Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Tennessee State Newsletter Submitted by Soror Brandi J. Osborne Antapokritis
January 2012
Sheryl P. Underwood International Grand Basileus Constance S. Hendricks South Central Regional Director
Ernestine Wilson Tennessee State Director
ZÜxxà|Çzá yÜÉÅ à{x fàtàx W|ÜxvàÉÜ A New Foundation Built on Service, Scholarship, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood
To the sorors of the great state of Tennessee: Happy New Year! Our prayer is that your commencement into 2012 was peaceful, productive, energizing, and empowering. As we head into the celebration of our Founder’s Day, we are blessed to have a history and foundation of over nine decades of service, scholarship, sisterly love, and finer womanhood. Our Five Pearls set the benchmarks and it is up to each of us, individually and collectively, to live in a manner which is pleasing to our God, ourselves, and our sisters. It is our responsibility to provide necessary services to each community; promote scholarly activities through attainment of additional education and self-help opportunities and the sharing of intellectual pursuits; demonstrating love to our sisters and friends; and uplifting each other as examples of finer womanhood. We will work together to support each other in each of our efforts to affect the communities in which we live – and our larger community of Tennessee. We remember Past Grand Isabel Herson and celebrate her life as the organizer of our Stork’s Nest Program, the Zeta National Education Foundation, and the Night of the Performing Arts. As she has joined the Triumphant Zetas, we will recall the legacy of love, education, and service that she left. We hope to have each chapter represented at the 2012 Boule’. It is important that we exercise our rights as members of our organization. As the year of 2012 progresses, we challenge each chapter within Tennessee to serve her community with pride and humility. Venture out with programs and activities which will benefit others. Additionally, don’t forget that we must commit to supporting each other as well. You have my assurance that I will do all I can - however I can - with my whole being - to support the Zetas of Tennessee. If you ever need me - remember, I am only a phone call or an email away. Zealously, Passionately, and Benevolently Yours,
XÜÇxáà|Çx j|ÄáÉÇ Tennessee State Director
Tennessee State Leadership Conference The 2011 Tennessee State Leadership Conference was held on October 21-22, 2011 at the Historic Sheraton Read House Hotel in downtown Chattanooga. The local chapters, Gamma Iota Zeta and Lambda Delta served as hostesses. Chapter Basilei Jerri Sutton Weary and Brittany Smith respectively, along with conference marshal Soror Ranquetta Dotley worked diligently to host a successful conference. The two day conference was filled with such valuable information regarding the latest updates in the sorority The opening session was kicked off with greetings from various Chattanooga officials, as well as an inspiring tribute to Bessie Smith.
We graciously welcome our newly chartered chapters to the Tennessee Delegation! Nu Gamma Zeta Jackson Oct. 2010 Psi Sigma Zeta Germantown Jan. 2011 Psi Phi Zeta Thompson Station April 2011
During the Ms. Tennessee Zeta pageant, Soror Shenika Holmes of Pi Alpha (LeMoyne-Owen College) took home top honors in the in the competition. In addition, the conference included Membership Intake Training, ZHOPE training with the Regional Coordinator and Undergraduate Fellowship function. The Business Sessions were executed efficiently and we elected new members to executive Board. With the leadership of our Health & Wellness Initiative Chairperson, Soror Malinda Conrad, the conference conducted its first Health Justice Health Fair with local healthcare exhibitors such as the Hamilton Country Health Department, Chattanooga Cares-HIV screening and testing, American Cancer Society-Chattanooga and Primary Health Care. The organizations conducted HIV screenings for registrants and distributed brochure to inform conference attendees regarding health-related information. The State Director and Regional Director gave accolades during the Awards Banquet to chapters and sorors who excelled in Zeta as well as officers and appointed officials. • • • • • • • • •
Largest graduate chapter number in attendance: Alpha Eta Zeta (Memphis) Largest graduate chapter percentage in attendance: Nu Gamma Zeta (Jackson) Largest undergraduate chapter number in attendance: Mu Theta (MTSU) Largest undergraduate chapter percentage in attendance: Delta Iota (UT Martin) Largest Amicae Group in attendance – Zeta Amicae of Nashville Bernice Calloway Amicae Award – Amica Arlita Swanson (Zeta Amicae of Nashville) Largest Youth chapter in attendance– Rho Mu Zeta (Clarksville) ZHOPE Award – Rho Mu Zeta (Clarksville) Youth Spelling Bee - Pearlette Leila Waden
