2012 Roots Celebration

Page 1


R.O.O.T.S. ~ The “R.O.O.T.S. Celebration” is a cultural and sorority heritage program designed to spotlight the efforts, achievements and success of women in our community and in our sorority. On this day we renew our commitment to our families, our communities, our sisterhood and ourselves. This distinguished event is held annually during the last weekend in February capturing the essence of Black History month while ushering in the spirit of Women’s History month (March). The program features an afternoon of entertainment, lunch, door prizes, raffles, award presentations and honoring of special guests. A Celebration Journal is compiled (ads, sponsors, congratulatory notes) highlighting this auspicious and honorable occasion.

EXECUTIVE BOARD LaRisha Hunter, President Royetta S. Perry, 1st Vice President Beverly Jamison, 2nd Vice President Terri Anderson, 3rd Vice President Brena Cooper, Treasurer Ratoya Dawson, Financial Secretary Mignon Washington, Recording Secretary Brittney Walker, Public Relations Yvonne Alexander, Parliamentarian

MEMBERS Karen Taylor-Abby Arlene Andrews Gale Ballard Ebony Beasley Morgan Parker Lerina Raymond Whitney Sims


ZETA PHI BETA

P.O. Box 7154 Long Beach, CA 90807 www.LongBeachZetas.org

SORORITY, INC. Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter

February 25, 2012

Good afternoon:

National Office Sheryl P. Underwood International Grand Basileus

Regional Office Nui Brown Pacific Regional Director

State Office Valerie Preston Southern California Director Tanya Fitzgerald Northern California Director

Chapter Karen Taylor-Abby President Royetta S. Perry 1st Vice President Felicia Thompson 2nd Vice President Gayleah Richmond 3rd Vice President Sharlyce Borders Treasurer Ashley Mariscal Secretary

Welcome to the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Amicae, Zeta Youth Affiliates, brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., members of the National Pan Hellenic Council and distinguished guests to our 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration (Remembering Our Oath To Sisterhood). On behalf of the members of Sigma Eta Zeta chapter, I thank each of you for your continued support and for sharing in our special event. This year we are acknowledging “The Fortitude of the Black Woman” by recognizing the hard work, selfless giving , perseverance and triumphs of women in our community and our sorority. Fortitude is a mental and emotional strength utilized when facing difficulties and adversities. Truly today’s honorees are worthy of this honor. Tribute Honoree Pearls of Wisdom Honoree ~ Mrs. Lula Gorrell Sorority Honorees Distinguished Zeta ~ Soror Tiffany Cooper Zeta of the Year ~ Soror Gale Ballard Undergraduate Zeta of the Year ~ Soror Ashley Henderson

Scholarship Award Recipients Pearls of Zeta Scholarship Recipient ~ Miss. Nia Castleberry Pearls of Zeta Scholarship Recipient ~ Miss. Heaven Saunders Congratulations to each of you and may you continue to exemplify the characteristics of fortitude. Sisterly,

LaRisha Hunter, President Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter


Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Pacific Region Sheryl P. Underwood International Grand Basileus

Nui Brown Pacific Regional Director

® February 25, 2012

Greetings Sorors of Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter, It is with great pride that I join with the Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the community in congratulating you on your 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration, whose theme this year is “The Fortitude of the Black Woman.” I appreciate the opportunity to join you in saluting this year’s 2012 honorees. To the dynamic and phenomenal women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, I am honored to congratulate Soror Tiffany Cooper with the Distinguished Zeta Award, Soror Gale Ballard with the Zeta of the Year Award and Soror Ashley Henderson with the Undergraduate Zeta of the Year Award. Sorors your hard work and dedication to this organization is truly a testament of what it means to be a Finer Woman and all that Zeta represents. Your untiring efforts have not gone unnoticed, and that is why today we celebrate you! Thank you again Sorors for being who you are and for all that you do in the community. Continuing, I value and appreciate this year’s 2012 Tribute Honoree and Scholarship recipients. It is through your outstanding work and efforts to further the causes for the betterment and advancement of our people, that I salute and congratulate Mrs. Lula Gorrell as the Pearls of Wisdom honoree, Miss. Nia Castleberry and Miss. Heaven Saunders our scholarship recipients. To all of the honorees, your dedication and generosity deserves all of our praise and appreciation. To all in attendance at this joyous celebration, I extend best wishes for an enjoyable and successful event. Sisterly,

