Regional Director Ernestine Wilson, along with State Directors, celebrates accomplishments of 18th South Central Regional Director Dr. Constance Hendricks
Mary Breaux Wright, International Grand Basileus Ernestine Wilson, South Central Regional Director
The South Central Region unveiled our new logo at the recent regional conference! We’d like to thank SororityGirlGraphics, LLC for designing our logo! If you need a logo design, finer attire, or wooden plaques, please visit www.sororitygirlgraphics.com! The company is also a licensed vendor!
2
Grand wright is joined by members of the divine 9
Mrs. Irene Spears, Retired Educator, Civil Rights Activist receives Legends of Light Award
Sorors, amicae, and youth march in…
His Instruments of Praise, University of Alabama, performs
Crystal Brown, Saxophonist Award Nominee, performs an instrumental selection
SCR makes special presentation to “urban kids,” scr’s 2015 community service initiative
3
4
5
The Youth Auxiliaries visited the McWane Science Center and the Historic 16th Street 6 Baptist Church.
7
At the 86th South Central Region Leadership Conference, the Scrapbook Committee judged several hard copy scrapbooks. The two categories consisted of Scrapbook Groups and MemoryIndividuals Scrapbooks from the Archonettes group, Amicettes group, and Pearlettes group. The winners from the Scrapbook Groups Archonettes category were 1st place Psi Gamma Zeta and 2nd place Epsilon Zeta. The winners from the Amicettes group were 1st place Psi Gamma Zeta and 2nd place Psi Beta Zeta. There was only one Pearlette scrapbook submitted from Psi Gamma Zeta. The winners from the MemoryIndividual Scrapbooks Archonettes group were third place Hertayshia Thomas; second place Brailyn Johnson; and first place Alexis Smith. There was one Amicette scrapbook submitted by Ta’Nala Welch. The Scrapbook Committee would like to thank each participant: Bria Scarver, Brailyn Johnson, Hertayshia Thomas, Alexis Smith, Angel Bailey, Cammy Smith, Ta’Nala Welch and Frances Bailey. We would also like to thank the groups that submitted a scrapbook. They were Epsilon Zeta, Psi Gamma Zeta (each group), and Psi Beta Zeta.
Electronic Scrapbooks! Not only did the Scrapbook Committee judge the hard copy scrapbooks, they also judged the electronic scrapbooks submitted via USB drives. Congratulations to the only Amicae group to submit a scrapbook, Zeta Amicae from Meridian, MS. In the Undergraduate Chapter category, congratulations goes to third place Lambda Beta of Jackson, MS; second place to Nu Beta from Tougaloo, MS; and first place to Lambda Theta, Southern, MS. In the Graduate Chapter category, third place went to Kappa Tau from Greenville, MS; second place to Psi Beta Zeta from Desoto, MS; and first place to Omega Tau Zeta from Brandon, MS. The Scrapbook Committee would like to thank the following chapters/auxiliaries for submitting their USB drives in the electronic competition: Zeta Amicae-Meridian, MS; Psi Beta Zeta-Southaven, MS; Nu Beta-Tougaloo, MS; Chi Lambda Zeta-Bartlett, TN; Tau Upsilon Zeta-Clinton, MS; Alpha Mu Zeta-Little Rock, AR; Lambda Beta-Jackson, MS; Rho Iota ZetaMendenhall, MS; Beta Beta-Pine Bluff, AR; Alpha Rho Zeta-Montgomery, AL; Zeta Psi Zeta-Clarksdale, MS; Delta Nu Zeta-Meridian, MS; Kappa Tau ZetaGreenville, MS; Lambda Theta-Southern, MS; Omega Tau Zeta-Brandon, MS; and Epsilon Zeta Zeta-Pine Bluff, AR. SCR Scrapbook Committee
Regional-level Awards: (12) Top State-Registered Fundraising Walkers: Alabama, 54 walkers Top State-Most Funds Raised: Alabama, $15,282 Top State-Registered Fundraising Auxiliary Groups: Tennessee, 3 Auxiliaries Most Improved State: Arkansas Top 5 Regional Fundraising Teams 1st Place: Delta Omega Zeta, $3,500 2nd Place: Psi Alpha Zeta, $3,038.63 3rd Place: Birmingham Zetas, $2,356 4th Place: Alpha Eta Zeta, $1,784.05 5th Place: Pi Tau Zeta, $1,284 Top 3 Regional “Champions for Babies” 1st Place: Tranitra Avery, Psi Gamma Zeta, $1,000 2nd Place: Diedre Foster, Psi Alpha Zeta, $815.25 3rd Place: Andretta Burroughs, Birmingham Zetas, $787
State-level Awards: (9) Alabama Top Teams Graduate Chapter: Delta Omega Zeta, $3,500, 5 walkers Undergraduate Chapter: Omega Tau, $95, 2 walkers Auxiliary: N/A (No Participating Auxiliaries) Arkansas Top Teams Graduate Chapter: Alpha Mu Zeta, $480, 15 walkers Undergraduate Chapter: Phi Theta, $105.25 Auxiliary: Brady Elementary School, $1,176.87 Mississippi Top Teams Graduate Chapter: Alpha Delta Zeta, $1,212, 11 walkers Undergraduate Chapter: N/A (No Participating Undergrads) Auxiliary: N/A (No Participating Auxiliaries) Tennessee Top Teams Graduate Chapter: Alpha Eta Zeta, $1,784.05, 3 walkers Undergraduate Chapter: Alpha Mu, $138 Auxiliary: Alpha Eta Zeta Amicettes, $193.84, 2 walkers
