Swing Phi Swing joins the 50 Million Pound Challenge…...Page 5
Swing Phi Swing suppo rts Y éle Haiti. See how you can help out the p e o p l e o f Haiti…...Page 8
The Ebony THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF SWING PHI SWING SFI
pearl
Looking forward into 2010 with the National President & National Board Chair…...Page 2
Winter 2010
“A Different World” for HBCU’s: A Swing perspective on the state of HBCU’s
How to be fab & fit at 40 Swing has turned 40 and wants to be around for years to come, so we need you! Swing Phi Swing has committed to being a healthier, stronger, and fitter organization. So we are challenging our membership to be the best they can be for 2010 by joining the 50 Million Pound Challenge. See page 5 for contest rules and incentives to join the biggest challenge of them all.
Before there was Dr. Ian, there was our very own Rovenia Brock, better known as Dr. Ro. She was the host of Heart & Soul, the first national health and fitness television show for African American women which aired on BET.
In
By Melonee D. Griggs neers like Booker T. Washington, Mordecai Johnson, Anna Julia Cooper, and Mary McLeod Bethune have been shadowed by contemporary issues of fiscal mismanagement by administration, declining enrollment of promising students, and lackluster support of Black alumni.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan created the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in an effort to strengthen the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Since that time, nearly 20 HBCU’s have closed their doors, leaving Black students to wonder where they will receive an education that reflects their heritage. The legacy of such Black education pio-
Letter from the President…………………………….. ……..….2 Announcements from National Officers………...……..……….3 The Editor’s Desk……………………………..……….…………4 National News……………………………………….…..….…….5
Swing Phi Swing recently celebrated 40 years in April 2009 and it was a time of reflection for many founders and Sisters who embraced the idea of an afro centric Sisterhood while seeking an education at many prominent HBCU’s. An HBCU education was one of pride and promise to many generation of African Americans – in this nation’s volatile racial history, Blacks were excluded from predominately White institutions and still struggled to receive a quality education even with the passing of Brown vs. The Board of Education of 1954 that disallowed the segrega(Continued on page 7)
Chapter News…………………………..…………….…….……..9 Faith and Spirit……….………………….…...…………………15 Swing Mommies…….……………….……….…...……………..18 Back Swing………….…………………….…..…………………19
Letter from the National President
We can endure any challenge together! Season’s Greetings Sisters, Family & Friends! As 2009 draws quickly to a close, I look back on this year with many fond memories as I look forward to the coming year with great anticipation. I am certain that 2010 will bring many new and wonderful experiences as well. Although it has become annual aphorism, I ask you to join with me in resolving to take better care of ourselves – physically, spiritually and intellectually in the coming year. In promoting this worthwhile endeavor, the National Office of Swing Phi Swing has partnered with the 50 Million Pound Challenge to improve the health and wellness of our members. Please visit www.50MillionPounds.com and signup your chapter. Then, encourage your friends, relatives, mentees and chapter sisters to team up with you or to start a team of their own. There are so many reasons for all of us to
strive for better health and wellness. The African-American community is disproportionately effected by obesity-related diseases including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, certain forms of cancer, and the list goes on. Just think of how much more we can accomplish for ourselves and for others if we improve our health risks, stamina, energy level and endurance. Most of us can and will live longer and more productive lives by reducing our body weight by a minimum of ten percent. There’s no time like the start of a new year to set new goals and implement a plan to achieve them. The National Office wants to encourage and motivate our members to strive for individual and collective success, and that includes our physical fitness. See page 5 on how Swing Phi Swing will reward your team’s initial weight-loss successes! Let’s start this journey together and benefit from the support of our sisterhood.
My Dear storms and tumultuous weather that we Sisters, ponder the victories and defeats of the outgoing year, while we simultaneously anticiIn my book, pate the invigorating promises of the winter is emerging year. Then there are the yearnumber one end holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanamong the zaa. And it doesn’t end there…winter’s host seasons for of occasions keeps on coming, particularly evoking a for us as African Americans with MLK Day rollercoaster and Black History Month. of emotions. First of all, Well, no matter what you celebrate, winter Mother Na- is sure to get that adrenaline pumping. Parture can take some credit for winter’s top ents, partners, parties, gifts, guests, grocerrank, as it is during the winter months that ies and the like can all take a toll on us. we are forced to endure and protect our- When this happens, and believe me it’s selves from some of the most unpredict- bound to, consider the seven principles of able, dramatic and challenging weather Kwanzaa to keep things in perspective: conditions of the year. Secondly, winter Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work shepherds out the old year and heralds in and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, the new year. Purpose, Creativity and Faith. We employ them all in our daily living, consciously or Without question, this is an emotion- not, but Imani (faith), Kujichagulia (selfevoking duo, for it is during this period of determination) and Umoja (unity) are my 2
I hope y o u had a s a f e a n d peaceful holiday season. And, as you look forward in 2010, please join me in praying for Swing Phi Swing's continued success in the coming year. Peace and Abundant Blessings to you and yours!
Sis. Sharon Chandler
Marie
National President Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® president@swingphiswing.org
personal favorites. Have faith. Dig deep in your heart and remember that faith has brought you through all the trials and triumphs. The Fellowship is a perfect example. Surely our faith in each other and the commitment of our Founders has been the driving force to carry us through 40 years. And it is our faith, coupled with the unity we display as Sisters and the self determination we demonstrate as individuals that connect us to Swing will lead Her, as well as us, forward to our purpose…our destiny. Peace and Ola
Linda M. Smith Chair, Board of Directors boardchair@swingphiswing.org
Parliamentary Rules for your Chapter
Swing Phi Swing announces new marketing service
Rose J. Stowe National Parliamentarian
Melonee D. Griggs National Media Affairs & Public Relations Officer
Parliamentary procedure protects the rights of people to join together to accomplish common goals and enables them to debate and take action in a fair manner with the least amount of controversy. The rules protect the right of the majority to decide, the minority to be heard, the rights of individual members, and the rights of absentees. Parliamentary procedure should be used to help and not hinder decision making. Below are ten basic rules that will assist you in conducting legal meetings that are efficient and productive. 1. The rights of the organization supersede the rights of the individual. 2. All members are equal and their rights are equal. Those rights are to attend meetings, to make motions, and speak in a debate, to nominate, to vote, and to hold office. 3. A quorum must be present to legally transact business. The number is usually stated in the by-laws. In a committee or a small board, the quorum is the majority of the members. 4. The majority rules. The minority has the right to be heard, but once a decision has been reached by a majority of members present and voting, the minority must then respect and abide by the decision. 5. Silence is consent. Those members who do not vote agree to go along with the decision of the majority by their silence 6. A two-thirds vote is necessary whenever you are limiting the rights of members or whenever you are changing something that has already been decided. 7. No motion is in order which does not directly relate to the question under consideration. Once a member has been recognized, she has been granted “the floor” and another member may not interrupt her. 8. The presiding officer or chair may not put a debatable motion to vote as long as members wish to debate it. Debate can only be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members present. 9. Once a “Question” is decided, it is not in order to bring up the same motion or one essentially like it at the same meeting. Such motions should be ruled “out of order.” Personal remarks in a debate are always “out of order.”
