Tennessee
Times
ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC.—STATE OF TENNESSEE NEWS ISSUE 2 VOLUME 1
MARY BREAUX WRIGHT INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRESIDENT
DR. CONSTANCE HENDRICKS SOUTH CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR
DONNA R. WILLIAMS TENNESSEE STATE DIRECTOR
Executive Board
Tennessee
Donna R. Williams Tennessee State Director
Ernestine Wilson Immediate Past State Director
Brenda Thacker East Tennessee GAC
Kendra Woods Middle Tennessee GAC
Tejwana Hinton West Tennessee GAC
Doris E.O. Smith Chair of the Executive Board
Robin Jones Secretary
Bonita Gilliespie Treasurer
Kenya Sawyer Financial Secretary
TBN Undergraduate Member –At-Large
Tangie Dotson Parliamentarian
Jaci Henley Undergraduate Coordinator
Lisa Bass Amicae Coordinator
Coordinators Robin Jones Adopt-A-Highway
L E A D E R S
Rosalyn Pope Capital Campaign
Stephanie Peeler Life Members
Brittany Fox March of Dimes
Tabitha Matthews National Education Foundation
Caroyln Smith Protocol
Jerri Sutton Social Action
Charlotte Ghoston SOS Coordinator/Chaplain
Mary Pleas Stork’s Nest Coordinator
Ashley Pinkerton Text4baby Coordinator
Jennifer Scruggs Z-HOPE Coordinator
Regional Officers Latasha Jones Regional Financial Secretary Carolyn Smith SCR Representative to the Nat’l Nominating Committee
Stacey J. Smith Youth Coordinator
Igina Perteet Social Media /Publicist
National Officers/ Appointees Darneta Brown National Board of Trustees Chair Bonita Gillespie National Life Member Co-Director Natasha Clarke National Military Attache’ Vickie Hammock ZOL
From the Desk of…….
Donna R. Williams
Tennessee State Director
Greetings Tremendous Sorors, Amicae and Youth! Thank you for all of the tremendous work that you have done and are doing in your communities to help others excel and to continue to blaze paths! Take a few minutes to read this edition of the Tennessee Times to see how we have made a difference in Tennessee. I commend each of your for your efforts in supporting our national projects. Please know that Tennessee cannot be “tremendo s” without “u”! As we approach the close of another sorority year let us reflect on the 2013-14 year in how we can increase our membership and be more resourceful for a greater impact in the 2014-15 sorority year. There is still much work to be done! Remember, “It’s all about Zeta! Yours in Service and Sisterly Love,
Donna R. Williams Tennessee State Director
East Tennessee Nu Zeta Chapter has been busy representing the
Finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In February 2014, Nu Zeta and youth, along with other Greek sororities jointly sponsored a community health fair. Free blood pressure, bone density and kidney screenings were available. Mammograms were also available on site. In March, Nu Zeta and Pi Epsilon welcomed the return of warm weather by conducting the first litter pickup of the season. Both Nu Zeta and Pi Epsilon have discovered that participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for Graduate and Undergraduates to come
together and form strong bonds of sisterhood. Nu Zeta believes in keeping each of its auxiliaries busy. Nu Zeta and Amicae
delivered Valentine’s bouquets
to our adopted nursing home and participated in the International Women of Color Z-Hope Initiative. Nu Zeta and the Amicae collected, donated and shipped school supplies to the Children’s Library in Cape Coast Ghana. Nu Zeta, Amicae and youth are on the move for ZETA! Nu Zeta also welcomed in two new Sorors to the sisterhood. And three reclaims to the chapter.