Nui Brown Pacific Regional Director


February 25, 2012

Greetings: On behalf of the State of California, we bring greetings to Sigma Eta Zeta chapter and join you in celebrating your 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration. Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter has consciously and continually been a beacon light in the city of Long Beach and surrounding cities in an effort to promote the founding principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Scholarship, Community Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. We salute this year’s Zeta honorees: Soror Tiffany Cooper (Distinguished Zeta); Soror Gale Ballard (Zeta of the Year); and Soror Ashley Henderson (Undergraduate Zeta of the Year). A special congratulations to your tribute honoree: Mrs. Lula Gorrell (Pearls of Wisdom) and your high academic achievers: Miss. Nia Castleberry and Miss. Heaven Saunders. Together, we applaud Sigma Eta Zeta on successfully paying tribute to whom tribute is due. In continued service,

Soror Valerie Preston Southern California State Director

Soror Tanya D. Fitzgerald Northern California State Director


February 25, 2012

To the Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: As Mayor of Long Beach, it is my pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Long Beach Sigma Eta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on the occasion of your 11th Annual Remember Our Oath To Sisterhood (R.O.O.T.S.) Celebration. As in past years, this year’s celebration will once again honor women who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their professions while improving the quality of their communities. To all of the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, I thank you for all your public service and supporting our local communities. Your R.O.O.T.S. Celebration is seen as one of the top scholarship events in the city of Long Beach. I commend the sorority, its founding members and both past and current supporters for their dedication to public educational development, providing scholarship, supporting organized charities and promoting legislation for social and civic change. I want to give a special recognition to the positive impact this year’s award recipients have made within their respective communities: Tiffany Cooper, Gale Ballard, Ashley Henderson, Nia, Castleberry, Heaven Saunders and a special 99th birthday tribute to Mrs. Lula Gorrell. Your hard work, dedication and fortitude is recognized and greatly appreciated. Congratulations again on celebrating 11 years of community service and sisterhood! Warmest Regards,

Mayor Bob Foster City of Long Beach

333 West Ocean Blvd., 14th Floor | Long Beach, CA 90802 Tel. (562) 570-6801 | Fax (562) 570-6538


February 25, 2012

Greetings Everyone, It is truly wonderful to celebrate the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration. Your passion and tireless efforts to promote the Successes and milestones of these beautiful women are very much appreciated. I salute Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's dedication to such an extraordinary and worthy cause. You have been very instrumental in providing the City of Long Beach and other organizations with vital information to increase awareness of Tassels for Teens Bike-a-thon & Fitness Walk, Sisters On Stage, Blue Encore Debutante Debut, Soul Bowl, March for Babies and ZHOPE ~ Zetas Helping Other People Excel. Without your continued assistance many people would not know of your tremendous achievements. I thank you all for keeping the cares of the community in your hearts. As always, I wish you much more success in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Councilman Dee Andrews Sixth District Council Office

333 West Ocean Boulevard • Long Beach California 90802 562.570.6816 • Fax 562.570.7135 • district6@longbeach.gov


February 25, 2012

Dear Friends,

It is with great enthusiasm that I offer my sincere congratulations to Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on the occasion of your 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration. Since its founding, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has served our community by addressing societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty and health concerns of the day. Moreover, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority continues to improve the quality of our communities by making considerable impacts in the lives of others through scholarships, youth assistance, and education. Your efforts in changing attitudes and policies are truly celebrated and appreciated. I would also like to extend my congratulations to tonight’s esteemed honorees: Pearls of Wisdom Honoree ~ Mrs. Lula Gorrell (celebrating 99 years) Distinguished Zeta ~ Mrs. Tiffany Cooper Zeta of the Year ~ Ms. Gale Ballard Undergraduate Zeta of the Year ~ Ms. Ashley Henderson Pearls of Zeta Scholarship Recipient ~ Miss. Nia Castleberry Pearls of Zeta Scholarship Recipient ~ Miss. Heaven Saunders

