December 2013 Volume 2, Issue 1
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Maryland Messenger State Director’s Message Greetings Sorors, Amicae and Youth Auxiliaries, Brothers and Friends!
The 2013-2014 sorority year has started off as a very busy and productive time for the State of Maryland as we continue Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths! This issue of the Maryland Messenger highlights a number of state-wide and individual chapter/auxiliary programs, initiatives and events that were stellar, monumental and impactful to our local communities, state, region, nation and even globally. The first year of this administration was humbling, exciting and very impactful. In the words of Jim Collins, "We are going from Good to Great!" The 2012-2013 sorority year demonstrated that our organization is ready, willing and receptive to change. Our zeal is high and we are demonstrating our principles with intensity and rigor. We have accomplished a lot in such a short period of time; but we have so much farther to go. We have launched this sorority year off maintaining momentum as we move forward in excellence, love and passion for our organization, its founders and those who we serve with whom we call Sorors, Friends and Youth. I am excited, hyped and in a stance of anticipation to see what the rest of this sorority year has in store. Get pumped and get ready because only the best is yet to come! Because of YOU, here in the Old Line State, WE are Making Maryland Marvelous, the Atlantic Region Awesome and Zeta Finer! Serving for the Love of Zeta Now and Always, Soror Danielle R. Green 10th Maryland State Director Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Mary Breaux Wright International President Janet Y. Bivins, Esq. Atlantic Region Director
Inside this issue New Undergraduate Chapter ......2 MDSLC 2013 ................................3 Service, Sisterhood & Stability.....4 A Decade of Dedication ...............5 30 Years Serving! .........................6 Serving for Harford County .........7 40 Years and Still Working!.........8 Military Appreciation Week ........9
Editorial Team Danielle R. Green Maryland State Director Tamara D. Harris Maryland Messenger Editor Consultants Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne Lisa M. Hudley
State of Maryland Welcomes a New Undergraduate Chapter!
- by Soror Erika Moott
On May 10, 2013, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. made history at McDaniel College located in Westminster, Maryland by chartering Mu Upsilon Chapter. McDaniel College requested Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to be the first African-American sorority on its campus based upon our principles and demonstration of our organization’s ideals. We are living the Grand's Theme "Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths". Congratulations to Soror Veronica Huntley, President and all of the members of Pi Omicron Zeta Chapter for their trailblazing efforts and diligence in making this happen. A special thanks to our Maryland State Undergraduate Coordinator, Soror Josalyn Bryant for providing assistance and services to the chapter as they worked to prepare the proper information that needed to be presented to the administrators of McDaniel College.
Zeta Day in Annapolis
- by Soror Teraleen Campbell
Sunday of
Hope
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is proud to announce our new partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude has been a leader in the fight to prevent and cure pediatric cancers. They are the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. They were also the first institution to cure sickle cell with bone marrow transplantation. We will support St. Jude with Sunday of Hope during the months of April and May 2014. During the 2014-2015 Sorority Year, the collegiate and Amicae will have the option to implement Girlz Night In during the last week in September and the full month of October. We are working with St. Jude to develop a program for the youth. For additional information, please contact Soror Rauchelle Jones, National Director of Programs at nationalprograms@zetaphibetasororityhq.org.
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The 2013 edition of Zeta Day in Annapolis included education, enlightenment and empowerment. The day began with a brief informational video provided by our tour guide explaining how legislation is moved through Maryland's legislature. Afterwards sorors were led through a tour of the State House, sat briefly in a Senate session where we were recognized and given a warm welcome by Senator Catherine Pugh of Baltimore and other members of the Senate. The tour concluded with a visit to the Governor's Mansion. One highlight of the morning was meeting Governor Martin O'Malley (pictured above), who expressed enthusiasm at seeing "the lovely ladies in blue." The next segment of the day dealt with the topic of domestic violence. The session moderated by National Director of Social Action, Soror Krysta Jones addressed the current plight of many who fall victim to this pandemic. Panelists included Atlantic Region Social Action Coordinator, Soror Teraleen Campbell and Soror Chonya Davis-Johnson who shared how they have witnessed the impact of domestic violence on women and families. They provided information on how Zetas may get involved and advocate for better laws and protection for women and children. The day concluded with a luncheon which featured Soror Jones sharing how Zetas can become more involved in governmental affairs and social action. Sorors were encouraged to seek elected office as well as seek appointments to local commissions and boards. Soror Jones also commended sorors in Maryland for their noticeable social action efforts.
