Sensational THE
JUANITA B. MASSENBURG Regional Director PRECIOUS JEMISON Regional Representative
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOURNAL
N AT I O N A L C O N V E N T I O N I S S U E
I
2019
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Message from the Regional Director and Representative
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Our Sensational Year in Review 2018–2019
FRANCES McIVER Regional Parliamentarian KAYE WEBB Assistant Regional Parliamentarian
BERMUDA LEADERSHIP ROSETTE SIMMONS Coordinator
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In the Spirit
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Sisterhood Luncheon Program
NC LEADERSHIP SELENÉ H. BRENT State Coordinator
KIRSTON WILLIAMS State Facilitator
Breaking the Stigma
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REV. DR. TRISH HARLESTON Regional Chaplain BRIDGETTE WILSON Regional Journalist
CONTENTS
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DELORIS B. HARGROW Regional Secretary
ALFREDA BRYANT State Secretary
Two Sensational Deltas
SC L EADE RS HIP MONICA OWENS State Coordinator
10 2019 Membership Intake
REGAN SADLER State Facilitator
15 Calendar of Events
JONI WILLIAMS State Secretary
VA L EADE RS HIP MICHELLE LEWIS State Coordinator
Sisterhood D
Service
Scholarship S
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KA'MYIA GUNN State Facilitator FANCHON GLOVER State Secretary CASSANDRA MURPHY Regional Photographer
Greetings Sorors !
In the spirit of the New Orleans culture, we greet you as we Parade in our Pearls, Purple & Parasols! Over the past year, our chapters in the South Atlantic Region have served our communities with exceptional programming and served our membership with activities to increase the joy within our sisterhood. As we gather, with over 2400 sorors in attendance at our Regional Sisterhood Luncheon at the 54th National Convention, we have an opportunity to celebrate the good times of the past year. We also have an opportunity to celebrate the success of programming that aligns with our Five Point Programmatic Thrust. Additionally, we have an opportunity to honor those individual sorors and chapters who have made outstanding contributions to enhancing our true sisterly spirit. These are truly sensational times! From welcoming over 800 NEW members into our fold, collecting over $63,000 for Bennett College and donating $5000 each to Voorhees College and Virginia Union University and certifying over 130 Mental Health First Aiders, our members have exceeded our expectations and displayed an overwhelming sense of purpose and dedication to the South Atlantic Region. We appreciate your support and remain grateful. We are proud of the work that our chapters have done in all areas, but we are particularly proud of the scholarship donations in excess of $1.5million to help young minds to further their education. The education of our youth is vital to the sustainability and growth of our communities and continues to be a major emphasis for our organization. This Sisterhood Luncheon program celebrates your accomplishments throughout this sorority year and shares some impressive programming statistics. Sorors, we are never ones to rest on our laurels so please enjoy the convention and as always, Keep it Sensational! With much love and appreciation,
Juanita and Precious
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Written By Rev. Dr. Trish Harleston South Atlantic Regional Chaplain
IT'S NOT WITHOUT PURPOSE “... be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain” — 1 Corinthians 15:58
SUBMIT PRAYER REQUESTS TO sarprayerline @gmail.com
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eriodically we will encounter days when we have to remind ourselves that our work serves a much greater purpose than we are often able to conceptualize. I believe that our minds are incapable of fully comprehending the purpose for which the Lord desires to use us. It is for that reason that we must commit to trusting God even when we don’t understand His plan. The exhortation presented in 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to “be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord for our labor is never without purpose (not in vain).” This text not only serves as a reminder to remain loyal and faithful when situations seem unfair; but also it serves as encouragement when we are struggling to stand with stability upon a foundation that feels unreliable and unsteady. The Word of God says that we must not waver in our efforts to get the work done. Even that work that frustrates us, or in the environment that discourages us or during those situations that attempt to distract us from the goal – none of it is without purpose. We must learn to embrace the idea that even when our labor does not feel as if it is yielding result, it is still serving a greater purpose. For this becomes the motivation that keeps us moving when retreating seems to be the easiest and most logical answer. Therefore, remain steadfast and immovable – and keep doing the work. Nothing that you do to serve others is ever wasted – it is never without purpose. When you have given it all that you have to give and it just wasn't enough; even when you've encountered your toughest trial, or received your most discouraging report - hold on, hang in there and keep doing the work. For, in God's time, you will see that the work and the purpose far outweighs the pain.