Congratulations to Soror Mabel Scruggs who, at 102, is the oldest Zeta in Tennessee! She is currently an active member of Gamma Iota Zeta (Chattanooga). Soror Elaine Williamson of Nu Zeta (Knoxville) was distinguished as a Zeta Dove for giving over 50 years of service to our sorority. She was inducted at Knoxville College (Pi Chapter) in 1957. Sorors Linda DeVastey, Deborah Anderson, Callie Hirsch, Mildred Taylor, all of Chi Lambda Zeta (Bartlett) and Soror Debra Smith of Pi Zeta (Nashville) were recognized for celebrating 25 years in Zeta. Tennessee’s Undergraduates Wear Pumps for a Cause Submitted by Soror Lisa Jones, Undergraduate Coordinator
The collegiate attendees gave a new spin on Service during the conference. They sold cookies shaped like pumps and voted amongst themselves to donate the money raised to fund cancer awareness. The undergrads led the conference with record-setting attendance numbers. During their meet and greet, each soror represented her chapter with grace and elegance by wearing royal blue high heeled shoes and participated in teambuilding opportunities to fellowship with other collegiate chapters. Our undergraduates are doing tremendous things in their institutions of higher education and local communities. Soror Shenika Holmes, who holds the current title as Ms. Tennessee Zeta, was crowned Miss. LeMoyne-Owen for the second term.
Save the Date! February 18: Middle TN Undergraduate Workshop Austin Peay State University February 25: West TN Undergraduate Workshop Christian Brothers University TBA: East TN Undergraduate Workshop ZOL The following sorors were recognized for attending the 2011-2012 Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) conference in Washington, DC. We encourage Tennessee sorors to embrace such opportunities that are available in our great organization. • • • • •
Tangie Dotson – Alpha Eta Zeta Phyllis Galloway – Chi Lambda Zeta Pauline Hutchinson – Pi Zeta April Jackson – Chi Lambda Zeta Audrey Johnson – Alpha Eta Zeta
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Ann Jones-Pierre – Gamma Iota Zeta Erin Lynch – Rho Mu Zeta Tabitha Matthews – Chi Lambda Zeta Chandra Owens – Rho Mu Zeta Stephanie Peeler – Rho Mu Zeta Yolaunda Taylor – Chi Lambda Zeta Ernestine Wilson – Pi Zeta Kendra Woods – Pi Zeta
Congratulations to Soror Vicki Hammock, Winner of the prestigious 2011 Arizona Cleaver Stemons Award! Arizona Leedonia Cleaver Stemons was the epitome’ of finer womanhood, servitude, organization, and leadership. She envisioned a sisterhood strong in character whose arms would reach across the nation, and eventually, across the seas. Soror Vicki Hammock of Chi Sigma Zeta (Morristown) embraced the character of our beloved founder. Past Years’ Honorees: Soror Doris Smith (2004) Soror Obianuju Rita Mbamau (2005) Soror Joyce Halsey (2006) Soror Igina Perteet (2007) Soror Kenya Sawyer (2008) Soror Yalaunda Toliver- Taylor (2009) Soror Donna R. Williams (2010)
Alpha Eta Zeta - Memphis Submitted by Soror Igina Perteet
Alpha Eta Zeta has been very busy in the Memphis community exemplifying our principles of Finer Womanhood, Sisterly Love, Scholarship and Service. Our first sisterly event of the year was our BLUAU! It was an opportunity for Sorors, Amicae, and even ladies interested in Zeta to come and fellowship. This was a great chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the beginning of a new sorority year. Everyone had a great time. Our chapter and auxiliaries got an early start on September 10, 2011 to begin our SHC Events. We participated in the Orange Mound Parade and showcase Zeta from
Melrose High School to Airways. We passed out candy and treats to the youth as we passed by. Sherrie Lyons represented in the parade as Ms Alpha Eta Zeta. She wore her crown and sash well. Our Amicae and Youth were greatly appreciated for taking the time out of their day to participate with us also. After walking those long miles, we journeyed to the Liberty Bowl for our Joint Blue & White Family Tailgate with Sigma Memphis. This year we were joined by Psi Sigma Zeta Chapter of Germantown, TN. What a welcomed addition to the afternoon! The brothers did an excellent job as always with grilling the food! We had several sorors and Frats to visit the area from out of town. It was a good time held by all in attendance. Our Z-Hope and Community Service Committee led by Soror Camille Crawford has also begun the year off on a positive note. We have actively participated in several community service events in Memphis. Sorors from AHZ volunteered at the 7th Annual Sickle Cell 5K Walk-A-Thon, where we provided nutritious foods to the walkers. Monthly the chapter hosts Bingo/Z-HOPE nights with Seniors of Bethel Towers, where we have an opportunity to educate the senior on various topics. The highlight of the night is the competiveness spirits of the seniors when it comes to the bingo games. In addition to coordinating Bingo Nights, the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk, and Prematurity Awareness efforts- Alpha Eta Zeta was also able to host its first Domestic Violence Forum. Alpha Eta Zeta and the AHZ-D.O.V.E. Foundation, Incorporated. kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness