The
Ebony Pearl
Magazine
Issue 2 • Spring/Summer 2013
GOOD READS ARE YOU READY SUMMER?
STAR POWER HARAMBEE GRAD CELEBRATES 10TH EBONY PEARL PAGENT
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF SWING PHI SWING SFI THE UJIMAA EDITION
FROM THE EDITOR As we embark on our trek to Greenville, SC, I am humbled at the scope of sisterhood and the act of kindness. Over the last few months, I have imersed myself in the “Law of Attraction” and how important it is to change your mindset. I see a true evolution growing in our sisterhood One of my biggest goals in this office is to empower sisters to grow digitally and to provide a voice for them to take back to their towns and chapters on the business of SWING. We have the power of the digital age to connect us across cities, counties, worldwide.
FEATURES
I truly hope that with the power that we have at our grasp, we can start
04 Swings Get Fit 16 Swing Bookclub
a bigger movement. Are you ready?
The Ebony Pearl is the official national magazine for
Editor In Chief
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®
Keisha J. Reed, Media Affairs/PR
We are always looking for content for the
23 Letter From the President
Send your LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org
following sections:
@swingphiswing
Chapter Spotlight Swing Mommies
CHAPTER FEATURES 04 DC Metro Grad
BackSwing Ujamaa Marketplace
Swings Get Fit!
08 Northeast Region
09 NewConn Grad 10 Harambee Grad 12 RUBU Grad 13 Nia MD Grad
NEW AD RATES FOR THE EBONY PEARL The Ebony Pearl has established ad rates for all future issues. If your chapter or business would like to advertise in our national newsletter and e-bulletins, please make a note of the following
14 NIara Atanipenda Grad
rates and specifications: * 5 line ad: $7
15 Charlotte Grad
* 1/4 page or banner: $9
LIFESTYLE 29 Swing Mommies . 06 Graduation Section
* 1/2 page: $22 * Whole Page: $40 Graphics must be at least 300 dpi or higher and in jpeg format. These ad rates are effective as of February 1, 2013. Additional Information
20 National Convention
For more information about working with The Ebony Pearl, press releases, media kits, brochures, e-newsletters, and marketing related issues,
please contact the National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer, Sis. Keisha J. Reed at mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org.
Distribution The Ebony Pearl is published quarterly and serves as the official news publication for Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®. All articles will be subject to editing and revision, which may alter the length of a submitted article. 2 • Designfreebies Magazine • www.designfreebies.org
Designfreebies Magazine • www.designfreebies.org • 3
IN THE COMMUNITY
This awesome experience was priceless.”
DC METRO GRAD DC Metro Supports “Project InSpa-ration” for Sheppard Cove Shelter for Women
On Sunday, May 19, 2013 the DC Metro Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. represented by Sisters Tena Hamilton, Sonseeahray Adams and her daughters; Kyeasa, Kalayah volunteered at an event that was held at Sheppard Cove Shelter for Women and Children in PG County. The event was called “Project InSpa-ration. This event was speared headed by two sisters, Ashley and Brittany Drakeford, who are friends of Kalayah’s from NC A&T State University. These two young ladies arranged this event, recruited volunteers and the service providers. This is the second year that they have done this event and also the second year that DC Metro has volunteered. Their mom, who is now deceased, use to volunteer at this shelter years ago; so they
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decided to continue her legacy by doing the same. Their mom was big on pampering, spas and Zen activities. That is how the idea of InSparation came about. So their idea was to pamper these ladies at the shelter with manicures, massages, facials, hair and makeup. DC Metro donated sandwiches, beverages and helped to entertain the children while their mothers had the opportunity to be pampered without the interruption of their children.