Middle Tennessee Pi Zeta The Prestigious Pi Zeta Chapter has been working nonstop since the State Conference in October 2013. We donated to the 2013 National Military Appreciation Week . Pi Zeta along with our youth and Phi Beta Sigma joined forces and participated in the 5K Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Nashville, Tennessee Walk. We made this a day of fun, raced with the youth between each mile, and provided a wonderful Blue and White Family presence at the event. During Prematurity Awareness Month, we set up a booth at the Jones Paideia Magnet School’s Healthy Family Day Health Fair and 300 participants stop by to learn more about this initiative. We provide fact sheets and sugar free candies. We also had two churches, Lake Providence (4,000 participants) and Payne Chapel AME (200 participants), who agreed to place announcements about Prematurity Awareness in their Sunday Worship bulletins. In December, the chapter participated in the South Central Region Christmas Kettle Bell Ringing Initiative with the Salvation Army’s Nashville Hispanic Corps. We had 14 Sorors who volunteered for different shifts and raised almost $400 in five hours. We sang Christmas Carols and really had a wonderful time serving and entertaining our community. We received a Thank You letter from Cpt. Alves
Gonzalez and he invited us back next Christmas to volunteer again. We became an official LP Pencil partner for Metro Nashville Public Schools by adopting John Early Museum Magnet Middle School. We adopted three Angels from the school. We donated towards purchasing new school uniforms for two of the students . We also adopted J.B. Knowles Home Assisted and Adult Day Services for the National Eldercare Z-HOPE Initiative . We held our Finer Womanhood Luncheon honoring Middle Tennessee Women of Vision and Commitment, “A Walk in My S.H.O.E.S.”. The “Blue S.H.O.E.” (Saluting, Heroic, Outstanding, Effort) Award pays homage to women who have been committed to service and support of their chosen field and the Nashville community. The proceeds from the silent auction benefited Pi Zeta’s award winning Stork’s Nest Program.
Middle Tennessee
Psi Phi Zeta The Psi Phi Zeta Chapter held an etiquette seminar on March 29, 2014. The seminar, entitled Grace Under Pressure, touched on topics concerning dining etiquette, phone etiquette, social media, and social graces. The purpose of the workshop was to empower girls with basic social skills for success. Adopt a Highway: We have been busy during our part to keep Tennessee clean by completing quarterly highway pickups along highway 31 in Thompson Station, TN. Our most recent cleanup took place on March 22nd. Elder Care Initiative: Psi Phi Zeta has adopted Claiborne Hughes Health and Rehab Center. We visited the center on December 21st and assisted residents in a friendly but competitive game of bingo. Valentine’s Day cards were hand delivered to the center, and we are looking forward to more interaction with the Claiborne residents in the future! Intake and Reclamation: We are so excited about our newest members, Soror Tracey Lillard and reclaimed Soror Jaye Witherspoon.
Middle Tennessee
Sigma Chi Zeta The 2013-14 goal of the Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter of Murfreesboro, TN to focus on Sisterhood and our call to Service by celebrating the true meaning and purpose of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Chi Zeta has reached out to Rutherford County through various community service events. We adopted the Rutherford County Veteran’s
Hospital & collected personal care items for veterans in need. We adopted a local Elementary School by donating school supplies and reading to the classroom during the month of March to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. We participated in the Adopt- A- Highway initiative to clean up Highway 231 in our community. We also assisted in Adopt- A-Family by partnering with Tennessee Department of Children Services and helped a family of three during the Christmas holiday season. Sigma Chi Zeta celebrated Finer Womanhood Month with a sorors-only bowling event. During Founders’ Day we worshipped at First Baptist Church Service in Murfreesboro followed by lunch & fellowship time. Sigma Chi Zeta presented its annual Shannon Martin Memorial Scholarship to Miss Danyale Taylor, who attends Louisiana State University. Sigma Chi Zeta hosted the Tennessee State Amicae Advisor Meeting in Murfreesboro during the month of April. Sigma Chi Zeta salutes our very own chapter Soror Lisa Bass, the Tennessee State Amicae Coordinator on a job well done. As we continue to support the principles of Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, Sigma Chi Zeta celebrated with one of its chartering Archonettes, (now Soror) Jocelyn P. Jones, who became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Spring 2014 in our state. Sigma Chi Zeta looks forward to even more productive years enriching the Murfreesboro community.
Middle Tennessee Rho Alpha Zeta Chapter has been displaying and fostering the principals of Zeta through out Hermitage and Davidson County. Service has been on the forefront for this ravishing chapter. PAZ promoted social action by encouraging voter registration within low-income communities in the J. Henry Hale Apartments. We participated in the Nashville Cares AIDS Walk which promotes AIDS awareness and raises funds for Nashville Cares. Nashville Cares is the oldest and largest non-profit organization in Tennessee and it is Middle-Tennessee’s leading provider of AIDS prevention and care services. PAZ supported Project S.E.E. with a donation of winter coats for selected students. PAZ organized several fun, intriguing, sisterly, and classy events in the greater Nashville area during the beloved Finer Womanhood Month. The chapter also reclaimed six sorors and welcomed two transfer sorors. The Ladies of PAZ hosted a social event and organized inter-chapter competitions that supported Greek unity and raised funds for the March of Dimes. We also participated in the annual March for Babies. Select PAZ representatives participated on a bowling team made up of members of National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations and raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Chapter members provided school supplies for students in need to aid and support the students’ learning process at McGavock High School. Sorors volunteer with room set up, providing snacks and prizes, the facilitation of the bingo game, room clean up, and fun interactions with the elder care residents.