month with the Love Shouldn’t Hurt forum. The forum was held September 24th on the campus of UT Health Science Center. We had nine agencies and four survivors to speak. All of the agencies and survivors provided very helpful information to know and to be able to share when it is needed. The forum was very nice and UT was very accommodating. It was an enlightening experience for all that attended. Our efforts in support have continued with the Taffi 2K Health Walk. Our walks have continued to grow with the support of the community and agencies. We have had an increase of men to participate in the walk. Sean Upshaw of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Beta Xi Omega Chapter, shares “These walks are good for our community! It helps to bring light to a dark topic that’s rarely talked about. I encourage my brothers to come and support the women of Zeta in their effort in this area.” We hosted our Annual Health Fair with Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and it was a great success. We were also able to reach out to children in the community that were gearing up for the upcoming school year. Our donations of school supplies went a long way and we were able to help get many students on the right foot to start off their year!
Alpha Eta Zeta launched its premier website. The web address is www.thememphiszetas.org Our site has a phenomenal look and promotes the importance of sustainable resources whiles still being an extremely informative and effective form of communication for the chapter. Things to look for on the site are: AHZ News, Photos, History, Chapter Highlights and links to our Twitter and Facebook page. AHZ is making its presence in social media. We welcomed three new members to the chapter via membership intake. Those new members to the sisterhood are Shawnee Evans, Sharon Duke and Jennifer Sanders-Johnson. Shawnee is an Educator with Memphis City School and is married to a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. She has one son. Sharon is an accountant and is also married to a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. She has two lovely children. Jennifer works in administration at Federal Express. She is happily married with two sons and a daughter. Her sister is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The sorority year has begun with the following sorors transferring or becoming reclaimed with our chapter. We would like to welcome the following to the Astounding Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter: Lametric Bishop, Katherine Maclin, Facision Moore, Wyndie Reddick and Brittany Course. Alpha Eta Zeta would like to extend congratulations to Sorors Tangie Dotson and Doris Owens-Smith on their elected State positions. Soror Dotson will serve as our TN State Grammateus and Soror Smith will serve as the Chair of the Board. Kudos to each of you and we know you will serve well! Finally, we wrapped up 2011 with a Holiday Mixer & NPHC Men of Memphis Calendar launch! This year Alpha Eta Zeta brought something different to the city of Memphis. We offered twelve months of positive African-American men! The mixer was a great way to unwind and to fellowship with the members of the chapter, Amicae, friends, and our Models. Calendars are only $15 and are still available for purchase. Please contact memphiszetas@gmail.com to place your order. Alpha Eta Zeta has been busy and is looking forward to an ASTOUNDING second half of the year!
Alpha Mu – Christian Brothers University Submitted by Soror Tejwana Hinton
The Alluring Alpha Mu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has had an amazing semester thus far. To kick off the year, we decorated our display board in the Thomas Center at Christian Brothers University. On September 13, 2011, we hosted a glamour night, during which we gave facials and did make-up, hands, and feet. The night was a success as the ladies enjoyed receiving tips about cosmetics while relieving themselves from their daily routines. We also had our I AM Blutiful Retreat on Saturday, September 24. All in attendance had a wonderful time, as we engaged in food, fun, and festivities. In addition to our I AM Blutiful Retreat, we had our fall informational on Thursday, September 29. It was a huge success. The ladies who came out were really enthusiastic and had a great time getting to know our Sorors as well as each other. The Ladies of Alpha Mu also hosted a series of events,, which included a Breast Cancer Roundtable, mixer, nacho sale, and game night. Additionally, we participated
with Pi Alpha in their NPHC step show Friday, October 7, 2011. On November 19, 2011, we hosted our Battling Breast Cancer Benefit Concert to help raise awareness for breast cancer. We were able to raise $100 to donate to the American Cancer Society. Everyone had a wonderful time. We also had the opportunity to successfully complete the MIP process. Alpha Mu inducted three lovely ladies: Richaundra George, Aramis Judson, and Bria Buford. We welcome the new sorors to our sisterhood.