I am happy to announce that Swing Phi Swing’s National Office has secured an e-marketing account with Vertical Response. With this, we will be able to communicate more effectively and quickly through ebulletins, surveys, postcards and other marketing tools. And with that, you can look forward to our new national e-bulletin, The Ola Report. This will be a huge plus for our Sisterhood as we want to create more efficient venues of communication during these tough economic times that will be less costly and easier to manage with just a few clicks of a button. Please make sure you have a current email address on file with Swing. You can send your most current email address to mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org. If you haven't already, please make sure you have joined our Yahoo group, Swing Meets Online at groups.yahoo.com/group/ SwingMeetsOnline, our closed social network The Mighty Phi at themightyphi.ning.com, our Facebook Fan Page, and our Twitter page at twitter.com/swingphiswing. We are on the move so please stay informed. Make sure your chapter PR officer is on file with the National Office of Media Affairs and Public Relations so that can receive important announcements and updates. Please send their info to mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org.
If you want to receive The Ebony Pearl via email, opt-in to our new service by sending your name and preferred email address to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org with the subject line “Ebony Pearl E-service”.
For more information on parliamentary procedures and matters, please contact Sis. Rose Stowe at parliamentarian@swingphiswing.org.
Announcements continued on page 5 3
The Editor’s Desk Sis. Melonee D. Griggs National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer
Besides being a mom, being a Swing is a source of pride when I know that my hard work is part of a collective effort to make our organization the best she can be. I am truly humbled by all the supportive calls, Olas, emails, text messages, and instant messages that I received about the Fall 2009 issue. With all progress, there will be kinks to work out, but for the most part, my Sisters enjoyed the valuable information the Ebony Pearl staff put together for that issue. And that is just the beginning. But, in the wake of the Haiti earthquake
and all the other adversities affecting the Diaspora, we should remember Nguzo Saba (The 7 Principles of Blackness) and principally embody Ujima, collective work and responsibility, as Swings. All of our sisters’ and brothers’ problems are our problems as well and we must work to improve our lives, their lives, and our communities. There is work to be done in so many places but as true LADYBUGS, we know that the good fight cannot be won if the troops are scattered and without purpose. When I see the good work that is happening across the Swing Nation, I always know that more can be done to unify and focus our efforts. That is why it is important to embrace our social networking avenues laughs and tears to match along the way, shared with and by family and friends.
2005 was a heck of a year. I had traveled to Cancun Mexico and the Catalina Islands, started a new job, finished my MBA, and diagnosed with stage II, invasive breast cancer on August 16, 2005. I sat there, stunned, after my surgeon told me. Shortly after she left the examination room, her nurse came in to check on me and asked if we could pray. We did and I believe that set the tone for how I would take this journey. I almost made it home that morning without crying. I came home, stood by the sink for a minute, and went down on my knees in the middle of my kitchen floor. I cannot remember another time in my life, being that scared, realizing my mortality. Nothing I have ever experienced comes close to that moment. From September 2005 to August 2006, I traveled through the effects of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some days were better than others. There were lots of
As I share some of this ongoing experience, so much comes to mind! These are just a few thoughts and moments. At the beginning of this journey my brother gave me a survivorship notebook from the Lance Armstrong Foundation entitled, LIVESTRONG. I looked through it tonight, finding my journal in which I logged how I felt during treatment, medical reports of blood tests, x-rays, drug reports and effects and my initial diagnosis. I also found a program from a play I saw in 2006, Stealing Clouds, about a woman’s experience with breast cancer. After the play, I was part of a panel that shared their personal experiences and answered questions from the audience. As I enter my 5th year of survivorship, I continue to thank God for His mercy and His grace. I remind myself to be grateful for each day as they are truly blessings. I often think of one young woman I met in February 2006 who did not survive the year. She 4
and to utilize our communication tools to the best of our ability. And I am particularly excited about our e-marketing service that can be used to send out mass mailings, surveys and postcards, and to date we have over 500 Sisters in our e-mailing database. If you have not received a recent email from Swing Phi Swing, please send your name and email address to mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org. 2010 is truly a turning point for our team as we are bringing you more content relevant to your life, special offers, contests, and prizes (see page 5 for more details). So, let’s continue our good works and open communication. Tell me how we are doing with The Ebony Pearl by dropping me a line at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org. __________________________________ Here’s an endearing Letter to the Editor in response to the article “Not My Sister” [Fall 2009] that I received from a Sister who can truly testify to the power of perseverance.
was only 39. We were going to ride in my car with the top down after her last round of chemo, but we never got the chance. When seasons change, and the sun warms the air, the first ride will always be for her. I will keep my portacath, my Alpha Cradle and never hide my scars. They are all part of my Badge of Courage (BC = breast cancer). I will use them to help and support others and to communicate the necessity of mammograms and self breast exams which continue to save lives. Research and treatment continue to do the same as well. And I will continue to stand as a testament that God is still in the miracle business! Ola! Tina Quiller-Morgan Raleigh Graduate Chapter
Founded by Karen Eubanks, Sisters Network, Inc. is the leading voice for African American breast cancer survivors.
National Starting the Challenge 1. 2.