2014 South Central Regional Totals: State
Total Money Raised
Total Paid Walkers
Alabama
$15,282
54
Arkansas
$2,482
22
Mississippi
$2,257
18
Tennessee
$7,601
30
Totals:
$27,622
124
8 Mary Foster, SCR, MOD Coordinator
W. Denae Powell Miss Black Mississippi US Ambassador 2015 Thank you all of my beloved Sorors of the Unconquerable South Central Region for your many prayers, well wishes, and generous donations as I competed for the title of Miss Black US Ambassador 2015. My week in Atlanta would not have been possible without you all. Along with placing in the National Top 15, I gained valuable networking connections, had new doors of opportunity opened, learned valuable marketing lessons, and gained lifelong friends. The Miss Black US Ambassador Scholarship Pageant is now accepting applications for its 2016 Queens. I would LOVE for each state in the South Central Region to be represented by a Soror in the Miss Competition and an Archonette in the Teen Competition. Below you will find the link to the national pageant page where more information can be found. Any Soror who is interested in this wonderful opportunity may feel free to contact me. http://www.thembusam.com/about-us/ denaepowell@aol.com
South Central Region
AMICAE
10
South Central Region
AMICAE The South Central Region Conference held in Birmingham, Alabama proved to be a huge success for the Amicae. At the 2014 Regional Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas the Amicae voted donate to a local charity at future conferences in the city the conference is held. This year’s recipient was Jessie’s Place. The check was presented by immediate past South Central Region Amicae President, Betty Brackett. The Bernice Callaway Growth Award was presented the Amicae Auxiliary of Nu Pi Zeta Chapter, Forest, Mississippi. Receiving the award on behalf of the auxiliary is Sponsor Soror/Friend Dr. Loraine Dozier. The Bernice Callaway Growth Award is named for the first National Director of Amicae Affairs. Soror/Friend Callaway was from Tennessee. The South Central Region Amicae were the first Amicae auxiliary in Zeta to launch their regional stamp. The Amicae were excited to participate in the South Central Region Centennial Kick Off. The South Central Region Amicae were the first Amicae auxiliary in Zeta to launch their regional stamp. The Amicae were excited to participate in the South Central Region Centennial Kick Off. Amicae of the year went to Amica Yolanda McAlpine, Amicae Auxiliary of Meridian, Mississippi Delta Nu Zeta Chapter. Amica McAlpine was also presented a $500 Scholarship from the State of Mississippi.
The South Central Region Amicae will give two book allowance awards this year from funds raised during their Parade of Stars. An award will be given to a young lady from both Tennessee and Mississippi. This year’s first place award was awarded to State of Tennessee President, Amica Arlita Swanson Amicae Auxiliary of Nashville, Tennessee Pi Zeta Chapter. The second place award was awarded to Amica Yolanda McAlpine, Amicae Auxiliary of Meridian, Mississippi Delta Nu Zeta Chapter. These ladies did an awesome job raising money. The Amicae decided to try and find time to visit a site in the host city. This year plans were made to visit the Historic 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. A bus was chartered thanks to Amica Betty Brackett. Soror/Friend Donnie Hull, National Director of Amicae Affairs participated in the tour and had and awesome experience. Amica Pastor Cathy Hunt, President Soror/Friend Bobbie White, South Central Region Amicae Coordinator Soror/Friend Ernestine Wilson, South Central Region Director Soror/Friend Donnie Faye Hull, National Director of Amicae Affairs Soror/Friend Mary Breaux Wright, International President
11
Pi Zeta Chapter This year’s 86th South Central Regional Leadership Conference kicked off with pre-conference certification opportunities for members who were unable to attend throughout the year. It allowed our new members and undergraduates to be prepared for the upcoming sororal year.
