IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURES 6 Welcome the Newest Additions to Swingland 8
Chapter Spotlight: Imani Kuumba
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Homegrown: Black Farming in the Digital Age
REGIONAL NEWS 12
Celebrating 45 Years of SISTERHOOD in the Southeast Region
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Keeping the Dream Alive in New Jersey- Garden State Graduate Chapter
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The Ebony Pearl is the official national magazine for Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.速 Ebony Pearl Magazine
Spring/Summer 2014
Ebony Pearl
Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
EDITOR IN -CHIEF Keisha J. Reed CONTRIBUTORS Sister Contributions GRAPHIC ARTIST Noel Webster
As the years go by, I am always in awe of the accomplishments that our Sisterhood continues to make everyday. From serving COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR on local and national committees to waving the Swing Phi banLindafaye Newton ner in their daily travels, I am proud to be a member of our FOUNDERS dynamic sisterhood. I only have one question for you... how can Jeanette Butler you support others to do the same? Anita Chase (Watson) Beverly Dorn (Steele) We all know that “Once a SWING, always a SWING”! So I have Finesa Dunovant (Walker) one request: Reach back and grab a sister you know is waiting to Jane Harris make a change. She may have been out of the fold for a bit, but Rosalind Marshall trust me...SHE IS WAITING FOR YOU! You never know what Marilyn Reid great things we can accomplish together. Patricia Story Ellen Tomlinson (Carter) Brenda Travers (Satterfield) As always, OLA! Lorraine Watkins (Phillips) Talma Woods
KEISHA J. REED
Keisha J. Reed Editor- In- Chief
ON THE COVER: Imani Kuumba Graduate Chapter and Myeasha Taylor
PRESIDENT Leone Lettsome Ph.D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS Melonee Gaines-Griggs
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
OLA Sisters, Thank you for your continued support and active membership. Your dedication will allow us to provide our communities with strong and effective representation. In these fast changing times, we are always striving to overcome the challenges that face us while still promoting activism through a network of likeminded women, committed to grassroots service. There is much work to do and a few goals we have yet to achieve. This year we will move towards merit based awards, we will reactivate several undergraduate chapters, and we may even bring some alumni chapters on board. If you are interested in any position on a National level, I would suggest you contact any Sister Officer and begin to be mentored for the respective position. As you know next year is an election year and Sisters should be aware of the duties and responsibilities of each of the positions available. Remember, Volunteerism and Swing go hand and hand.
We are more than what the media tells us, what stores sell us, or what our campus remembers of us. You are more than just a number; you are a lady of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc.
We had a festive time at the 2014 National Convention and we have already started planning for our convention in Detroit. This year’s theme focused on embracing our sisterhood; mind, body, and spirit. I know at times this is easier said than done. However, when it is actualized it is a beautiful OLA thing. You are more than you realize. You are strong, beautiful, and meaningful. You deserve As a member of our organization, we should al- hope, healing, happiness, peace, and a Sisterhood ways be focused on the mission of Swing, which which is reflective of such. carries over to our personal lives, and is manifested through what we individually give back to I am pleased to let you know that you are part of the community through service. We should all re- a growing and dynamic women’s organization. member that no matter how long you have been Once again thank you for joining us, for your cona member of this organization, professional and tinued support, and we look forward to providing personal development is an important key to the you with positive experiences to further cultivate evolution of self and of our collective sisterhood. our Sisterhood. Life hands us so many different kinds of experi- In Sisterhood, ences and it’s easy, even natural, to turn those experiences inwards or project them onto our sisters. We should each feel like there are Sisters we can turn to in our time of need. Sisters who can Leone Lettsome, Ph..D remind us that there must be balance between National President our worst and our best.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIRWOMAN
Ola Sisters, I am happy to say that the 2014 National Convention in Atlantic City was SUCCESSFUL! The theme “Mind, Body and Soul” was absolutely perfect and much was offered and accomplished that, indeed, addressed our mind, our bodies and our souls. The spa, the luncheons, the prayer breakfast, the workshops, the meetings and OMG the Youth Summit. YES!! It was all food for the Swing soul and on time for our beloved organization. It was all a much needed lift for SWING. I want to thank all officers and members that had a hand in making it what it was . . . in my opinion the very best convention that we have had in a very long time.
