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CHAPTER RETREAT
RECHARGE REALIGN REJUVENATE RETAIN
Tau Psi Zeta Chapter & Aux iliaries Annual R etreat’s theme was “Zetarized: Recharge, Realign, Rejuvenate and Retain.” The retreat sessions were geared toward the holistic framework that focuses on Mind, Body and Spirit. The Special Events Committee’s goal was to leave the 129 attendees with an understanding of the importance of promoting healthy living, building positive relationships and fostering an environment of positive energy.
Dr. Mary Breaux-Wright The retreat began with an encouraging opening address from Past International President Dr. Mary Breaux-Wright. The retreat continued with breakout sessions that offered very informative topics. The closing remarks were given by International 1st Vice President Tamara Manning-Gordon who as an inspirational leader always encourages sorors to “Retain your Light.” Thanks again to all the special guest and thank you to the Special Events Committee for putting together a wonderful retreat.
Tamara Manning-Gordon
Self Care and Stress Management: Cultivating a Resilient Mindset to Ensure Lifelong Wellness Living A Sacred Life: Practicing Spiritual Development in daily life
Soror Charlotte Taylor Powers Soror Kimberly Williams
Exercise/Yoga Class
Soror Johnique Davis Soror Tamika Robinson Soror Angela Grimes Soror Jacquelyn Collier
Creating Conscious Relationships: Family connections, Intimate Relationships, Authentic Friendships, Love
Soror Sondra Young
Recharge your Zeta Light, through Zeta Development –Are you Ready? Inner Soul Work to heal your Negative Triggers Protect Your Energy : Don’t adapt to the energy in the room INFLUENCE the energy in the room
Soror Karen Gipson Soror Tanita Fadyeyola Harris—Ligons Dr. Andrea Little Mason
TPZ Exceeds Expectations for First Virtual Scholarship & Awards Program
By Soror Shatonya Flowers As the world continues to adjust to a new way of living due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tau Psi Zeta continued to handle business as usual but in a different way. TPZ’s Finer Womanhood Committee made the decision to keep tradition and have their annual scholarship event but host it virtually. The 17th Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship and Awards Presentation was held virtually for the first time in chapter history. On Saturday, March 13, TPZ and the Fervent Hearts Foundation streamed live from the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip, IL to host and recognize this year’s honorees and scholarship recipients for their continuous efforts and work within the community and classrooms. This year’s 2021 honorees were: Zeta of the Year- Leah Bailey Langston Woman of the Year- Dr. Regina Allen Wilson, PhD
Organization of the Year- Girls 4 Science Amica of the Year- Belinda Lambert Archonette of the Year- Laila Morris
TPZ also continued its tradition of presenting the Brotherly Love Award to a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated for his continued support. The 2021 Brotherly Love Award Recipient was Brother David Turner, CPA. Brother Turner is also the Great Lakes Regional Director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Following COVID-19 protocols, honorees were given designated times to arrive at the venue and accept their award wearing a mask, while scholarship recipients were recognized via Zoom. The two-hour virtual event was like no other. Although guests couldn't come together in person to fellowship, a great program was put together for their viewing pleasure. The Zeta Amicae of Alsip kicked off the event with their Gift Basket Raffle. Winners received themed baskets such as Illinois Lottery, Cigar & Cognac, Netflix & Chill Movie Night, Spa Relaxation, Essential Needs: Lysol & Clorox and a Gourmet Wine & Accessory basket.
Performances by Tiff Joy and Randy Weston & Judah Band kept viewers entertained before the main event was underway. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, International President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker greeted guests with a warm welcome. With over 350 guests viewing from the comfort of their homes, sorors, members of the Divine 9 and guests were entertained by the poetic styles of Mikhaella Norwood and live performances from Chicago’s own Gospel Recording Artists Evangelist Lemmie Battles and featured headliner Gospel Recording Artist VaShawn Mitchell.
The Fervent Hearts Foundation awarded five scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have went above and beyond in the classroom; and Tau Psi Zeta’s Auxiliary Zeta Male Network awarded two scholarships to two deserving young men for their scholastic excellence in the classroom.