3.
4.
Go to 50MillionPoundChallenge.com and register your chapter team by March 1! Chapters need to do an official weigh-in for their team by March 1. Each participating chapter must send in the TOTAL weight of the chapter to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org with the subject line “Chapter weigh in”. The first 50 sisters to register for the challenge will receive a FREE 50 Million Pound Challenge Kit, courtesy of State Farm®. Make sure your chapter sends a list of all sisters officially registered with the 50 Million Pound Challenge by March 1. The chapter to have the highest average weight loss per member at the first National Weigh-in at the 2010 National Convention will win a minimakeover courtesy of The Wholeness Group & Sephora, a cover model photo shoot, designer earrings courtesy of HypnoEars, & a $100 gift certificate courtesy of Restaurant.com®.
But that’s not all! We also have mini challenges that will keep you inspired along the way.
Join the Swing Challenge!
For 2010, the National Office is committed to becoming a healthier organization from the inside and out. We would like to challenge every chapter to join us in the 50 Million Pound Challenge. No matter the size of your chapter, any team is eligible to win an array of prizes for your hard work.
Winners of the Swing Mini Challenges will receive a surprise gift courtesy of The Ebony Pearl.
MINI Challenge 1 Inspire others with your chapter’s commitment by creating a 5 Minute Challenge video. The video can show your chapter working out, doing physically challenging community service, or the ups and downs of living healthy. Videos are due by April 4.
Beginning in February, we will send exercise and diet tips in our new national e-bulletin, The Ola Report.
MINI Challenge 2 Think you have a healthy recipe that has all the flavor but not all the fat? Send in your best recipe by April 4.
A little healthy competition never hurt anybody! NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
NEW AD RATES FOR THE EBONY PEARL
National Membership Dues need to be submitted by March 1, 2010 to maintain your active status.
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 rates and specifications:
Undergraduate—$100 Graduate—$150 Lifetime—$100 Lifetime Membership—$1,000
Mail your dues to the following:
5 line ad: $5 1/4 page or banner: $10 1/2 page: $20 Whole Page: $35
Graphics must be at least 300 dpi or higher
NATIONAL TREASURER SWING PHI SWING S.F.I. POST OFFICE BOX 723 OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857
These ad rates are effective February 1, 2010. Please contact Melonee Griggs at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org for more information. 5
New Beginnings for the Southeast Region By Anita Johnson On November 14, 2009, sisters of the Southeast Region of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Incorporated® converged on Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC to convene their 2009 Regional Meeting. Undergraduate and Graduate sisters from the 8 chapters present had a very productive meeting during which new officers were elected: Wilda McKham (Central Carolina Grad), Southeastern Regional Administrator; Anita Johnson (Raleigh Grad), Secretary; Founder Ellen Tomlinson Carter (RUBU), Treasurer; Crystal Gilmore (RUBU), Parliamentarian; and Founder Anita Chase Watson (RUBU), Historian. The goals of the Southeastern Regional Officers is to unify the region; revitalize defunct or low activity chapters; rebuild and recruit, particularly, in the undergraduate sector; and expand to states in our region, such as Florida, where we feel we can make an impact. As the region where Swing Phi Swing® was born, we are on a mission! The positive exchange of ideas and efficient management of the meeting made for a great beginning. Sisters have been working throughout the year in their respective chapters, mentoring youth, providing scholarships to young ladies entering college, assisting with the elderly and providing basic needs for underprivileged kids or victims of domestic abuse and their families. Additionally, sisters participated in walks to create awareness of breast cancer, prostate cancer, Muscular Dystrophy and HIV/ AIDS among many other community service activities. This year’s Southeastern Regional Community Service Project was a diaper drive to benefit the women and adolescent mothers of the Florence Crittenton Services in Charlotte, NC, which is one of the largest problem pregnancy agencies in the United States. Our Regional Community Service Project for 2010 will be an Annual Health Fair beginning in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, then expanding to other areas in subsequent years. The Health Fair at our 40th Anniversary National Convention this year was so successful and in demand, that we decided to continue the event each year. We were blessed with the presence of 3 of our beautiful founders: Sisters Beverly Dorn-Steele (Charlotte Grad), Roz Tandy (Atlanta Grad) and Anita Chase Watson (RUBU). How special it was for our newest sisters to meet some of the founders whose names they had just recently learned about during their Intake process.
their ideas to the discussion. These young sisters were very passionate in their plea for a stronger show of numbers and support to help bolster their recruitment efforts. After the meeting was adjourned, we ended the day marching out to the courtyard in front of student union singing a resounding “Power to the People!”. As “Calling All Sisters” and our national song rang out in the air, there was a sense of unity and new beginnings amongst the sisters there. “I’ve Got Swing in My Heart” closed out the time of fellowship as sisters left feeling upbeat and positive, but with new resolve to uplift the Southeastern Region of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. ® once again! For more information about the Southeast Region, please contact Wilda McKham at seadmin@swingphiswing.org.