We are all indeed excited about Detroit! I feel it in the air and social media, BUT as far as I am concerned, Atlantic City is not over yet. It will not be over until we, as members are educated on, and acting positively on, the many changes and developments presented in Atlantic City. If we don’t, it would be like moving on to AlIf you missed the convention, you may need to gebra 3 when we haven’t mastered Algebra 1. catch up sisters. You may want to check with your chapter representative from the convention and Sisters, much more is coming that we are ceralso visit the Sisters Only portal to access and tain you will be excited about. So hold on to read all about the many positive changes with- your SWING hats and keep up with our bein the organization as a result of this extremely loved organization. SWING needs each and well put together convention. There were new every one of you as informed, educated and amendments ratified, thorough annual reports trained members. Please visit the Sisters Only from the Board of Directors, Executive Officers portal on the website from time to time to and the SHE Foundation. You will want to re- keep up with the many changes within SWING. view and familiarize yourself and your chapters with nationally approved, updated and newly Finally, I ask that each of you search for a sisdeveloped changes. These changes are essential ter at-large and bring her back into the fold. to the progression and sustainability of SWING. Inform her of the good news regarding SWING!! What I am saying sisters is that, yes we had a great time at the convention, and much information was disseminated, but it isn’t over. It does not stop there! We now have to become familiar with this information and act on it. We need to know how the ratified amendments affect us as members and chapters.
I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and obvious love and excitement for SWING! In Sisterhood,
Cheryl Kornegay Chairwoman, Board of Directors Ebony Pearl Magazine
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our Newest Additions
to SWINGland
Tri-State Graduate Chapter
Nakawa Warriors Undergraduate Chapter- Eastern Michigan University & Detroit Graduate Chapters
Queen Mathematics Chanel J. Clark
Muntu Undergraduate Chapter - Shaw University Aynell M. Jackson Whitney A. Hairston
Gendaga Bimbisha Tabu Undergraduate Chapter Lincoln University Courtney Moss LeslieAnn Bain Shanelle R. Sotilleo Clair Vilain Lela Morris
Bianca Mason Brittney Edwards Candace Nash Brianna Nichols
Subira Chemwuapu Undergraduate Chapter Johnson & Wales University Ajanay Imani Squire JhanĂŠ Thomas Naomi Russell
Raleigh Graduate Chapter
Dada Rafiki Tri-County Graduate Chapter
Erica P. Warren Sheilalisa Callwood Freida Weston
Renetta Harris Tahlar McIntosh
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HOUSEKEEPING Submission Guidelines Photos:
When submitting any photos or graphics, please submit them separately from the original document and in PNG or JPEG format. When possible, submit photos in the highest quality available.
Articles:
Those interested in writing articles for The Ebony Pearl are encouraged to submit articles to the Ebony Pearl staff at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org. You may also request guidelines and instructions.
Features:
We are always looking for content for the following sections: Chapter Spotlight, Swing Mommies, BackSwing, Ujamaa Marketplace, Swings Get Fit!
Deadlines: Fall issue: October 12th Winter issue: January 12th Spring issue: March 12th Summer issue: June 12th
Distribution The Ebony Pearl is published quarterly and is available in print, and electronically via the National Website.
Additional Information
We are always looking for talented sisters to assist in making each issue a success! If there is something that you would like to see in the next issue or have a story that you would like featured, please e-mail the Ebony Pearl staff at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org.
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CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating Sisterhood
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mani Kuumba Graduate Chapter kicked off the Sierra House is a women’s transitional program that 2014-2015 year by awarding three Karen L. Wall houses at-risk young adult women between the Scholarship awards in the amount of $1,000 each. ages of 18-25 years old.
• Tasneem Nathari will attend The New School for Drama, Fine Arts, New York, New York
The afternoon was fun-filled with trivia, poetry, praise dancing, games and most importantly an empowerment session.
• Schania Ocean Anderson will attend Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey During the empowerment session, one young woman shared how she became a resident at Sierra • Sabreen Mateen will attend Rutgers University, House. She spoke on how she matured as an indiNew Brunswick, New Jersey vidual and achieved her educational goals in the program. The empowerment session of the workThe three young ladies were presented with the Karen L. Wall Scholarship award at their respective shop was led by Sis. Zadiah Ballard. high schools during an awards ceremony.
Zadiah did an awesome job working with the young ladies reflecting on setting and developing a plan for short and long term goals. The Sierra House staff and residents were elated to have SWING participating with them on this day of service. The afternoon ended with heart-felt embracing and well wishes. Oh and who can forget the residents and the sisters getting their dance on with the Soul Train line. Toot toot! The Sisters of Imani Kuumba would also like to congratulate David Jones, the son of Sister Jennifer Jones. David graduated from Teaneck High School. The Chapter awarded him a $1,000 scholarship. On January 20, 2014, the Sisters of Imani Kuumba celebrated the Martin Luther King Day of Service with the Women of Sierra House.