These ladies were excited and the children were happy, the aurora in the room was unbelievable. It was heartwarming to see what just being able to sit down for a few minutes without a baby hanging on your hip really meant to these young mothers. This event also gave the kids of the shelter an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, run around and just have fun. Sonseeahray’s daughters engaged the older girls with beading and helped them make bracelets. This awesome experience was priceless! Designfreebies Magazine • www.designfreebies.org • 5
PROMOTING HIGHER INTELLIGENCE Hampton University- Upenda Chapter
Adelphi University
Winnie Dortch- Fall ‘12 BA in Broadcast Journalism Jessica Douglas- Fall ‘11 M.S in Business Administration Roslyn White - Fall ‘11 M.S in Teaching Music
Cherrell Green Geelita Williams Lawna Telford Tyheisha Roach
North Carolina Central University Valerie Haywood B.S. in Social Work University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill M.S. in Social Work Lincoln University - Gendaga Bimbisha Tabu Spr’11 Jessica Jean B.S. Biology Yasmin Ismail B.A. English Liberal Arts Spr ‘12 Renita Harris - B.A. Mass Communications Fall ‘12 Tara Brown B.S. History B.S. Political Science Krystal Bostick B.S. Criminal Justice Tequila Jimenez B.S. Criminal Justice Rosemont College - Maraabe Chapter T’Aira Wright B.A. Art Therapy
North Carolina A&T State University Lorraine Brogsdale B.S. in Liberal Studies University of North Carolina at Greensboro Keeana Sutton-Locklear B.S. in Health & Human Performance Morgan State University Jasmine Couch B.A. in English Keina Hodge Masters in Business Administration Rider University Shadorah Howard
University of West Georgia Lola Adeseny-Nemly-B.S in ED. Special Education
2012-2013 SWING PHI SWING GRADUATES 2012-2013 6 • Designfreebies Magazine • www.designfreebies.org
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NORTH EAST REGION RISE TO THE OCCASION
NEW CONN GRAD
PARK CLEANUP
CLEANS UP
In June, the Northeast
than $500.00 and we hope to raise even
In June The Greater New York &
plans to continue to partner with New
Region held their annu-
more next year.
Connecticut Graduate Chapter (NewConn)
York Cares to fulfill the needs of the com-
al regional meeting in
BIG things are on the horizon for the
partnered up with New York Cares to
munities in New York City.
Manhattan, NY. This year’s
Northeast Region including intake, a
clean up a city garden and park. New York
theme was “Rise to the Occasion.” All
Casino Night Fundraiser for our Ebony
Cares was founded by a group of friends
sisters showed up ready to work for the
Pearl Scholarship, and much more com-
who wanted to take action against seri-
good of the organization and of the
munity service.
ous social issues that faced our city.
region. The Northeast region is working
The Northeast sisters are definitely rising
New York Cares is now the city’s largest
hard to reactivate and intake new sis-
to the occasion and pushing this region
volunteer organization, running volun-
ters. One focus has been to charter new
in the right direction.
teer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city
undergraduate chapters as we feel that
For any information on Northeast
agencies, and public schools. At Seward
younger sisters are the future of Swing.
events or Chapters contact Melissa @
Park, NewConn planted new trees and
In May, the Region participated in the
NEAdmin@swingphiswing.org
flowers, picked up litter and did some
LUPUS walk. We have several sisters in
landscaping, all done so that Seward Park
the region have been affected by this dis-
could once again become a place for the
ease. All together the region raised more
community to come and enjoy. NewConn
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SEWARD
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STAR
POWER
Harambee Graduate Chapter’s 10th Ebony Pearl Anniversary Gala.
LET IT SHINE!
B
In Celebration of the Harambee Graduate
Mark Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger Fashion shows; plays include;
Chapter’s tenth Ebony Pearl Mentoring and
Putnam County Spelling Bee, Avenue Q, Flying West and Our
Scholarship Program the ladies of the chap-
Town to name a few. Brandi currently teaches film and video at
ter planned and implemented and evening of
Fayetteville state University and through her direction the Ebony
elegance. This year’s gala was held on June 1, 2013 at the
Pearls were able to write their own script, be the sound man-
Rainbow Room, downtown, Fayetteville, NC. Six exquisite young
ager, direct and act in this small film. The film can be viewed
ladies were presented to
on the SHE Foundation, Inc.
