nation. They stepped onto the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte wearing “Free the Jena
6” T-shirts, as they prepared to rally
against the unequal administration
of justice exemplified by the Jena 6
case.
Iota Rho Chapter Deltas show their support of the Jena 6.
Chapter members passed out
fliers about the Jena 6 case, and
solicited donations to support the
defense fund.
The event included a rally in
which students, faculty and staff
members, and other chapters of the
National Pan-Hellenic Council participated. Soror Danielle Cody delivered a speech about the case, and
the two separate and unequal justice
systems that exist in Jena, La. and
many other cities across this country—one for Caucasians, and another for African-Americans.
Soror Amanda Cotton shared an
original poem on injustice and the
efforts of others who overcame similar obstacles. A powerful and unifying moment came as participants
marched across the campus while
singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Iota Rho Chapter sent three
representatives to Jena, La. to partake in the modern-day civil rights
protest. Soror Jasmine McNair is
chapter president. ▲
Lambda Gamma City-Wide
Chapter in Lancaster, Pa. collaborated with the NAACP, Millersville
University Chapter to collect money
on campus to support the Jena 6
Defense Fund. Soror Amina Calland
is chapter president. The chapter set
up tables with boards and handouts
to raise awareness of the racism and
injustice still taking place.
Sorors also encouraged the campus community to outwardly express their support of the Jena 6 by
wearing all black on Thursday,
September 20 for Mychal Bell’s trial,
the first of the six trials.
Lambda Gamma raised $900
through bake sales and awareness
campaigns and sent the money to
the Jena 6 Defense Fund. ▲
Mu Beta Chapter at The George
Washington University in Washington, D.C. participated in events that
were lead by the University’s NAACP
and Black Student Union chapters.
The events included donation drives
and the “Stop the Hate Campaign,”
an initiative to draw attention to
racially motivated crimes occurring
on The GW campus. Members of the
chapter also submitted articles concerning the Jena 6 to the Black Ace
Newsletter, a student-run newsletter
associated with The George Washington University Chapter of the
Black Student Union. Soror Fadesola
Adetosoye is chapter president. ▲
Mu Beta sorors demonstrate for the Jena 6.
The Mu Epsilon Chapter on the
campus of University of Kentucky
initiated a social action series called
“Talk with ME” (ME stands for Mu
Epsilon). The first installment of the
Talk with ME series was a Jena 6
forum held in September. The program helped raise awareness about
Jena 6 because many students on the
campus were not familiar with the situation in the small town of Jena, La.
Participants
watched
a
Democracy Now documentary, and
were invited to wear black for the
National Day of Action in support of
the Jena 6 and to attend the chapter’s demonstration the next day.
The chapter had six AfricanAmerican men sit under a tree on
campus that closely resembled the
Mu Epsilon Deltas participated in various
awareness efforts for Jena 6.
tree at Jena High School. There were
also several computers set up for
people to sign the online petition in
support of the Jena 6. In addition to
publicity from the campus newspaper, the chapter was highlighted in
the Lexington Herald Leader newspaper and various TV news stations. Mu
Epsilon also set up a petition table
the following week to allow others to
sign the online petition. Soror Keisha
Hilson is chapter president. ▲
The Pi Alpha City-Wide Chapter in
New Haven, Conn. co-sponsored a
meeting and debate with the Party of
the Left, the Yale Black Men’s Union,
Sphere magazine and the Yale NAACP.
The meeting began with a viewing of a
half-hour BBC documentary on the
Jena 6, This World: Race Hate in
Louisiana. The documentary, originally aired in May 2007, featured interviews from Jesse Rae Beard, one of
the Jena 6 and his family, as well as
other White and Black students and
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
51
parents. The screening was followed by a special debate entitled, “Resolved: Racial Inequality
Cannot Be Eliminated,” which
was led by Yale’s Party of the
Left.
Pi Alpha Chapter also participated in and spread the
word about September 20, 2007,
a day in which supporters of the
Jena 6 wore black to protest the
racial injustice in Louisiana. Pi
Alpha sent e-mails with information about the Jena 6 situation
and the protest to its large constituency. Soror Emanuela Cebert is chapter president. ▲
The sorors of Zeta Epsilon
Chapter at Coppin State University were key organizers of
the Baltimore city-wide Jena 6
rally last September. The chapter members collaborated with
the Baltimore Branch of the
NAACP and local community
activists to bring hundreds of
students and community residents to the CSU campus for
the rally. Soror Robin Edwards
is chapter president. ▲
Pi Alpha Deltas raise their fists in
support of the Jena 6.
Order your copy of the Handbook
Basic Ideas for Collecting African American Art
Published by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
National Commission on Arts & Letters
Laurel Tucker Duplessis, AUTHOR
Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip __________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone _______________________________________________ Email ________________________________________
Chapter _______________________________________________________________________________________________
I would like to order _______ copies (Quantity) of the Handbook @ $10 each plus $2.50 shipping
and handling; cost of shipping and handling will vary based on quantity of order. Best to use
credit card for multiple order. Chapters/sorors interested in a bulk order (12 or more copies)
should contact National Headquarters 202-986-2400.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
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TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $____________________
Mail your payment along with this form to:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
P.O. Box 96181
Washington, DC 20090-6181
▲
52
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
“Legacy” by Soror
Elizabeth Catlett is
featured on back
cover of handbook
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qCENTRAL REGION
Tulsa, Okla.
June 8-10, 2007
T
he Charismatic and Courageous
Central Region’s 43rd conference
was held in Tulsa. The general
theme was Field of Dreams: Together
Up Lifting Sisterhood in Action. Host
chapter sorors from Tulsa Alumnae
and Rho Delta planned enlightening,
entertaining and exciting activities
and workshops.
The Collegiate Day theme was
“Catching Delta Dreams: Embracing
our Past, Enhancing our Future.”
Workshops ranged from “Small, But
That’s All” to “Demystifying the
Paperwork.” Outgoing Regional
Representative, Alexandra HarmonThreatt and National Second VicePresident, Eunique N. Jones provided inspiring words at the Collegiate
Day opening session and luncheon.
At the luncheon, sorors acknowledged the eight extraordinary graduates of the Delta G.E.M.S. Institute
with rousing applause.
Following plenary sessions and
workshops, the Tulsa Alumnae
Chapter focused its Project Cherish
on contributions made by local
African-Americans. Sorors were
Sorors visiting the Black Wall Street
Memorial during the Project Cherish celebration and reception.
Standing before the Project Cherish plaque (L-R): National Treasurer Carolyn E. Lewis,
National First Vice President Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, National Second Vice President
Eunique N. Jones, then Central Regional Director Marcia L. Williams, National President
Louise A. Rice, National Secretary Pamela E. Smith.
transported to the heart of Tulsa’s
Black Wall Street memorial outside
the nearby Greenwood Cultural
Center.
The monument, a solitary black
stone pillar engraved with a poem
commemorates victims of the worst
race riot in U.S. history. In 1921, a
mob of white rioters descended on
the city’s prosperous African-American commercial district, leaving as
many as 3,000 dead and 15,000
homeless.
Sorors also toured the Mabel B.
Little Heritage House, the only
remaining 1920s residence in the
district that was built after the original house was burned down in the
riots. The Sorority unveiled plaque
at the entrance of the house to
emphasize "Telling the Black Story."