Middle Tennessee
Rho Mu Zeta has had an exciting year thus far. The chapter celebrated 94 years strong by hosting their Founder’s Day Brunch at Kleeman Community Center in Clarksville, TN on January 11, 2014. Soror Shirley Littleton was the
recipient of the chapter’s Zeta of the Year Award during this momentous occasion. The brunch was open to the public and members of the divine nine were in attendance, helping them pay tribute to Zeta and her service within the community. The chapter partnered with the local NAACP to organize an MLK March from Burt Elementary through downtown Clarksville on January 20, 2014. Both organizations held various seminars in the classrooms before participating in the commemorative march. PMZ members wore their Finer Women Don’t Haze shirts during the “Anti-Bullying” seminar sponsored by the Amicettes of Rho Mu Zeta. Afterwards, PMZ, Gamma Nu, and the youth participated in the MLK March. On March 22, 2014, Rho Mu Zeta held their Fourth Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Tea. Visiting sorors and fraters, community leaders, and area youth attended this event. Immediate Past State Director, Soror Ernestine Wilson, was the guest speaker. The Amicettes served as hostesses and the Archonettes from MIME IS IT, ministered through praise dance. Three scholarships were awarded to deserving young ladies from three local high schools. On April 13, 2014, they participated in the March for Babies Walk in Nashville, TN. The chapter collected over $500 for this event and will continue raising funds in support of this worthy cause. In an effort to fulfill their
National Social Action obligation, partnered with
Michael E. Henry Charities on May 8, 2014 by volunteering at an open forum entitled, “Surveying the Hill.” The forum will provide voters an opportunity to "meet the candidates", ask questions, and become informed voters. The moderator for the evening will be Ms. Treva Gordon, publisher of the Convenient Shopper Magazine.
West Tennessee Alpha Eta Zeta Since the 2013 Tennessee State Conference, AHZ has continued to highlight examples of scholarship in the Memphis community. AHZ also highlighted youth at its Blue Revue Extraordinaire during which seven young ladies were awarded scholarships. AHZ. Sorors honored America’s heroes on Veterans Day by making a presentation of gifts to the local VA Hospital. Sorors also received accolades as being the liveliest group to volunteer as bell ringers to collect money in support of the Salvation Army. The Elder Care initiative continues to be a focus for AHZ after hosting the second Elder Care forum, where community members were provided with information about a variety of topics including health care, health and nutrition for the elderly and local resources. Finer Womanhood Month featured a host of activities for AHZ to highlight and encourage sisterhood. Sisterhood Sunday kicked off the month’s activities with sorors attending church service at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and hosting breakfast for our partnering senior resident home, Bethel Towers. Sorors also had a great time at the chapter’s first Paint and Sip event during which each soror had the opportunity to create their own unique Zeta art piece. We participated in our Joint Founder’s Day program held in conjunction with Tau Iota Sigma Chapter and Phi Beta Sigma Southwestern Region’s Centennial Celebration. This year marks the 75th anniversary of AHZ. The chapter has been busy planning “A Diamonds and Pearls Weekend”. Sorors have also taken to the streets to walk, cycle, and exercise their way to health through the Zetas Have a Heart initiative. AHZ has the largest numbers of individuals signed up for the initiative and chapter members have partnered up to complete daily activities like walking, kickboxing, and crossfit exercises to establish and maintain healthy habits.