Best wishes for a memorable event. Sincerely,

Karen Bass Member of Congress US House of Representatives California, 33rd District


February 25, 2012

Dear Friends, On behalf of the City of Los Angeles and the Eighth District, welcome to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter’s 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration. I am delighted to acknowledge Tiffany Cooper, Gale Ballard, Ashley Henderson, Nia Castleberry, Heaven Saunders and special recognition to Lula Gorrell as they are honored today for their fortitude and success in improving the quality of life in our community. Best wishes for a fun and enjoyable event! Respectfully,

BERNARD C. PARKS Councilmember


“Distinguished Zeta” Tiffany Cooper attended the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where she earned her Bachelors degree and later earned a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Soror Cooper became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in 1995 through Alpha Psi Zeta chapter in Los Angeles, California. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she became a member of Theta Omicron Zeta chapter where she spent most of her Zeta career. Her commitment to service and her community led Soror Cooper to establish the first two Stork’s Nest sites in Nevada boasting a 75% success rate for healthy full-term babies. She has served the youth of Las Vegas as the advisor for both the Zeta Amicettes (ages 9-13) and Zeta Archonettes (ages 14-18) auxiliary groups mentoring over 300 girls while preparing them for college. During her seventeen years of membership, Tiffany has held numerous positions within our sorority including Chapter President, 3rd Vice President, Treasurer, Stork’s Nest Coordinator and March for Babies Team Captain. Additionally, she has held positions at the high end of both the state and region as Nevada State Director, Regional Youth Coordinator, Regional Financial Secretary, and she currently serves as Regional Life Member Coordinator and Regional Executive Board Chair. Soror Cooper is a Life Member of the sorority and is ZOL Certified for leadership.

Past Honorees: La Sonya Gibbs

(2011)

Tanya Fitzgerald (2010) Valerie Preston (2009)

Bibliana Bovery Carolyn Daniels

(2007) (2006)

Lena Smith Bennie Reames

(2005) (2004)

Beatrice Nelson Excetta Joseph

(2003) (2002)


“Zeta of the Year” Gale Celeste’ Ballard was born October 3, 1969 to the late Robert Lee Ballard a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the late Jean Ballard. Losing her mother at a very young age impelled her grandmother to raise Gale and her sisters to be loyal and diligent to family. Gale is the charming middle child of two sisters and appreciates her older sister Cynthia, who is a member of the Long Beach Zeta Amicae, for always encouraging her to be a strong, responsible and generous person. Gale began her educational journey in the city of Compton. She attended Longfellow Elementary, Benjamin O Davis Jr. High School, and Compton Senior High School. She found education and leadership to be a beacon light to wisdom. Gale also learned that giving back to her community is a must not an option. Gale sought out many community service activities by donating her time as a mentor and tutor for Park Village’s after school program in the city of Compton, co-founded by her sister and brother-n-law, Andre’ Bey. Gale was very active in high school through her involvement with many extracurricular activities. Gale has served as member of the MESA, Math Engineering Science Achievement program, National Honor Society, Anthropology Dig Club, and the Tarbabes pep squad. MESA being a collegiate partner with California State University of Long Beach, allowed Gale the opportunity to experience early college life. She fell completely in love with the CSULB campus and was determined to become a 49er. Upon Graduating from Compton Senior School with honors, she continued her education at CSULB with a B.S. degree in Psychology. Soror Ballard became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. through the one and only Devastating Delta Eta chapter at CSU Long Beach during the Winter of 1990. She has held the following positions as undergraduate student: President, Vice President, Parliamentarian, and Assistant Secretary. She was a member of the Black Scholars Student Association, National Pan- Hellenic Council, and Psychology Student Association. Soror Ballard is currently a member of Sigma Eta Zeta chapter (Long Beach, CA) and serves as the ZHOPE (Zeta Helping Other People Excel) Coordinator and the Hospitality/Protocol Chair. Hard work and dedication motivates Gale to also sit on the Scholarship, Undergraduate, and Membership Intake committees. Gale was honored the City of Carson Volunteer Award, by donating her time with the youth alongside her Sister, her nieces and fellow sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Soror Larisha Hunter and Soror Sharlyce Borders. She was honored as the Zeta Undergraduate of the Year by Lambda Pi Zeta chapter (Carson, CA). Gale has worked for the Fortune 500 Company AT&T Communications in the Consumer Market Group Division for eleven years. Past Honorees: Felicia Thompson (2011)