On Saturday, the Central
Region’s Delta Dears donned their
red
hats
and
attended
a
Membership Services continental
breakfast. Each soror was presented a blinking Red Hat pin. Sorors
participated in a mixer where they
identified their chapters and their
number of years of membership in
the Sorority. The five sorors with the
most years of service received
awards for their dedication and commitment.
Each Delta Dear soror in attendance received a booklet titled “The
Red Hat Hour,” a ballpoint pen
inscribed with Delta Sigma Theta,
and a red hat bracelet.
Immediate
Past
Regional
Director Marcia L. Williams and
Immediate Past Regional Representative Alexandra Harmon-Threatt
thanked sorors for their support.
Central Region sorors elected as
their Regional Director Sandra M.
Lucado (St. Louis Alumnae) and
Regional Representative Ashley
Lewis (Rho Delta).
Sandra M.
Lucado, Central
Regional Director
Ashley J. Lewis,
Central Regional
Representative
JOURNAL Winter 2008
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53
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
At the closing banquet, outgoing regional officers with newly
elected Regional Director Linda
Wilson (CENTER), on left is Soror
Yvette Robinson and Soror
Natalie Pennywell on right.
s
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Greensboro, N.C.
June 15-17, 2007
S
orors from 158 chapters of the
“Sensational” South Atlantic
region journeyed to the great
city of Greensboro, N.C. for the 23rd
regional conference. Host chapter
sorors from Greensboro Alumnae,
Alpha Mu at North Carolina A&T
State University, Omicron Eta at
UNC-Greensboro and Omicron Delta
at Bennett College, focused the conference on “Impacting Communities: Service with a Visible
Difference.”
education of our children and the
importance of the Education
Symposium held in New Orleans.
The Sisterhood Luncheon was
blessed with several musical selections by Honorary Soror Shirley
Caesar.
Regional
Director
Yvette
Robinson presented awards and
recognitions to deserving chapters
and sorors. Petersburg Alumnae
received a certificate for its DEBS
program. Soror Marolyn Quarles
received the “Super Sensational
Soror” award for the state of Virginia.
to 14th National President
Frankie M. Freeman.
At the Closing Banquet,
the South Atlantic Region
welcomed the new Regional
Director
and
Regional
Representative,
sorors
Linda R. Wilson and Tarryn
L. Simmons, respectively. A beautiful tribute was paid to Soror
Robinson for her tenure. Among her
many gifts was a cruise, which will
be a first for her and her husband.
Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd, immediate past national president, was
the keynote speaker for the
Ecumenical Service. With more than
800 guests, this was one of the
largest attendances for a regional
ecumenical service for the South
Atlantic region.
Newly elected South Atlantic Regional
officers (L-R): Rep.Tarryn Lael Simmons
and RD Linda Wilson.
During Collegiate Day, Soror
Natalie Pennywell, Regional Representative, led workshops that addressed the theme “Code RED:
Reflecting, Embracing & Declaring
a Lifetime of Service Today!”
Workshops focused on effective
leadership and strengthening sisterhood. National First Vice-President
Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre delivered the keynote address for the
Collegiate Luncheon.
In her theme address, National
President Dr. Louise A. Rice stressed
the need for sorors to focus on the
▲
54
Sorors were updated on the
Sorority’s national initiatives and
had the opportunity to meet the candidates for regional offices.
At the Social Action Luncheon,
Soror Robinson made a presentation
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Past South Atlantic Regional Directors
and incoming RD at closing banquet (L-R):
Sorors Mary Sutton, Norma Sermon-Boyd,
Thelma Pettis, Linda Wilson, and Yvette
Robinson.
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qSOUTHERN REGION
Chattanooga, Tenn.
June 29-July 1, 2007
T
he “Dynamic Sorors” from
Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and the
Bahamas brought their Delta Spirit to
Chattanooga for the 41st Southern
Regional Conference. Sorors attended informative plenary sessions
which featured notable speakers and
presenters on topics such as running
for office, internal development, networking, mentoring, and technology.
Hosted by Chattanooga
Alumnae and Theta Rho
Chapter at University of Tennessee Chattanooga, the
conference marked the end
of the administration of 21st
Southern Regional Director,
Cynthia R. Boyd and 18th
Southern Regional Representative, Nykeah L. Cohen
who expressed their gratitude to the region for the dedication,
commitment, and support they
received as torchbearers for the
Dynamic Southern Region. Seventeenth National President Mona
Humphries Bailey, 19th National
President Yvonne Kennedy, 21st
National President Marcia Fudge,
22nd National President Gwendolyn
Boyd were on hand to give greetings.
During the Sisterhood Luncheon,
representatives from the Southern
Region expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Boyd/Cohen administration through words and tokens of love.
The 41st Conference also celebrated a new beginning. Soror Christine M.
Nixon from Pensacola (Fla.) Alumnae
Chapter was elected the 22nd
Southern Regional Director. Her slogan, “You, Me and DST…. Hand in
Hand…. Together We Can!” embraced
and encouraged all sorors to use their
talents to come together to keep the
1
2
3
5
region dynamic, motivated and
focused on the work of our Sisterhood.
Challenging sorors of the Southern
Region to “soar to new heights,”
Soror Nailah R.Tillman was elected 19th Southern Regional Representative. She hails from the Lambda
Psi Chapter at the University of
Florida. Her energy and enthusiasm
will be an asset in igniting the collegiate leadership of our sisterhood.
4
6
1. Past Southern Regional Directors and outgoing RD Cynthia Boyd (L-R): Yvonne
Kennedy, Louise A. Rice, Lois J. Gilder,
Paulette Walker, and Boyd. 2. Southern
Regional Rep. Nykeah L. Cohen 3. Incoming
Southern Regional Director Christine Nixon
(LEFT) and Nailah R. Tillman, Regional Rep. 4.
Sorors of Martin, Tenn. Alumnae 5. Deltas at
a workshop during the Southern Regional
Conference. 6. Soror Cynthia Boyd
PHOTOS BY CAROLYN JACKSON
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
55
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute
D
uring the 2007 Regional
Conference cycle, girls representing various chapters gathered for the Delta GEMS Institute.
GEMS is the acronym for Growing and
Empowering Myself Successfully. The
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS
Institute targets girls between the ages
of 14 and 18 who are “at risk” of not
achieving academic success.
During the daylong program, girls
participated in workshops designed to
1
2
address self-esteem, peer pressure,
and effective communication skills.
Icebreakers and games helped the girls
learn about one another.
Regional
officers,
National
President Louise A. Rice and National
Second Vice President Eunique Jones
interacted with the girls during their
program. The Delta GEMS also attended the Collegiate Luncheon where they
were presented to the sorors. The girls
talked about their educational pursuits
and career goals.
“The best part was meeting girls
from all over the south,” said 17-yearold Allyson Lumpkin, who represented
the Southern Region’s Gadsden County
(Fla.) Alumnae Chapter. “I learned
about my own personality.”