Making Maryland Marvelous 3M Leadership: Management, Membership and Missions -by Erika Moott
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - State of Maryland 2013 Leadership Conference kicked off with “Healthy Living the Senior Way” on Friday, March 22nd at the Zeta Center for Healthy Active and Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. During the community service kick-off, various community partners were available to assist with the Z-HAP (Zeta Healthy Aging Partnership ) and our state Z -HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) project. Over 150 participants were in attendance including seniors, community partners, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Amicae of Greater Baltimore, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.-State of Maryland Youth Affiliates. Soror Betsy Simon, Director and Founder of Z-HAP, organized the event which had over 100 seniors in attendance and 15 partners. This event launched of the American Diabetes Association's health initiative in the Park Heights community of Baltimore. During the community service event Councilwoman Sharon G. Middleton of the 6th District of Baltimore City provided a proclamation naming March 22nd, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.-State of Maryland Day for all of our efforts in serving the community. Alpha Zeta Chapter (Zeta’s first graduate chapter) served as official host for this year’s conference, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Baltimore. To culminate the weekend, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - State of Maryland held its first Awards Gala Dinner. The State of Maryland honoured for the first time its Maryland State Doves. This was truly the evening’s highlight as there were thirty-two sorors who ranged in years of service from 50-70 years. The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. were present and served as the official escorts for the evening.
Also a first, the Maryland State Hall of Fame, inducted, the late Founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful, 7th Maryland State Director, Soror Cheryl Brown, 15th Atlantic Regional Director and 8th Maryland State Director, Soror Jacqueline C. McNair, and 9th Maryland State Director, Soror Gwenneth Curojo. Other inductees include Soror Beatrice Payne (Alpha Zeta Chapter), Soror Lisa SimpsonSmith (Tau Delta Zeta Chapter), Soror Jannina Bryan (Eta Pi Zeta Chapter), Dolores Janifer (Omicron Chi Zeta Chapter), Mary Thompson (Iota Chi Zeta Chapter), Charbet Duckett (Delta Zeta Zeta Chapter), Weldina Lewis Conde (Sigma Psi Zeta Chapter), N. Janette Bell (Pi Omicron Zeta Chapter), Brenda McKinley (Tau Eta Zeta Chapter), Wendy Baker (Rho Eta Zeta Chapter), and Ruth Conway (Lambda Gamma Zeta Chapter). Tau Delta Zeta Chapter of Prince George’s County, Maryland was awarded Chapter of the Year. The Mary E. Fields Leadership Award was awarded to Soror Wanda Calvin Claiborne, President, Tau Eta Zeta Chapter. The State of Maryland also awarded two $2,000 scholarships on behalf of the Issie Jenkins Scholarship Fund. Forty-four youth affiliates attended the conference and were afforded quality instructional and learning opportunities that covered a variety of topics for their personal and professional development by knowledge and qualified members of the sorority. The highlight of their weekend was a trip to the Maryland State Science Center where they had the opportunity to see an IMAX movie and explore the center. Under the enthusiastic leadership of our 24th International President, Mary Breaux Wright and 10th Maryland State Director, Danielle R. Green, the phenomenal women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will continue to promote the ideals of the Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood within the Marvelous State of Maryland.
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The Race to Healthy Living - by Celere N. Leonard
Healthy Living is not just a passing fad for the Sorors in Maryland. Annually, over 3,000 women gather from across the country to participate in the Baltimore Women’s Classic, the oldest women’s only race in the country. Under the leadership of the Maryland State Healthy Living Coordinator, Soror Kim Beverly-Muhammad, on June 15, 2013 State Director Green with over 75 sorors converged onto Baltimore’s Rash Field to take part in this historical event. The 5K course took runners through Baltimore’s popular tourist attractions such as the Inner Harbor, the American Visionary Art Museum, Solo Gibbs Park and the Maryland Science Center. The Magnificent Sorors of the Marvelous State of Maryland raised an impressive $4,000.00. Soror LeTonya Smith of Tau Eta Zeta Chapter, was the first Zeta to cross the finish line with a time of 27:27. We are proud of our sorors' for making healthier living a priority in their lives. A very special thank you to Soror BeverlyMuhammad for coordinating this memorable event for sorors.