Gayleah Richmond(2010) Karen Taylor-Abby (2009)

Jessica Moore Sharolyn Gailliard

(2007) (2006)

Bridgette Flowers Royetta S. Perry

(2005) (2004)

Shonte’ Fuller Stella Bronson

(2003) (2002)


“Undergraduate Zeta of the Year” Ashley Alise Henderson was born July 25, 1990 to Valerie Nicole Lane and Mark Christopher Henderson in Oakland, California. Her mother works for Anthem Blue Cross and her father is the proud owner of M.A.C. Henderson Trucking Company. Ashley’s immediate family is very large and means the world to her. Although her parents have remarried, together we are one big connection of families. Ashley attended school in Vallejo and Oakland, California where she began cheering at the age of five and later played basketball and ran track. She landed her first “real” job at the age of sixteen and was happy to be employed at KFC in Vallejo, CA. In her junior year of high school, Ashley was captain of the varsity cheerleading team and ran for homecoming princess. During her senior year of high school, she participated in a debutante ball and took on the position of treasurer of the A.S.H.A.E. (African Students of Honors and Excellence) club. Ashley graduated from Jesse Bethel High School with honors and a 3.9 grade point average. Ashley is currently enrolled full time at California State University, Long Beach as is currently a senior majoring in Child Development and Family Studies and employed at the Child and Family Center on campus at CSU Long Beach as a toddler/preschool teacher. Upon graduation, Ashley plans to enroll in graduate school (January 2013) majoring in Marriage and Family Therapy and pursue a career as a family therapist appointed by the courts. Soror Henderson became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. through Delta Eta chapter (CSULB) during the Spring of 2011. She says that she became a member of Zeta “because of the principles that the sorority possess”. Since then, her life has been shaped by the four principles of Scholarship, Sisterly Love, Community Service, and Finer Womanhood. She aspires to live her life to its fullest potential while embodying the ideal of Finer Womanhood.

Past Honorees:

Ashlee Wilkins Whitney Sims

(2011) (2010)

Morgan Parker Ashley Stanton

(2009) (2007)

Keri Premmer Sandra Riley

(2006) (2005)

Veronica Young Michelle Nettles

(2004) (2003)