Each girl received a scientific calculator, the book The Seven Habits of
Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, a
red crystal gem, and a drawstring
backpack with the Delta GEMS logo. ▲
▲
56
3
1. Then Central Regional Director Marcia Williams poses with Central Region Delta
GEMS. 2. Program Planning and Development Co-chair Pamela Ross (FAR LEFT), then
South Atlantic Regional Representative Natalie Pennywell, 23rd National President
Louise A. Rice, National Second Vice President Eunique Jones pose with South Atlantic
Region’s Delta GEMS. 3. Program Planning and Development Co-chair Maxine Cormier
(SECOND FROM RIGHT) participates in an activity with Eastern Region Delta GEMS.
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
4
Delta GEMS
Institute
5
6
4. Delta GEMS at Southern Regional Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn. are
pictured with national officers, third seated person (L-R): Southern Regional
Director Cynthia Boyd, National President Louise A. Rice, and National
Second VP Eunique Jones. 5. Sorors of the Farwest Region and Delta National
President with Delta GEMS at regional conference in Santa Clara, Calif., SEATED
L-R: LaVerne Davis, Farwest RD Tressa Latham Williams, Louise A. Rice, Shani
Alford, and Doris McEwen Harris. 6. Southwest Delta GEMS at the Collegiate
Luncheon in Shreveport, La. 7. Delta GEMS at the Midwest Regional
Conference in Milwaukee, Wisc. are pictured with DST national leaders, SEATED
L-R: Sorors Pamela Ross, Diane G. Bloodsaw, Eunique Jones, Louise A. Rice,
and Darlene Pollard.
7
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
57
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qEASTERN REGION
Hartford, Conn.
July 20-22, 2007
S
orors gathered in Hartford,
Conn. to celebrate two fruitful
years of Embracing the
Commitment with Energy, Education, and Empowerment under the
leadership of Wendy J. Johnson,
Regional Director and Roniesha L.
Copeland, Regional Representative.
The celebration kicked off with
Collegiate Day, appropriately-themed,
“Being D.E.L.T.A.: Dedicated to
Excellence, Leadership, Transformation, and Actualization.” To
begin the day, Regional Representative Roniesha L. Copeland chalpride and demonstrated the obvious
lenged the participants to embody
progress that has led to the success
the true meaning of being a Delta.
of its 147 chapters.
Luncheon speaker Jeffrey I. Johnson,
Following the plenary session,
political activist and BET corresponsorors donned their red accents and
dent, inspired all those in attendance
hearts to participate in the conferto intentional and purposeful action.
ence
luncheon
In the evening,
theme, “At the Heart
Hartford Alumnae,
of It All.” Beginning
New Haven Alumnae,
with a musical prelGreater Waterbury
ude of “Show Me
Alumnae, Fairfield
What You Got…
County Alumnae and
Eastern Region,” the
Pi Alpha, hosted the
sorors quickly got
conference welcome
into it. Chapters
event at The Boat
received awards in
House. Local officategories focused
cials and local chapon Energy, Educater representatives of
tion and EmpowerOmega Psi Phi, Kapment. To end the
pa Alpha Psi, and Phi Soror Wendy Johnson (RIGHT), re-electday, the host chapBeta Sigma made pre- ed Eastern Regional Director, welters threw a 70’s
sentations to the comes aboard newly elected Eastern
bash, with sorors
regional and national Regional Representative Candice
donning psychedelWilliams, a student at Cornell
leadership.
University.
ic prints, large afro
The next day the
wigs, and super-high
energy level of the
platform shoes.
sorors and the activities seemed to
Sorors attended workshops on
get even better. Sorors Johnson and
compliance and membership intake,
Copeland presided at the opening
grant writing and entrepreneurship.
session, where they highlighted the
There was something for everyone—
tradition upon which the East takes
collegiate or alumnae, political or
▲
58
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
DST national leaders (SEATED L-R) are pictured with Leadership Development and
Regional Program Planning and Development Committee members; Sorors Gwendolyn E. Boyd, Roniesha L. Copeland,
Louise A. Rice, Wendy Johnson, Cynthia
Butler-McIntyre, and Eunique Jones.
programming, financial fortitude or
health. For lunch, many conference
registrants attended the Social
Action Luncheon, where the keynote
speaker, Rev. Charles E. Mock,
Executive Secretary, Home Mission
Board, National Baptist Association,
USA, Inc. addressed the theme:
“Affecting
Change
through
Advocacy.”
Chapters re-elected Soror Wendy
J. Johnson as Regional Director, and
elected Candice Williams as Regional
Representative.
At the ecumenical service, the
region’s own, Rev. Gwendolyn E.
Boyd let God use her to deliver a
word of encouragement. The sorors
returned to their homes reenergized
to empower their local communities,
underscoring why the Eastern
Region has always been “At the Heart
of It All.”
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qMIDWEST REGION
Milwaukee, Wisc.
July 27-29, 2007
T
he “Mighty” Midwest Region
gathered in Milwaukee, Wisc. to
show that they were “Ready to
Bond” at their 43rd Regional
Conference.
During the conference, sorors
from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, West
Virginia and Wisconsin were entertained by Milwaukee Alumnae and
Kappa Eta Chapters. The weekend
began with pre-conference activities
consisting of Membership Intake
Trainers training, a community SEE
project, the Delta GEMS Institute and
the Collegiate Day activities.
It was the Midwest Region’s goal
to leave a positive impact on the
entire Milwaukee community. During
the SEE public service, 50 children
and their chaperones experienced
mathematics and technology at
Discovery World. National President
Louise A. Rice, Regional Director
Darlene Pollard and National SEE
Delta leaders observe students engaged
in Science and Everyday Experiences
(SEE) project at Midwest Regional Conference. In foreground are Midwest
Regional Director Darlene Pollard (ON
LEFT) and National President Louise A.
Rice; standing behind them are Sorors
Barbara Moseley-Davis, National SEE
Project Manager and Mary Henry, Midwest SEE Coordinator.
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Director Barbara Mosley Davis were
(D-OH) addresses Social Action luncheon
on hand to explore with the children.
guests; also pictured on dais from L-R
The theme of the Collegiate Day
Sorors Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, Louise A.
activities was “Sisterhood: Bonded by
Rice, and Darlene Pollard.
Excellence.” Immediate Past Regional
Representative Kenya Jackson was
The theme of the Social Action
the Collegiate Luncheon keynote
luncheon was “Race & Poverty—
speaker with Interim Regional RepreEducation From Brown vs. Board of
sentative, Channing Beumer, presidEducation to Modern School Reseing over the day. Collegiate sorors
gregation.” The keyparticipated in informnote speaker U.S. Repative workshops adresentative Stephanie
dressing
personal,
Tubbs Jones of the 11th
chapter, and commuCongressional District
nity issues. The day
in Ohio enlightened the
concluded with the
sorors with her pasCollegiate Public Meetsionate remarks on the
ing, which focused on
state of education in
portrayals of Black
our community.
Greek life in the media,
At the closing banmoderated by National
quet National Arts and
Second Vice-President
Letters Co-chair and
Eunique Jones.
Past Midwest Regional
Newly elected Midwest Officers
Soror Rice set the (L-R) Soror Octavia Matthews,
Representative Marcia
tone at the plenary by director, and Leah EndalkatButler-Holt sang “Sisreminding the dele- chew, representative.
ter to You” as a touchgates of the national
ing video presentation
theme, “One Mission, One Sisterrecapped the memories of Soror
hood: Empowering Communities
Pollard’s past four years. Octavia G.
through Committed Service.” Past
Matthews and Leah Endalkatchew
national presidents Hortense G.
were installed Midwest Regional
Canady and Marcia L. Fudge providDirector and Representative respeced inspiring words throughout the
tively.