a host of family, friends
website at www.shefounda-
and sisters of Swing Phi
tioninc.org. Sister Founder
Swing SFI. ®. The theme
Beverly Dorn-Steele was her
for our 2013 gala was
usual gracious self being our
“Star Power… Let it shine”
Mistress of Ceremony and the
and that is exactly what
Harambee Graduate Chapter
the girls did. The young
was
ladies had the opportunity
Founding Sisters and two
to create a small indepen-
past National Presidents in
dent film, “Slumber Party
attendance: Sisters: Founder
Shenanigans”, directed by
Beverly Dorn-Steele, Founder
Ms. Brandi Berry. Ms. Berry
Anita
received her BA in Theatre
Founder Lorraine Watkins;
from North Carolina State
Past
University in 1999; a BA
Toni S. King, Cumberland County District Court, who had an
sisterhood. In attendance were the Atlanta Graduate Chapter,
individual message specifically for each Pearl. Sister Evangelist
Central Carolina Graduate Chapter, Charlotte Graduate Chapter,
Qiana Ann’Gel Johnson favored us with the invocation and the
Raleigh Graduate Chapter and Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad
blessing. At the end of the program each Ebony Pearl gave an
Graduate Chapter. Also, our mighty brothers from the Raleigh
awesome acceptance speech and received awards and certifi-
Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove SFI were in the house!
cates for their efforts in the making the film and their service
Those chapters and sisters that showed their support by mak-
to the Fayetteville community. The Harambee Graduate Chapter
ing a financial contribution to our scholarship program were,
is extremely humbled by the outpour of support within the
Mid-South Graduate Chapter, DC Metro Graduate, Sister Kim
HIGHLIGHTS our National Treasurer, Sister Mary Ragland-Thomas, president
are proud of our former Ebony Pearls attending Fayetteville
of Raleigh Graduate Chapter, Sister Cheryl Phipps-Kornegay and
State University, Winston-Salem State University, Johnson and
Sister April Foxx of Mid-South Graduate Chapter for designing
Whales Culinary School, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City
a fabulous 10th anniversary program booklet cover. After ten
State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Campbell
years of continued support from the National Office of Swing
University and Sampson Technical Community College. Now
Phi Swing SFI®, chapters of Swing, the SHE Foundations, Inc.,
we have these awesome graduating seniors attending North
parents and community the Harambee Graduate Chapter has
Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina
presented scholarships totaling more than $16,000.00.
We
at Greensboro. We have added an additional $878.00 to our
Cheryl Phipps- Kornegay and
blessed
with
Chase-Watson National
three
and
Presidents;
scholarship efforts. Last, but not less to our mighty, mighty
Sisters collected and donated 3 large suitcases full of sheets,
in Mass Communications from Fayetteville State University in
Tanya McKoy-Sutton.
WOW! Our guest and Ebony Pearls
sisters of the Harambee Graduate Chapter under the dynamic
towels and toiletries. Women and families of domestic violence
2009; and in May 2013 completed an MFA in Film and Video
received words of wisdom by the keynote speaker, the Honorable
leadership of our chapter president, Aressa Burton, job well
will receive these items to begin a safe and healthy life away
from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Judge Toni S. King, Cumberland County District Court, who had an
done! The chapter and girls have also been involved with com-
from their abusers.
individual message specifically for each Pearl. Sister Evangelist
munity service. In addition to mentoring we have supported the
May God continue to bless our beloved organization!
Brandi has worked as a Theatrical Technician in New York, NY;
Qiana Ann’Gel Johnson favored us with the invocation and the
Second Harvest Food Bank where we have donated over 236 lbs.
Roanoke, VA and Greensboro, NC. She has traveled with the the-
blessing. At the end of the program each Ebony Pearl gave an
of non-perishable goods. Another service near and dear to our
atre and have been to 2/3 of the states in the US, Canada and
awesome acceptance speech and received awards and certifi-
hearts is the CARE Center for Domestic Violence. The Pearls and
China. Some of the plays and shows she has worked on include
cates for their efforts in the making the film and their service to
working with Janet Jackson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Donna Karan,
the Fayetteville community.