Pearls of …

2012 honoree

Lula was born on November 7, 1912 to Mary J. Beverly and Arthur Bennett in Morrow, Louisiana. Lula was only able to complete her education through the sixth grade, since, unfortunately, her hometown Morrow, did not have High School for Blacks. In spite of her limited classroom education Lula was able to read and write very well, even to this date. She always said God given wisdom and knowledge cannot be found in a text book and that although formal education is important, people need common sense to go along with their book sense. On January 14, 1929 Lula married her childhood sweetheart, Sandy Gorrell, who passed away in 1989. In 1945 Lula and Sandy moved their four children to Barrett, Texas where they later had three more children. In 1963, Lula and Sandy relocated their family to Los Angeles to join two of their daughters who had moved here several years earlier. Lula is the Mother of seven children: six daughters; Bobbie, Ethel, Mary, Joyce, Doris, Faye and Lawrence her only son. Her two older children Lawrence and Bobby are deceased. God has truly blessed Lula Mae to live a happy and full life. Her home is happily referred to as "Mama and them’s." “Mamanem’s“ is a very special place. It is a place where we all go on Saturdays as well as on Sundays after church, especially during holidays. Mamanem's is a place always stocked with good smellscornbread, collard greens, gumbo, black eyed peas, sweet of potato pie, peach cobbler or perhaps there will be a pound cake and fried chicken as well. Warm fellowship, laughter, love and the imparting of wisdom are also threads woven throughout the tradition of visits at this special place where family and friends gather. At the age of ninety-nine, having been a share cropper and domestic worker, and having lived through the Great Depression as well as multiple economic recessions, Lula will tell you that it is only because of the grace of God that she has persevered and considers herself to be blessed. It is no surprise to her friends and family that almost every Sunday, she is at church worshiping and praising the Lord. During the week Lula Mae spends her time reading the newspaper, engaging in busy work at home, walking in her yard, polishing her nails, shopping, and watching her favorite television shows Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. Lula is the matriarch of six generations, which includes a total of five daughters (living), one-hundred eighteen grands which include twenty-five grandchildren; fifty-one great grandchildren, thirty-nine greatgreat grandchildren and three great-great-great grandchildren. Lula is so thankful to God because he has blessed her, the mother and matriarch of many generations, to be fourscore (80) plus nineteen (19). She is still mobile, alert and the best dressed senior citizen Divas in Los Angeles. Exodus 20:12, one of the Ten Commandments, says to “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.“ Lula, as well as the host of family and friends that surround her, is truly grateful for her long years of life!


Los Angeles County High School of the Arts

Heaven Saunders attends Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. From the time that she was a small child, Heaven has been involved with the San Pedro Peninsula YMCA, from day care and attending camp, to becoming a camp counsellor where she serves 100 children per week during the summer. At school, she is the ASB Secretary and Chair for Social Clubs. Her awards include the National High School Scholar Award 2011 to present, YMCA Heart Award, Outstanding Trigonometry Achievement Award and the Outstanding World History Award. Heaven has also found time to do volunteer work at a local elementary school tutoring and working in the office. Heaven plans to attend a four year university to pursue Public Relations.

Gardena High School

Nia Castleberry attends Gardena Senior High School where she is heavily involved with Take Action Leadership Campaign (TALC), and The Gardena High School Auxiliary Unit. Through TALC, Nia has learned “effective communication, project management, and smart business sense”. Both TALC and the Auxiliary Unit have provided Nia the opportunity to work on service and leadership projects including food drives for the Regional Food Bank and toy drives for the Salvation Army. Nia works diligently to keep her school “a positive environment that is non-violent and bully free”. She also finds time to work as a Crew Member of a fast food chain and plans to attend a four year college to pursue higher learning.