PHOTOS BY JUDY A. WARD
conference.
JOURNAL Winter 2008
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59
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qSOUTHWEST REGION
Shreveport, La.
August 3-5, 2007
M
ore than 1,900 sorors and
family members converged
on the City of Shreveport,
La. to convene the 41st Conference
of Delta’s Southwest Region.
Kicking off the many activities
planned to highlight programs was
Shreveport Alumnae’s Regional
Conference showcase of their community service project for women of
the Providence House, a homeless
shelter; the YWCA Crisis Center, a
shelter for women in challenging
relationships; and the Philadelphia
Center, an outreach center serving
the needs of clients and families
affected by HIV/AIDS.
Sorors do "Second Line" at Southwest
Regional.
Soror Jacqueline M. Cooper,
Southwest Regional Representative,
presided at the Collegiate Day
Opening Session. Immediate Past
President, Rev. E. Boyd, delivered
the collegiate luncheon’s keynote
message as she passionately
addressed the inspiring theme,
“Deltas: Change Agents Submitting
▲
60
Sorors Gwendolyn Grant and Jacqueline
Cooper served as regional officers for the
2005-07 biennium.
to the Cause and Upholding the
Bond.” The closing forum featured
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president,
Philander Smith College and author,
Black Greek 101 who spoke on the
topic, “Hazing: The Madness, The
Mayhem.” The charge was given by
Soror Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre,
national first vice president and chair, Scholarship and Standards
Committee.
The Southwest Regional Sisterhood Luncheon theme was “A
Family Affair: Southwest Style.” The Golden
Sorors with 50 and 50
plus years of Delta
membership received
special recognition.
Delivering the power-packed message for
the social action luncheon was The Honorable
Marcia L. Fudge, mayor of Warrensville
Heights,
Ohio,
Delta’s 21st national president,
and
co-chair,
National Social Action
Commission. Soror Fudge
emphasized the need for
increasing the allocation
of federal funds to support campaigns to stop
the violence among
Blacks. She stated that
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
violence in today’s world in the
media, in our neighborhoods, and
even in homes and schools can make
children feel unsafe and insecure.
Sorors were also reminded to
become politically driven and let
their voices be heard during local,
state and national elections. The primary election cycle is the perfect
opportunity to hold all congressional, gubernatorial and state legislative
candidates responsible for their
position on education. The Ohio
mayor concluded that the majority
of African-Americans unanimously
agree that the educational system in
the United States is in serious need
of reform.
Sorors were extremely pleased
to welcome at this public event, the
attendance of notable guests:
Shreveport’s Mayor, Chief of Police,
Chief of Fire Department, and the
City Coroner, all of whom are
African-Americans.
Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter
member and Southwest Regional
Arts and Letters Coordinator, Soror
Charlene D. Ayers, spearheaded the
Arts and Letters event with the presentation of “Delta Silhouettes 3,” a
theatrical and musical celebration of
“class, sass and style.” Written and
directed by Soror Ayers, this musical
journey celebrated the richness and
versatility of Sorors Leontyne Price,
Nancy Wilson, Shirley Caesar, and
Natalie Cole who perform opera,
jazz, blues, soul, R & B and gospel.
Soror Grant of Houston
Alumnae was re-elected
as regional director and
Soror Brittany Bass of
Alpha Tau Chapter
(Southern University) was
elected as incoming
regional representative.
PHOTOS BY JUDY A. WARD
2q0q0q7
REGIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
qFARWEST REGION
Santa Clara, Calif.
August 17-19, 2007
M
ore than 950 registrants participated in the 46th conference of the Fabulous Farwest Region. The San Jose Alumnae
and Eta Omega chapters hosted the
conference, held in the heart of
Silicon Valley-Santa Clara, Calif. The
program was conducted by Farwest
Regional Director Tressa Williams,
assisted by Interim Farwest Regional
Representative Shani Alford. Traci
Williams and Samantha Herrell of the
San Jose Alumnae chapter served as
conference chair and co-chair.
The conference kicked off with
Collegiate Day discussing the theme,
“Looking Back, Stepping Forward:
Collegiate Sorors Upholding the
Legacy.”
public meeting, “Manifestation of the
Video Vixen: Portrayal of Black
Women in Hip Hop.” The panel discussion was moderated by TV One’s
Antoinette Brown-Leon, with panelists Pastor A.K. Thrower of the
Spirit & Truth Ministry, Immediate
Past Eastern Regional Representative
Roniesha Copeland, Omicron Chi President Brittany Clark, and Silicon
Valley/San Jose NAACP
Chapter President Rick
Callender. The panel addressed stereotypes of
Black women and what the
Black community can do
to combat this issue.
Farwest history was
celebrated
during, “FarNational President Louise A. Rice speaks at the Farwest
west
Deltas
Through the
Collegiate Luncheon; SEATED L-R: Interim Regional Rep.
Decades.”
Starting
from
Shani Alford and Regional Director Tressa Latham
the
1920’s
through
today,
Williams. Soror Williams was re-elected as regional
director and Soror Monica Burns was elected as incomeach decade featured a
ing regional representative of the Farwest Region.
soror walking down the
runway wearing the fashion from the era while music from
During the collegiate luncheon,
that period played. A Power Point
National First Vice President Cynthia
presentation highlighted history of
Butler-McIntyre delivered an upliftFarwest chapters.
ing keynote address. More than 50
The Farwest Region’s comcollegiate sorors were recognized for
munity service project was a masreceiving a GPA over a 3.0.
sive book donation for low income
Collegiate sorors ended the day
children. Sorors of the Farwest
with a powerful discussion during a
Regional conference were asked to
Sorors of the Farwest Region collected
over 1,000 children's books to donate
throughout the Santa Clara community.
“each one, bring one” children’s
book by or about African-Americans.
Some chapters took this a step further by organizing book drives in
their communities and bringing
boxes of books, helping to exceed
the goal of 1,000 books.
During the Social Action Luncheon, representatives from four local
community organizations thanked
the Farwest sorors for their generosity, and graciously accepted 1,114
books, which were boxed and organized by the Delta GEMS. The books
will be donated to children who do
not have books to read at home.
Also during the Social Action
Luncheon, 21st National President
Marcia L. Fudge, Esq., delivered a powerful keynote address. She encouraged
the audience to go out and make a
change—in response to the challenges
occurring in Black communities.
The spirit-filled Sunday morning
Ecumenical service was facilitated
by the Farwest Regional Chaplain’s
Council. A packed room listened to
the dynamic message from 22nd
National President, Rev. Gwendolyn
E. Boyd, who addressed the theme,
“We are blessed to be a blessing.”
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
61
Delta Women
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48
State University in 1954. She has been a
devoted, continuously active member
of the Sorority since her initiation.
Soror Turner is a Golden Life Member
of the Sorority, charter member of the
Rochester (N.Y.) Alumnae Chapter
and has been a dynamic and energetic member of the Albany (N.Y.)
Alumnae Chapter for the past 28
years.