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RUKIYA BUSARA The Girls As Pearls (GAP), mentoring arm of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter, reached the end of another successful year of sisterhood, fellowship and community service events. This year marked our biggest effort in mentoring young ladies from the Winston-Salem community. Under the guidance of Sister Rose Stowe, the Mineral Springs Elementary School GAP group consisted of ten 5th grade young ladies. Under the guidance of Sister Ellen Carter, the mentoring group at Mineral Springs Middle School grew to 30 young ladies ranging from the 6th grade to the 8th grade. The mentoring group at Carl Russell Recreation Center, under the guidance of Sisters Phyllis Woodruff, Sherry Rogers and Taffany Coleman grew from 1 to 4 young ladies ranging in grades 9th to 12th. The year began with the “Ladies in the Making Symposium” in September and culminated with the year end celebration in May. Activities during the school year involved working in the kitchen and serving the meals at the Samaritan Inn Ministries in Winston-Salem, NC, hand-making and delivering pillows to the sick and shut in at local nursing homes and to the pediatric unit at the local hospital, contributing to the Mineral Spring’s food drive for the Northwest Food Bank, making Spring greeting cards for seniors at a local nursing home where one of our member’s grandmother works, and making and delivering paper tissue flower bouquets to the residents at the same nursing home. .
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GAP GIRLS END SUCCESSFUL YEAR This past May, the groups met at Salem College and together walked in the Susan G Komen “Race for the Cure” Breast Cancer Walk. This walk is an annual event and the young ladies not only enjoyed the walk and the fellowshipping but they were made aware the importance of breast care that will carry them into adulthood. Most of them have known or know someone who has been affected by this disease. Not only are the GAP Girls working hard outside of school, they are working hard in school. Twenty -nine of the thirty young ladies at Mineral Springs Middle School made the honor roll. At the school’s AWARDS DAY program, one of the young ladies, Tiffany Estrada, a rising 8th grader and 3rd year GAP GIRL, received a $20,000.00 scholarship to any college of her choice. All of the elementary young ladies did well academically throughout the school term. Six of them made the honor roll (two were straight “A” students). Also, all of girls at Mineral Springs received awards ranging from Academic Excellence to Most Improved. At least half of the middle school young ladies are also Crosby Scholars and were recognized for that accomplishment. The Year End Celebration was held at the Elva Jones Computer Center on the campus of Winston Salem State University. Each young lady received a strand of pearls, pearl earrings and a gift bag and was awarded a certificate of participation. The GAP girls from the Carl Russell Recreation Center shared a prayer that they wrote on their own. After the pearling ceremony the young ladies were treated to a feast of indescribable goodness. Needless to say Sisters Carter, Stowe, Woodruff, Rogers and Coleman, and the entire RuBu Chapter are very pleased with the growth seen every year with our PEARLS.
NIA MD GRAD The Nia Maryland Graduate chapter is elated to announce the recipient of our annual book scholarship! As we continue to hold our PHI in high esteem, our chapter opened a book scholarship fund in efforts to aid women of color who demonstrate outstanding academic dedication and community involvement. Congratulations to Mytaya Johnson of Bowie Maryland! Mytaya is a 4.0 graduate student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is currently working towards her masters in Human Services Administration. Along with her demanding academic endeavors, Mytaya finds time to give back to the community as a volunteer mentor with Young Lives youth empowerment program. When asked about those who influenced her success, she holds her mother in high regard for inspiring her academic decisions as a working single parent. As our chapter continues to flourish, we are exploring a variety of avenues for providing young women with monetary support in college. Upon
the beginning of the fall 2013 semester, the Nia chapter will extend the book scholarship fund to two college women. Unlike prior years, the scholarship will be made available through the financial aid office annually. This book scholarship serves as a means to support non-sisters in need of growth as they pursue a degree that will equip them to contribute to their communities and thus extend our mission. Along with our book scholarship, the Nia MD Graduate Chapter will begin our calendar of community service events starting with our quarterly adopt a road. Extending to the community and contributing to a green initiative, our chapter will partner with Share Foods DC Region and The Samaritan Women of the Baltimore metropolitan area. The sisters of the Nia Maryland Graduate Chapter are so proud to find new partners to help our organization’s strides towards building and invigorating our communities locally and abroad.