Service, Sisterhood and Stability!!! Time flies when you work hard! Tau Eta Zeta Chapter celebrated its 10th Anniversary on August 5, 2013. Throughout the year, the chapter hosted several service projects as well as sister bonding events. The culminating activity was the chapter’s celebration of the anniversary at the beautiful M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 10, 2013. In support of the National World AIDS Day, Tau Eta Zeta Chapter will host its annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Seminar entitled the SeX factor on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at The American Brewery Building. The evening will provide education on the importance of safe sex as well as provide testing for HIV/AIDS. The highlight of the event will be the phenomenal presentation by Radience Pittman
in an Intimate Diary of Synthia, a One Woman Show. In memory of its two falling doves, charter member, Sharon K. Harvey and chapter member Nichelle Scarborough, Tau Eta Zeta hosts its annual Domestic Violence Seminar on Thursday, February 13, 2014. The purpose of the seminar is to bring awareness to and educate the community on the effects and warning signs of domestic abuse and violence. Tau Eta Zeta Chapter is proud of its legacy of eight (8) membership lines totaling 53 new sorors. However, realizing that the Zeta life line does not stop there, THZ is extremely excited about its three youth affiliates. In October 2013, the chapter inducted 40 new Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes. As the chapter continues to grow, so does its legacy.
Upcoming Events December 2013 7-
Prematurity Awareness Reporting Deadline
14 - MD State Executive Board MD State Undergraduate Girls’ Night Out Social Event
15 - Stork’s Nest Annual Reporting Deadline
31 - Life Member, Platinum &
Diamond Level Contribution Deadline
January 2014 9 - Phi Beta Sigma’s Founders’ Day 9-11 - National Executive Board 16 - Zeta Phi Beta’s Founders’ Day Reclamation Begins MDSLC 2014 Regular Registration Ends 17 -
MDSLC 2014 Late Registration Begins
February 2014 23 - Finer Womanhood Observance Begins 28 -
MDSLC 2014 Late Registration Ends
March 2014 21-23 - MD State Leadership Conference
31 - Reclamation & Finer Womanhood Observance Ends
April 2014 26 - March of Dimes Walk * Cecil County * Prince George’s County * Washington County
27 - March of Dimes Walk * Harford County * Frederick County * Montgomery County * Wilcomico County
May 2014 3-
March of Dimes Walk - Allegany County - Greater Baltimore - Worcester County
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March of Dimes Walk - Southern Maryland * Caroline County
July 2014 15 –19- Grand Boulé October 2014 Atlantic Region Executive Board Meeting
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Making Leaders Stronger by Imparting Knowledge to Ensure Growth! - by Tamara D. Harris
Making Maryland Marvelous begins with having well informed and trained State Officers, chapter presidents and chapter members. On Saturday, August 3, 2013, the state conducted its first Maryland State Leadership Retreat for all elected and appointed officers in Baltimore, Maryland at the beautiful Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging. Over 150 sorors were able to select from ten workshop options catered to address officers’ duties and responsibilities, programmatic initiatives of the organization and other areas related to conducting the business of Zeta. Phase One of the Maryland State Standards Operations Procedure (SOP) Manual was released and presented by our National Director of Strategic Planning, Soror Valerie Hollingsworth. For the first time in the State of Maryland, a SOP Manual is being developed that will lay out in detail, how the State organization should function procedurally for its officers and members. The retreat concluded with an in-depth presentation of the Membership Intake Process conducted by State Director Green. Kudos to State Director Green for assessing the chapters’ needs and planning wonderful workshops to meet the needs of the Sorors in the State of Maryland.
“Making Maryland Marvelous, the Atlantic Region Awesome and Zeta Finer as we are Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths!”