D. Deane Turner
(LEFT),
Dona S. Bulluck
(RIGHT)
In 1991, Soror Turner was instrumental in the reorganization of the
chapter’s youth program for girls
ages 6-11. The program was renamed
the Delta Pearls and since its inception, the Delta Pearls and D. Deane
Turner have become synonymous.
Despite her battle with breast
cancer over the past year and a half,
Soror Turner has remained a committed member of the chapter. She
serves as chair of the Delta Pearls and
is a member of several committees. ▲
Soror Tawya Young
serves as the bailiff
on the “Judge David
Young” daytime court
show, which premiered in September
2007. A New York
State court officer
since 1996, Soror Young was promoted from officer to sergeant in 2001,
and from sergeant to lieutenant in
2004. She became the first AfricanAmerican woman lieutenant in the
▲
62
Civil Court of the City of New York,
and is currently assigned to
Brooklyn Civil-Small Claims Court.
She was a recipient of the New
York State Courts-Merit Performance
Award for Outstanding Educational
Efforts in May 2005, and a recipient
of the Law Enforcement Appreciation Award in May 2003. Soror
Young is recognized for her commitment to the community, particularly
educating the youth about the criminal justice system.
Soror Young began her career
working for DDB Needham Advertising where she served as a print
traffic manager on high profile
accounts such as Volkswagen, Cigna,
and Hershey Foods. She received her
bachelor’s degree in psychology and
sociology in 2000 from Hunter
College, where she also received a
master’s degree in social work in
May 2007.
Soror Young was initiated into
Epsilon Tau (N.Y.) City-Wide Chapter
in spring 1999 and is currently active
in Queens Alumnae Chapter. ▲
technology under the Office of the
Chancellor.
Dr. Ziegler was the first AfricanAmerican to be elected as President
of the University of TennesseeKnoxville Faculty Senate and later
was inducted into the University’s
African-American Hall of Fame. Dr.
Ziegler has worked in higher education for more than 20 years. She has
a Ph.D. in academic administration,
an M.A. in radio and television, and
her undergraduate degree is in the
areas of journalism and music. She
also attended Harvard University’s
Management and Leadership in
Education Institute as part of her
post-doctoral work and was awarded
a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship for a
Special Seminar to China in 2004. Dr.
Ziegler is a published author, a television producer and on-air personality. She has received several honors.
She was initiated through the
Carbondale (Ill.) Alumnae Chapter in
1982 is currently Member-at-Large. ▲
Dr. Dhyana Ziegler, vice president of
Florida A & M University, received a
Lifetime Achievement
Award from the International Biographical
Centre of Cambridge,
England. Soror Ziegler was recognized for outstanding contributions
to education.
The International Biographical
Centre is a world leader in biographical publishing. Founded more than
40 years ago, its range of reference
titles has earned an international
reputation for unrivalled scope and
integrity.
Dr. Ziegler came to FAMU in 1997
after she was selected as the Garth
C. Reaves Eminent Scholar Chair of
Excellence in Journalism. Prior to
that appointment, she served as professor of broadcasting at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as
well as the associate director for
diversity resources and educational
services supervising research and
Δ
Σ
Θ
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Omega Omega
Soror Marsha Kalinda Alfred
entered the Omega Omega Chapter
on September, 9, 2007. She was initiated into Delta at Alpha Tau Chapter at
Southern University in 1983 and
received a Bachelor of Science degree
in accounting. After graduation, she
became a member of Baton Rouge
Sigma Alumnae and was active in the
chapter, serving as treasurer and
chairman of the Budget and Finance
Committee. In addition, she was a
Golden Life member.
Soror Alfred worked at LSU
Health Sciences Center-Health Care
Services Division. She was a member
of First United Methodist Church
and participated in many organizations, including the Rings and Ivy
Sunday School class, the Executive
Committee and the Administrative
Board, Finance Committee and
United Methodist of Women.
Soror Alfred is survived by her
mother, sister, brother, two uncles,
three aunts and a host of friends. ▲
Soror Effi Barry, beloved former first lady
of Washington, D.C.,
died Sept. 6, 2007 from
acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the
blood and bone marrow. She was 63.
Barry, the ex-wife of former DC
Mayor Marion Barry, was known for
her grace and elegance during her 12
years as first lady of the nation’s capital. In later years, she became an
HIV/AIDS activist.
After she was diagnosed with
leukemia, she waged a public campaign to encourage African-Americans to become bone marrow and
organ donors.
Soror Barry was raised in
Toledo, Ohio and attended Hampton
University where she received a
degree in home economics. She held
jobs as a flight attendant and junior
high school teacher and received a
master’s degree in public health
from City College of New York.
She worked as a restaurant
inspector in Washington D.C., and in
1978 married Marion Barry as he was
running to become the second elected mayor of Washington.
She was initiated into Delta
through the Washington DC Alumnae
Chapter in 1979.
During her tenure as first lady
she became a strong supporter of
the arts and a public health advocate, working to help people suffering from AIDS. She later worked as
program director for the D.C.
Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS
Administration.
She is survived by her son,
Christopher Barry, her mother Polly
Harris, and the hundreds of people
whose lives she touched with her
courage, strength and quiet dignity. ▲
Soror C. Vanessa
Baxter of Charlotte,
N.C. passed away on
July 30, 2007 after a
year and half battle
with cancer. She was
53 years old. The
Omega Omega Ceremony was conducted by Charlotte
Alumnae Chapter and many former
members of Alpha Chapter, where
Vanessa was initiated, participated
in the ceremony. The funeral service
was held, immediately following the
Delta ceremony, at her home church
of Reeder Memorial Baptist Church.
Soror Baxter was initiated into
the Sorority in 1974. While an undergraduate at Howard University, she
served as first vice president and an
awarding-winning song leader of the
chapter. Shortly after her initiation,
she wrote the popular song, “Glory,
Glory” that premiered at Alpha
Chapter, and now some 30 years
later, chapters throughout Delta continue to sing the upbeat melody.
Vanessa majored in television
and film and minored in journalism
at the HU School of Communications. Upon graduation, she was
one of the first Black women hired as
a television journalist in Charlotte,
N.C. She reported for WBTV News
for several years and later held a
number of communications and
media related positions, including
director of public relations at
Johnson C. Smith University and
political communications strategist
for several local, regional, and
national campaigns. Soror Baxter
served as press relations coordinator for the state of North Carolina for
the presidential campaign of Rev.
Jesse L. Jackson in the 1980s. In the
mid-1990s, she relocated to Itta
Bena, Miss. to serve on the presidential executive staff of Mississippi
Valley State University.
Prior to becoming ill, Soror
Baxter worked as manager of the historic Cherry Community Redevelopment project in downtown Charlotte.
Actively involved in many community, civic, and political affairs, Vanessa
was mentored by Dr. Bertha M.
Roddey, a past national president of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
She is survived by her mother
Raphael Baxter, two sisters Phyllis
Baxter and Mary Katherine Muhammed—all of Charlotte, N.C. and many
nieces, nephews, cousins and other
relatives who cherish the memory of
her short, yet well lived life. ▲
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
63
On August 17, 2007,
Soror Juliet Amanda
Jackson Bragg of
Baltimore
Alumnae
quietly slipped away in
her sleep at the age of
96 of congestive heart
failure. Her Omega
Omega Ceremony was conducted by
her chapter and all of the participating
sorors were members of her family.