Mytaya Johnson of University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
SHAREFOOD DC, Samaritian Woman, and Adopt-a-Road are just a few of Nia MD Grad’s community service iniatives”
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RALEIGH GRAD
A year in review for Raleigh Graduate Chapter
LET IT SHINE!
B
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter had a great year of activities and events!!! The most significant were the 2013 College Tour, Young Women’s Empowerment and The Ebony Pearl Scholarship Pageant. All three events took the dedication and perseverance of sisters on three separate committees chaired by Tracie Howell, Donna Pinder and Edwina Jordan. In April 2013 under the leadership of Sister Tracie Howell, the Annual College Tour took seventeen students to Saint Augustine’s University, North Carolina Central University, Elizabeth City University and Norfolk State University. The students enjoy this annual trip and always return asking “Where are we going next year”? Students were given the opportunity to enjoy meals and activities on the campuses’ that they visited; they were required to take notes and had a fun verbal test on each school while traveling. One of the great advantages of the trip this year was that three of the four schools visited had Swing Phi Swing present on that campus. Last year Sister Audrey Elliot toured with us and this year sister Lorraine Brogsdale toured with us and we want to thank these sisters as well as sisters at 14 • Designfreebies Magazine • www.designfreebies.org
NIARA ATANIPENDA GRAD Norfolk and Elizabeth City for taking the time to come out and greet us. year was that three of the four schools visited had Swing Phi Swing present on that campus. Last year Sister Audrey Elliot toured with us and this year sister Lorraine Brogsdale toured with us and we want to thank these sisters as well as sisters at Norfolk and Elizabeth City for taking the time to come out and greet us. In May 2013 the chapter hosted its third Annual Young Women’s Empowerment, chaired by Sister Donna Pinder. This phenomenal event bought sisters out from the chapter in record numbers as well as sisters from Harambee and Rubu Graduate Chapters. Our chapter wants to thank Sister Qiana Ann’Gel Johnson for being our guest speaker this year and blessing our youth with a powerful presentation. The young ladies were given lunch, workshops, entertainment, music and over 300 new books to choose from. This is an event that the Raleigh Graduate Chapter has seen grow more and more each year and hopes that more chapters will bring their mentor programs out for it in the future.
CHAPTER Niara Atanipenda is one of the newest chapters in Swing. We were established in May of 2012 our Charter members are Sis Tamika Reynolds, Sis Journia Jones, Sis Sheila Sheridan, Sis Danielle Rogers, and Sis Audrey Elliott. We have grown and did so much within this last year. We began our year with pledging two dynamic young ladies by the name of LaQuanda “Quan” McGeachy and Joy We opened up the New Year by once again partnering with the YWCA in a program called C.H.O.I.C.E.S. This program brought in Ms. Kathy Creech from Novant Health, she spoke on the women’s anatomy and how it works, contraceptives and their many different types, and most importantly how to prevent unwanted and teen pregnancy and STD’s. This program was not only helpful to the teens present but also to the “Swings” present. Many Sisters present spoke on how we have not heard many of As you have read and seen this has been a busy year for our chapter. We hope to do even more this year. Things to come that we are most excited about, the start of our tutoring program in August and also our new radio blog which is sure to please with plenty of juicy topics sure to educated and entertain. Stay tuned we would love the help and participation of ALL of our sisters. Feel free to
Ledbetter. Then we followed up with partnering with the YWCA’s Adolescent Parenting Program. This program mentors young women through not only being new Mother’s but how to maneuver through life being a teen Mom. These mentoring sessions ended with Holiday caroling and a gift give away for Christmas.
things since sex education, so we all needed the reminder. But no wait we are not done just yet we also partnered with the undergraduates of the University of Greensboro At North Carolina Andile Engara for their Natural Hair Expo, where we were taught about Natural hair how to style it and take care of it. our own Sis. Tamika Reynolds was even asked back to lend her talents in styling natural hair! reach out as we are on Facebook as Niara Atanipenda Graduate Chapter and on Twitter as @Niatagradswings like our page and follow us. Please come visit our new website http://niatagrad.weebly.com. And as we say in our chapter remember that your Sisterhood comes through your Service!