West Tennessee
Mu Zeta Zeta Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter of Bolivar, TN is soaring to heights in Zeatdom. Since 2013 State Leadership Conference held the month of October in the great city of Clarksville. Mu Zeta Zeta has been busy carrying out the principles of the Sorority. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month the chapter went
pink. November was Prematurity Awareness Month and members of the chapter attend church services at Antioch Baptist Church. They also visited the NITC at Jackson General Hospital and gave items to the unit in observance of Prematurity awareness Month. December the chapter went to the local nursing home and visited with patients in the nursing home. We had our Christmas Lunch and exchanged gifts and even held Zeta jeopardy to bush up on our Zeta history. Chapter members visited Pine Meadows nursing home and gave each resident a small gift from the sorority and wished them a Merry Christmas. In celebration of Founders’ Day we attended worship service together at Fellowship Church of God in Christ in Collierville, TN . The chapter also participated in the local NAACP Martin Luther King Parade. In February we held a small seminar at Greater Springfield to bring awareness to Heart Disease. During Finer Womanhood Month members had a night out as finer women of Zeta Phi Beta at the Grizzles game. We held several reclamations activities as well. Mu Zeta Zeta will continue to strive hard to carry out the principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as well a service the community though our many Z-Hope projects. Mu Zeta Zeta consists of 25 members.
West Tennessee
Chi Lambda Zeta Chi
Lambda Zeta Chapter participated in the 2014 Founder’s Day at First Baptist Church in West Memphis, AR. The guest speaker was Soror Dororthy Williams, former Arkansas State Director of Little Rock, AR. On Sunday, March 9, 2014 the chapter held a public program at First Baptist Bartlett to commemorate FinerWomanhood Observance and to celebrate their Chapter Chartering. The chapter honored Soror Sonja Crumble as the 2014 Zeta of the Year and presented her with a beautiful trophy. This chapter continues the work of Zeta as we adhere to the National Initiatives such as: Elder Care Abuse Awareness, Prematurity Sunday Awareness, Stork’s Nest, March of DimesMarch for Babies, Finer Women Don’t Haze Campaign and Adopt-AHighway. We have partnered with other organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in Memphis, TN to assist students with academic achievement during the Saturday tutorial program- Kappa Days of Caring. Soror Taylor was featured on Action News 5 in Memphis, TN to talk about the chapter’s 5 year Anniversary program and explained what FINER Womanhood Observance meant to the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. We are growing Zeta every year and look forward to welcoming new members in May of 2014.
Middle Tennessee Nu Gamma Zeta The Jackson chapter of Nu Gamma Zeta collaborated with LIFE mentoring and tutoring to host an Anti-bullying workshop. On March 8, 2014 38 teenagers, young adults and parents came out to the North Branch Library of Jackson Madison County to hear and share their understanding of bullying and how it affects youth and the warning signs parents need to look for in their children to help them cope with bullying. Ms. Gill of the Jackson Madison County Health Dept. came out and shared educational information on bullying, cyber-bulling and phone bullying. She helped c onduct skits to engage the youth in LIFE and Zeta engaged them in
questions and an-
swers as well as sharing personal experiences with bullying. This event has sparked request for more of these workshops throughout the city. It also gained the attention of our local media. Zeta Helping Our “YOUTH� excel, Nu Gamma Zeta is on the move.
Omega Pi With only two Zetas on the yard, we had a very successful and productive year overall. We began a partnership with the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in which we invited the campus to volunteer with us every other Thursday. Activities included playing Bingo with cancer patients and their families and teaching a Music Appreciation class. We also served homeless women and children at the Nashville Rescue Mission during the Thanksgiving week. Towards the end of the semester, we taught a dance class for an Omega Pi alumna, Soror Mia Howard at her charter school. We kept the momentum going in the spring semester with a successful Blu &White Formal celebrating our brothers’ Centennial as well as 94 years of Finer Womanhood. We hosted a STELLAR Finer Womanhood Week, “ZHS:Coven” to support our national philanthropy, March of Dimes, we had a dodge ball tournament and sold blue velvet cupcakes, raising over $100. We also hosted an educational event with Vanderbilt Democrats and the National Black Law Student Association, “Trayvon Martin: The New Emmett Till?” featuring Rep. Brenda Gilmore of the 54th District. For our charter day celebration, we hired a live band to perform. We also hosted a career workshop alongside the Center for Student Professional Development and the Office of Leadership and Development, as well as a Financial Literacy summit. To end the year right, we organized a Voter Registration Drive, co-sponsored by the Vanderbilt Democrats, College Republicans, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in which 33 students were registered to vote. Vanderbilt just held its 32nd Chancellor Heard Greek Awards to honor all Greek organizations. Zeta Phi Beta won the most awards of any NPHC organization, winning Outstanding Community Service, Outstanding Educational Program, and Outstanding Alumnae Relations. We strive to honor our charter members and our illustrious five pearls in all that we do. We are OMNIPOTENT. We are ZETA!