After 75 years of membership in Delta,
Soror Bragg had realized an extensive
legacy of Delta family members.
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Soror
Bragg graduated from then Clark
College in 1932. Working through
her cousin Emma Rush Cun ningham, then Southern Regional
Director, Juliet was instrumental in
establishing the Sigma Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Clark
College. After graduating from college, she worked as a social worker
in Atlanta and later was a teacher in
Talladega, Ala. She moved to
Baltimore when her husband
(Marcellus Guy Bragg) accepted
employment with the Afro-American
Newspapers. She worked for 30
years as an educator in the Baltimore City Public School System,
retiring in 1979. She opened the
Department of Special Education at
Pimlico Junior High School and
Southwestern Senior High School.
As a result of her husband working at the newspaper company
owned by the Murphy family, Soror
Bragg met Delta Founder Vashti
Turley Murphy who encouraged her
to join the Baltimore Alumnae
Chapter. Juliet held membership in
Baltimore Alumnae for nearly seven
decades, serving on numerous committees and having held the position
of third vice president.
Soror Bragg was a devoted member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church for over 72 years, serving
on the Board of Trustees and United
Methodist Women.
Soror Bragg is survived by her
two children, Soror Sara Bragg Gray
(Raymond Gray, D.D.S.) and M. Guy
Bragg, D.D.S., (Soror Gladys Wade
Bragg) and four grandchildren and
▲
64
and five great grandchildren. Juliet
was often heard saying: “ My church,
my family and my Sorority are my
life’s priorities.” ▲
Soror Mary Elizabeth Reeves Little,
a charter member of
the Rolling Hills/ Palos
Verdes Alumnae Chapter and the Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae
Chapter entered the
Omega Omega Chapter on October
31, 2007.
A Floridian by birth, she was
born on February 7, 1923 and grew
up in Los Angeles. Soror Little
received degrees from Los Angeles
City College, University of California,
Los Angeles, Pepperdine University,
Los Angeles State College, LaVerne
University, and Occidental College.
Soror Little was initiated into Delta
on May 5, 1957 through Pi Chapter at
UCLA.
Soror Little lived an extraordinary life of service to humanity as an
educator, volunteer, community
activist, and humanitarian. In 2004,
she received an award for her dedication to education from the
California State University, Dominguez Hills. She was listed in the 1975
edition of Outstanding Elementary
Teachers in America.
Soror Little was an active member of numerous organizations,
including the NAACP (life member),
National Council of Negro Women
(life member), Women’s Federation
for World Peace, and the Fannie Lou
Hamer—Queen Mother’s Society.
She was also a devout member of
the First Lutheran Church of
Carson.
Soror Little was preceded in
death by her son, Capt. Jarvis M.
Reeves, Jr. She is survived by her
daughters, Soror Linda Dianne Petteway, Ph.D., and Carmen Olivia Wilbert; eight grandchildren, 11 great
grandchildren, and a host of cousins,
nieces, nephews, extended family,
sorors, and friends. ▲
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Soror Frederica Williams “Maw” McGhee, a retired elementary school teacher, passed away on
March 5, 2007 at the
age of 72. A resident of
Baton Rouge and
native of New Orleans, Soror McGhee received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in education at Dillard University in New Orleans and obtained
a Master of Arts in education from
Prairie View A&M University in
Texas.
In 1953, Soror McGhee married
her best friend, Larry C. McGhee Sr.,
and they had six children. She was
an elementary school teacher at
Eden Park and Sharon Ellis
Elementary Schools in the East
Baton Rouge Parish School System
until her retirement in 2002.
She attended Bethel AME Church
in Baton Rouge where she served
faithfully as Steward Board secretary,
Sr. Usher Board secretary, Christian
education director, Y.P.D. Director,
Vacation Bible School coordinator,
HIV/AIDS Support Ministry secretary
and member of the Orah N. Evans
Missionary Society and the Sarah
Allen Women’s Society.
A dedicated Delta Dear, she was
initiated into Beta Gamma Chapter
on the campus of Dillard University
in 1952 and served as president of
Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae from
1973-1975. A Golden Life Member,
Soror McGhee chaired many committees, including many years as chair
of Social and Political Action, and
received special recognition for
Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Soror McGhee was also a devoted
member of Dillard University Alumni
Association, Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity Silhouettes, Jet Set Social
Club and Phi Delta Kappa.
Soror McGhee leaves to rejoice
in her memory her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Larry
McGhee Sr.; two daughters, Sorors
Beryl McGhee and Yvonne McGhee
Thornton; three sons, Larry, Rodney
and Victor McGhee. ▲
Soror Bonnie T. McNeill passed away on
August 19, 2007. She
was a Golden Life
Member of the Sorority
and held membership
in Lumberton (N.C.)
Alumnae Chapter. She
was a proud graduate and staunch
supporter of Barber-Scotia College
in Concord, N.C., where she
received a B.S. degree in early childhood education.
Soror McNeill’s professional
career as a teacher began with
employment in Georgia and Virginia,
with the majority of her work being
done in North Carolina’s Robeson
County and Lumberton City Schools.
In 1966, she became the first AfricanAmerican teacher at RowlandNorment Elementary. Although, she
officially retired in the mid-1990s,
she continued to share her expertise
with Rowland-Norment School. In
recent years, she served as a mentor
to the Robeson County School
Teachers’ Mentoring Program.
In addition to her active professional life, Bonnie served extensively
in her community and with the
Bethany Presbyterian Church. She
was a member of the Lumberton
Human Relations Board in the 1970s
and was a founding board member of
the Palmer Drug Prevention Center
of Lumberton. She led an exemplary
life reflecting her Christian faith. At
Bethany she served as a trustee, deacon, elder and member of the
Session Board of Bethany. She was a
member of the choir and worship
committee. She also held numerous
leadership positions with the
Coastal Carolina Presbytery.
The love of her family was foremost in her life. She leaves to cherish her memory—her husband of 50
years, Ruffin H. McNeill Sr.; two
sons, Ruffin Jr. (Soror Erlene) and
Reginald (Soror Deborah), four
grandchildren, and a host of relatives, extended family, friends, and
former students. ▲
Soror Allene Knighten Clark Rayford,
an accomplished musician and community
activist, passed away
on September 26, 2007
at the age of 84. Soror
Rayford was born in
Tulsa, Okla., in 1923 and displayed an
early talent for playing the piano and
the organ. She enrolled at Dillard
University in New Orleans where she
majored in music.
Professors at the college recognized her musical ability and encouraged her to transfer to Oberlin (Ohio)
Conservatory of Music. Soror Rayford
was then awarded a fellowship to
study abroad at the L’ecole National de
France, where she was selected to
study with renowned organist Marcel
Dupre in Paris.
After returning to the United
States, Soror Rayford was employed as
principal organist for churches in New
York, Philadelphia and Washington,
D.C. Her extraordinary skills placed
her in the forefront of leading musicians; however, her concert career was
curtailed due to rampant racism.
She began a career as a music professor and after a brief tenure at
Talladega College in Alabama she was
recruited to work at Southern
University in Baton Rouge, La. Soror
Rayford became the university’s first
organist and accompanist of the
Southern University Concert Choir.