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SUMMER READS A LITTLE BIT OF THIS... Remembering Slavery” the book is definently an eye opener..it has real life interviews of individuals born into slavery telling their stories and sharing memories. This book has alot of wisdom and knowledge in it about our people. It helps you to appreciate the little things, make you realize that we have come this far by faith and the God we serve has never left or forsaken us!- Nefertit Briddle
I’m currently reading ‘Sula’ by Toni Morrison because “The Bluest Eye” is one of my favorite books I committed myself to reading more of her work. I feel like Toni Morrison captures both the struggle and triumph of coming of age in the black community and black womanhood in her writing so Sula was next on my list.- Barbara Cook
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. After Ms. Lacks received an honorary degree from Morgan at my graduation in 2011, I was intrigued to find out more about her story rather than what the news or Johns Hopkins was saying. It gave a personal account, from interviews with family members, on her story and what was actually done with her cells. It also further explained provisions that we have today like informed consent, HIPPA etc. Great great read!- Desiree Isreal
The Secret of Letting Go” by Guy Finley.....Wow!! This book has just moved to #1 in my LIBRARY!! Letting go of a thing is actually POWERFUL not PAINFUL! This book details this in a way that is related to our thoughts, feelings and learned behavior! Its MAIN focus is SELF! The tools offered in this book makes a seemingly difficult TRANSITION................ SWEET!! Each chapter has a section with focus points, quotes or something to tie that chapter to REAL LIFE ISSUES!!- Tonya Blake-Moody
SWING MOMMIES By Desiree Isreal
THE TRAVEL EDITION..
I dread being that parent with the irritable baby on the plane that just won’t shut it. In July 2012, when our son was 6 months old, we ventured on our first plane ride to Atlanta from Baltimore. I won’t tell you that I wasn’t nervous. I WAS! Actually, I was petrified! I knew that I wanted to be a traveling family but it was happening so soon. So far we had only tackled the 6 hour drive to Rochester and have managed to bring that down to 5.5 hours. Questions had been circling my head for days: Will he be scared? Will his ears pop? Will he enjoy the ride? Will we forget something? Will TSA damage our stroller? Our car seat? My mother booked the ticket and, in an effort to save money, I told her not to purchase a seat for him; he’ll be attached to one of us with either a harness or my Moby Wrap. So in preparation for our journey I researched up and down, asking friends and coworkers, browsing websites on what’s the best and most efficient way to travel with a 6 month old. Here are 5 tips I found to be helpful: 1. Arrive EARLY!: You know that 2 hour window that you get to arrive to the airport? USE IT!!! This tip out of the others will probably be your mantra on flying with your child. Arriving early with any child at the airport gives you the ability to take your time when you’re actually AT the airport. Check in the night before and get to the airport to get through security check points with no hassle or making a [late] mad dash to your gate. Trust me, I’ve been that person (the other passengers clapped for me when I got on the plane, talk about embarrassed). 2. Pack only what you need (for baby) in your carry on: Luckily Rasheed didn’t need much (milk and one or two toys) but if you have older children bring their favorite book or play their favorite movie on a tablet, DVD player or laptop. TSA has recently changed the restrictions for carrying on formula, juice and breastmilk. They even have great videos on their website which I found extremely helpful. (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/ airtravel/child) 3. Nurse, feed or let your baby suck on something during take off and landing: This useful tip will help alleviate ear popping due to pressure changes. Simple right?! 4. Dress light: I have my personal travel routine down packed. You, spouse and baby should all wear light clothing that is either easy to take off or that you don’t have to remove. TSA also changed the restriction that children under 12 don’t have to remove their shoes so this is a plus 5. Be stroller smart: Dealing with lost or damaged luggage is my biggest worry, especially since I’ve never dealt with either. When I asked a few friends and searched some blogs the decision to check your stroller at the gate or desk is totally up to you. But I saw more positive posts and comments on checking your stroller at the gate (prior to boarding) than at the desk (where you check-in for your flight). These tips definitely helped my family and I, and with #2 on the way, I’m sure to use them again. Happy and Safe travels Sisters! Please check out my blog, quarterlifemama.com, at your leisure. OLA!
