trayvon Martin. Mercedes Donahue, a junior and a member of the chapter was the creator of the idea of leading the march. Also, Donahue opted for the participants to hold balloons instead of candles during the march. There were eightythree black balloons and seventeen white balloons to commemorate each year of young Martin’s life.

One of Louisville Alumnae’s most treasured jewels, Soror Alice Lucille Martin, celebrated a milestone birthday in January. Soror Martin turned 95-years-young and has the heart and the spirit of an undergrad. Ever the scholar, Soror Martin earned her B.A. from Hampton University and a Master’s degree from Columbia University in New York. Her vast career in education was complemented with many years of public service including serving 24 years as the secretary for the CME Church in Kentucky, the Secretary/ Treasury of Project One, and an active member of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sylvia Reyes, graduating senior who is also a member if the chapter, made major contributions to the success of the march by planning it An interesting fact about Soror and adding her enthusiasm to the Martin is that she carried the Olympic cause by speaking at the beginning Torch through Louisville in 1996 and and ending the event. She recited a the Steward Board Room at Brown poem and requested a moment of silence in respect Sorors from Flint City-wide Mu Phi Chapter discuss life issues for the family of with area teens to prepare then to succeed as they take the Martin, which on the challenges of interacting in a diverse world. made for a very uplifting conclusion to the march. This march was also featured on the local news network and on the front

Above, sorors on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Kentucky, march to raise awareness of the injustice in the death of young Trayvon Martin.

ARTICLE CORRECTION Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan The Midwest Regional Journalists offer our apology to Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Michigan for the errors that appeared in its article published in the February 2012 Midwest Missile. Specifically we offer the following: 1. A most sincere apology to Paulette Walker, the National 1st Vice President, for the mis-spelling of her name. 2. The mock check written for the $10,000 donation made by the alumnae sorors to begin an endowment fund was presented to the current chapter president. 3. We offer our apology to Alicia Nails, the Statewide journalist for Michigan, and we thank her for bringing the errors to our attention. We hope you will charge all errors and typos to our heads and not to our hearts!

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Memorial CME Church was recently named in her honor.

Lexington Alumnae Chapter Hosts Debutante Ball On Friday, April 6, 2012 the Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated hosted its 2012 Debutante Scholarship Ball. The Debutante Scholarship Program began in 1961, and this year, the Chapter celebrated its 50th year of showcasing finer womanhood. The Pictured above are the 2012 Debutantes showcased at Lexington Alumnae Chapter’s 50 year-old program is a five-month 50th presentation of its Debutante Scholarship Ball experience focusing on encouraging higher education and fostering finer womanhood through instruction in Keaundra Eubanks, Best Scrapbook. university living in a highly charm, etiquette and social awareness. technological age, we are aware of the Sorors Angela Evans and Vicki In addition to etiquette barriers people find to healthy living. Turner were the co-chairs for this To combat these issues, we developed workshops, the debutantes year’s Debutante. Soror Judith a program that would offer a volunteered at the Lexington Rescue Cunningham is the Chapter different approach to a healthy Mission’s Gathering Place on Martin President. lifestyle. We held an informative Luther King, Jr. Day, where they Xi Chapter’s assisted children in various art session incorporating smartphone applications and the available food projects and games focusing on Dr. Project S.H.A.P.E. choices on campus to show students King’s message of hope and unity. In Sorors Xi chapter at the University that it is possible to stay healthy and March, the debutantes took a college of Louisville hosted a Project live within a limited student budget. tour to the Columbus, Ohio area, S.H.A.P.E. program on Wednesday, visiting Wilberforce University, Sorors facilitated an interactive April 24, to support the initiative Central State University and Ohio game for the 16 sorors and 30 guests created under 2nd National Vice State University. attending, showing how different In honor of the 50th anniversary President Chelsea Hayes. Under the seemingly healthy food choices can leadership of our State Facilitator, of the ball, Governor Beshear be misleading. Lack of Gillian Griggs, proclaimed April 6 “Delta Sigma equipment and the Theta Day” in the Commonwealth of Xi chapter mundane nature of exercise Kentucky. Over $24,000 was awarded hosted a are barriers many find when program for in scholarships that evening. Second dealing with exercise. The Runner-Up was Miss Shayana Fields, our campus program took a different community to First Runner-Up was Miss Danielle approach to appeal to a implement this Dailey and Miss MarKedra Jackson more diverse population. physical and was crowned Miss Delta Debutante. After the information mental health Other debutantes who received special awards were: Cailan Sandusky, initiative. University of Louisville’s Xi Miss Congeniality; Trina Thomas, As students Chapter hosts Project SAFE Miss Academic Excellence; Brianna to raise awareness about at a Livingston, Miss 110 Percent; and healthy living. metropolitan

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session, the participants had an amazing kick boxing workout that enabled everyone to participate in a fun, active workout that could be done at your their pace without the need for equipment. Project S.H.A.P.E. was an excellent program that was necessary in our community; its influence is far reaching, and will positively impact the lives of all participants.