Z-NEF Commemorates Its 40th Anniversary as “The Year of Individual Giving” Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Education Foundation (Z-NEF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 1975. Its motto is “Promoting Education & Community Service to the Highest Degree”, and it operates on behalf of Zeta to improve lives and the human condition through scholarship and service. 2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Education Foundation (NEF). As such, the NEF Board of Managers has designated 2015 as the Year of Individual Giving. In commemoration of this 40th anniversary year, not only are individuals encouraged to contribute financially to the Foundation, but also to share any testimonials or personal stories with NEF if they were a recipient of NEF scholarships or services in the past. Testimonials received will be featured on the NEF website at www.zpbnef1975.org. All sorors are asked to visit NEF website to learn more about the foundation and the many scholarships available. The Z-NEF Scholarship/Fellowship application period begins each year on September 1 and ends February 1. Written applications may be requested from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Headquarters, and for additional information regarding Z-NEF scholarships and fellowships contact Bibliana Bovery, National Second Anti-Basileus, via Instagram and Twitter at @scholarshipfirst, SABovery@zetaphibetasororityhq.org, or (202) 257-7004.
Dr. SoJuan Crenshaw, SCR NEF Chair
The “Denim & Pearls in 2020” Centennial Launch Party was amazing! We had the opportunity to interact with National, Regional, State and Local Officers and Coordinators. With our Centennial Passports, we were able to obtain the different approved stamps and each member in attendance was able to receive the International Grand Basileus, Soror Mary Breaux Wright’s stamp along with a personal message. We learned the Centennial Stroll, mixed and mingled, and it was an excellent kick off for the conference. Our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. supported the event as well. Pi Zeta donated over 200 items consisting of snacks, Kleenex, soaps, lotions, beauty products, toiletries, etc. for the South Central Z-HOPE project: Urban Ministry’s “Meeting the Basic Needs for Youth”. Soror Ashley Pinkerton received the 2015 South Central Region Undergraduate Advisor of the Year Award! Friend/Amicae Arlita Swanson was crowned as the Queen of Parade of Stars! Pi Zeta Chapter thoroughly enjoyed the 86th South Central Regional Leadership Conference in Birmingham, AL. We are looking forward to “The Journey to Centennial” as we make our 12 next stop in Mississippi!
13
14
15
16
Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter The gratifying Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter has finally received its stretch of highway for the Adopt-aHighway initiative. Soror Awayne Williams, Community Liasion, made several attempts and was finally successful! As the newly elected Basileus of her chapter, this initiative was one of her goals. The chapter’s first pick up was on May 30th, and the chapter received its signage on August 7th.
Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter “Many are asked but few answer the call.” Soror Kim Mayfield accepted the call to be the Youth Coordinator for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter in 2014. As the chapter Youth Coordinator, our Youth Auxiliaries are growing and progressing. Under her leadership, all Youth Auxiliaries Sponsors are certificated and working with their assigned auxiliary. The Youth Auxiliaries presented a Youth Showcase in October 2014 to promote “Stop the Bullying” and “March Prematurity Awareness.” They participated in the Rust College Founders’ Day Parade in November 2014 winning 1st place in the float competition. They setup the Alex Lemonade Stand at Big Star collecting over $250.00 to donate to the Alex Lemonade Foundation. In December 2014, the Youth Auxiliaries provided 150 gifts bags and sang Christmas Carols to the patients at Trinity Nursing Home in Holly Springs. In January 2015, the Youth Auxiliaries attended the Youth Leadership Conference in Vicksburg, MS. The Amicette Auxiliary won 1st place for the third time in the pep-step competition at the state level. Archonette Keosha Nelson was presented with the 3rd place trophy in the Oratorical Competition. The Pearlettes were awarded with medals for their participation in the pep-step competition. Three of our Pearlettes were given certificates for the A & B honor roll. The Amicettes placed 2nd in the scrapbook competition and the Archonettes placed 3rd in the memory book competition. In April 2015, the Youth Auxiliaries along with the support of Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter sponsored their 3rd Annual Autism Walk: “Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue Walk” in Holly Springs, MS. The walk generated over $1,000 that was donated to various clinics in Mississippi that work with children with Autism. Because of Soror Kim Mayfield’s leadership and hard work as the Youth Coordinator for Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter, she was awarded the 2015 Youth Advisor of the Year at the Mississippi Leadership Conference and the 2015 Youth Advisor of the Year at the South Central Region Leadership Conference. On the local level, she was awarded Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter Zeta of the Year for 2014-15. Soror Mayfield is continuing her hard work with the Youth Auxiliaries and sponsors as they are preparing for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
17
Kappa Tau Zeta Chapter Kappa Tau Zeta Chapter of Greenville, Mississippi, had 10 members to attend the conference, during which the chapter received 1st place ZHOPE for graduate chapter size 525, 2nd place Stroll Competition, and 3rd place Scrapbook Competition, as well as certificates of appreciation for implementing St Jude Sunday of Hope and making donations to the Zeta National Education Foundation. Kappa Tau Zeta Chapter made a $100 donation in memory of Soror Shirley Bracey Thompson, in support of the Life Members' Water Well Project; the chapter also made a donation of 60+ items to the South Central Region ZHOPE Initiative by meeting the needs of the Urban Ministry. Our Archonettes also made a donation of 60+ items to the Urban Ministry.