Marie M. La Fargue, MPH has made a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry over the 26-year span of her career. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Public Health, specializing in Health Services Management, at UCLA. She has been a visionary leader and strategic change agent who has faithfully served in the start-up operations—from conceptual ground zero to expansion—for over five centers of excellence in disease management care delivery for a diverse set of programs such as comprehensive breast centers, holistic and patient-centered care programs, chronic wound care and diabetes management, cancer services and surgical services with integrated sub-specialty surgical programs in orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, plastic and reconstructive, ophthalmology, head and neck, general and vascular surgery, and podiatry. Marie has been a trailblazer and a vocal advocate for the design of patient centered care programs. She believes that each patient should be treated individually, holistically, and in a culturally competent manner; and be empowered to make treatment choices that ensure the best quality of life for themselves. The launch of her consultancy service in 2008—The La Fargue Group—rapidly delivered her expertise on a global level through her role as Guest Editor and contributing author for prestigious, internationally recognized peerreviewed medical journals and medical/life science books; globally invited lecturer at more than 40 conferences and meetings on numerous healthcare topics; consultant to over 20 healthcare organizations from grassroots organizations to leading national companies; a Board level and hands-on advocate for accountable and costeffective health care; and Core Adjunct Professor in the School of Health and Human Services and Orange County Program Development Coordinator at National University. As the founder and owner of her company, The La Fargue Group, Marie has ensured accountability, transparency and consistent quality by ensuring that her company is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau of the Southland, Inc. and is recognized as a Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the State of California (listed under Marie M. La Fargue). In 2011, Marie was appointed as a volunteer member to the Health Committee of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women. Marie has been recognized for her leadership, innovation and as a respected and trusted change agent by numerous organizations: Marquis Who’s Who In America; Outstanding Young Women of America; Founding Member of the Advisory Committee for the Breast Cancer Treatment Fund that launched the Every Woman Counts Program for the State of California; Honors Edition of Cambridge Who’s Who of Executive, Professional, and Entrepreneurial Registry; Honoree in the inaugural and all subsequent editions of Who’s Who in Black Los Angeles; and has also served on the Planning Committee for the Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference and as a member of Senior Advisory Committee for the newsletter published by the National Consortium of Breast Centers and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Marie balances her work-life quest by enjoying quality time with her daughter, Anneliese, and discovering profound life lessons and wisdom through spiritual enlightenment and cultural enrichment, performing arts, vintage shows, traveling, cooking, inspiring and helping to manifest the potential in others, exercising her creativity in fashion, and laughter.


THE BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of liberty Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light Keep us forever in the path, we pray Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand True to our God, true to our native land. Words: James Weldon Johnson • Music: John Rosamond Johnson


Libation and Honoring of Ancestors…………………………………….…………………………................ Brittney Walker R.O.O.T.S. Celebration, Chair

Prayer..………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………… Arlene Andrews Welcome………………………………………………………………………………............................................ LaRisha Hunter President, Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter

Lift Every Voice & Sing Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies.………………………………….…………………………………….Arlene Andrews Mistress of Ceremony……………………………………………………………………………….……………………..Ebony Beasley Greetings Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. / Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. / Dignitaries Poetry………………………………………………………………………………..….....…………………………………Royetta S. Perry Pearls of Wisdom Award .…………………..……………………….................................................Karen Taylor-Abby

Ms. Lula Gorrell • Honoree

Scholarship Awards………………………………………………………….....................................Scholarship Committee Heaven Saunders • Recipient Los Angeles County High School of the Arts

Nia Castleberry • Recipient Gardena High School

Invocation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Pshyra Richardson  Lunch Served  Fashion Show / Scholarship Auction………………………………………………………………………………. Ratoya Dawson Introduction of Speaker ………………………………………………………………………………………………..Beverly Jamison Theme Speaker………….………….……..…….…..…………………….…...….……………………………………Marie La Fargue Entrepreneur / Motivational Speaker

 Presentation Awards  Apex Award .…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………Skye Jasper, Presenter Undergraduate Zeta of the Year

Ashley Henderson • Honoree Delta Eta Chapter ~ CSU Long Beach

Torch Award…………………………..………………………………………………………………….Felicia Willingham, Presenter Zeta of the Year

Gale Ballard • Honoree Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter ~ Long Beach, CA

Pillar Award....………………………..…………..………..………………..……………………………… Morgan Parker, Presenter Distinguished Zeta

Tiffany Cooper • Honoree Phi Mu Zeta Chapter ~ Pomona, CA

Final “iPad2” Raffle……….………………………………………………………...………………………...Scholarship Committee Closing Remarks…………………………………………………………………………..………........................... Brittney Walker R.O.O.T.S. Celebration, Chair

Sorority Hymn....………………………………………………………………………..Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.