MICHIGAN IS ON THE MOVE Epsilon Epsilon Chapter Study Long, Study Strong When the chapter set-up formal study tables with set study hours, some 50 Spartans joined them at the valueadded event, held Feb. 15, in the Multicultural Center of the Michigan State University Union. Study tables were scheduled to help students prepare for midterms. Chapter members helped students by splitting everyone up into subject-specific sections, covering math, science, writing, or language classes. Sorors shared study tips and discussed how to address the situation when course information is unclear. They left attendees with ideas for staying organized, and for staying healthy by including vitamins, exercise and getting enough sleep in the daily routine. To bring home the point, healthy snacks were provided as well.

Mu Pi Chapter Real Talk About Real Life

Michigan State’s Epsilon Epsilon sorors hosted midterms study tables and more than 50 Spartan students “got their learn on” courtesy of the chapter.

standing up for their beliefs and their identities. Participants say it was an eye-opening moment as they learned more about the degree of negative stereotyping that youth face today, and ways they can manage such interactions. Students also learned to think twice about what they say and do because they saw just how much their behavior can affect others.

Nu Chapter Thanks for (Contributing to) the Memories . . . Prom day is important for many, as a high school memory to be cherished. The University of Michigan’s Nu Chapter has developed a new initiative, to help make prom season special for young girls in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area who didn’t plan to attend prom because of the financial burden it would cause their families. The “The Glass Slipper Project,” provides

To celebrate Black History Month, the Flint citywide Mu Phi Chapter collaborated with Kettering University’s Kagle Leadership Initiatives to present “Real Talk: A Discussion of Minorities in America,” to the community. Kagle invited high school students from their mentoring program to attend, so that these younger students could learn from the experiences of current college students. The discussion included details about perceptions of various cultural groups, including race groups, religious groups, and groups defined by their sexuality. Attendees offered their personal stories Sorors from University of Michigan’s Nu Chapter and Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter greet high school students who are recipients of of overcoming negative stereotypes and prom dresses donated through “The Glass Slipper Project.”

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dresses, shoes and accessories to make prom a day to remember. Instead of purchasing these items, Nu Chapter partnered with Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter to reach out to the community for donations of gently worn dresses. Sorors and members of the university community donated 40 dresses. The 16 high school students who have received dresses along with shoes and accessories say this project has made a tremendous difference.

Zeta Rho Chapter

The sorors of Ferris State University’s Zeta Rho Chapter led students in reenacting the 1913 women’s suffrage march.

“And Still We March” Mere weeks after the birth of Delta, the Founders took their place on Washington, D.C.’s Pennsylvania Avenue, in the historic 1913 women’s suffrage march. Ferris State University’s Zeta Rho Chapter took up this nearly century-old cause, on March 20, when they reenacted the march. They focused on issues lifted up by the Founders: the right to vote, the protection of women from sexual exploitation, the promotion of quality education for the community, assistance in the work force, and empowerment of black women and the race. Sorors, and other students, formed a procession, looping around the campus and holding up signs that read “Vote” and “Equal Pay for Equal Work.”

Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter Black and White Breakfast After Dark It’s a new twist on a fundraising theme, the late night comfort food affair. More than 100 people attended the first “Black and White Breakfast After Dark.” Guests were treated to a lavish breakfast, at the Holiday Inn, as well as a night of live entertainment and a silent Sorors from Grand Rapids Alumnae celebrate the success of its 26th annual scholarship luncheon with a Saturday afternoon “stroll.”

auction. Funds were raised to support the annual Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter scholarship for college bound high school seniors.