Spotlight on Zeta: Soror Brenda Thacker East Geographical Area Coordinator • • • • • • • •
Chapter of Initiation: Nu Zeta, Knoxville, TN in 1987 Current Chapter: Chi Sigma Zeta, Morristown, TN Positions Held: Grammateus, Tamias-Grammateus Education: BS., Knoxville College; MS., UT Knoxville; EdS., Lincoln Memorial University - Harrogate, TN. Occupation: Blount County Schools as a second grade teacher for 34 years in Maryville, TN Home Life: Married to Jimmie Thacker. Has 5 children Interesting Fact: My youngest daughter is a Zeta. Enjoys: Various activities in church and community. I love to shop til I drop!
Gamma Iota Zeta – Chattanooga Submitted by Soror Jerry Sutton Weary
A community of caring was underway at Orchard
Knob Elementary School in Chattanooga as the Gamma Iota Zeta ladies assisted with Trunk or Treat. Several hundred children, both students of the school and community, came to observe a safer way of celebrating Halloween. GIZ Sorors were well represented at the 2011 TN State Leadership Conference hosted in our city. We are proud to have Soror Mable Scruggs, one of the chapter's Zeta Doves, still be so active in her service for Zeta.
Lambda Delta – UT Chattanooga Submitted by Soror Jerry Sutton Weary
The Lambda Delta chapter at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga assisted their advising graduate chapter, Gamma Iota Zeta, in hosting the 2011 Tennessee State Leadership Conference in October.
Mu Theta – Middle Tennessee State University Submitted by Soror Kimberly Albritton
The Mu Theta chapter completed several community service events during the fall semester. These include:
We Haul Second Harvest Food Bank Christmas Party at Womack Daycare Walk for Diabetes Greeksgiving March of Dimes fundraiser Collected & distributed school supplies Drive for students at Bradley Academy Blood Drive Collected donations for Walk for Diabetes Trunk or Treat with Boys and Girls Club “What Are You Thankful” for Thanksgiving Fundraiser Student Appreciation Event Charm School: DeFINING Your Womanhood Forum We look forward to a productive and successful 2012 – contributing to the greater good at MTSU!
Omega Pi – Vanderbilt University Submitted by Soror Jessica McMillan
Greetings Sorors! The Omega Pi Chapter worked very hard this semester. On September 3rd, we threw our highly anticipated “Blue and White Fish Fry”, where we served deep fried fish, fries, spaghetti, and snow cones. In November, the lovely doves took the Vanderbilt campus on “A Trip Down Memory Lane” for our 2011 Disneythemed mini week. The week jump started with a Peter Pan event, where we took up a collection for the esteemed March of Dimes Foundation, and handed out free, homemade blue velvet cupcakes. Later in the week, the other three sororities in the National PanHellenic Council joined Omega Pi in hosting a discussion on the fertility of minority women, in an event entitled The Princess Diaries. The Zeta mini-week also included Hercules themed Pilates and a Lion King themed Greek mixer. The Omega Pi Chapter continued its legacy, as we welcomed three young ladies to the sorority, in a Charlie’s Angels themed new member presentation. The newest members of Omega Pi are eager to begin planning the exciting events for the upcoming spring semester which include the Martin Luther King Day of Service, a step
show, and Finer Womanhood Week. Please continue to support the success of the Omega Pi beginning with our Founder’s Day Blue & White Formal on January 14th, which will be thrown jointly with the brothers of the Alpha Gamma Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. A discount ticket price will be offered to the members of the blue and white family, so don’t forget to get your ticket. With a Casino Royale theme, it is sure to be a full house!