Congratulations to the 2021 Scholarship Recipients:
Fervent Hearts Foundation
Shariya Hill (Torchbearer) Juanise Foster & Laila Robinson (The Five Pearls) Falyn Gill & Imani Muse (Blue & White)
Life Members Scholarship
Lydia Shaw
Zeta Amicae Lynnette T. Williams Scholarship
Alicia Coppage Sade Watson
Zeta Male Scholarship
Jaylin Peace Justin Manning A big congrats to Mikayla Sanford (Omicron Delta) of Eastern Illinois University, who received the Highest Undergraduate G.P.A. Award and Shariah Campbell (Omicron Delta), who received the top of honor of Undergraduate Member of the Year. As a gift, guests were given a gospel playlist link for their listening pleasure on Spotify or iTunes. Thank you to this year's sponsors for their continued support of Tau Psi Zeta: Ravens LLC and J & L Family Learning Center. Special thanks to TPZ’s own Teri Lewis who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, Hammond Photography for capturing the moments, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, National Technology Team and GoodLife Productions for making this virtual event possible. Two Doves Up to Finer Womanhood Chair Dr. Avis Criss for her vision and the Finer Womanhood Committee for their support and continuous efforts to make this event a success.
2020-2021 Finer Womanhood Committee
By Soror Shatonya Flowers
Tau Psi Zeta attended the Virtual 86th Annual Great Lakes Regional Leadership Conference on April 16-18, 2021 in record breaking numbers; 133 Chapter Members, 10 Undergrads, 20 Youths and 13 Amicae, which is 176 in attendance. This year’s theme “Enhancing Technology in a Digital Age” was fitting as the world becomes more advanced with technology and Zeta’s new partnership with Google for its “Grow with Google” Workshops. Under the direction of Great Lakes Regional Director Elner Bailey Taylor and the GLR Executive Board, sorors from the “Greater” Great Lakes Region logged in via Zoom to handle the business of Zeta and elect new members of the Regional Board. Sorors attended Business Sessions, Necrology & Rededication, Elections and the Awards ceremony.
Kudos to TPZ, Youth, Undergrads and Zeta Amicae who brought home numerous awards:
Tau Psi Zeta
1st place - Scrapbook (51+ members) 1st place - Z-HOPE (51+ members) 3rd place - Chapter Report (100+ members)
Youth Auxiliary
1st place - Pearlette/Amicette Auxiliary Report (26+ members) 1st place - Archonette Auxiliary Report (26+ members) 1st place - Youth Scrapbook (26+ members)
Zeta Amicae of Alsip
1st place - Auxiliary Report (26+ members) 1st place - Scrapbook (26+ members) 1st place - Z-HOPE (5-25 members) Friend Annye P. Roberts Scholarship Award -Alicia Coppage and Sade Watson
Undergraduate Chapter- Omicron Delta
In addition to handling business, Sorors and Amicae looked forward to the virtual vendors presentation on Friday and Saturday evening showcasing their merchandise. The Amicae Vendors Showcase even had a live DJ spinning on the 1s and 2s. Congratulations to all newly elected officers of the Great Lakes Region Executive Board.
TPZ SUPPORTS NONPROFIT PROGRAMS IN THE “FINER” DRIVE
BY SOROR KHALILAH MUHAMMAD
In observance of Finer Womanhood Month, TPZ hosted a “Finer” Drive where new or gently used items such as belts, purses, portfolios, unopened pantyhose, costume jewelry and personal care items (manicure kits, new makeup, perfume and toiletries) and also monetary donations were collected for two nonprofit organizations, Safer Foundation and Roseland Christian Ministries. The Safer Foundation is one of the nation’s largest nonprofits working tirelessly to disrupt the cycle of recidivism and social injustice in our society. Supporting over 5,000 men, women and youth in attaining gainful employment each year, they help people build better lives, stronger families and safer communities. The Roseland Christian Ministries programs are designed to serve the needs of the Roseland community by providing care and support whether that means offering affordably priced goods, programming for children and youth, shelter for women and children, or meals. In total , TPZ collected 3,706 items and $140 monetary donation. Thank you all for an amazing Finer Womanhood event!!!