Pi Epsilon participated and placed 2nd in the 14th annual Southeastern Stompfest.
On March
8th, 2014, Pi Epsilon introduced six new members to the University of Tennessee’s campus. The new ladies are: Cep Rice, Sarah Maclin, Shaurisa Bond, MacKinzie Washington, Alexis Dabney, and Arriana Misher. The theme for Pi Epsilon’s spring Zeta Week was “Zeta University”. Kinesiology was one of the various courses they taught. This course involved fitness activities which included Zumba led by Alexis Dabney. Pi Epsilon participated in the annual litter pickup with Nu Zeta. Pi Epsilon participated in Me4UT’s annual Showtime event. This event is the first of many welcoming programs for the incoming freshmen class at the University of Tennessee. Soror Dannitria J. Williams, along with the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, discussed the importance of leadership and teamwork at Maynard Elementary. Pi Epsilon participated in the Greek Leadership Summit held at the University of Tennessee. Pi Epsilon had the following Sorors to Graduate: Ebony Lemons , Marquetta Phillips, Virgie Snow, Anastasia Smith , Dannitria Williams and Bethany Jones .
Epsilon Alpha In November 2013 Epsilon Alpha Jones Paidea in
members participated in a Health Fair at
Nashville. The Principal is Soror Dr. Debra
Smith. Epsilon Alpha was blessed to spread Christmas cheer in 2013. We serviced a family by providing Christmas Dinner and provided a “goodie” basket to an Elderly friend. Epsilon Alpha will miss the following graduating Sorors: Nakita Burns,Alicia Bailey, Shaudrea Bowen, Camberleigh Davis, Jasmin Freeman, Ariana Heslup, Miarie Clark, Kendra Sutherland, Tracey Hightower, Rosalyn Fitzgerald, Ashley Martin and Joy Stewart. Epsilon Alpha had a birth! We welcomed our new members in March.
The TOP 5 Reasons to Transition to a Graduate Chapter #1 Lifetime Commitment #2 Continue to serve Zeta & the community #3 Provide YOUR knowledge (skills, technology resources) to graduate sorors and chapters #4 Enhance the Zeta learning process #5 Keep the balance of seasoned and younger sorors in graduate chapter
Did you graduate this Spring? Are you getting ready for a Summer graduation? Here are some steps to take to make your transition easy! Now is the time to research what chapter you want to be in. Feel free to visit potential chapters and inquire for pertinent information to start preparing for your transition!
May - Graduate and move to new city! Or start life as a graduate!
June - Begin researching prospective chapter(s) in potential location(s). Make contact with prospective chapter(s) and obtain demographic, programming, dues and meeting information.
July /August - Participate in that chapter summer activities! Pay dues to the Graduate Chapter serving in the city in which you will reside or the Graduate Chapter that best meets your needs if more than one is in the area. *
September - Prepare to be fully engaged in your new Chapter! Sign-up for committees and prepare to attend meetings as planned.