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication & Distinction On April 13, 2013, Tau Delta Zeta Chapter celebrated its 10th Anniversary in true Tau Delta Zeta style with the theme: Celebrating a Decade of Dedication and Distinction. With friends and guests present, eleven charter members were honoured. Community partners were recognized as well: Be the Match Foundation, March of Dimes, Southern Management Corporation and Sister4Sister, Inc., with whom the chapter has collaborated for a decade. During the Gala, a contribution was made to the Southern Management’s Rising Star Scholarship Fund in honour of the eleven charter members. The chapter also awarded scholarships to three deserving local high school and college bound students. The celebration of the chapter’s anniversary did not end at the gala. TDZ collaborated with sister chapter, Tau Eta Zeta Chapter and Habitat for Humanity to help kick off National Women’s Build Week, an initiative of Habitat for Humanity International. Tau Delta Zeta has also collaborated with members Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Sigma Sig-
ma Chapter in a annual Harmony in the Home: Stop the Intimate Partner Violence, designed to address the issues of domestic violence. Other partnerships include a College Prep Seminar with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter. These programs allow Tau Delta Zeta to demonstrate its pledge of Service and Sisterhood, two of the sorority’s principles. In addition to these collaborative efforts, Tau Delta Zeta has been an advocate for the March of Dimes for many years. Contributing thousands of dollars participating in March for Babies and the chapter’s annual Bowling for Babies event, TDZ has been recognized by the March of Dimes as well. Social action efforts include writing campaigns to local government leaders, annual sponsorship of the Women Legislative Briefing, Get out the Vote activities and attending the recent March on Washington 50th Anniversary event. Tau Delta Zeta is committed to decades more of Dedication and Distinction to the community.
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30 Years of Service! - by Adrienne Russell
On Saturday, October 5th, 2013 at Martins Caterers Valley Mansion, the Marvelous Ladies of Mu Xi Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. celebrated 30 years of Servicing the Baltimore County {Maryland} community. In attendance for this momentous occasion were several Charter members, Maryland State Director Soror Danielle Green, current Chapter Basileus Soror Amandalores Everett, current Chapter members as well as over 200 family, friends and guest. During Mu Xi Zeta's 30 years of Service to the Baltimore County Community, American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, United Negro College Fund, NAACP, Z-PACK It Up school supply drive, Family Shelter activities for men, women and children, and college scholarships. The Ladies of Mu Xi Zeta look forward to many more years of Serving the Baltimore County as we continue to stand on our principles.
55th Atlantic Regional Conference
- by Tamara D. Harris
National Appointed Officers The State of Maryland would like to commend and congratulate the following Maryland Sorors that were appointed as National Officers/Committee Members:
Deidra Boykin
- Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Cheryl Brown - ZOL Committee
Arlinda Clark, Esq. - National Large Counsel
Rosalyn Hannibal-Booker - Co-Chair of the Grant Writing Team
Dr. E. Fran Johnson - Consultant, ZOL Committee
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On October 9-13, 2013, the Magnificent Sorors of the Marvelous State of Maryland joined our sisters from the Atlantic Regional at the 55th Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference in Buffalo, New York. The State of Maryland truly “showed up” and “showed out”. Kudos to all the Sorors in the State of Maryland that participated as committee chairs, committee members and presenters, especially Soror Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne (Tau Eta Zeta) on her hard work as the Conference Meeting Planner. As the second largest delegation in attendance, the State of Maryland received several awards and recognitions for its tireless efforts to promote Zeta as a Community-Conscious Action-Oriented Organization. The State of Maryland was the proud recipient of six (6) Regional Awards: Top State—Most Funds Raised for March for Babies Most Funds Raised 2012 for March for Babies - $25,834 Outstanding Participation - Finer Women Don’t Haze Outstanding Participation - Stork’s Nest Most New Members Most Reclaimed Members Most Members We are extremely proud of the numerous awards received by the State of Maryland’s chapters and auxiliaries. Individual members were highlighted, awarded and recognized for their service, achievements, and impact on the human condition for all. Kudos to the following chapters and auxiliaries: Alpha Zeta, Delta Zeta Zeta, Eta Pi Zeta, Iota Chi Zeta, Lambda Gamma Zeta, Mu Xi Zeta, Omicron Chi Zeta, Tau Delta Zeta, Tau Eta Zeta, Chi Beta Zeta, Nu Gamma and the Zeta Amicae of Prince George’s County.