Flint Alumnae Chapter “Basic Needs Fair” Brings Agencies Into One Space A challenge for many in the Flint community is accessing basic social service resources in an efficient manner. Flint Alumnae Chapter, in partnership with the Flint Public Library, presented its Third Annual Basic Needs Fair on Saturday, March 17. Twenty-two agencies that provide assistance with food, clothing, shelter and/or health services set up shop at the library and assisted more than 100 attendees – coaching them on how to effectively approach and engage services. “We are elated to provide this one-stop shopping opportunity for Flint area residents to have their questions answered in a supportive setting,” said Sharon Sawyer, chapter president. Participating agencies included health and human services, food banks, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, governmental agencies, resource centers and agencies offering low-income housing opportunities.

Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter Groovin’ for Schoolin’ It’s a premiere event in Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter continued the tradition with its 26th annual Jazz Brunch Scholarship Luncheon. “Jazz on the Grand,” was held Feb. 4. at Charley’s Crab. More than

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. 200 people flowed through the 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. event, including many dignitaries. Guests were treated to the sounds of the Enyce Jazz Band. The afternoon included vendors, a private auction, and event highlight - the raffle of a leather and fur jacket donated by Bella Furs. The chapter enjoyed an afternoon “stroll,” and raised more than $12,000 for scholarships.

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the ladies with a pizza party lunch and parting gifts – and plan to hold additional programs at the facility. IAC also collected pajamas, slippers and other sleepwear items for children at the Judson Foster Care Agency. It took a month to collect more than 200 pairs of pajamas and other sleepwear items. The sorors who made the delivery were given a tour of the facility after presenting the donation.

Southfield Alumnae Chapter Board Flight 1913 for the “Destination: Healthy You” Challenge

Members of Inkster Alumnae Chapter unwind after delivering a donation to the Judson Foster Care Agency and taking a tour of the facility

Inkster Alumnae Chapter Chapter Assisting Youth Means Clothing Kids and Mentoring Teens The Truth Embraces Love without Lies – and so 12 sorors from the Inkster Alumnae Chapter participated in a full day of sharing and mentoring at the Vista Maria home for young women, in partnership with the T.E.L.L program. Sorors made presentations on positive body image, personal/oral hygiene and good food choices, as well as information on the sorority. The T.E.L.L. group presented on healthy relationships and distributed information to the young women who were able to share their reallife stories in a supportive environment. The sorors provided Minnesota Sorors celebrate Greek Day at the State Capital

The third annual “Destination: Healthy You” challenge was launched with an orientation / weigh-in and health fair on January 30. The 12-week weight loss challenge encourages participants to increase physical activities and healthier eating habits, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and/or improve physical and mental health. The fun custom t-shirt features a red and white boarding pass from Delta SAC Airlines for Flight 1913, Gate 22, Seat 22B. The gate closes at 2013 and the destination is “Healthy You.” The 80 participants include teams with sorors, family and friends, given a passport to their journey to a healthier life, weekly newsletters with health, nutrition and exercise tips, and words of encouragement, and “ask the expert” via the Yahoo group. The project includes fitness Boot Camp, Pilates, Zumba, yoga, and a monthly walking group. Educational offerings include discussions on healthy food choices; demonstrations on healthy cooking; and an explanation on tracking and journaling weight, daily food intake, true hunger signals, and physical activities. Winners will be announced at the chapter’s third annual “Get Up: Get Fit: Total Health and Wellness Day,” May 19. This event is in collaboration with the City of Southfield, Parks and Recreation Department.

MINNESOTA Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter has been busy focusing on planning the 16th Annual Literary Luncheon featuring Walter Mosley, 8th Annual Delta Dear Tea, and the 1st EMBODI program. In preparation for the