Pi Alpha – LeMoyne-Owen College Submitted by Soror Tejwana Hinton
The ladies of Pi Alpha had an exciting semester in Zeta, starting with four Sorors attending the South Central Regional Conference in June 2011 where they enjoyed the service initiative with Helping Hands. Pi Alpha Chapter also participated in various community service and social activities with the Memphis Zetas throughout the year. In August: Pi Alpha Sorors helped with the Back to School Drive/ Health Fair held on the 6th. On the 19th, the ladies helped the incoming freshman move in and distributed bottled water and chips with welcome greetings from the chapter. They also participated in the Orientation Week block party held at LeMoyne-Owen along with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma. In September: Pi Alpha participated in the Greek stroll-off on Friday, September 2nd. The Alumni vs. LOC Volleyball game was held on the 9th. The game was pulled off by the undergrads! On the 10th, Pi Alpha fellowshipped at the Southern Heritage Classic Blue and White Family Tailgate. They held an informational on 11th. On the 17th, members of Pi Alpha volunteered with the Sickle Cell Foundation by getting feedback from participants at the walk and passing out hot dogs and popcorn. Several sorors were even tested for the Sickle Cell trait. Pi Alpha also tutors with MIFA on Thursdays. In October: The chapter stepped in the campus Greek Show on the 7th, along with Alpha Mu! They won first prize for the female sorority. Sorors attended the Breast Cancer Walk on October 15th and later that month, distributed breast cancer ribbons and brochures to the campus. Seven sorors were present at the Tennessee State Conference the following week. Soror Shenika Holmes was awarded the title of Ms. Tennessee Zeta! Pi Alpha and AHZ supported President Patricia Watts at her Senior night volleyball game on Oct. 25th.
In November: LeMoyne-Owen College held the historic coronation of Soror Shenika Holmes as Miss LeMoyne-Owen College on November 18, 2011 at the Peabody Hotel Downtown Memphis, TN at 7:00 PM. Shenika, is the youngest Miss LOC and the first to be crowned twice in a row! In December: Pi Alpha donated clothing and other items to a seven-year-old girl at the Hope House of Memphis, an agency that helps family members of AIDS patients. The Four Blue Notes of Fall 2011 also made their debut on December 5. Pi Alpha hard to maintain the principle of scholarship and studied immensely during exam week. Three sorors completed coursework in December and eight sorors will graduate in May 2012! And the production continues!
Pi Zeta – Nashville Submitted by Soror Erika Davis
On December 10th 2011, Pi Zeta, Nashville's oldest Zeta chapter, welcomed nine new members into there sisterhood. We wanted to share with you about each of them: •
Soror Yakita Dickerson, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Her goal in the sorority is to gain new relationships through this sisterhood that will last a lifetime. Dickerson plans to use her leadership skills in the sorority.
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Soror Rachel Hardaway; is a graduate of Tennessee State University. Rachel brings to Zeta great organizational and analytical skills that will fit right into the sorority.
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Soror Verica Howard; is a graduate of Tennessee State University also. She possesses leadership ability and wants to continue to grow as a Zeta woman while giving her time, talent and service in a very positive way. Soror Howard was motivated to become a Zeta Phi Beta after doing research about the sorority. "Zeta values sisterly love and finer womanhood and these are the values that I believe in," said Howard.
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Soror Mafferima Jolly is a graduate of Tennessee State University. She plans on bringing her motivation and love for community service into the sorority. "I plan to bring my love for doing community service," says Jolly. "I am very motivated & willing to work and help out."
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Soror Roodie Johnson is a graduate of Fisk University. As a Zeta, Johnson wants to be a part of community projects and work closely with her sorority sisters.
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Soror Krystle Raglin is a graduate of Alabama A&M University. With becoming a Zeta, Soror Raglin wants to gain additional knowledge from others and work closely with the community outreach program.
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Soror Erica Reynolds is a graduate of Tennessee State University. Soror Reynolds possesses strong leadership skills and a long history of community service. With becoming a Zeta, she wants to develop new friendships and help with community activities.
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Soror Tracey Thomason-Duke is a graduate of the University of Phoenix. Soror Thomason-Duke possesses strong leadership skills as a mentor and youth advisor. Being a Zeta, she expects to help build a foundation for involvement in community and national programs. As a Zeta she wishes to establish a strong network connection with a diverse group of women.
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Last, but not least is Soror Donna Wilson, a graduate of Tennessee State University. As a Zeta she wants to work with other Sorors who create opportunities for others and seek ways which will further impact the lives of our youth and young adults. Soror Wilson plans to bring her skills she possesses as business owner into the sorority.
Each member will bring a diverse background to the Pi Zeta chapter and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. as a whole. Whether it is leadership skills, motivational skills, or the love for community service these new Sorors will fit right in as a Zeta.