2013 — 2014
Alpha Eta Zeta Kenya Anderson Sherrita Glover Samone Little Whitney Malone Jaleesa Patterson Latoya Proctor Alpha Mu Kristin Rice Brittany Toney Chi Lambda Zeta Charita Levette Atkins Cisiro Yvette Harris Renita Jean Leath Loretta Palmer Chauntay Lavette Saulsberry Shamaron Lakishia Slaughter Kimberley Nicole Travers Ivyia Turner-Echols Delta Iota Katherine Hixson Clarissa Hardy
Epsilon Alpha Precious Brown Khalea Buchanan Versace Butler
Epsilon Alpha cont’ Victoria Epps Rosalyn Fitzgerald Ashley Hayes Tracey Hightower Demetria Peoples Jocelyn Jones Teneasizian Sims Cilona Srey Gamma Nu Shawn'na Darden Knokeya Johnson Christine Jones Chelsea Smith Jasmine Williams Kappa Gamma Kiahna Archibald Lauren McClinton Sydne' Anderson Nyadow Chol Hannah Davis Zae German Jade Hooker Nije Johnson Brianna Lawrence Danielle Norman Tyisha Randle Cydni Richardson Tierra Wilhite
Mu Sigma Tiana Jackson Brittany Taylor Nu Gamma Zeta Sherry Boyd Deshawndra Gillispie Kayla Halliburton Tameca McPherson Wendolyn Miller Nu Zeta Lisa Davis Portia Boston Pi Epsilon Concepshean Rice Sarah Maclin Shaurisa Bond MacKinzie Washington Alexis Dabney Arriana Misher Psi Phi Zeta Tracy Lillard Rho Mu Zeta Jolanda Fuller Elitha Johnson
Tau Gamma Jillian Crawford Chasidy Jones Kentoria Smith Desiorme Snoddy Trentia Lowery Antaneya Randolph
TN Youth Advisor Training The Youth Advisor Workshop was held Saturday, March 15th at The Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis, Tennessee. Participants were from Alpha Eta Zeta, Pi Zeta and Rho Mu Zeta. The Tennessee State Youth Coordinator, Soror Stacey Smith, who is manager of the library, was on hand to help with logistics, & equipment. “I am excited that we were able to accommodate this very important workshop. When I attended the December Train the Trainer session in Houston, Texas, I knew this initiative would need reinforcement down the line.� she said. Sorors in attendance welcomed the changes and were attentive while learning new requirements. The facilitators were Sorors Tilantine Benjamin and Tanisha Harper. They did an excellent job assisting Sorors complete the requirements for Advisor certification. Sorors were excited to learn about new factors geared towards youth programming. With their mobile devices in tow, Sorors were able to follow easily with the online training. They received electronic versions of all manuals, forms and procedures. Further, Youth Advisors were able to share their success stories and discuss their challenges. Our Tennessee State Director, Donna R. Williams, who is a past Pearlette and Amicette Advisor, participated in the workshop. She encouraged Sorors to embrace this new process and to promote it among chapter members. If you missed the Youth Advisor Training in your area, there will be other dates scheduled soon. Ask your chapter President for updates.
Are you using our new Youth Logos?
Friends with Purpose
Zeta Amicae of Memphis have been very busy since the TN State Conference. Our Auxiliary has been very active in the community. Keeping in mind the Principles of Zeta and what we as Amicae stand for. We have participated in the Domestic Violence Awareness Forum and ACT Preparedness Workshop with
our sponsoring chapter. We have also donated personal items to the Union Mission. During the holidays, we teamed up to prepare Christmas Baskets for the Neighborhood
Christian
Center and the Seniors at the Venson Center with the NPHC. .
Zeta Amicae of Bartlett, TN continues to strive, work and grow. A testament to their growth was in November 2013 when they welcomed three new members, Amica Katrina Redmon, Amica Corretta Jones, and Amica Dreshenna Cain. These ladies have truly been a Zeta’s best Friend. They have been busy working with the elderly in the residential facility where they facilitate Bingo with the Seniors once a month. They are often contributing toiletries to the facility. They have adopted a school and give of their time and talents to ensure the needs of the students are met. The Zeta Amicae of Bartlett works well along side their sponsoring chapter in promoting the ideas of Zeta. Their chief focus has been SERVICE and Helping Other People Excel. They too have mourned the loss a great sponsor and FRIEND in the form of Friend Sonja Crumble. She held a special place in their hearts. Amica DeQuona Taylor leads the Zeta Amicae of Bartlett with heartfelt dedication and commitment to seeing that Zeta and the Zeta Amicae are working on one accord.