Chapter Logo, Lapel Pin and Beanies Lambda Gamma Zeta Chapter in Howard County, Maryland, has a new chapter logo. The logo and lapel pin was created by Soror R. Lanette Sanders and we are very excited about it. Our logo will be used on our website, chapter letterhead and paraphernalia, pins, and business cards. Chapter President, Soror Tamika Daniels, presented the chapter with lapel pins at the first chapter meeting. We are so excited with the direction LGZ is going! Lambda Gamma Zeta chapter still has beanies for sale. Get ready for the cold weather approaching while supporting our W. Ruth Conway Scholarship Fund. Purchase your Zeta Beanie today. $20 for in person sales. Visit our website at zphibLGZ.org to view the official flier and to get payment options. Thank you for your support!!!
Improving and Empowering Harford County The sorors of Omicron Chi Zeta (OXZ) Chapter strongly believe in the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”; however, they have added their own spin to the quote – “It takes a village to improve and empower a community”. In their effort to improve and empower the Harford County community, the chapter has collaborated with various civic and social organizations to meet this objective. In the spirit of collaboration, this year the chapter invited members of the Greek Lettered Organizations of Harford County (GLOCH) to nominate a member of their organization to be recognized at the chapter’s 7th annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet. Each year the chapter sponsors this event to provide scholarships for deserving Harford County youths who are pursuing higher education and one hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the Dolores H. Janifer Memorial Scholarship Fund. Soror Dolores H. Janifer was a charter member of Omicron Chi Zeta Chapter and its first president. She devoted her entire career to educating young people on the secondary level. Therefore, it is most fitting that the chapter chose to name the scholarship fund in her memory. The theme for this year’s Scholarship and Awards Banquet was “Honoring Women of Color in Military Service”. The honorees were Major Kawainee Flowe (Retired US Air Force), Colonel Bernita Hightower (US Army), Major NaTasha Wayne, (US Army OXZ Chapter member) and Captain Lisa WilsonYoung (US Army). In addition, OXZ recognize the
following members of GLOCH: Sergeant Raymond A. Barlow, Jr. (US Air Force - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), Lt. Colonel Sharon Jacobs (Retired US
Army – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), and Lt. Colonel Constance Rosser (US Army – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.). To begin the evening, the Milford Mill Academy’s Jr. ROTC presented colors and marched the honorees in. The event was well attended by County Executive David Craig, Councilman Dione Guthrie, Sorors, Sigma Brothers, members of GLOCH and guest. After the banquet, County Executive Craig sent Basileus Brown a Harford County “Challenge Coin” and the attached note which stated “Thank you for asking me to attend the recent event sponsored by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. It was very well done and the awards were appropriate. Please accept Harford County “Challenge Coin” as a token of my respect for your leadership on this.”
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New Life Members Congratulations to the State’s New Life Members!!!!!
Deidra Boykin, Eta Pi Zeta Deborah Briscoe, Mu Xi Zeta Jannina Bryan, Eta Pi Zeta Brandy Bush, Delta Zeta Zeta Arlinda J. Clark, Esq., Eta Pi Zeta Gwenneth Corujo, Eta Pi Zeta Danielle Green, Chi Beta Zeta Jeanetta James, Rho Eta Zeta Constance A. Kinder, Tau Delta Zeta Theresa A. Lewis, Tau Eta Zeta Berthlyn Scoulies, Eta Pi Zeta Dr. Keena Seward, Rho Eta Zeta
- by Tamara D. Harris
On August 17, 2013, the State of Maryland hosted a State Service Social in Baltimore at the beautiful Phaze 10 Lounge. Joined by members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., sorors gathered for food, laughs and great times as they donated pampers, bottles, baby wipes and handmade baby blankets for the six Stork’s Nest throughout the State of Maryland. Each chapter received more than 50 donated items, not including cases of diapers, baby wipes and handmade baby blankets that will be provided to the mothers who use their points to shop in the nest. Chapter
representation was great and all the contributions were greatly appreciated.