Sandy Cayo Northeast Region scayo@yahoo.com
Wilda McKham Southeast Region seadmin@swingphiswing.org
Rose-Anne Matthew Mid Atlantic Region Swing_seven@yahoo.com
Michelle Muhammad Mid West Region mdwilliams1992@yahoo.com
Undergraduates from the Groove Chapter (WinstonSalem State University/UNC-G/NC A&T State University) and the Muntu Chapter (Shaw University) were not shy about getting involved during the meeting and adding
Jamilya Dartion South Central Region swing6ice@yahoo.com
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A Different World: Can Swing find her way back to HBCU’s? (Continued from page 1)
tion of public schools. In 2009, Pres. Barack Obama made Dr. John K. Wilson Jr. the Executive Director of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and with that appointment comes a new wave of HBCU leadership that will hopefully change the course of Black education over the next 10 years. Swing has been represented at numerous HBCU’s like Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, Hampton University (formerly Hampton Institute) in Virginia, and Tuskegee University (formerly Tuskegee Institute) in Alabama. Sister Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele remembers her time at Winston-Salem State University. Following in the footsteps of her mother who attended it when it was named Winston-Salem Teachers College, Dorn-Steele enjoyed the hard working faculty who pushed students to their best. “A major in business education totally prepared me for any and all jobs that I’ve worked in since graduation [and] landed my foot in the door anywhere I applied,” she states. During a racially volatile time, many HBCU’s saw many of their students create non-traditional movements and organizations seeking social change. Women were important for that movement but men were often seen as the faces of these movements. “It was 1969…Everyone was in awe of Swing Phi Swing, not only because we were the new kids on the block, but we stood out and stood for something different. [We were] promoting a social awareness of finer Black and afro-centric womanhood working collectively to better our communities,” she remembers. Jacqueline Derrick, a graduate of Delaware State, knows the importance of creating a sense of community at an HBCU. Swing Phi Swing provided her the opportunity to make connections with other Black students who had shared interests, even if
National
they grew up in less diverse communities. “HBCU’s are full of history. Only on an HBCU campus does the world ‘homecoming’ really means coming Home,” she says. Cheryl Kornegay’s mother was determined to get her out of New York and send her to an HBCU she was con- Founders Beverly Dorn Steele, Marilyn Reid, Anita Chase-Watson, vinced would turn her into a and Ellen Tomlinson-Carter during the 40th Anniversary at the Canlady. She received a degree dle Light Vigil at Winston-Salem State University. in education and was well prepared to enter the field because of the hard economic times. support and expertise of the faculty. But her “pie in the sky” experience of teaching “I chose North Carolina A&T because it is in the South did not blind her to the real rated as one of the top engineering schools racial tensions that existed outside the in the country,” she says. Known for its gates of her college. reputation for the highest placed of Black “There were no whites on campus, but we engineers at major corporations, many did have to be careful going into the Black students have flocked to the school town. There was lots of racism with ‘White to get a step up. Only’ signs and KKK parades,” she remem“I have cousins that attend other prestigbers. She adds, “HBCU's have a very long ious HBCU’s and I’m glad to say that the way to go to catch up with Barack Obama’s issues they’ve face I’ve never had to deal plan. Our President speaks of unity among with at A&T. However there is still room our people; the HBCU's don't have a clue for much improvement,” she bemoaned. about Unity. If they did, Swing would not She noted how younger generations enter have such a difficult time getting onto universities that have an aging and retiring these campuses. Swing was well received baby boomer faculty who showed a disconnect with the social, religious, and political in the 1970's and each organization gave consciousness of her generation; those respect to the other ones, cheered them same professors were released from preon, came out for their shows and encour- dominately white institutions due to their aged them overall. Swing can help HBCU's poor qualifications. Rowles concludes, “My because of our rich history on HBCU cam- particular school deserves sophisticated puses and the fact that we are always will- and adaptable professors just like the white ing to work and work hard. We are also schools do, but that often is not the case.” more forgiving of others who do not embrace us as an organization.”
So, who is the voice and force for a new generation of students who need leaders, strong alumni, and social movements to Swing plays an important role at HBCU’s as have their backs and uphold their rights it continues to link their mission with our and vouch for their future? That question organization’s principles. In a time that seems to fall into the laps Generation Y. HBCU’s are declining in popularity due to embattled administration, fiscal mismanagement, and loss of focus, many have A generation criticized for its perceived lack seen their doors closed and a surprising of focus and liberalism, Generation Y has drop in enrollment and retention. But Au- matured into a motivated mass armed with tumn Rowles sees the value of some (Continued on page 18) HBCU’s still trying to stay afloat in these 7
National
Support Yéle Haiti today! By Melonee Griggs On January 14, over 40 sisters answered the call to rally for the people of Haiti who had their lives turned completely upside down after the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince on January 12. The Haiti Relief Task Force was created to decide on the means in which Swing Phi Swing can collectively assist the people of Haiti and contribute to the long term impact of bringing its citizens hope and progress to a brighter future. Swing Phi Swing will initially put her sup-
port behind Yéle Haiti, the foundation created by Wyclef Jean. We are asking that all chapters provide a $100 donation for this cause by February 1. A special account has been opened for Haiti Relief efforts. Please forward your chapter’s funds to the following: M&T Bank c/o Swing Phi Swing SFI, Haitian Relief Fund 4800 Hampden Lane Bethesda, MD 20814 It is important we stand behind causes that we know are fruitful and long term. Haiti
We are the change! By ROC Rouse, National Board of Directors Nominations and Recognition Chair OLA sisters, It has already been a year since we elected Mr. Barack Obama into one of the most prestigious offices on this planet and what a wonderful year it has been under his leadership. What an inspirational man! What a great leader! Time really Swings by. His election proved that if a people pull together and stick together ANYTHING is possible. People doubted the reality of creating a movement of CHANGE...doubted the reality of a nation pulling together...doubted the reality that we could rebound. Yet, President Obama and his team believed. And how does this relate to SWING? Over the years we have worked diligently in our communities as mentors, fund raisers, collaborators and leaders. No task was too small or big. We have always been ready to serve and be
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” -- Barack Obama
apart of a movement of CHANGE.
has been plagued with economic, educational, and political upheaval for years and this a chance to spread international OLA to sisters and brothers closely linked in the Diaspora. This is a cause we are holding dear for the long haul so we are looking for ideas on how to raise funds, to increase awareness, and to provide outreach. Chapters like Tristate Graduate Chapter and Mid-South Graduate Chapter & the Northeast Region are taking the lead in actively formulating events and aid programs for Haiti empowerment. Look for announcements soon in the new monthly National e-mail bulletin, The OLA Report, the National website, and on all Swing social networking sites.
And yes….when it is National Election time, you may want to SWING up to the plate. YES YOU CAN! YES YOU CAN! YES YOU CAN! The road to leadership begins with one step: Join a National Committee & Get involved! If you find you have expertise in another area that can better assist SWING, try another. More importantly if you have many talents and passion to serve try another. SWING provides a variety of ways to make a difference. Similar to the satisfaction that we all feel when we make a difference in our communities, you will experience the same satisfaction when you work for a National Committee.
As Nominations and Recognitions Chairwoman, I ask sisters to continue to serve on our national committees.
For those of you who are debating whether to seek a National Office, this is a golden opportunity to work closely with a National Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to observe the responsibilities our National Officers have, up close and personal.