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associated with ARTICLE SUBMISSION IN THE relationships MIDWEST MISSILE among African American Women. Do you have a successful Speaking chapter service, event or program you’d like to share? passionately to a crowded room that Then we want to hear from you! Using the Midwest Missile included our very article submission criteria, write a own Midwest brief event summary. Be sure to Regional Director, proofread it for content, flow and logic. Be sure to verify Regina R. Harper, spellings of names, dates, times and the President and other important from Columbus Front Row: Members of Epsilon Iota and the Advisory Council information. Then, submit the with Midwest Regional Director Regina R. Harper and keynote Alumnae Chapter, article to your State’s Journalist. speaker Tei Street. Back Rows: Program attendees. Charlene Green. politically charged year of 2012, the chapter is planning a Soror Street STATEWIDE JOURNALIST Voter Education and Registration Drive for the Twin challenged us to Cities community. This will be a perfect follow-up to the redefine sisterhood Zanette Sanders (IL) large part that the chapter contributed to Greek Day at from a noun to a Brittiny Clinton (IN) Shannon Drane (KY) the State Capitol in conjunction with the fellow Divine verb. “Sisterhood: Maxine Thomas (KY) Nine chapters in the Twin Cities. it’s what you do,” Alicia Nails (MI) proclaimed Soror While the chapter is busy planning, there have been Marquisha Lawrence (MN) Street. One-by-one, amazing events to enhance the sisterly bond within the Ameerah McBride (OH) the ladies in the chapter and its connection to the community. Marsha Lawson (WV) room stood up and Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter had an amazing Vivian King (WI) proudly pledged Sisterhood Month in March filled with a fantastic list of what they intend to events centered on the nine jewels. The activities ranged Regional Journalists May Edit, do to unite the from calling an assigned Delta Dear on the 13th of Delete Copy or Photos women on Ohio March, a Zumba class paired with a diabetes seminar for University’s sorors and the community, reclaiming sorors through campus and cluster dinners with sorors in the same neighborhoods across the Twin Cities. Expect to see more from the great extinguish the state of Minnesota and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae growing feud amongst them. The program was a tremendous success leaving each participant with an Chapter. optimistic mindset to successfully begin to the New Year.

OHIO Making a Diﬀerence Epsilon Iota Chapter On January 7, 2012 the Epsilon Iota chapter at Ohio University hosted “My Sisters May We Speak to You”? A Sisterhood Tea. This call to action was intended to reach all women of Ohio University in response to a series of recent events on campus. In an intimate setting at the Konneker Alumni Center, keynote speaker “The Amazing” Tei Street discussed what divides us, what bonds us, and how we can begin to conquer the stigmas

Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter Educational Programs Collaborate Delta Academy and EMBODI Weekend Retreat

The second annual EMBODI Overnight Retreat, held at Camp George Forbes opened with an interactive collaborative session with Delta Academy on Saturday, October 29, 2011. The session parodied a TV Talk show broadcasting from DST ACAD/EM titled “Time to Talk.” The show emulated a table topic format featuring topics that will lead to achieving 21st Century Leadership Skills.

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Camp was a rousing success. Popular features were cabin time, snacks, creating cabin yells, dinner and a costumed Halloween party that included a night time Scavenger Hunt. On Sunday morning, after a morning hike and a bountiful breakfast, Elder Fred James delivered the Devotion Service focusing on leadership, the value of male mentoring, and goal achievements. These topics will provide the base curriculum for our future monthly meetings. Camp concluded with A Leadership to 21st Century Skills session, more fun and games and food. Vesper Service: Greater Cleveland has had a very good year of empowering, providing opportunities and guiding our young men to independence. Our 2011-12 theme is Roads to Empowerment, Leadership and Personal Development. November: Introduction to Book Talk, a portion of each meeting features reading biographies of African American men. Interpersonal Development is also incorporated into each meeting. Fun and games follow, along with bountiful meals. At the conclusion of every meeting a 20 minute session with the parents summarizes the current agenda and prepares them for the next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting. December: Oration Lessons and Development culminating in an

oratorical presentation to the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, at their annual Vesper Service. The young men were properly attired in their dress uniform. January: The scholastic Cory Hill and Devan Allen of enrichment Montgomery County Juvenile Courts. lesson was a Snow and Ice The impact of EMBODI is Encounter, teaching scientific transforming the lives of African structure and make up of snow American males involved with the crystals and constructing igloos of Montgomery County (Dayton, Ohio) ice blocks and snow. February: Juvenile Court System. The African American History, featuring Wilberforce Alumnae Chapter is biographies of Jackie Robinson, Garrett Morgan, Benjamin Banneker, partnering with Montgomery County Juvenile Court Detention Center to Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama. March: Partici-pation provide an ongoing mentoring in Impact Day of Service, joining the program for males that are involved with the Juvenile Court system. sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign to collect There is a core group of toiletries, household cleaning needs professional African American males and necessary infant/childhood that facilitate the groups within the needs. Each boy planned and Detention Center. They provide implemented an individual drive. small groups for young men on a EMBODI collected over 500 items to add to the collection of over 2000 weekly basis for the youth to share their daily experience and to receive items. feedback that encourages respectful communication and to discuss Wilberforce Alumnae consequences of behavior choices Chapter and to identify solutions to negative behavior. Group topics include selfEMBODI and Delta Academy Students join Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter in celebration control, respecting others, being of Vesper Service at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in December 2011. dependable, giving to others and having confidence. This was the 2nd year that the Wilberforce Chapter has partnered with Montgomery County Juvenile Court to provide services within the facility to the males in the community. In April of 2011, there were 65 males in attendance for the event. We plan to have a greater audience April 27, 2012.