Friends with Purpose
The Pi Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Nashville has been doing great things representing the name of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. We have been busy since the State Leadership Conference. We inducted 5 new members into the auxiliary: Amicae Alberta Webb, Constance Smith, Dorothy Hardison, Mildred Dobbins & Tonia Transou. We had our Reaffirmation Ceremony of our auxiliary members. We are proud to say that our auxiliary is growing and we have exciting plans for the rest of the year! We participated in Prematurity Awareness for March of Dimes held at Kayne Avenue Baptist Church on November 17, 2013. We rose to the occasion to adopt a family for Christmas. The Dardy Family was so appreciative of the gifts they received. When we told others of the good things the Amicae were doing for Christmas, a friend donated 4 bicycles to the family. God is good!! We had a great fellowship with the Dardy Family!! Good Food, Good Time & Good Friends!! We have been assisting Kayne Avenue Baptist Church with their Second Harvest Community Service and assisting the Women’s Ministry in their Outreach Ministry by contributing personal care items & toiletries to the Second Harvest families. We have been participating in the Second Harvest Community Service since November 2013. We also made a monetary donation to the Nashville Rescue Mission. In February, we donated a Kroger Gift Card to help the family of Infant Riley Kimbro that was hospitalized with heart complications. Riley is recovering and doing well. She still has to go back & forth to the doctor and we will continue to pray for her as she recovers. We attended the Finer Womanhood Luncheon honoring Middle Tennessee Women of Vision and Commitment. The theme was “A Walk in my Shoes.” There was a Blue Shoe Fashion Show featuring Amicae & Zeta Friends modeling their shoes. This was a wonderful occasion that was highly attended. Our President, Amica Arlita Swanson was honored as 2014 Amicae of the Year and Our Sponsor, Friend Ednaearle Burney was honored as 2014 Zeta of the Year.
The 2013 Tennessee State Leadership Conference was held on October 11-12, 2014 at the Riverview Inn in downtown Clarksville, TN. The local chapters, Rho Mu Zeta and Gamma Nu served as hostesses. Both chapters worked diligently to host a successful conference. The two day conference was filled with such valuable information regarding the latest updates in the sorority. Registered members enjoyed a variety of educational workshops on the first day, as we all know a ’A good Zeta is a Well-Informed Zeta’. Conference workshops included Membership Intake Training, ZHOPE training and Media/Branding. The opening session was kicked off with greetings from various Clarksville officials. Guest enjoyed a poem in honor of the Finer Women of Zeta by the Men of Phi Beta Sigma of Clarksville. The Business Sessions were executed efficiently and we elected new members to executive Board. The State Director and Regional Director gave accolades during the Awards Banquet
Attendance Largest Graduate Chapter in attendance - Alpha Eta Zeta Largest Graduate Chapter % in attendance - Nu Zeta Largest Undergraduate Chapter in attendance - Epsilon Alpha Largest Undergraduate Chapter % in attendance Alpha Mu (2), Iota Upsilon (3) and Omega Pi (2) each have the 100% of her chapter members here Largest Amicae Group in Attendance – Zeta Amicae of Bartlett Youth attendance Award – Alpha Eta Zeta
Z-HOPE Awards Pearlettes – Rho Mu Zeta Amicettes – Alpha Eta Zeta and Rho Mu Zeta Archonettes – Rho Mu Zeta Amicae - Amicae of Bartlett and Amicae of Memphis Undergraduate – Delta Iota
Z-HOPE Awards cont’ Graduate Chapters 5-25 members – Mu Zeta Zeta 26-50 members – Chi Lambda Zeta 51+ members – Alpha Eta Zeta Most Z-HOPE Points Overall Alpha Eta Zeta with 650pts
Recognition years of Service 25 Years – Charity Carpenter-Mu Zeta Zeta, Sonja Crumble-Chi Lambda Zeta and Beverly Jackson- Chi Lambda Zeta Zeta Doves 50 + Years - Lula Carter, Alpha Eta Zeta State Director’s Coordinator Choice Awards Ashley Pinkerton – Text4baby & Igina Perteet - Publicist Congratulations to Soror Rutha Pegues, Winner of the prestigious 2013 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 Rutha Pegues of Alpha Eta Zeta (Memphis) embraced the character of our beloved founder. Past 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) Soror Vikki Hammock (2011) Soror Awayne Williams (2012) Soror Rutha Pegues (2013)
Kudos to all of TN’s Newest Life Members and Diamond Life Contributors! Life Members Charlise Clark, Alpha Eta Zeta Shirley Corry, Psi Phi Zeta Tangie Dotson, Alpha Eta Zeta Shirley Littleton, Rho Mu Zeta Igina Perteet, Alpha Eta Zeta Janice Pickett Rowe, Psi Phi Zeta Jalanna Taplin, Rho Alpha Zeta Yalaunda Taylor, Chi Lambda Zeta Diamond Life Contributors Darneta Brown, Nu Zeta Lula Carter, Alpha Eta Zeta Natasha Clarke, Rho Mu Zeta Phyllis Galloway, Chi Lambda Zeta Bonita Gillespie, Nu Zeta Audrey Johnson, Alpha Eta Zeta Stephanie Lockett-Peeler, Rho Mu Zeta Doris Owens-Smith, Alpha Eta Zeta Marvelyn Thompson, Pi Zeta Donna R. Williams, Alpha Eta Zeta