If you are not apart of a national committee, crack open your Black Book, reach out to one of our many leaders and find out how you can serve SWING PHI. Believe that "We all can make a difference." As more sisters volunteer their efforts to National Committees, the more and more achievements we can make collectively.
As you continue to serve your respective communities, keep the National Committees in the front of your mind. Maybe your New Year’s Resolution will be to join a National Committee like Nominations and Recognition. Now, that’s a SWING RESOLUTION! It simply doesn’t get any better.
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Email me at nominations@swingphiswing.org.
Raleigh Grad reigns in the holiday cheer and love
Chapter
By Crystal Kearney In addition, Raleigh Grad $30.00 the attire is Semi-Formal. For tickdonated their time again ets please contact Tammy Russellto the WRAL Coats for the Meadows at rusmed6@gmail.com or Ms. Children. On December 11, T i n a Quiller-Morgan at 2009, they were seen on tqmswing@yahoo.com. To place a special WRAL from 6-8 a.m. an- ad to promote your business or event swering the phones and please contact any of the above members. assisting with this extremely worthRaleigh Grad Sisters answering the phones at WRAL Coats for Children while cause. Their drive in December 2009. mentoring program, “Swing SociThe Raleigh Graduate Chapter of Swing ety”, will also assist the chapter. Phi Swing was on the move by ending Every child deserves a coat to keep 2009 and beginning 2010 by working for them warm during the cold seathe community. son. On December 12, 2009 the chapter On February 6, 2010 the chapter hosted its annual Christmas Gala at RED's will honor The Reverend Dr. Wilof Raleigh - Party With A Purpose! The liam J. Barber, II, President of the semi-formal affair lasted to 2 a.m. with a North Carolina NAACP at their selection of hors d'oeurves and a great mix Annual Leadership Award Recepof music. Party goers brought canned tion. The reception will be held Sis. Dana & Fl. Tim McGougan enjoy the Christmas Gala. goods and unwrapped toys which were from 5:00-7:00 p.m.at Saint They recently celebrated 4 years of marital bliss on Dana’s donated InterAct, Inc. of Raleigh which Augustine’s College, 1315 Oakwood 35th birthday, December 3. serves victims and families of domestic Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610. violence. Tickets for this event are
Holiday smiles all around! Pictured (l-r) Founder Ellen Tomlinson, Founder Anita Chase-Watson, Bernice Dolby, Mary Thomas, and Dollette Stowe.
See more photos from Chapter events on
See page 15
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DC Metro takes time to “care” By Brenda Torrence
On November 21st, DC Metro participated in the annual National Homeless Walkathon on the Mall in DC, along with thousands of others working to help stamp out homelessness in the Nation’s Capital. The DC Metro Grad Chapter participated in the "Mentoring One Day Conference" on Friday, October 9, 2009 at The Conference Center at University of Maryland College . The conference is sponsored annually and facilitated by Mr. Ron Yudd and Ms. Lula Davis from Leadership Cares/Mentor Cares. During the conference special guest speakers and VIP adult mentors, such as (documentary filmmaker award-winning former television network journalist) Renee Poussaint, were engaged with the students through role playing, small group interaction and lots of motivational conversations. Approximately 76 students from Northwestern High School (Adelphi, MD) and adults from Virginia, Maryland and DC were in attendance. Swing Phi Swing provided about 20 of the adult mentors, to include 4 distinguished Brothers of Groove Phi Groove. Most of the adults took time off from their daily professions to attend. A large amount of school supplies were donated by DC Metro Grad Sisters. The supplies were displayed and made available to the students at the end of the day's conference. The 25 students were very appreciative and impressed at the level of commitment and support that the adults were willing to give on this day, as well as for the new school year.
to the new Sisters of DC Metro! The line “This Is It” crossed on November 14, 2009. Pictured in order, from front: Kia Kent, Shenise Soto, Linda Faye, Paulette Waiters, Valerie Lewis, and Oluchi Okidegbe 10
Spicy sisters of DC Metro strike a pose during the Annual Scholarship Gala on December 5th.
Chapter
DC Metro “Pays it forward” By Mary Johnson & Brenda Torrence What an awesome month November proved to be! We participated in the most exhilarating Rites of Passage Process/Swing Explosion that we have ever had from November 6-14, 2009. We inducted six powerful, professional and talented women into the Sisterhood. ROP Coordinator Sister Brenda Torrence and AROP Coordinator Sister Antonia Therrassant, along with our Chapter, proudly PRESENT “THIS IS IT!” Fall ’09 line. This “Swing Explosion” proved to be not only great for the candidates, but for the chapter members as well. The ENTIRE chapter participated & supported the calendar of events which included such specialties as: “DIVA DAY” with the residents at the Sunrise Hills Assisted Living Home, “Movie, Book Talk & Lunch Day” After viewing the world renowned premiere of Michael Jackson’s “THIS IS IT!”, the chapter read and discussed the book “What Doesn’t Kill You” by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant Supporting our community service projects with a “Phone Drive & Info Updates Session” and; Culminating with a fabulous “Mock Swing Expresso”, which included spoken word, music, songs, food, gifts, keepsakes, slideshows and video presentations. Of course, each candidate was introduced to a multitude of Swing Information, met Sisters from near and far, interviewed members that shared similar professional backgrounds, completed a quiz on info learned and exchanged family life stories with one another. This line and experience has surely proven to be a memorable and life changing experience for so many. During the first few days of the process, one candidate lost her father and was comforted on the spot by her “just hours old” Line Sisters! Two weeks following the going over ceremony, another one of the candidates lost her mother and was bombarded with the “OLA” of DC Metro Graduate Chapter immediately. We have always been a chapter that not only shares and celebrates “Fellowship, Faith, Food, Fun, Family and Community Service”, but one that PRAYS
together and thus we continue to be able to STAY TOGETHER, through the sunshine and the rain of life’s ups and downs. We continue to EXPAND our chapter with new members as well as WELCOME many of our renewed Sisters from the surrounding areas and for this we are THANKFUL!