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Isaiah House
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hrough residential programs, the Isaiah House provides housing to once homeless families as they transition to permanent homes and better lives. The House is proud to say that more than 60 percent of the families whom they serve have successfully relocated to permanent housing. On March 22, 2014, the Sisters of Imani Kuumba visited Isaiah House and met with several of the residents. They engaged in activities and dialogue with the residents in honor of Women’s History Month. Sisters and residents played a game of charades, which helped expose the residents to a variety of legendary African American women, both past and present.
The Sisters also engaged in conversation with the residents regarding the true meaning of “Womanhood.” The dialogue became emotionally charged as the residents shared their personal struggles and circumstances as to how they became homeless, and how they came to live at Isaiah House. Chapter sisters, in turn, shared stories of their journeys detailing similar struggles and challenges and how they overcame them. With each story, every woman in attendance was empowered. The room was filled with the spirit of empowerment as the residents were reminded that their current situation is not, by any means, who they are. It is just where they are for the moment. The Sisters of Imani Kuumba were proud to share life stories with the residents of Isaiah House. They also shared the HerStory of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® The Sisters ended the day touring the facility and made strides to establish future projects with the residents. By Sis. Charlene Robinson
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Homegrown: Black Farming By Sis. Keisha J. Reed
A look into a sister’s experience away from home learning how to take over the world-- one seed at a time.
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hen Sis. Myeasha Taylor decided to take on farming after graduation from Morgan State University with a degree in Anthropology and Sociology in 2012, she had no idea what big changes it would bring in her life. Triggered by the death of her grandmother from malnutrition, her selection of and quality of the food choices at college, she decided to take things in her own hands. After deciding to take a stand against the stigma of poor health in the AfricanAmerican community, Myesha paired with a friend who taught her all about nutrition & health, and helped start the first community garden at Morgan State. That’s when she caught the farming bug. She spent time working at the Real Food Farm in Baltimore, Maryland. Real Food Farm is Civic Works’ innovative urban agricultural enterprise engaged in growing fresh produce on eight acres in northeast Baltimore. Their mission is to: • work toward a just and sustainable food system by improving neighborhood access to healthy food, • providing experience-based education,
“I couldn’t understand why as an HBCU, the food choices were so poor.” said Taylor. “No whole foods, fresh foods were limited, and fried foods were the staple. You had to pay extra for the good food.”
SPECIAL TO THE EBONY PEARL
• and developing an economically viable, environmentally responsible local agriculture sector.
Myeasha spent two years in Americorps with Baltimore City Public Schools as an after school teacher facilitating programs about gardening. She also spent 6 months in the District of Columbia providing education on nutrition and food justice at local high schools in the city. As an after-school educator, she worked primarily with adults with special needs, and cultivated lesson she plans around the farming space.
She leaves these words of advice and encouragement for anyone who wants to start gardening. “You don’t need a lot of land to garden or farm. You can start in a jar, a boot, anywhere! You just need sun, soil and love. If you are looking to start, look in your city for community gardens or local workshops. See what’s in your area.” If you want to help start a garden or have more questions, feel free to reach out to Myeasha on Instagram at @yourproducepusher or her blog with CEFS at http://cefsapprenticeblog.wordpress.com/
“I find working with this population is so rewarding. Usually they are the ones that people forget about. I want to change that.” Currently, Myeasha is in a 9-month program as a Small Farm Unit apprentice at The Center for Environmental Farming Systems near Goldsboro, N.C. Established by North Carolina State University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1994, the center develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that: conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. While working at the Real Food Farm, she was referred to the program by fellow colleagues who had attended the program. Myeasha spends about 30 hours a week in educational workshops while she learns farming basics and gardening, while the rest of the week is spent doing research and helping out at the local library garden. However, it’s not all fun and games in her strides to become a farmer, she has to make tough decisions and ultimately will need to raise capital to start her own venture, but she continues to make strides towards her dream.
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IN THE REGIONS
Southeast Region Celebrates 45 Years of Sisterhood and Service By Sis. Lillian Byrd
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he Southeast region held its regional meeting during the weekend of the founding of Swing Phi
Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® During the weekend, sisters gathered in the Mother Region to celebrate, fellowship and serve. The theme “Taking Care of Our Sisterhood” encapsulated the national theme of “Embracing Sisterhood: Body, Mind, and Spirit.” Celebrating 45 years of Sisters With Interest Never Gone, Promoting Higher Intelligence, and Supporting Women In Need of Growth Sister Founders, Anita ChaseWatson, Beverly Dorn-Steele, and Ellen Tomlinson Carter added to the strong sense of legacy and pride during the weekend. Regional Director Anita Horton along with the Regional Planning Committee led the region as they enjoyed a weekend of service and fellowship in true Swing Style!