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Join us for Monthly Manna. A moment of meditation and prayer to guide us through the month. First Sunday evening of each month at 8 p.m. Call In Number (515) 739-1020 Access Code: 457798 Also, remember to submit your daily prayer requests to sarprayerline@gmail.com
Sensational Sorors
PARADING in PEARLS, PURPLE & PARASOLS 54 TH National Convention South Atlantic Region
SISTERHOOD LUNCHEON SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 PROCESSIONAL
PRESIDING
DAPHNE MAXWELL REID, Honorary Member
WELCOME
JUANITA B. MASSENBURG, Regional Director PRECIOUS JEMISON, Regional Representative
GREETINGS
ROSETTE SIMMONS, SELENE’ BRENT, MONICA OWENS, MICHELLE LEWIS Bermuda, NC, SC, VA State Coordinators KIRSTON WILLIAMS, REGAN SADLER, KA'MYIA GUNN NC, SC, VA State Facilitators
PAST REGIONAL DIRECTORS
DR. NORMA SERMON-BOYD, SHARON REED, MARY SUTTON, YVETTE ROBINSON, DR. LINDA WILSON, ANDRIA JEFFRIES
PAST REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ALICIA SMITH-FRESHWATER, NATALIE PENNYWELL, DEANDREA NEWSOME
20TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT
DR. BERTHA MAXWELL-RODDEY
INTRODUCTION OF THE DAIS
DELORIS HARGROW, Regional Secretary
Divas Through the Decades
Sensational Sorors
PARADING in PEARLS, PURPLE & PARASOLS 54 TH National Convention South Atlantic Region
SISTERHOOD LUNCHEON SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 INVOCATION
REV. DR. TRISH HARLESTON, Regional Chaplain
Lunch
MUSICAL SELECTION
THE SENSATIONAL VOICES, Regional Choir
Introduction of Delta Pearls REGIONAL AWARDS
LISA DOWNEY-HOOD, Regional Chair, Program Planning and Development DENA KING AND PRECIOUS JEMISON Regional Chair and Regional Co-Chair, Social Action
2020 REGIONAL CONFERENCE UPDATE
CONNIE CUFFEE, Richmond Alumnae Chapter President
CLOSING REMARKS
JUANITA MASSENBURG, Regional Director PRECIOUS JEMISON, Regional Representative
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DELORIS HARGROW, Regional Secretary
RECESSIONAL
M
Breaking
the
STIGMA
Written by Dr. Joan Packenham
ore Americans than ever before are suffering with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and excessive stressdisorders; recognizing the urgency of this health crisis in our communities, the South Atlantic Region (SAR) is on a mission to bring mental health awareness and training to collegiate and graduate Sorors across the region. Since 2017, the SAR Health Awareness Committee has focused its work to bring Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to the Region to help address this national health challenge. In implementing MHFA trainings, the committee hopes to break the stigma of mental illness within African-American Families and bring the necessary skills and tools to assist individuals in a mental health crisis; MHFA teaches lay people how to “identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This can assist in early intervention, thus the possibility of recovery. Mental Illness is a chronic disease; therefore, it is critical for sorors across the SAR to be well equipped to handle a crisis. In acknowledging our sorority’s mission to serve with a primary focus on the black community, the committee saw the benefit of educating our Sorors about mental illness and its impact on African-Americans. 13.2% of the US population identifies as Black or African-American, and of those, over 16% had a diagnosable mental illness in the past year. This means over 6.8 million African-Americans are diagnosed with mental illness. Thus far, the committee has had great success with training and educating alumnae sorors across the region. Through partnership with the NC and MD Departments of Health and Human Services, in 2017-2018, seven alumnae sorors became certified MHFA Instructors: Joan Packenham (Durham Alumnae, NC) Valarie Walker (Greenville (NC) Alumnae), Tracy McNeil (Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae, NC), Pamela Johnson (Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae, NC), Barbara Myers (Hickory Alumnae, NC), Jeannelle Perkins- Muhammad (Berkeley County Alumnae, SC) and Yulaundra Heyward (Florence Alumnae, SC) and Tabitha Haynes (Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae was certified in 2018. Moving forward, the committee will continue to facilitate additional MHFA trainings across the region in 2018-2020. We also intend to expand our reach to our collegiate sorors so they will be aware of the important warning signs of mental illness, know how to help their collegues and help break the stigma of mental illness on their college campuses. For more information, please feel free to contact: Dr. Joan Packenham, SAR Health Awareness Chair (joan.packenham@gmail.com) with any questions or to sign up as a host chapter.