Psi Phi Zeta – Thompson Station Submitted by Soror Janice Pickett-Rowe
On April 4, 2011 seven brave and phenomenal women embarked on trailblazing a new path of service in an area where our presence was unknown. On this date, Psi Phi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated received certification to officially become a new chapter by our 23rd International Grand Basileus, Sheryl P. Underwood with the blessings of our Regional Director, Dr. Constance Hendricks and our State Director, Ernestine Wilson. We were officially chartered on June 18th, 2011 at the South Central Regional Leadership Conference held in Huntsville, Alabama.
New Beginnings, predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Community Service,
Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood needed a presence in Williamson County. Thus on November 13th, 2011, in Brentwood, TN, Psi Phi Zeta Chapter held its public ceremony to present the first sorority of the Divine Nine in that area. The members are: Janice Pickett Rowe, Basileus, Rosalyn Pope, 1 st Anti Basileus, Shirley Corry, 2nd Anti Basileus, Marsha Bullock, Grammateus, Christian Ward, Tamias, Rosetta FisherOliver, Tamias- Grammateus and Toni Buggs, Chaplin. It was recognized that a need was present in this affluent community where a population of citizens was being underserved. It was our vision that Zeta could provide services, informative sessions and workshops, and a caring hand to uplift those in need. The event was well attended by members of fellow Greek-letter organizations, friends, family, and community leaders. Some of the local dignitaries in attendance were Mayor Paul L. Webb of Brentwood, TN, Chairman of the County Commission, Jack Walton, representing Mayor Rogers C. Anderson of Williamson County and Alderman-At-Large, Pearl Bransford each of whom brought greetings and presented the chapter with a proclamation. Our very own Tennessee State Director, Soror Ernestine Wilson, brought greetings and presented the chapter to the community. Greetings and well wishes were also received from Soror Brenda Scott, Pi Zeta Chapter - Nashville, TN, Basileus Jaci Henley, Rho Alpha Zeta Chapter - Hermitage, TN, Basileus Brandi Osborne, Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter - Murfreesboro, TN and Bro. Ron W. Parham, President of Eta Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc - Nashville, TN. We were greeted by Danielle Frazier, President of the Nashville Chapter of the PanHellenic Council. We were entertained by a Jazz Ensemble and the evening was concluded with a nice reception. The chapter has begun serving the community by partnering with some local elected officials and community leaders at Centennial High School in Franklin for a diversity workshop and round table discussion. Students from various socio-economic backgrounds, races, and grade levels were chosen to participate in various activities to bring awareness to the subtle prejudices that may exist at the school and steps that can be taken to try and eradicate them. The charter members of Psi Phi Zeta Chapter are excited about the opportunities to partner and build relationships to serve in Williamson County, as well as, build chapter membership and increase awareness of our beloved sorority. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.
Rho Gamma – University of Memphis Submitted by Soror Tejwana Hinton
The Resplendent Rho Gamma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at the University of Memphis has participated in many events thus far in the semester. We held information tables at both the RSO Fair and Multicultural Fair showcasing history about the organization and our chapter. We also participated in the NPHC Week festivities, which included a Brotherhood/Sisterhood Tea on September 7, 2011 where all the Divine 9 organizations gave a brief history about their organizations and interacted with students who are interested in becoming a part of the Greek community. We also participated in the yard show on Friday September 9 that was held at the student plaza. Our biggest events this semester took place during our Fall 2011 Interest Weekend that was held from October 6-8. The theme of our weekend was “3 WayZ to be a Goddess.” Events from our weekend included a March of Dimes fundraising table, tutoring at U.S. Dream Academy, game night, skate night, and a yardshow held in the Rose Theater on Friday October 7. In November, we welcomed ten new sorors to the chapter. In December, we donated gifts to a family in need from the Hope House for the Christmas Holiday. The Rho Gamma Chapter looks forward to continuing to be a force on the University of Memphis campus and ensuring that the light of Zeta shines bright!