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. AKRON ALUMNAE CHAPTER Akron Impacts Foodbank During the month of March, around Northern Ohio, all of the Regional Foodbanks launch a campaign called Harvest for Hunger. Many businesses and members of the community are encouraged to find ways to donate to the cause of hunger. The members of Akron Alumnae Chapter thought it befitting that we use the occasion of DST National IMPACT Day to further the cause. Friday, March 9th, fifteen chapter members volunteered two hours toward helping out in the warehouse of the Akron/Canton Regional Foodbank. Sorors packed and taped boxes to the rim with twentyfour packages of coffee. The excitement accelerated when they discovered that over the two hours they had packed and taped 256 boxes. Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter Community Partnership Addresses HIV/ AIDS Epidemic

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in the Greater Cincinnati area. This year-long project will consist of educational trainings on HIV/AIDS Praise dancers and choir energize the with the attendees at the Kick-off event for Cincinnati's community-wide mobilization effort in the fight Black AIDS against HIV/AIDS. Institute and IVCHARIS, HIV stigma reduction, community mobilization, and a strategic plan from five churches on how they plan to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS within their respective congregation and join in the fight to eradicate AIDS.

SRARK COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER Continuing with its tradition of addressing health Closing the Gap Health Fair and wellness, the Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter has embarked on its most ambitious HIV/AIDS The Stark County Alumnae Chapter (OH) in endeavor to date. Friday, March 9, kicked off the partnership with the Greater Stark County Urban community partnership to engage African-American churches in HIV stigma reduction and prevention efforts League, Aultman Hospital, and Peoples Baptist Church presented “Closing the Gap,” a health fair specifically in high risk Cincinnati neighborhoods. The event was aimed to serve the uninsured and under-insured citizens held at New Prospect Baptist Church. of Stark County. The health fair was held on Saturday, With this Friday evening event, the Cincinnati-based March 3, at the Greater Stark County Urban League. collegiate and alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with IV-CHARIS and the Soror Latoya Dickens and her colleagues from Cincinnati-based collegiate and alumnae chapters of Aultman Hospital performed glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks. The Stark County Alumnae Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., launched a sorors provided screening survival kits that contained community-wide mobilization effort in the fight against fruit, water and healthy snacks. HIV/AIDS. The high energy affair was emceed by radio personality Faith Daniels and included singing and praise Along with the free screenings, over 150 attendees dancing. Pastor Damon Lynch, III delivered passionate participated in healthy cooking demonstrations, a Zumba remarks. session, and The Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter is even a smoking taking it a step further. The Chapter entered into a cessation Memorandum of Understanding with multiple workshop. organizations: IV-CHARIS, University of Cincinnati’s Zeta Alpha College of Medicine and HIV Early Intervention members present at Program, and the AIDS Education and Training Center the annual (AETC). By partnering, these organizations can increase Sisterhood Summit their combined capacity and collaborative advocacy at the University of efforts to strategically address the HIV/AIDS epidemic Akron.

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Most importantly, a doctor was on site to consult with those whose screening results revealed dangerously high readings. The Stark County Alumnae Chapter will partner with Aultman Hospital and L.I.F.E. Ministries to present “Closing the Gap II” on June 30. ZETA ALPHA CHAPTER A Sister's Worth Sisterhood Summit 2012 The Zeta Alpha Chapter hosted its first annual Sisterhood Summit on February 18. The University of Akron’s campus. The sisterhood summit was a day filled with workshops, fellowship, food, and fun designed to encourage, empower, and inspire all women on campus. This year's focus was “A Sister’s Worth.” The summit consisted of four workshop sessions all of which were 45 minutes long. These workshops included: “Sisterhood: The Missing Piece,” led by Erica Glover, founder of OKBNU and an activist and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “I Am My Sister’s Keeper; If We Don’t, Who Will,” led by the Dayton Alumnae Chapter’s Peggy A. Wynn, Arnetta Depp, Sharon D. Platt, President Dayton Alumnae Chapter, Theata Lambett-Tennon and Denise L. Cross

Sorors of the Economic Development Committee of Columbus Alumnae Chapter: Crystal Cook; Sue Strang, Lucinda Jackson; Toiya Brown; Lisa Dalton-Robinson; and President, Charlene Greene.

Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties; “What Prevents Sisterhood,” and “That’s What SHE Said,” led by Soror Tanya Watson. The summit was a success and the sisterhood summit of 2013 is already anticipated on campus. We cannot wait and hope to see you there next year. DAYTON ALUMNAE CHAPTER Celebrates Founders Day The Dayton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated Founders Day on March 17, at Stillwater Church. The theme was “Delta: A Legacy of Greatness and Commitment.” Over 100 Sorors attended, reflecting on the vision, purpose, and fortitude of our 22 Founders. Soror Theata Lambert-Tennon and Soror Denise Cross were recognized as “25-year Deltas” and Soror Arnetta Depp was recognized as a “50-year Delta.” Soror Elvira Montgomery and Soror Shirley Medley received the “Helping Hands” Award for service. Soror Platt gave the final remarks and the event concluded with the “Sweetheart Song.” We enjoyed food, fun and fellowship. Remember the words of our National President, Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre, “Sorors, we are Delta Sigma Theta – A sisterhood called to serve: transforming lives, impacting communities and we won’t quit.”

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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Columbus Alumnae Chapter On February 25 the Annual Economic Empowerment Workshop was held at the Main Library, downtown Columbus. There were a variety of speakers representing various financial institutions. There were fifty people in attendance. Our very own Soror Dawn Harris Jeffries of Merrill Lynch talked about the benefits of financial planning, retirement, budgeting and savings. The workshop was based on Money SMART principles, a program under Delta’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust. The Ohio State Treasurer’s Office provided info from the Money SMART office which discussed Federal Trade Commission facts for consumers, how to run a small business, energy efficiencies, the Ohio State’s Save Now Program and many more. In addition to providing financial empowerment to the local community the committee presented a Money SMART program to the Jabberwock participants on Sunday, February 26. The young ladies, high school juniors and seniors, had an opportunity to do exercises to prepare them for what it will be like in the real world.

WILD AND WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA Beckley Alumnae Chapter

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situations and discussed about how they would handle them. The adults participated in a frank conversation on domestic violence. As a result of this session, a young woman and her children were referred to the Women’s Resource Center for assistance, leaving behind an abusive situation to receive services from the Center. The chapter received requests from workshop participants to offer additional sessions. The chapter will work with the Women’s Resource Center and Heart of God Ministries to meet this very important need in our community. Sorors Vicky Bradshaw and Kristi Williams Dumas co-chaired Beckley Alumnae Chapter’s IMPACT Day of Service. Soror Bradshaw is the Domestic Violence Champion for the chapter.

BLUEFIELD ALUMNAE CHAPTER IMPACT Day 2012 To commemorate “IMPACT Day 2012,” members of the Bluefield Alumnae Chapter visited the SAFE House in Welch, WV. Stop Abusive Family Environments, or S.A.F.E., was organized on March 25, to meet the needs of abused women in McDowell County. The house features 31 units that provide transitional housing for abused women and children. Chapter members donated clothes, toiletries, and toys for the residents. A tour of the facility was provided to enable the chapter to identify areas of need for future service opportunities. Following the visit, members enjoyed a luncheon as part of its March Sisterhood activity.

The Blazing Beckley Alumnae Chapter presented its IMPACT Day of Service on Monday, Left to right: Brenda Holliday, Chapter President; Constance Saunders, Christina Brogdon, Mary Rogers & Marsha Lawson. March 19. More than 40 people attended workshops designed to increase the awareness of domestic violence issues in the Greater Beckley Community. The Women’s Resource Center and Heart of God Ministries worked with the Chapter on this event. Counselors from the Women’s Resource Center presented sessions on three topics. Elementary school students discussed “mean words” and how they make them feel when they hear them. They also learned what bullying is and how to handle a situation if they are confronted by a bully. Middle and high school students discussed sexual harassment in school. Participants were presented with hypothetical

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Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter Involves the Delta Academy in Social Action For the fifth consecutive year, the Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. awarded two $1,000 scholarships - each to two deserving female high school seniors. The scholarship presentations were part of the fifth annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction, held this Spring in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The EPAC also awarded $500 book scholarship to two deserving male high school seniors. This was the first time the EPAC awarded scholarships to male students, according to the EPAC President Angela Oglesby. During its first year awarding scholarships, the EPAC awarded two $500 scholarships. Increased community support allowed the organization to increase the number and size of scholarships. The Chapter also acknowledged community members for their contributions to the arts and community service. “It’s just a pleasure to be able to honor the recipients today and to bring the community together to honor people who do so much to enrich our community,” Oglesby said.

Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter The Charleston Institute Alumnae Chapter hosted West Virginia’s Statewide Founders Day. The featured speaker was the 24th National President, of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre. Sorors from Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Morgantown, Huntington Alumnae Chapters, and collegiate chapters Alpha Delta, Omicron Upsilon, and Theta Omega joined visiting sorors from Ohio, North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia in paying tribute to the 22 visionary Founders of our illustrious sorority. Representatives from the Divine Nine greeted the audience then Soror McIntyre delivered a powerful message. Soror McIntyre challenged all to be a “dash” in someone’s life. Voter suppression, high unemployment, lack of adequate health care, widening achievement gap, and the high incarceration rate of African Americans, are a few of the issues that African Americans wrestle with on a daily basis. Soror McIntyre

From left, Velma Twyman (NAACP Officer and Retired Teacher), Vicky Bullett (Gold medal-winning Olympian from the 1988 Women’s Basketball Team), Manny Arvon (Berkeley County Schools Superintendent) and Jennifer Gayle (Dance Performer) were also honored by the EPAC for their commitment to public service.

asked everyone, “Who will speak for the hopeless and disenchanted? Who will work on behalf of the poor and forgotten? It is the legacy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to serve. Who will we serve that they become a part of our ‘dash.’ To whom much is given, much is required. We have much to do and so many depending on us to do it.”

Huntington Alumnae Chapter Going Red Food, fun, fellowship and FASHION once again took center stage in Huntington in February in honor of Heart Health Month 2012. Huntington Alumnae Chapter, along with Ebenezer Medical Outreach, sponsored the annual ‘Go Red For Women’ Event. This year’s event was the largest ever with more than 200 local women attending and gaining lifesaving information. The program targets women in the African American community and addresses health issues unique to us. Sorors Dr. Shawn McKinney and Yvonne Jones, Executive Director of Ebenezer Medical Outreach, offered valuable information on heart health. Sorors and members of the community participated in a style show featuring red, of course. Our own Soror Sylvia Ridgeway emceed the style show. Our own Soror Wendy Thomas emceed the rest of the event. Nearly 100 door prizes were given out and the program ended with healthy, delicious refreshments.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING?

WISCONSIN Wisconsin Deltas Make Statewide Impact on March of Dimes

In Wisconsin’s two largest cities, Deltas are making an impact when it comes to the March of Dimes. Madison Alumnae Chapter president, Carola Gaines, has been appointed to the March of Dimes’ State Program Services Committee. In her new capacity she will be responsible for outreach in the African American Community. Gaines will also make sure the sorority’s goals regarding the March of Dimes are addressed and try to secure available grants for the sorority’s programs. In Milwaukee, Kappa Eta Chapter did its part to help the March of Dimes. Collegiate sorors served as hostesses for the silent auction sponsored by the Milwaukee Chapter of the March of Dimes. The event

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took place at Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee.

Lambda Alpha Chapter Delta Week Reaches and Teaches Students on Campus The Lambda Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted a variety of events held during its Delta Week 2012. Between March 19 – 23, the University of WisconsinWhitewater campus and community were treated to events geared toward developing young women and men in the areas of independence, team building, education and service. The kickoff event for Delta Week was called “22 Flavors.” This event had participants work together to complete certain tasks and exercises. Our “Battle of the Paddle” gave Greek organizations a chance to show off their creativity by coming up with paddle designs. “Chili for Children” gave participants an opportunity to show off their skills in

Pictured below: Members of Milwaukee Alumnae host a a Voter Education March. More than 60 people participated in the march.