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CHARLOTTE GRAD
TREASURER, LAVERNE WILSON
PARTNERSHIPS AND GROWTH Charlotte Graduate Chapter is currently partnering with “To Serve With Love”, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help battle the fight against homelessness and to help return hope to those in need through empowerment, support and training programs designed to lift, inspire and strengthen. Charlotte Grad is assisting “To Serve with Love” staff:
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REMARKS FROM PAST NATIONAL
Obtaining two homes for homeless families,with assistance from Charlotte Housing Authority - Donated Christmas items for one family (Mother & two daughters) - Donating Back to School supplies for families - Conducting Coat & Blanket Drive more each year and hopes that more chapters will bring their mentor programs out for it in the future.
“From the heart and soul of the Past-National Treasurer.” As I exit from this position, I like to express the over-whelming love (OLA) I have encountered over the last decade preforming the duties as National Treasurer. I finally get to do my own editorial for the Ebony Pearl. Here it goes…. This position has given me the opportunity to achieve this organization fiscal and financial goals. It has awarded me the privileges to get to know the many faces of SWING and its membership. As I look back from the beginning, when I was approached by sister and then President, Tanya McKoy, who saw something in me that I had not seen in myself, gives me a great sense of self-esteem and self-pride. I want to personally express my appreciation to her for allowing me to develop my personal and professional growth, both in my everyday life and in the life of SWING. I also want to take this opportunity to articulate on my achievements over the past twelve years. Here are a few highlights: • In just year one I established a Staples and a FedEx account. • In my second year, I established a line of credit for SWING PHI SWING using MY personal information. After 2 years of SWING PHI SWING established credit history, later updated to the SWING’s federal identification number. • In year three, I opened up the PayPal account as another tool to receiving funds. • In the fourth year, I implemented and proposed the Lifetime Membership Criteria; approved by the Board of Directors that 50% of the Lifetime Membership fees go into a Capital Fund account to ensure the continued financial growth of the organization. • In my sixth year, I created a “Merchant” account and obtained a Purchase of Sale (POS) machine to receive credit/debit card payments during on-site activities. • In my seventh year, I created a PowerPoint presentation of the National Treasurer’s Duties and Responsibilities and disseminated to all Chapter Treasurers. • In the eighth year, I re-introduced the likelihood of the Chapter’s Tax Assessment • By the ninth year of my tenure I was able to secure over $12,000 in the Capital Fund account from the Lifetime Membership fees. • During my last term, I was able to secure and additional $28,000, increasing the Capital Fund account to $40,000.