Sharae Sharp, Sigma Psi Zeta Patricia Twitty, Tau Delta Zeta Lisa White, Sigma Psi Zeta Sabrina White, Omicron Chi Zeta
Congratulations to the State’s new Diamond Life Contributors
Stork’s Nest Service Social
Danielle Green, Chi Beta Zeta Amandaloress Everett, Mu Xi Zeta Theresa A. Lewis, Tau Eta Zeta
40 Years and Still Working! This is a significant year for the sorors of Eta Pi Zeta Chapter based in Montgomery County, Maryland as the chapter celebrates a milestone – its 40th Anniversary with an Anniversary Gala on November 16th in Silver Spring. Among those scheduled to attend and bring greetings include Atlantic Region Director Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq, Maryland State Director Soror Danielle Green and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. During this sorority year, the chapter has developed Z-HOPE programs for new initiatives Adopt-A-School, Elder Care and Healthy Lifestyle. The chapter adopted Greencastle Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD, kicking off the year by donating 35 backpacks filled with supplies. The committee also plans to mentor students on a monthly basis and participate in school service and fundraising projects. The chapter is also participating in the Elder Care Initiative and kicked off a 3-part seminar with a workshop entitled “Aging is a Family Affair” that focused on current issues and resources for both caregivers and the sick or aging adults they support. The chapter will also host a self-defense workshop featuring the Krav Maga martial arts technique under the healthy lifestyle initiative.
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Additionally, the chapter along with its youth and amicae auxiliary groups have events and initiatives scheduled such as the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church College Fair, donations to Rainbow Place homeless shelter, Breast Cancer Walk donation, Vietnam War Memorial clean-up, Montgomery County Day of Service, Manna Food Center donation, Prematurity Awareness Program, lunch service at the Montgomery County Women’s shelter, MLK Day of Service, Youth Career Panel, Sunday Supper Program at the Children’s Inn/NIH, college workshop at the Wells Robertson House, Adopt a Road, March for Babies and much more. Eta Pi Zeta is proud of the work it has been doing in the community and has won numerous awards on state and regional levels.
2014 Maryland State Leadership Conference Best Wishes!!!
You’re cordially invited to attend the:
The State of Maryland sends well wishes to the Atlantic Region’s
Maryland State Leadership Conference 2014
endorsed candidates campaigning for
March 21-23, 2014
the National Executive Board Posi-
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
tions:
Soror Valerie Hollingsworth
Cambridge, Maryland
— National First Vice President
Soror Alexis Maisonet — National Third Vice President
Soror Roslyn M. Hannibal-Booker
Registration: Regular: Zetas and Amicae - $220 / Youth - $80 / Guests - $170 Late: Zetas and Amicae - $250 / Youth - $80 / Guests - $170
— Trustee, National Educational Foundation
Special Guests: Syleena Johnson, Grammy-nominated R&B Singer & Songwriter Krysta Jones, National Director of Social Action For additional information visit: http://www.zphibmaryland.org
Military Appreciation Week -by Laura Charles-Horne
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated kicked-off National Military Appreciation Week on November 9, 2013 at Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Headquarters in Washington, DC with a Gala Reception. Sorors from all over the world convened in person - and spirit - to celebrate their own: Sorors and heroes serving in United States Military around the globe! A welcoming and rewarding spirit filled the space as Sorors from near and far met and re-connected for the inaugural event. Welcoming words from Soror Valerie Hollingsworth were followed by the Occasion from Retired Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields, Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta since 2000 and first woman and first African-American to serve in the position of Director of NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations and Director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Soror Fields eloquently set the stage for the day’s event as well as the week of honor for military members and families throughout the Sisterhood. A Tribute and charge from Soror Natasha Clarke, National Military Advisory Board Attaché via satellite video and a Toast from National Military Board Members provided attendees a personal connection to sorors and military alike. A video montage of sorors around the world serving our country while still serving the Zeta Phi Beta held attendees captive, pensive, inspired, proud and appreciative. The event culminated with a phenomenal demon-
stration of Zeta Phi Beta as a “Community Conscious, Action-Oriented Organization.” International Grand Basileus, Mary Breaux Wright, and the Military Advisory Board charged the Sisterhood to open their hearts and wallets to support military families in need. The $5,000 goal was well exceeded through generous donations from the Sisterhood throughout all Regions. At the Gala Kick-Off Reception, International Grand Basileus, Mary Breaux Wright, proudly presented $20,000 to Operation Homefront on behalf of the Sorority! Operation Homefront provides direct services to American military personnel and/or their families who have unmet needs due to financial hardship, death, injury, or physical or mental detriment. The weekend of honor continued the following day with a wreath-laying at the Vietnam Memorial in the nation’s capital. The week included a Zeta “Military Moment of Silence” and several opportunities for local chapters to provide volunteer work, gift baskets, monetary donations, or sponsor events honoring and supporting Active and Retired Armed Forces in their respective communities.