Lambda Alpha Chapter ... Examples of the Finished Product of the Battle of the Paddles. the kitchen and raise money for a good cause; the Walker’s Point Family and Youth Center. The Lambda Alpha Chapter also partnered with UW-Whitewater Student Government on the “Be Smart” initiative; which involved informing students about the upcoming spring election. Sigma Upsilon Chapter Pushes Scholarship and Social Action in its Service The Sigma Upsilon Chapter is ending the spring 2012 semester by encouraging scholarship, promoting financial fortitude and increasing public awareness of Wisconsin’s new and controversial Voter ID law. This past semester, the chapter hosted multiple study tables on both the Carthage College and University of Wisconsin-Parkside campuses to encourage academic excellence. The chapter also collaborated with the Educators Credit Union to promote financial fortitude. It hosted a workshop to show ways to gain financial stability by creating healthy spending and saving habits. Finally, the chapter decided to enhance campus awareness of the changes in

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Members of Madison Alumnae and Zeta Xi pose after a

successful program that raised awareness about mental health in the black community.

Wisconsin’s Voter ID law by decorating windows with the message, “The D.I.V.A movement: Deltas Involved in Voter Awareness.” Soros handed out brochures on the Voter ID law changes, with a reminder to vote in the April 3rd presidential primary election. They also made signs for the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter’s Voter ID March, held during Milwaukee’s Founders Day celebration.

Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Sorors March for Voters Rights As part of its Founders Day weekend celebration, sorors in the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. took to the streets on Sunday, Feb. 26, in support of voters rights. Sorors, along with their families and friends, marched nearly two miles from downtown Milwaukee to Mount Zion Baptist Church, on the city’s near north side. The march was in remembrance of the first public act performed by Delta’s Founders, who participated in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., in March 1913. The Milwaukee march focused on educating voters about Wisconsin’s new controversial Voter ID law. Madison Alumnae and Zeta Xi Focus on Mental Health in the Black Community On March 10, the Madison Alumnae and Zeta Xi Citywide Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sponsored a community-wide educational workshop on African Americans and Alzheimer’s Disease; “A Silent Epidemic.” Approximately 40-50 community members

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engaged in a dialogue regarding the disease and how it is two times more likely prevalent among African-Americans than older whites. Risk factors of Alzheimer’s, and other dementia, in African-Americans include a higher rate of vascular disease, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke and of type 2 diabetes. Guest Speaker Charlestine Daniel, Diversity Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, told the group while there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are strategies and that can help maximize the quality of life for all affected. Sorors partnered with Mt Zion Baptist Church and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin to bring this event to the community.

Zeta Xi Chapter Collaborates to Impact the Community & the March of Dimes The Zeta Xi Citywide Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, has impacted the University of Wisconsin campus and community and the March of Dimes through a series of events. The chapter worked with the Wisconsin Association of Black Men and Tau Kappa Epsilon for a Men’s Appreciation event. The event featured the vice provost who spoke on the importance and strength of black males. The event also provided free haircuts, food, and massages for men. The chapter held its annual Delta Speed Dating on Valentine’s Day with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment. In addition to dating opportunities, the event educated participants about domestic violence and the importance of having safe sex. Throughout each of its events, Zeta Xi focused on March of Dimes. The chapter created a “baby,” using a red jersey tied to a Hinckley springs gallon water bottle to serve as a money/coin bank. At the beginning of each event, sorors explained that the “baby” needed to be taken care of, just like a real baby. They communicated to participants that their monetary contributions n would take care of this hypothetical baby and, in turn, aid real babies through the March of Dimes project.

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KEY DATES July 16, 2012

Soror Morgan’s Birthday March 3, 2013

•Re-enactment of Women’s Suffrage March

Quick Links

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Co-Journalists KIMBERLEY CROCKETT

Kim is a member of the Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter, WV. She is an attorney working as a part-time Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of WV, and an Assistant Prosecutor in the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in West Virginia. Soror Crockett is a native of Delaware and now lives in Falling Waters with her husband Brian and their sons, Satchel and Sidney. Crockett was initiated into the Omicron Upsilon Chapter (WVU) in Spring 1991. TANISHA MALLETT

www.dstmidwestregion.com www.deltasigmatheta.org www.marchofdimes.com

Tanisha Mallett is a general assignment reporter for 10TV News HD in Columbus, OH. She covers daily news stories including breaking news for the evening newscasts - Monday -Friday. Soror Mallett is a native of Queens, N.Y., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of arts in journalism. She was initiated into the Kappa Phi Chapter in the Spring of 1992 and is currently a member of the Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter.

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