Lambda Kappa Zeta Chapter On January 19, 2015, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Lambda Kappa Zeta chapter of Hattiesburg, MS participated in the ZHOPE initiative Get Engaged. Our chapter’s efforts included passing out pamphlets supplied by the NAACP. Members of the chapter walked and went door to door distributing pamphlets to an entire apartment complex. The chapter’s efforts also included a community forum held at a local church on February 21, 2015. The forum included panelist from the local police department, members of the NAACP, lawyers, pastors, and members of the community (adults and children). History of the NAACP chapter in Hattiesburg was discussed and scenarios of police encounters were role-played by Archonettes and Sigma Betas. After each scene, officers explained the correct way to interact with the police and answered questions from the audience. The officers and lawyers also discussed consequences of inappropriate behavior. A parental and children’s pledge was also taken encouraging both the children and the parents to be responsible and productive citizens of their community. On Saturday April 25, 2015 Lambda Kappa Zeta Chapter introduced seven beautiful new Sorors to the city of Hattiesburg. A reception was held at Jackie Dole Community center where fellow NPHC members, family, and friends were invited.
Kappa Tau Zeta Chapter would like to congratulate and thank State Director Vanessa R. Banks for a great year, moving Mississippi forward in Zetadom, and for her unwavering love for the Sorors of the Mighty Mississippi. We are excited and looking forward to continuing on this Journey to Centennial. Can You Feel It? Team Mississippi Rocks!
18
19
Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter The Astounding Angels of Alpha Eta Zeta have been about the business of service this summer throughout the Greater Memphis community! On July 18th we participated in the First Annual New Horizon Community Appreciation Day along with the UT School of Dentistry, Memphis Fire and Police Dept. and many other community organizations. The day provided those in attendance with the opportunity to receive free dental and health screenings, employment connections through the three employment agencies present along with information about our Stork’s Nest located in the apartment complex. Sorors shared information about our Stork’s Nest services and took referrals from expecting mothers. Bouncers, water slides, Hot 107.1, game trucks, BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers, snacks, and giveaways were also a part this wonderful day and made it a great success. Kudos to our very on Amica Keisha Carr, The New Horizon Apartments Manager for organizing this wonderful event! On August 1st we held our Annual Health Fair and School Supply Give-A-Way in conjunction with Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. During this great event, all in attendance were blessed with the opportunity to learn more about services offered in the Memphis and surrounding areas as well as help save a life through blood donations with Life Blood. School supplies were given to students in preparation for the upcoming school year. Sorors, Amicae, and our youth groups worked diligently alongside the church members to make this annual event one for the books once again!!! In addition to service Sorors expressed our sisterly love to our Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated by supporting them at their Conclave across the river in Little Rock, AR and in a collaborative effort with our Sister chapters in Shelby County and Brothers of Sigma Memphis in support of our Brothers in Greekdom --Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated in their Conclave Public Meeting that was held here in the Bluff City. Our very own TN State Director Soror Donna R. Williams represented our illustrious sisterhood and brought greetings on behalf of International Grand Basileus Wright. Yes as you can see, the Astounding Angels of Alpha Eta Zeta have continued to let our light of service and sisterhood continue to shine during the summer months and are looking forward to many more opportunities to continue to promote our Founding Principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
TN State Director Donna R. Williams and Sorors with Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated’s National President and Founders.
