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75th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction
By Dana Moore
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Beta Delta Zeta Chapter
The Philadelphia graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Beta Delta Zeta Chapter hosted their commemorative 75th Anniversary Weekend Celebration in Philadelphia, PA the weekend of Nov. 22, 2019. The anniversary weekend, led by Soror Stephanie L. Arnold and the anniversary committee, celebrated everything #FINERinPHILLY!
The celebration began the evening of Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 with their Gala & Silent Auction at the Sugarhouse Casino Event Center. The chapter welcomed their guests to a cocktail hour, followed by a threecourse dinner. Guests were entertained by the sounds of international performer and recording artist Gerald Veasley, and were provided with complimentary gaming credits to use on the casino floor. Some guests met outside to converse on the heated balcony while enjoying the breathtaking luminous view of the Ben Franklin Bridge that overlooks the Delaware River. It was a festive atmosphere of dancing, support of the chapter’s scholarship fund, socializing, and laughter.
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was none other than Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, international speaker, best-selling author, and celebrity hostess. The charge for the evening was given by International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, who honored Triumphant Founder Arizona Cleaver Stemons. Distinguished guests included International First AntiBasileus Tamara C. Manning Gordon; International Grammateus Jamye Bridges; International Phylacter La Ketha Prioleau; 20th International Grand Basileus and Centennial Chair, Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte; Atlantic Regional Director Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director Diane Wilson; and fellow Greek brothers, sisters, and friends.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson was joined by Councilwoman and Zeta Soror
International Centennial President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker; Beta Delta Zeta Chapter President Dana M. Moore; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director Diane Wilson; and Atlantic Region Director Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.
Atlantic Region Director Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.; Beta Delta Zeta Chapter Z-HOPE Coordinator, Jamel M. Hicks; International Centennial President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker; Beta Delta Zeta Chapter Prematurity Awareness Coordinator Keturah Greene
Katherine Gilmore Richardson, State Representative Jordan A. Harris, and Zeta leadership to unveil the new street sign for the 1900 block of Federal Street during a public ceremony. Johnson and Councilwoman-at-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown co-sponsored Resolution 190192 to co-name the 1900 block of Federal Street “Arizona C. Stemons Way” earlier that year on March 14. The final reading and passage was held Thursday, March 21 during Zeta Day at City Hall, an event sponsored by Beta Delta Zeta Chapter.
Stemons, Zeta’s organizing founder, first president, and President Emerita, lived in service to Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens for decades as a social worker for the Department of Public Welfare. She organized the chartering of dozens of chapters of Zeta across the country, including the Philadelphia graduate chapter. She lived at 1915 Federal Street for 52 years until her death in 1980. The chapter currently owns and maintains the property. Councilman Johnson and guests toured the Stemons house after this emotional ceremony.
The weekend concluded on Sunday, Nov. 24 with a Worship and Prematurity Awareness program at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. This was truly a historic weekend in Philadelphia.