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@GlennParson
Beverly E. S mith National President & CEO
Alexandra Badgett
2019 Miss North Carolina
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, women's empowerment
Meet Soror Badgett
The 25th Anniversary of Women’s Empowerment, sponsored by Radio ONE was held in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 27, 2019. At this amazing event, among the stars, the vendors and women of all ages there was a woman that quietly commanded the stage with poise and elegance. That amazing woman was our very own National President & C.E.O, Beverly E. Smith. She was among three other powerful, female leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The panel had a profound discussion about the impact and influence that sororities of the Divine Nine have had on women and the community. This highly anticipated segment of Women’s Empowerment was a first and one of the highlights of the day.
Earlier this summer, Soror Alexandra Badgett was crowned Miss North Carolina in Raleigh NC. Although she has roots in Charlotte NC, she calls Denver NC home and yet proudly represented Jacksonville NC in the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant. Her platform during her reign is an initiative called N.I.N.E - No is Not Enough. The goal of her platform is to put a laser focus on sexual assault, especially among collegient students with a clarion call that NO MEANS NO! Soror Badgett was initiated at Iota Chi Chapter in Spring 2017 and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2018. Be on the lookout for a full interview with Soror Badgett in an upcoming issue of The Sensational, our regional journal. She will be very busy this year as she represents the state of North Carolina. She will go on to compete for the title of Miss America 2020. So, be sure to follow her on her social media platforms, @MissAmericaNC and Miss North Carolina, Alexandra Badgett. 9
Welcoming
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new sorors to the sisterhood
Kingstree Lake City Alumnae Chapter I 29 F.O.R.C.E.S. of Fortitude
Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter I Final DSTin8ion
Lambda Omicron Chapter I College of Charleston I S.I.G.N.S. of a Divergent Fortitude
Spartanburg Alumnae Chapter I 27 Elements of DSTinction
Eta Phi Chapter I Voorhees College I 16 Chronicles of DSTinction 10
Alpha Lambda Chapter I NC Central University I Virtuous Jewels of a Preeminent Destiny
High Point Alumnae Chapter I 22 Degrees of REDsilience
Lambda Omega Chapter I Duke University I 17 Matters of the Heart
PI Omicron Chapter I Wake Forest University IncanDeScenT N.I.N.E
Denmark Alumnae Chapter
Petersburg Alumnae Chapter I 38 Queens of Crimson and Cream 11
Welcoming
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Whiteville Alumnae Chapter I 12 Forces of Fortitude
new sorors to the sisterhood
Omicron Nu Chapter I UNC-Pembroke I 30 Voices of DSTinction!
Wilmington Alumnae Chapter I Twenty Pearls of DiSTinction
Iota Chi Chapter I Univ of SC I The 28 Phases of the Crimson S.T.O.R.M.
Upsilon Alpha Chapter I High Point University I Cohesion Trifecta
12 Nu Sigma Chapter I Charleston Southern Univ I Transcendent Fortitude
Omicron Phi I Clemson University I 23 H.E.I.R.S. Of A Divine REDemption
Hampton Alumnae Chapter I Forty Six Fortunes of Fortitude
Greenwood Alumnae Chapter I The 11 souls of Redemption
Omicron Tau Chapter Christopher Newport University Juxtaposed Prophecy
Omicron Iota I Elon Univ I Operation X
13 Durham Alumnae Chapter I 66 Jewels of Destiny
T he Sensational South Atlantic Region
Contact Guide HOW CAN WE DIRECT YOUR CALL? Use thi s gui de to hel p de t e r m in e wh o t o co ntac t w hen y ou have q u e s t io n s .