Finally, on the snowy eve of December 5th, we had one of the best Holiday Galas in Swing History! This Annual Scholarship Gala’s primary purpose has always been to raise funds, awareness and support for our signature community projects and scholarships for deserving students. This year, three (3) outstanding young ladies were awarded: Joia Swanson- a freshman attending Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA Kalayah Washington – a junior accounting major attending North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North and Lanice Williams- a senior biology major attending Howard University, Washington, DC. ALL were present and awarded scholarship checks at the event. A poster displaying the young ladies photos greeted each Gala ’09 guest as they entered the Clarion Ballroom on Saturday. The event was enriched by also hosting its first “Silent Auction”, multiple vendors, a photographer and the always pleasing delicious dinner and cash bar availability. More than 250 guests and supporters were in attendance to help make this once again, a GRAND DIVA STYLE AFFAIR!
The other community service activities that we participated and supported are as follows: November 21st, the annual National Homeless Walkathon on the Mall in DC, along with thousands of others working to help stamp out homelessness in the Nation’s Capital and other affiliates. On November 23rd and 24th, in collaboration with LeadershipCares/MentorCares Program, sisters showed up to assemble and deliver Thanksgiving Baskets that included not only grocery items, but meats, household items and toiletries. These items were distributed to over 650 families in the Metro area, primarily serving some of the families associated with our Mentoring Program at Northwestern HS in Adelphi, MD. On Thanksgiving morning, the Chapter participated with Daughter for the Day (our Senior Citizen Community Service Project) and delivered Thanksgiving dinners to over 250 seniors. This was a very rewarding experience as some of the seniors live alone and were excited to have us stop by and spend some time with them. On the morning of December 5th, we participated in the WPGC Radio Station Coat Drive. The weather was snowy, rainy, icy and cold, but still Chapter Representa- Thanks for helping us to continually help tives along with students from Northwest- and GIVE BACK TO OTHERS! ern HS and Rosa Parks ES, delivered the many bags of items that included hats, scarves, coats and blankets for those that Keep up with the Divas of DC Metro by were in need. Photos were taken and added v i s i t i n g their website at to the WPGC Radio Station website to share www.swingphiswingdcmetro.org. the community service efforts with others. 11
Garden State adopts a family for the holidays By Deborah Hunter During the months of November and December of 2009, the New Jersey Garden State Graduate Chapter expanded their community service efforts. Despite short notice, Garden State Grad rose to the occasion by assisting Rutgers University in their Adopt-A-Family project. Participants received a brief profile of their adopted family, so efforts might be personalized. “RAH (Rutgers Against Hunger), was launched last November to address the persistent problems of hunger and food insecurity in New Jersey. Through volunteerism, research, education, food collections, and fundraising, RAH has marshaled resources and good will from our community to pro-
vide food and money to organizations that feed the hungry, as well as to seek longterm solutions to the complex issues that lead to hunger,” writes Richard McCormick, President of Rutgers University, on the university website. It was a pleasure for all chapter sisters as they displayed and packaged items for the adopted family consisting of toiletries, wide variety of foods, and clothing which included some Rutgers paraphernalia for the family's son. Special thanks to our “reclaimed” Sister Lauren Wright-Watson who, after attending our tailgate in September, made a pledge to reactive her Swing membership. Lauren presented this project to the chapter, and offered her home for the preparation. We are glad to have her back! Family being an important factor in this scenario, honorable mention also goes to GS Graduate Chapter for a successful Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Our Chapter gave several baskets of food throughout the community even surprising and blessing a very deserving Sister and Brother Phi with some holiday love. While we stay involved in our communities, we need to be cognizant of extending love right at home. We
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Garden State members Stephanie Jones and Rochelle Slaughter unload items for their adopted family. felt joy and much love bringing smiles to both of these Swing and Groove families. They were unsuspecting, yet grateful for the “Extra” love extended to them Great job to all the awesome Sisters of Garden State Graduate Chapter for being an example of what can be done in our communities and at home. Ola! Jessie Redmon Fauset was born in Fredericksville, NJ editor of Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP. Read her novel Chinaberry Tree this year.
Bridging Sisterhood with Service in the Mid-South By Melonee D. Griggs
One of the great things about having a chapter in such a historic Southern city like Memphis is that we, the MidSouth Grad Sisters, have the opportunity to build upon a rich legacy of trailblazers like Ida B. Wells, Benjamin Hooks, and Mississippi’s finest, Fannie Lou Hamer. Because of our rich history, we know that its important to not only stay connected with our communities and focus our service projects on enriching the Diaspora, but also never forgetting how important the bonds of Sisterhood is in the struggle. There were so many Black women who were part of the Civil Rights Movement but have been overlooked by our history books; these women were often pushed aside, harassed, and even abused by the very men we hail as preeminent leaders of our time. This is why it is important to Mid-South Grad to cultivate a special bond that cannot be challenged by the propagation of false power. As chapter of strong professional women, we believe that if you know thyself, then you share the joys and pains of ALL women. From October 2009 to December 2009, we have participated in service activities that celebrate the joys and pains of women that are timeless and universal. During October, Mid-South Grad participated in the Mid South Race for the Cure in Germantown, TN. We joined thousands of breast cancer survivors, their families, friends, coworkers, and even those honoring the memory of loved ones lost. We completed the hilly 5K and raised over $300 for breast cancer research (picture at top). On the same day, we took the entire chapter and their families to Meeman Shelby Forest State Park for our chapter “Sister Day”. We dined outdoors and took a hike on one of the most beautiful fall days. We ended our day by the park’s lake and took in the majestic landscape (picture 2nd from top). Later that evening, we invited several
interests out for dinner and a play at Hattiloo Theatre for the ultimate Black womanist play, for colored girls who’ve considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange (picture 2nd from bottom). Finally, with all the work we have done in 2009, we finished out the year with a Kwanzaa Potluck on the 5th day known as Nia (picture at bottom). Sisters enjoyed a great feast and had wonderful fellowship as we recommitted ourselves to our chapter’s purpose as well as our organization’s efforts to support and empower the women and communities that matter to us the most. Not only do we serve locally, but we also keep a global eye on the needs of communities in need of support. We began our global outreach 5 years ago when we donated funds to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. In 2009, we sent personalized Mid South Grad panda bears to Sis. Jacquelynn Coles who is serving our country in Afghanistan. We also established a partnership with Konbit Pou Edikayson and Haiti Reads to support their programs and outreach efforts in Haiti. We are excited about what 2010 will bring for our chapter and the wonderful people we are committed to serving. Ola!