Reflections of a President Reflecting back seven short months ago, when I became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I could not have predicted what lay ahead. I was voted President by my Prolific Pi Alpha sorors. Although I appreciated their faith in me, I knew that there was a lot of hard work ahead. Being a full time student, a new member of the sorority and the president I did not expect so many responsibilities. As a full time student, I strive to maintain Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, principle of scholarship. As a new member, I am taking every opportunity to learn more about this great sorority. As the president, I am striving to maintain a positive impact on the chapter. Being the President, I have to be firm but not offensive when ideals and principles are at stake. I have to be willing to get along with others and learn to deal with different personalities. Taking on this task as a full time student is very challenging because I have to meet deadlines, make meetings promptly, all the while making sure everything is in order whether it is school work or Zeta, I always seem to get it done. As my advisor, Soror Lyn Smith would say, “When Zeta calls; you answer and answer and answer…..” Submitted by: Soror Dartha Morris Pi Alpha Chapter LeMoyne Owen College
Tips for Hosting Events in Zeta Excellence As we begin to prepare for our 2014/2015 events, please implement the below tips and ideas that will help to ensure that your event is presented in a manner befitting Zeta Phi Beta Sorority! Please also consult your Protocol Manual for other directives. Start on time. Get your guests to return year after year by starting your events on time. This will also help you avoid extra fees charged by the venue. Avoid having a large gap between the start time of the event and serving of the meal. Streamline the activities. Avoid having too many features and ensure that the “extras”, such as vendors and raffle/silent auctions, are presented in an organized fashion. Events with honorees, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, fashion show, ticket auction, etc. can be overwhelming. Sometimes less is more! Please be considerate of the amount of money you’re asking your guests to spend. Review contract carefully and ensure you have enough room. Make sure there is plenty of room for the vendors and that the layout ensures that guests will be comfortable. Be cognizant of the audience. When giving greetings/introductory remarks, keep in mind that not all members of the audience are member of Greek lettered organizations. A great alternative to the standard Greek roll call is a joint acknowledgment of all Greeks, with the exception of Sigmas and Zetas, of course! Do not read the entire bio of any honorees. Consider using a PowerPoint or video to highlight an honoree’s accomplishments, and with or without a journal, do not read the entire bio.
Proof journals/Consider Going Green. Errors in the journals (bios of honorees, ads, Zeta history) leave a bad impression. Assess whether the work required to produce a quality journal is a worthwhile endeavor. Use vendors wisely. Ensure that your vendors have varied items and prices. Remember Zeta Protocol. Do not use Greek terms in a public setting and remember to acknowledge Zeta and Sigma dignitaries in an organized fashion. Remember to acknowledge our Amicae! Keep it moving. By doing the verbal presentations in one session, you allow your guests to dance, shop and/or eat without interruption. An alternative is to do some of the presentations before the meal and some immediately after. Consider eliminating or limiting presentations by family and/or friends. Target luncheon length = 3 hours. Be sure to select an experienced, wellspoken MC. Highlight the Zeta Sigma Relationship, Affiliates and Undergraduates. Highlight the ZetaSigma bond by honoring one of our brothers. The Youth can be uniformly dressed, and sitting together. Graduate chapters should consider giving awards to undergraduates. Represent Zeta Well. Wear your colors and be sure that your outfit reflects Finer Womanhood. -Courtesy of Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. NJ State Director
Dues are Due July 1, 2014
Dates
2014 Grand Boule July 15-19, 2014 Washington, DC
to
Zeta Day on the Hill September 23, 2014 Washington, DC
Remember!
Tennessee State Leadership Conference October 17 –18, 2014 Memphis, TN Prematurity Awareness Month November 1 - 30, 2014
Editor’s Note I hope that you have enjoyed this issue of the Tennessee Times! As you can see TN is the home of some Tremendous women and chapters! It is an absolute privilege and honor to serve my state and sisterhood by sharing our good deeds with each of you! As we head for our break this summer, I encourage each of you to document and capture all of your memories over this period! In preparing this edition, its hard to believe there is even a break! Have a great summer! SZL, Soror Igina D. Perteet Tennessee State Antapokritis