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Soror Juanita Massenburg 17sardmassenburg@gmail.com
STATE COORDINATORS & FACILITATORS
Soror Rosette Simmons Bermuda State Coordinator bdacoordinator@gmail.com Soror Selené Hudson Brent NC State Coordinator nccoordinatorbrent@gmail.com Soror Kirston Williams NC State Facilitator ncfacilitatorwilliams@gmail.com Soror Monica Owens SC State Coordinator sccoordinatorowens@gmail.com Soror Regan Sadler SC State Facilitator scfacilitatorsadler@gmail.com Soror A. Michelle Lewis VA State Coordinator vacoordinatorlewis@gmail.com Soror Ka'Myia Gunn VA State Facilitator vafacilitatorgunn@gmail.com
Soror Precious Jemison 24sarjemison@gmail.com
REGIONAL SECRETARY
Soror Deloris Baker Hargrow sarsecretaryhargrow@gmail.com
PUBLIC RELATIONS Soror Kimberly Bracy kimberly.bracy@gmail.com
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Soror Melita Pope Mitchell sarnc2020@gmail.com
REGIONAL CHOIR
Soror Shellena Atlas satlasdst2010@gmail.com
CHAPLAIN’S PRAYER REQUEST Soror Trish Harleston sarprayerline@gmail.com
RITUAL & CEREMONIES
Soror Deborah Howard debhoward27@gmail.com
Download Past Issues of The South Atlantic Regional Journal
PROTOCOL & TRADITIONS
Soror Pamela M. Lewis saregionprotocol@gmail.com
TECHNOLOGY
Soror Rhonda Long sartechteam@gmail.com
REGIONAL JOURNALIST
Soror Bridgette Wilson sarjournalistwilson@gmail.com
REGIONAL WEBSITE If you have any questions regarding the website, email sarjournalistwilson@gmail.com
FIND SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION ON:
South Atlantic Region Journal
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
When submitting articles, be sure to adhere to the following guidelines: • Third-person narrative • Topic-oriented (tell how the program served with purpose and dedication) • Microsoft Word format ONLY (don’t add any additional design elements like borders or fonts • Limit three high-resolution digital photos (JPEG format-300 dpi) • Submit photos separately. • Don’t embed the photo into the Microsoft Word document • For photos – Identify people, left to right, and or add captions • Journalist reserves the right to edit and cut copy • Please provide contact info (phone number, and email) for each article submitted Journal articles are requested in the following areas: • Feature Topic – (500 word maximum) Articles submitted for this section should align with the issue topic and provide tips, action items and resources. • Around the Region – Chapter News & Event (150 word maximum) – articles submitted for this section should include unique chapter programs. Please use clear action photos. • Sensational Sorors and Sensational Scholars (150 word maximum) – Articles submitted for this section should highlight the soror’s recent accomplishment and also provide a headshot or action shot of the soror.
Next Issue: Fall 2019 Submission Deadline: Sept. 30, 2019
Submit your chapter news to sarjournalistwilson@gmail.com
For additional contact information, visit www.dstsouthatlanticregion.org
Calendar South Atlantic Region 2019-2020 Events
29TH REGIONAL CONFERENCE Richmond, Virginia
Fall State
MEETINGS
SEPT. 20-21
OCT. 18-19
V IRG INIA
N ORTH CARO LI N A
Newport News Alumnae Chapter Newport News, VA
Hickory Alumnae Chapter Hickory, NC
OCT. 25-26 SO UTH CAROLINA
Georgetown Alumnae Chapter Georgetown, SC
F o u n d e r s D a y O B S E RVA N C E JAN. 4-5 , 20 2 0
Virginia Statewide Founders Day hosted by Chesterfield Alumnae Speaker - TBA Chesterfield, VA
JAN. 1 0 -11, 2 0 2 0
North Carolina Statewide Founders Day hosted by Johnston County Alumnae Speaker - Beverly E. Smith, National President & CEO Raleigh, NC
JAN. 31 -FEB 1, 2 02 0
South Carolina Statewide Founders Day hosted by Hartsville and Bennettsville/Cheraw Alumnae Chapters Speaker - Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, National Chaplain Hartsville, SC
Use this QR code to view digital version of our 2019 Summer Journal or visit our regional website. 15
Serving
with Purpose and Dedication‌ Keeping it Sensational