Keep up with our works and see how you can help at www.midsouthswings.org or email us at info@midsouthswings.org.
The Tri-State Defender is one of the longest running Black newspapers in the country. It was established in Memphis under the leadership of John Sengstacke, publisher of the Chicago Defender.
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Chapter
Having a Swinging Good Time! Harambee Grad Celebrates FSU Homecoming 2009 By Tamika Walker Attitude Check: Bronco Pride!! The Ladies of the Harambee Graduate Chapter filled the weekend of October 23rd & 24th with fun, fellowship, and community service to celebrate Homecoming at Fayetteville State University. To kick-off the weekend of events, the Sisters began with a visit to the Salvation Army Warehouse on Friday. The chapter has been collecting canned goods and toiletries for the surrounding Fayetteville community. During our visit, we placed much needed items in the pantry for the upcoming holiday season.
SFI ® with a fish fry tailgate to benefit the Lumberton High School Marching Band in Lumberton, NC. The proceeds from the tailgate went to help these students with the purchase of band uniforms and instruments. The turnout of Sisters and Brothers was great with white and black being all over the FSU campus from the tailgate, to the game, and the parties!
If you missed out this year, you definitely need to make plans to come to Homecoming 2010! The Harambee Graduate Chapter will be celebrating 40 years on the Fayetteville State camOn Saturday, the Sisters collaborated pus! We are already planning a series of with the Brothers of the Fayetteville amazing events, so stay tuned to what Grad Chapter of Groove Phi Groove, we have in store!
Sis. Kwandra Jarman, Chapter Treasurer, and Mrs. Faye at the Salvation Army Warehouse.
Israel Gaither, the Chief of Staff of the Salvation Army is the first African American to hold that post since the founding of the organization in 1865.
Charlotte Grad prepares for a chic CIAA weekend It's CIAA 2010....An affair you don't want to miss! This year, the Charlotte Grad Chapters of Groove & Swing invite you to party "downtown style” - all within walking distance to the arena, restaurants and other CIAA hangouts. Club Urban Affairs is the place to be for our Friday night party and our annual Saturday tailgate. Pictured above (l-r): Charlotte Grad Chapter officers pose during 2009 CIAA festivities—Beverly Dorn-Steele, President; Pansy Steele, Vice President; and Francine Farrar, Secretary. Pictured below (counter-clockwise from left): Antionette Hicks, Cheryl Hicks, Aquadella Rivers-Smith, Lorraine Phillips, and a fellowman of Groove Phi Groove
Friday, February 26 Saturday, February 27 Club Urban Affairs Club Urban Affairs 616 North Tryon Street 616 North Tryon Street 9-2am 12-5pm
Make your reservations NOW!
For more information, call (704) 371-8840. 14
Faith Spirit As we enter into a new year and run under new leadership within Swing, now is a great time to affirm and reflect on all that we wish to see not only within our beloved organization but also within ourselves. We can become extremely successful when we begin to understand who we are as individuals. Part of our organization’s agenda is Supporting Women In Need of Growth but we cannot stand firm with this agenda if we are not willing to cultivate and nurture our own personal growth. Whole and well sisters create whole and well chapters; chapters create a whole and well organization; and a whole and well organization can change the world. Over the next two issues, I will share with you 12 steps that we can take as individuals to assure that we are striving to be the best for ourselves and for our sisterhood. For now, here are 6 pearls of wisdom for the new year:
sisters, or your organization, don’t be surprised to find that negativity seems to always pervade your life. A positive thought process reaps a positive outcome. 3. Creating Emotional Freedom: We are, without a doubt, emotional beings so it is natural to feel emotions. However, we must be able to take control of our emotional state and not allow it to rule and consume us. When we act, speak, think and lead from a place of unhealthy emotions, we commit ourselves to a path of senseless and reckless destruction. It is, therefore, vital that we seek emotional wellness so that healthy decisions follow.
4. Forgiveness: We must learn to forgive – not only our sisters but ourselves as well. Some find it easy to accept the apologies of others but can rarely afford themselves that same grace. We when we forgive we become free to accept and embrace new opportunities for growing, 1. Developing A Strong Spiritual Foun- learning and loving. dation: No matter what path you choose to take, understand that once you recog- 5. We Are Therefore I am: There is an nize your spiritual identity, the rest will African proverb that goes, “I am because fall into place. Our spiritual essence is the we are because we are therefore I am.” very core of who we are! Know who you We will know the true essence of sisterare! hood when we begin to see our sisters within ourselves. No matter if you agree 2. Transforming Our Minds: Our with or understand your sister or her acthoughts hold great power and can mani- tions, love her enough to see yourself fest our realities. The Bible teaches us: within her. No matter what the back“For as [one] thinketh in his heart, so is ground, lifestyle, or personality, we were he” (Proverbs23:7). So if you always hold all created from the same grain! negative thoughts towards yourself, your
Kandaka Long Faith & Spirit Editor Founder & Lead Wholeness Provider of The Wholeness Group, LLC
6. Love: Just simply love. Only when you love yourself – and I’m talking about true love, not a love based on your looks, possessions, or conditions, but an unconditional love – will you be able to offer that same love to others. Love holds no conditions so embrace the beauty of loving freely! For now, let’s reflect and meditate on these first six steps. Select one at a time and begin to incorporate them into your daily agenda. I know that we all have busy schedules, but we mustn’t forget to put ourselves on out daily to do list. Make the time to make one change today that will help you to be the best possible version of you that you can be! Until next time have a blessed, empowered, light and love filled day.
=DISCLAIMER= Our Faith and Spirit page will serve as a spiritual advice column and information about holistic practices for your health, wealth, and being. If you have a question for Sis. Kandaka Long, Faith and Spirit Editor, please contact her at kandaka@thewholenessgroup.com.
Congratulations to Sis. LaTonya Noel on her recent marriage to Mr. Ricky Butler II on January 16, 2010.