Celebrating Our Angel

“2012 Pearls Of Wisdom Honoree” This is a special day and year for you our “Mother,” “Grandmother”, “Great Grandmother”, times Six Generations, to be chosen as a 2012 Pearls of Wisdom Honoree. God has blessed you, our angel, bountifully from His storehouse of Amazing Grace. He has also adorned you and awarded you the crown of a century that reads: “Blessed and Highly Favored”

All of your family, or as you so lovingly put it, “All your property” truly thanks God for this special occasion and for your almost 100 years of life! We Love You!!


We salute our beloved member

as a

“2012 Pearls of Wisdom Honoree” May God Continue to Bless You

True Way Missionary Baptist Church 9122 South San Pedro Street  Los Angeles, CA 90003 REV. D.L. WILSON, PASTOR | WWW.TWMBC.ORG


Congratulations to A Sister, Auntie, Soror and a Friend

Where do we begin to speak on the love and appreciation we all have for you. You are the rock of our family and truly adored by each of us. There is no one more deserving of this honor than you. Your sacrifice, selfless giving nature and true elegance is an example for all to follow. We are so very proud of you for getting this honor and are thankful to have a truly wonderful woman in our lives. We want you to fully enjoy this day, this moment and this honor as all your hard word has paid off. With great love and respect your family, Andre, Cynthia, LaRisha, Amexem, DreJean, C’Naisa, Keylen, Michael


We would like to congratulate our

for being recognized as

“Zeta of the Year” We are definitely not surprised and want you to know we appreciate all that you do and that nothing you do for us all goes unnoticed!

Congratulations are in order! We love you!

George  Ronice  Amanda  Sandra Jacquie  Maria  Ryan  Lee Rochelle  Hector

Just a small few of your AT&T Family. You are truly

“The Untouchable”


“Zeta of the Year” We are so proud of you! Keep doing what you do and continue blazing the path of our founders & soaring to heights unseen!

Love Always Your Neos, Sharlyce Borders & Felicia Willingham!

to our 2012

“Zeta of the Year”

We congratulate you for your hard work and dedication to Sigma Eta Zeta chapter and our illustrious sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

We commend you on a job well done! Love Your clubs: Royetta S. Perry & Felicia Willingham 2004 Zeta of the Year |

2011 Zeta of the year


CONGRATULATIONS

Sending Dove Love to

“Undergraduate Zeta of the Year”

“Distinguished Zeta”

Continue to uphold our founding principle of Scholarship, as you strive towards the perfection of Finer Womanhood.

You truly deserve this honor and I hope that you will cherish this moment always. Thank you for being an example for others to follow.

Always Sisterly

Soror Gale Ballard Delta Eta Chapter | Winter 1990 #4

Always Sisterly

Soror Gale Ballard 2012 Zeta of the Year | Sigma Eta Zeta chapter

We love you! This is indeed a great honor and one well deserved. Your hard work, dedication and continued service has truly paid off. Keep up the good work! Phi Mu Zeta Chapter ~ Pomona, CA



Blue Encore Debutante Debut

The Reef • Long Beach

Sponsored by: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Eta Zeta Chapter • Long Beach, CA

Courage. Love. Wisdom. Sacrifice. These are but a few characteristics that personify African-American women. ~DuPont


to the Sorors of Sigma Eta Zeta chapter on the occasion of your 11th Annual R.O.O.T.S. Celebration and on 11 years of exceptional service to the Long Beach community as dedicated members of

From the office of

Brother Michael Doxey Western Regional Director of Bigger and Better Business Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Motto: Culture for Service and Service for Humanity


As part of our ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in celebration of Black History Month, Union Bank is proud to support

as you celebrate your

11th Annual

R.O.O.T.S. Celebration

Diversity & Inclusion Valuing diversity is one of Union Bank's most closely held core values. It is part of who we are and everything we do, from recruiting and engaging our employees to selecting vendors and reaching out to our customers. Our commitment to diversity is recognized as among the nation's strongest, as is evident by the composition of our Board of Directors, which includes over 55 percent minorities and women.

Visit Union Bank online – www.unionbank.com


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