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IN THE REGIONS
Of Founders and Ladybugs By Sis. Rose Edwards
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n Saturday, April 6, 2014, the Sisters in attendance at the Southeast Regional Weekend continued the celebration of the 45th Founder’s Day of Swing Phi Swing, Social Fellowship Incorporated’s birth with two of our Founding Sisters (Sister Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele and Sister Founder Ellen Tomlinson Carter). We were very inspired by their recollection of “HerStory,” a priceless sharing of our Sisterhood’s origins. Our Southeast Regional Director, Sister Anita Horton did an outstanding job with our Regional Meeting and putting together various planned events including a 45th Founder’s Day Celebration, beautiful gifts for our Founders, and a Sisterhood walk on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. We definitely represented a well deserved Founder’s Day with exactly twelve Sisters at the campus bell tower (as seen in the photo above). It was truly a celebration to remember...especially when a ladybug landed on my shoulder, and then went to the shoulder of my Sister TaJuana Jones (Atlanta Graduate Chapter). How fitting was that? O-O-O-OLA!
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CHAPTER UPDATES
Keeping the Dream Alive in New Jersey
Garden State Graduate Chapter also hosted a Gospel Brunch entitled “Hats off to You” for Mother’s Day. This brunch was held in honor of our beloved sister Sharon D. Coleman. A lively event filed with an afternoon of praise dance, powerful poetry and a dynamic guest speaker: Dr. Willa Cofield!
By Sis. Deborah Hunter
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he Garden State Graduate chapter worked hard in the 2013-2014 year to make a true impact on the community they serve. They pride themselves on being a primary link in the chain of Sisterhood. Their mission is to align their goals with the
goals of the National Office and to provide support to families in need. In addition, they understand the importance of collaboration with other chapters and organizations sharing the same goals. The ongoing goal is to promote unity and sisterhood amongst neighboring chapters. It is extremely important to collaborate on initiatives, stay connected, and keep the lines of communication open. They strive to accomplish at least one goal per month, and support the organization in all regional and national events on the horizon. Some of their major accomplishments for this last year included an East Orange Citywide Picnic, Walk Against Domestic Violence and providing service baskets to communities in need during the holidays.
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In February, their Black History Program at the New Vista Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Facility in Newark, New Jersey was a true success! The scene was set with a creative Civil Rights environment with presentation supplementing the program. They were humbled to welcome several guests of honor. Participants joyfully and sometimes tearfully remembered the time in history before segregation. They also shared stories of overt racism and struggles experienced during their lifetime. There was a sense of accomplishment after a lengthy discussion. The event was recorded and a copy of the recording was given to participants. The next step for this chapter is to create a forum which would include a younger audience. Sharing an occasion such as this with the youth will help them learn their history and therefore not repeat it.
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Do You Tweet?: Twitter 101 By Sis. Keisha J. Reed
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s we enter a new era, there are certain things that we bring along with us. That’s right, Social Media! Long gone are the days when sending e-mail was a primary form of communication, and when we SPOKE IN ALL CAPS LIKE THIS! In this last decade, we have learned that there are other search engines beyond AOL Search or Ask Jeeves and that being able to be connected to others via your cell phone is not such a crazy idea.
Twitter is that it is free. In 140 characters, your organization can spread its mission to millions of people. All in the business world can benefit from the use of twitter: marketers, fund raisers, even consultants can reap the benefits of Twitter. I have connected with so many people around the WORLD that I never would have been able to connect without the help of this site. How? I’m glad you asked. • Tweet Chats: Using popular hash tags (i.e. #YNPN or #GenYChat), I can connect to others around a set time that the moderator has created by just following that hashtag. To make it easier on my eyes and to keep up with the flow of conversation, I use Tweet Chat. It’s a website designed to display all users and their tweets based on the hash tag they place in their tweet. • Birds of a feather flock together: I knew that I wanted to follow like-minded individuals who held the similar interests. I found out if I followed one individual who tweeted on a interesting topic or I found through a chat, they usually would mention (@) someone who held similar interests as me.
Twitter is just one of the latest social media tools to hit the web and go into places no one would have ever imagined. At first glance, this site may seem a little difficult at first, but once you get the basics down, it’s about as easy as learning how to ride a bike (for the second time). It’s a micro blogging, mobile social network- Have questions about how to get started ing site that if used correctly can market and on Twitter? Feel free to shoot me an econnect an organization to hundreds of thou- mail at keisha.reed@me.com sands of people. One of the biggest upsides to
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Mmo
Save The Date!
Marriot at the Renaissance Center 400 Renaissance Drive Detroit, MI 48243 July 22nd to July 26th 2015 More information to come in the next Ebony Pearl