Special to Ebony Pearl
• In the final days of my term, I design and implemented the organization’s first “SWING PHI SWING S.F.I. Internal Audit Checklist and submitted the requested documents to perform an internal audit. I communicate all of these accomplishments to the membership, to demonstrate my overall effectiveness and continued efficiency of this position. I must say, that I would not have been able to accomplish these goals without the continued support of the Executive Officers and the Finance Committee. Initiates, such as the SWING Explosion, electronic mailings, free conferencing, lifetime memberships fees, and curtail spending; SWING was able to afford to secure these funds. I am so proud that during my administration and under my “watch” I can walk away, knowing that I was able to achieve my professional mission of this organization. My vision for SWING is to have something tangible, like real property, separate and apart from the “Operating Account”. I encourage the Board of Directors to allow the Capital Fund account to be renamed the “Building Fund” account. Hopefully, within the next five years, SWING will be able to purchase a building. I plan to introduce my concept to the Finance Committee and to hopefully make a proposal to the Board of Directors. Finally, after twelve years of devotion, dedication, commitment and all of my tireless efforts, I am so astonished to have worked with two great leaders. I would also like to give a special “shout out” and kudus to the Finance Committee who supported my leadership during my tenure. In conclusion, I will continue to uphold the banner and to work with the newly-elected Treasurer and the Finance Committee to heighten SWING PHI SWING’s financial success. Again, it has been my pleasure to serve in the capacity as National Treasurer. Yours in Sisterhood, La Verne Wilson
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2013 NATIONAL CONVENTION ITINERARY Wednesday, July 24 Registration................................................................8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Vendor & Exhibits.......................................................8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Meet & Greet - Happy Hour.........................................4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Chiefs Firewater & Wings, 723 Congaree Rd., Greenville, SC Hospitality…........................................ .................... 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM Thursday, July 25 Registration.............................................................. 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Vendors & Exhibits....................................................8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Workshops............................................................. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Youth Summit......................................................... .12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Candidate Forum..................................................... .5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Election Polls Open................................................... 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Opening Ceremony ................................................. 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Hospitality...............................................................12:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday, July 26 Registration.............................................................. 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Vendors & Exhibits................................................... 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Election Polls Open................................................... 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM National Meeting...................................................... 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Luncheon.................................................................. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Sister Circle............................................................... 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Lifetime Member Cocktail Reception......................... 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Black & White All Day Party....................................... 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Joint event with Swing Phi Swing & South-Atlantic Region of Groove Phi Groove
GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA Back to Business: Cherishing our Legacy, Stepping towards our Future. National Workshops Thursday July 25
Swings Get Fit Saturday, July 27 Tech-Savvy Swing Registration............................................................... 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Your Meeting Manners Vendors & Exhibits.................................................... 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Role of the Chapter Treasurer Prayer Breakfast ....................................................10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Groove Founders’ Golf Tournament............................ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Groove Undergraduate Leadership Training............. 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Cookout / Seafood Festival & Step Show.................. 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Chic and Sexy Party…............................................. 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday, July 28 Vendor Close-Outs OLA’s & Farewell
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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK WELCOME TO GREENVILLE!
Ola Sisters: Welcome to Greenville! History indicates sister’s show up to our National Convention in droves. I am extremely excited to share our time together during this week’s festivities. Greenville is the sixth largest municipality in the state of South Carolina and has the third largest urban area in the state. Why is this relevant? Well, because Swing continues to grow and thrive in urban centers across the country! As we plant the seeds of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. in the urban core of the United States, it is my hope that we will continue to water those seeds with dedication and nurture them with love. This year we hope to give reverence to our legacy and take things back to the basics of business. Hence the conference theme, Back to Business: Cherishing our legacy, stepping towards our future. This year’s agenda focuses on how we can respect the history of Swing and all of those
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who have lead the organization, yet welcome new leadership and opportunities to consciously move Swing forward. To all of my sisters, I would like to thank you for your continuous support of our beloved sisterhood through your participation in community services activities, paying your local and national dues, and by attending our National meetings. The emphasis of our organization is sisterhood and service. As we internalize and understand the fundamental principles that govern our organization, we must cultivate our sisterhood through unity, personal and professional development, and excellent organizational management. This takes all sisters, together, to see this endeavor manifest. We must fully recognize that our political, economic, and technological environments are constantly changing, and thus sister leaders need to be able to adapt quickly and accurately to the new conditions, if our organization is to survive--let alone prosper. Swing has a rich earthed history and I truly believe that Swing has a blossoming future. Our focus should
remain steadfast as we cherish our legacy and step towards our future. We have the vision, talent, and the wherewithal necessary to anticipate and react to our ever-changing environment. So, let’s do it . . . but let’s do it together, with one voice and one united front! Together we can reinforce our support and devotion to service and the community, as a business, as mentors, and as a sisterhood.
One voice and one united front!”
Yours in Sisterhood,
Dr. Leone Lettsome National President Swing Phi Swing Fellowship, Inc.®
Social
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