The views on this page do not directly reflect those of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® and are only representative of the Faith and Spirit Editor. Though Swing is not a Christian sisterhood, we celebrate the diversity of all sisters and all advice given does not substitute for professional counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Mr. and Mrs Butlerhave one son, Rickel, and reside in Raleigh, NC. Please send your Olas and prayers to the lovely couple. 15
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Swing Mommies is dedicated to the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and Godmothers who are raising and inspiring the next generation. Email your touching, endearing, and humorous stories with us to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org.
“I thought it was going to be a boy because the baby kept kicking me.” Sis. Jean Muhammad Child: Maryam Birthdate: March 4, 2001 at 11:59 p.m.
Why she’s awesome “Maryam is very active and observant. I nursed her for 2 years and she never had an ear infection. Currently she is in the third grade at King Robinson Magnet School in New Haven, CT. She is reading above one year in school. She knows how to do power point slide shows on the computer. She has been accepted in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program. Last year, she received the Young Author's Award at her school, in which she read the story in front of the entire school representing the 2nd grade.” A mother’s prayer
Can we say “Spring 2019”?
My prayer is that I live to see Maryam go to college and proudly wear the shield of our beloved organization and become the woman of God that she is striving to become daily.
My daughter loves Swing Phi Swing and, everywhere we go, every time she runs into a Greek Lettered organization, she proudly states, “My mommie is a Swing.” She loves all the sisters in Tri-State Grad: Lori, Dionne, Pat, Sandy, Alexis, Sterling, Nicole, Melissa, Patience and the list is longer. These women are second mothCheck out two ers to my daughter. If I have to go someSwing Mommy Blogs: where for a few minutes, they step up to the plate and watch my eight year old. I Naturalinsights.blogspot.com totally trust them and they are a blessing to me.
Bourgiebaby.blogspot.com
A Different World (Continued from page 7)
the Internet, smart phones, and the ability to adapt to various job markets and to not be defined by one singular path to life. Most of them have graduated from HBCUs before 2000 and are now entering into arenas to assist an even more perplexed Generation X struggling to define and determine their future and identity. Rose-Anne Matthew can relate. A graduate of Lincoln University, Matthew chose her alma mater because of an HBCU tour while in middle school and admired the educational integrity the students displayed. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Higher Education administration so that she can be just as supportive and influential as the faculty and staff who gave her the same.
“It is my continuous goal to support women in need of growth so that they will be well-rounded and educated individuals from having had an experience living in the residence halls at an HBCU,” she says. But she knows that Swing played an even more important role while an undergraduate because of their role in leadership at Lincoln. Well received at the time, Lincoln’s student body had no choice but to accept Swing’s dominating role. “Ultimately, the campus had no choice our beloved organization humbly dominated every major student leadership role in the capacity of SGA officers, class officers, student newspaper, yearbook, University Queen. As a chapter, we were everywhere…The TABU chapter definitely has a positive legacy at Lincoln University,” she states.
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Matthew, who is now the Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, knows that HBCU’s play an important role in improving Black students self-esteem and resilience in a country whose racial antagonism is much more psychological than physical. “As an organization we [must] continue to stress the importance of HBCU's because for some minorities attending an HBCU is their only opportunity to obtain a degree of their choice,” she says. Sister Founder Dorn-Steele agrees: “We as African Americans are still vying for equality in achieving a college education and achieving our dreams through HBCU's. Once [Swing] is reinstated on all HBCU's, we need to continue to promote our commitment of community service in the name of both the HBCU and SWING PHI. We must always give back and support our alma maters.”
Sister Tia Morgan (center), an undergrad at Shaw University, stands with the first Mr. Swing Phi Swing (center), and the Swing & Groove Court: Mr. Groove Phi Groove, Miss Black & White, Miss Groove Phi Groove, and Miss Sword & Spear. Sis. Morgan plans to host a 2010 Mr. Swing Phi Swing pageant in April.
Teresa Edmundson of the Raliegh Graduate Chapter received her Master’s of Public Administration on Dec. 19.
New Jersey Grad Sisters Cindy Johnson, JoAnn Brown and Jennifer Jones (top row, from left) join Brenda Noble (bottom, far left) in bringing inactive sisters back in the fold: Pam Hill, Jan Stansbury, Sharon Davis, and Tawonna.
“The Five Heartbeats of Maisha “New Birth” Chapter at University of Maryland Eastern Shore entered Swing Land in November 2009. Pictured from left to right, Jessica Chapman, Alissah Battle-Reed, Josanne Davidson, Chantel Mitchell, and Corinn Gales.
Atlanta Grad back in stride again as they celebrate Sister Founder Rosalind “Roz” Tandy joining their chapter.
Raleigh Grad sisters “run the yard” during St. Augustine College’s Homecoming and Tailgate party. 19
T HE E BONY P EARL N EWSLETTER STAFF
Melonee Griggs Editor-In-Chief Kandaka Long Faith and Spirit Editor Chapter PR Officers Brenda Hubbard Crystal Kearney Cheryl Kornegay Tena Hamilton JoAnn Smoak Pat Chalmers Tina Powis Deborah Hunter Beverly DaRocha Renata Dukes Wilda McKham Sheila Harrison Melonee Griggs Phyllis Arnette-Schuler Stacy Pierre-Louis
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. The Ebony Pearl staff will retain the spirit of each article submitted but will uphold the integrity and quality of the newsletter. All articles must be submitted by the following deadlines to mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org in order to ensure publishing in the upcoming edition.
In the
The Ebony Pearl Special Anniversary Issue Speak Her Words: Wisdom from the Founders Old School Swing stories Haiti Relief Efforts updates
Issue
Article Deadline
Spring 2010
March 10, 2010
Summer 2010
June 9, 2010
Fall 2010
September 9, 2010
The Ladybug Rapport—The EP surprises a random Sister for the “interview of a lifetime”! Updates about 2010 National Convention
For more information about working with The Ebony Pearl, and receiving press releases, media kits, brochures, e-newsletters, and marketing related issues, please contact the National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer, Sis. Melonee Griggs at mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org.
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. P.O. Box 50371 Washington, D.C. 20091-0371
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