It was at Southern where she met
and married University President Felton
G. Clark. She became a major force in
the community and volunteered with
numerous local organizations, including
Baton Rouge Bi-Racial Committee,
YMCA, YWCA, Boy Scouts, and the
National Conference of Christians and
Jews. She also served as a board member of the First Federal Savings and
Loan Association, a premier Black savings and loan organization.
Soror Rayford helped charter the
Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter,
as well as the Baton Rouge Chapter of
The Links. She helped sponsor overseas
travel for Baton Rouge citizens through
Friends International Inc. She was
instrumental in having South African
President Nelson Mandela visit Baton
Rouge.
Soror Rayford was preceded in
death by husbands Dr. Felton G. Clark
and attorney Norbert Cyril Rayford. ▲
Soror Lauren Eugenia Robinson, a
member of Baton
Rouge Sigma Alumnae, passed away on
August 24, 2007. She
was born on September 9, 1980 in
Baton Rouge, La., and grew up in
Greater Greene Chapel AME Church.
She was very active in the church,
working as a young adult leader, participating in the Young People’s
Department and serving as the
youth choir director.
She graduated from Redemptorist Catholic High School in 1998
and enrolled at Southern University
to major in marketing. Following in
her mother’s footsteps, she was initiated into Delta in 2000 in the Alpha
Tau Chapter.
After obtaining her degree in
2003, Soror Robinson was hired at
Wells Fargo Financial in Jackson,
Miss., and joined the Gulfport
Alumnae Chapter. She also became a
member of Pearl Street A.M.E. Church.
Upon returning to Baton Rouge in
2005, she reconnected to her roots at
Greater Greene Chapel A.M.E. Church
and joined Baton Rouge Sigma
Alumnae, maintaining continuous
service to Delta since her initiation.
The members of Baton Rouge
Sigma Alumnae paid a special tribute
to Soror Robinson and other victims of
domestic violence by participating in
the local “Take Back the Night March”
on October 14, 2007. Sorors wore special T-shirts in memory of Lauren and
remain committed to on-going advocacy to end violence against women.
Soror Robinson leaves to cherish
her memory, her mother, Soror Laverne Lonzo-Robinson; father Eugene Robinson, Jr.; three sisters and
three nieces; and a host of other family and friends. The Lauren E.
Robinson Memorial Fund has been
established. ▲
JOURNAL Winter 2008
▲
65
Soror Arlena E. Seneca, a highly
respected science teacher, administrator, human rights advocate and
community member, passed away on
February 6, 2007. Born in Laurel,
Miss., on September 9, 1906, she was
a charter member of the Alpha Zeta
Chapter at Talladega College, where
she received a B.S. degree. She
earned a master’s degree from
Atlanta College and moved to
Phoenix in 1945 to join the faculty of
Carver High School, where she taught
biology and consumer chemistry.
In 1967, Soror Seneca became the
first human relations consultant for the
Phoenix Union High School District. A
year after her retirement, she earned a
Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific University.
In 1960, she received the National
Science Teachers Association Science
Teacher Achievement Recognition and
in 1967 was selected as the first
African-American to be named Phoenix
Woman of the Year by the Phoenix
Advertising Club Inc. In 1990, years
after her retirement; she was awarded
the Distinguished Citizen Citation in
recognition of meritorious service by
Phoenix Union High School District.
A longtime member of Southminister Presbyterian Church, her
life was profiled in a book, Oh Yes I
Can: A Biography of Arlena E. Seneca.
She is survived by two nieces, three
nephews, and numerous relatives. ▲
Soror Florita Louise
Slade departed this
life on February 20,
2007 in Virginia. She
was born on January
30, 1959 in Salisbury,
Md., to Louise and
Arthur Slade. She was
a member of the Girl Scouts and Jack
and Jill International and graduated
from Salisbury High School in 1977.
In 1981, she received her bachelor’s
degree from Western Carolina
University and later obtained a master’s degree in social work from
Atlanta University. Soror Slade
worked as a licensed social worker
for the state of Virginia and was also
employed by the U.S. Army as a sol-
▲
66
dier family management specialist
with the Wounded Warrior Program.
Soror Slade was a member of
Trinity Presbyterian Church and was
initiated into Delta in the Salisbury
Alumnae Chapter in 1985. She was a
Member-at-Large in the South Atlantic
region at the time of her death.
She leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Louise and Arthur
Slade; two aunts; and a host of
cousins and other relatives. ▲
Soror Virginia Dorothy Oles Taylor, a
member of Westchester (N.Y.) Alumnae Chapter, passed
away on May 27,
2007. Soror Taylor
was born on August
27, 1936 and was the beloved wife to
Walter James Taylor and mother to
Karen and Karla Taylor. She graduated
from Gorton High School in Yonkers,
and continued her education at Hunter
College in Manhattan. After graduation
in 1958, she began a stellar career as a
teacher in the Yonkers Public School
System, which lasted 30 years.
In 1976, Soror Taylor was initiated
into the Westchester Alumnae Chapter,
where she served on the Program
Planning, Arts and Letters, and
International Committees. In 2003, she
and her husband moved to St. James
Plantation in Southport, N.C. where
she became involved with the
Wilmington Alumnae Chapter, while
continuing to play an active role with
Westchester Alumnae Chapter during
her frequent visits to New York.
Soror Taylor loved the theater,
museums, and music. Soror Taylor is
survived by her husband, daughters,
sister Soror Joan Williams, niece
Soror Yvonne Williams, and a host of
family and friends. ▲
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Soror Tanya C.
Young was born on
December 17, 1947
and attended Fisk
University in Nashville. She obtained a
master’s degree in
counseling psychology from Santa
Clara University in California.
In 1967, she married the late
Reginald Alan Young, a U.S. Air Force
navigator who rose to the ranks of
captain while serving in the Vietnam
War, and they had two sons together:
Reginald Alan Young Jr., and Bryant
Michael Young.
She was a member of Delta for
more than 30 years, having been initiated in 1974 into the San Jose
Alumnae Chapter. She served the
chapter in various leadership positions including: president, parliamentarian, Social Action Committee
chairperson and certified trainer. She
also served as an executive board
member for the Montgomery County
(Md.) Alumnae Chapter, and had
recently been elected to serve as the
president of the chapter’s Delta
Alumnae Foundation. She previously
served on the Delta Days in the
Nation’s Capital steering committee.
Soror Young was a member of
The Links, Inc., where she served as
an executive board member of the
Capital City Chapter in Washington,
D.C. She was also the founding president and president emeritus of the
Silicon Valley Chapter of the National
Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
Soror Young was also a founding
member of the Santa Clara Valley
Urban League, a past chairperson of
the San Jose Chapter of the NAACP, a
past president of the San Jose
Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.,
and a past president of the San Jose
Chapter of the Alliance of African
American Community Organizations.
Soror Young served as director
of employment and employee relations for Howard University, and
most recently as a senior human
resources
manager
for
DB
Consulting Group, Inc.
Soror Young is survived by her
two sons; her mother, Mary S. Forde;
her youngest brother, David A.
Forde; and a host of aunts, uncles,
cousins, and friends. ▲
Delta Sorors Elected for
2007-09 Biennium
The following sorors were elected at their respective 2007 Regional Conferences to serve during the
2007-09 biennium.