Sigma’s Orchid Ball in Little Rock, AR
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s Public Meeting
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s Public Meeting
20
21
Rho Nu Zeta – Kosciusko, MS Arnita Riley – Basileus Rho Nu Zeta Chapter held our first meeting for the new year in August. We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year. Our Officers and members are: Arnita Riley – Basileus; Charlotte F. Miller – 1st Anti-Basileus; Virginia Thomas – 2nd Anti-Basileus; Latonya Hardy – Grammateus, Gloria Cotton – Tamias; Carrie Smith – Tamias/Grammateus; Lasonja Hardy – Youth Coordinator; Caroline Teague – Chapter Courtesies; Cassie Huntley, Betty Carter (Zeta Dove), and LaCourtney Landfair Calendar for 2015 - 2016 August Back to School Bash September Orientation for Blue Revue Scholarship Banquet October Character Building Retreat for Youth and Debutantes, Belk’s Charity Sale, Breast Cancer Awareness Activity November PreMaturity Awareness Activity, Thanksgiving Dinner at the Adult Day Care Center December Blue Revue Scholarship Banquet, Chapter Christmas Social January Founders’ Day Celebration February Finer Womanhood Celebration March Mississippi State Leadership Conference (Greenville) April Spring Fling at Common Ground Adult Day Care Center May Scholarship Recognitions June South Central Region Leadership Conference, (Mississippi) July Grand Boule’ in Orlando, Florida
Back to School Bash with Disaster Awareness Information
Arnita Riley and Charlotte Miller attended the conference from Rho Nu Zeta Chapter. It was a very enjoyable, enlightening, and informative gathering. We received the following awards recognition: Z-HOPE – 3rd place, and certificates of appreciation from National Education Foundation, St. Jude Sunday of Hope, and Urban Ministry Regional Project.
22
Alpha Xi Zeta Chapter The Alpha Xi Zeta chapter held its annual retreat on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at the chapter’s “House by the Side of the Road” in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. Soror Deborah Ellis began with an acronym for RETREAT: Relax; Educate; Tackle; Rejuvenate; Excel and Energize; Advise and Assist; and Toil Together. Each aspect was fully realized, well delivered, and sisterly received by the attending Graduate Chapter Sorority members, Undergraduate Theta Beta Chapter, and the Amicae Auxiliary of the Sorority. The national, regional, state and local thrust of several service projects and initiatives was presented with purpose, objectives, and implementation/action directives. These projects included: Newly Owned Local Zeta House; Diabetes Grant Award and Collaboration with Tuskegee University; Stork’s Nest and March of Dimes; Z-HOPE which embraces Adopt-A-School, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, DHR Holiday Cheer, St. Jude Sunday, and many other service projects and local initiatives. Soror Katy S. Campbell, the Graduate Chapter President, closed the Retreat by thanking all planners and participants. She noted: “Our annual agenda for multiple service projects and initiatives has been informatively set before us.” She further charged all members, using the lyrics of the Sorority hymn: “When Zeta Calls, We’ll answer One and All.” In addition to the chapter’s annual retreat, Alpha Xi Zeta once again participated in the Macon County Back-to-School Bash by joining other volunteers in receiving, classifying, and packing floods of supplies that were donated. The Chapter selected grades 3-5 and supplied more than $500 worth of school necessities. Alpha Xi Zeta then assisted in distributing supplies to more than 700 students who attended. These hours of volunteer service by Alpha Xi Zeta Chapter will have a lasting and positive impact on many students as they begin the new 2015-16 Academic Year. The Adopt-A-School Project will also commence as Zeta volunteers return to Deborah Cannon Wolfe Elementary School for on-going and scheduled volunteer service. Indeed, the ideals of Z-HOPE remain alive for Alpha Xi Zeta Chapter here in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. Soror Katy S. Campbell, the Chapter President, and Soror Yvonne Brown, Z-HOPE Chairman have set the stage for another year that promotes the founding principle of service.
Sorors and Amicae at Annual Retreat
Zetas and Sigmas participate in Back-to-School Bash
23
24
Photo Credits
A few tips to keep you ready for the 2016 Conference: 1. Document your Z-Hope activities and submit necessary paperwork to the Z-Hope chairperson. 2. Take pictures! We want to see you in next year’s newsletter and souvenir booklet. 3. Does your chapter have a house? We want to see that, too. Take a picture one beautiful morning. 4. Don’t think you have enough blue and white to wear to the conference? Now’s the time to buy! 5. Get involved locally and across the sisterhood! 6. Have a fantastic sorority year!
See you in Mississippi!
Soror Daria Weddington, South Central Region Photographer Soror Alexis Smith Soror Brooke A. Burks
Dr. Brooke A. Burks, Antipokritis Ernestine Wilson, Regional Director South Central Region Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.