Rho Mu Zeta – Clarksville Submitted by Soror Eva Gibson
Sorors, Rho Mu Zeta has been busy expanding upon Scholarship, committing acts of Service, sharing Sisterly Love and enhancing Finer Womanhood! Scholarship: Rho Mu Zeta presented a graduating high school senior with a scholarship to help her pursue her goal of college attendance. This young lady is now a freshman at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. In addition to helping others further their education, the Clarksville Zetas have been working hard to enhance their own academic development. This year, two Sorors are completing a Master’s degree, one has successfully graduated with hers, and two are enrolled in a doctorate program. Service: The Dovely Ladies in Clarksville have successfully completed many Z-Hope projects for youth, women, and men. West Creek Middle School benefited from the generous donation of school supplies for students in need. The Zetas also visited a women’s safe house in Clarksville and donated feminine products for residents at the facility. Additionally, a men’s health workshop was presented at the APSU
recreational center to emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Sisterly Love: Rho Mu Zeta encourages the expansion of sisterly love and welcomed seven new members into the family this year. Sorors Atkins, Bickham, Gibson, Goode, Harris, Ozier, and Whitfield have now joined the organization and are contributing to the overall mission of Zeta. Finer Womanhood: The Clarksville Graduate Chapter continues to strive for Finer Womanhood and does so in a means such as holding workshops on self-care and treating oneself as a woman of value. Additionally, Rho Mu Zeta shares this vision with the local undergraduate chapter and the youth groups as we continually invest in their development as well.
Sigma Chi Zeta - Murfreesboro Submitted by Soror Brandi J. Osborne
The Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter has been busy in the Murfreesboro Community. Our collegiate advisors represented us at the South Central Regional Conference. The Executive Board convened prior to the official start of the sororal year in a preplanning meeting. The State Director conducted Chapter Management and Membership Intake Training with our new undergraduate chapter at MTSU, Mu Theta. During the session, we formally installed the 2011-2012 officers and stood together to rededicate ourselves back to the values of Zeta. We attended the 2011 Walk for Lupus Now at Edwin Warner Park in Nashville. That month, the Archonettes hosted a community at a local park. The young ladies had a spread of grilled food and beverages to share in a meet and greet with the community. Our chapter was wellrepresented at the Tennessee State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga and brought back the latest information to other sorors upon return. The chapter supported Psi Phi Zeta (Thompson Station) during their public chartering event by extending greetings and welcomed them as the newest chapter in Middle Tennessee. For Thanksgiving, we donated a grocery store gift card to The Journey Home; a shelter has houses guests who experience homelessness. We convened in December for our annual Adopt-A-Family Service Project and Christmas Party by volunteering with Toys 4 Tots to assist families picking up gifts for children in need. Afterwards, the chapter gathered to fellowship in sisterly love with one another. While we ate and exchanged gifts, we wrapped the presents we donated to a young mother who struggled to provide a Christmas for her children. We look forward to 2012. We will host an interest tea for ladies are interested in joining our chapter as well as sorors who wish to reclaim their zeal for our great sorority.
Letter to the Editor Remembering the Sister in Sisterhood In the months following our weekend of sisterhood and fellowship in Chattanooga, are you still emboldened with zeal? As we are thrown headlong into the Holiday season and remember those in need through our community service efforts, let us not forget each other. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. differentiates itself from other organizations for many reasons, but the most profound staple to our success is our emphasis on sisterhood. Since 1920 our Founders emphasized the term "like-minded;" in a time when sorority members were frequently selected on like-appearance, our Founders envisioned a deeper meaning for sisterhood. "There is a Zeta in a girl regardless of race, creed, and culture" and nearly a century later, this message rings more true as the globalization of our communities draws us closer. Our fellowship at State Conference always reminds us of the power of like-minded women who seek to enhance their communities and the lives of others, but it should also reiterate the message of the Proverbs 31 woman, the woman who is both a model for other women to follow, but also one who submits humbly to God, and how that Proverb 31 woman has no explicitly defined appearance. She can be anyone of us, Asian, Arab, or African. It is our like-mindedness that binds us, and during this season, we should celebrate this thread of commonality. Call a Soror who may have lost her zeal and reignite the fervent flames in her heart. Give a kind word to a woman who may not be a sister in Zeta, but exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman, and lastly, offer a sisterly word to the woman who may have forgotten the blessing of her womanhood, and needs guidance. Our Founders sought to have sisterhood embedded in all we do, so this Holiday season let us remember each other amongst all others. With sisterly love, Erin Lynch, Miss Zeta International 2011
Acknowledgements I express my sincere thanks to each of you for submitting such great articles to share with our fellow chapters of this great state. I count it a joy to distribute such an amazing newsletter that’s truly crafted by YOU! I value your feedback and my desire is to make the newsletter bigger and better with each edition. Be blessed, sorors! I enjoy serving you in such a creative capacity. Sisterly,
Soror Brandi J. Osborne Osborne Tennessee State Antapokritis