CENTRAL REGION
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Sandra M. Lucado, Director
Ashley Lewis, Representative
Tausha L. Pruitt, Member, Scholarship & Standards
Committee*
Joi L. Moore, Member, National Nominating Committee
Regional Nominating Committee
DeLois Porter, Chair
Committee Members to be appointed
Linda R. Wilson, Regional Director
Tarryn Lael Simmons, Representative
Andria Jeffries, Member, Scholarship & Standards
Committee*
Virginia D. Weaver, Member, National Nominating
Committee
EASTERN REGION
Wendy Johnson, Director (re-elected)
Candice M. Williams, Representative
Angela Ewell-Madison, Member, Scholarship &
Standards Committee*
Glynis Hill, Member, National Nominating Committee
Regional Nominating Committee
Carol A. Moses, Chair
Terri Johnson, Member
Erin Brown, Member
Kisha Watkins, Member
FARWEST REGION
Tressa L. Williams, Director (re-elected)
Monica Burns, Representative
Desdra Butler, Member, Scholarship & Standards
Committee*
Lydia Cincore Templeton, Esq., Member, National
Nominating
Regional Nominating Committee
Dawn Owens, Chair
Chidinma Ume, Collegiate Member
Ngwebifor Fobi, Member
MIDWEST REGION
Octavia G. Matthews, Regional Director
Leah Endalkatchew, Representative
Kimberly Offord, Member, National Nominating
Committee
Regional Nominating Committee
LaNita Haith-Williams, Chair
Yvonne Jackson, Member
Tamara Young King, Member
Angela Nelson, Member
Porscha Smith, Collegiate Member
Regional Nominating Committee
Lisa King, Chair
Deborah Atkinson, Member
Morgan Jackson, Appointed Collegiate Member
Phelicia Price, Member
Dr. Pamela Ross, Member
SOUTHERN REGION
Christine Nixon, Regional Director
Nailah Tillman, Representative
Jeanella Fuller Pendleton, Member, National
Nominating Committee
Regional Nominating Committee
Cheryl Turner, Chair
Mariah Cole, Collegiate Member
Josephine McColl, Member
Patsy Pittman, Member
Laurette Scott, Member
SOUTHWEST
Gwendolyn K. Grant, Director (re-elected)
Brittany Bass, Representative
Joy Thomas, Member, National Nominating Committee
Regional Nominating Committee
Burnell Offord, Chair
Camille Irving, Collegiate Member
LaShon Wilbon, Member
Delores Wilson, Member
Aurelia Harris-Powers, Appointed Member
*Members of the Scholarship and Standards Committee serve
a four-year term.
JOURNAL Winter 2008
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67
from theDelta Archives
Los Angeles—The Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. spoke about the nation’s civil rights agenda at the 28th
National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held at the Ambassador Hotel in 1965. Seated
with Dr. King on dais is Dr. Geraldine P. Woods, then national president. Also shown in photograph: Past
National President Dorothy I. Height at podium, standing behind Dr. King to the left is Dr. Hilda A. Davis,
and standing on the far right is Soror Dorothy Shaed Proctor, and other national Delta leaders and guest.
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68
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
INFORMATION:
“How May I Direct Your Call?”
Membership Intake, Inquiries and Concerns Duplicate Sorority
Pins/Membership Certificates, Ritual & Ceremonies Commission
Soror Linora Carr, Membership Intake Specialist, ext. 395,
[email protected]
Duplicate Sorority Pins/Membership Certificates, inquires
regarding membership intake materials and paperwork.
Tobye Coulter, Membership Intake Assistant, ext. 553,
[email protected].
Trouble shooter for Membership Intake/Disciplinary Actions/
Allegations and Appeal concerns; Protocol and Tradition Inquiries.
Soror Shontel Rogers, Coordinator, Membership, ext. 394,
[email protected]
Chapter Compliance, 50-year Pins, 25- and 50-year
Plaques/Certificates, Withdrawal from Membership, Reclamation,
and Member Reactivation, Membership Services
Katherine Brown, Membership Services Specialist, ext. 396,
[email protected]
Member Concerns i.e., Rules of Order, Policies and Procedures,
Disciplinary Actions/Appeals, Constitution & Bylaws/Code of
Conduct Interpretation
Soror Shannon Jones, Internal Policies and Procedures, Member Relations
Specialist, ext. 397, [email protected]
Golden and Diamond Life Plaques inquiries, Chapter
Reactivation/Chartering, Leadership Academy and Leadership Delta
Stephanie Flowers, Member/Chapter Information Specialist,
ext. 542, [email protected]
Member Concerns i.e. Dues, Membership Cards, Validation
Stickers, Name/Address Changes, Verification of Membership and
Chapter Information.
Tammy Valentine, Members Relations Representative, ext. 567,
[email protected]
Annual Finance Report, Bonding and Insurance
Terrance Jones, Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper, ext. 552,
[email protected]
Publication Orders (i.e. Chapter Management Handbook,
Doctrine, Video Tapes, Forms, etc.)
Betty Martin, Receptionist, ext. 381 or LaTia Daniels, ext. 380
[email protected]; or [email protected]
Heritage and Archives, Housing and Properties Committee, Tours
and Special Order Fulfillment Concerns
Soror Garlenda McNair, Properties and Facilities Coordinator, ext. 382,
[email protected]
Submitting Information and News Items for the Delta Newsletter
and Journal
Soror Lakeisha Scott, Public Relations Specialist, ext. 383,
[email protected] (Temporary)
General Information and Questions from Deltas concerning Delta
Newsletter and Journal
Soror Lakeisha Scott, Public Relations Specialist, ext. 383,
[email protected]
Special Social Action, Program Planning and Public Relations
Concerns, Arts and Letters and Information and Communications
Committees
Soror Ella McNair, Programs and Public Relations Director, ext. 504,
[email protected]
Social Action, Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital, Legislative and
Public Policy Issues
Soror Candie Mundon, Public Policy Specialist, ext. 557,
[email protected]
Program Initiatives, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, The Total
Woman: Mind, Body & Spirit
Soror Carolyn McCrea, Program Specialist, ext. 541,
[email protected]
Financial Aid/Seed Grants/Special Dispensation, Transition
Checklist, Compliance G.P.A.
Chapter Demographic and Program Reporting Forms
Special Membership Concerns, Scholarship and Standards
Concerns
Vendor Certification, Exhibit Trade Shows and to Report Violators
of the Vendor Certification/Licensing Policy; Delta license plates
and internet online issues (Ebay, etc.)
Raine Bradley, Membership Secretary, ext. 544,
[email protected]
Soror Deirdre Shoulars, Membership Director, ext. 543,
[email protected]
Special Information System/IT Concerns; website access issues,
passwords, website internet guidelines and Delta homepage
issues
Deborah Somerville, Interim Director Information Systems,
ext. 548, (Due to the volume of emails, please allow 3-5 business days
for a response).
Annual Report of Chapter Officers, Advisor Certification
Form/member verification, Password Concerns, Not receiving
Delta Newsletter, E-Chapter Mailing
Felicia Comfort, Data Entry Clerk, ext. 549, [email protected]
Nicole Bates, Program Secretary, ext. 540, [email protected]
Soror Nicole Lenon, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist, ext. 399,
[email protected]
Special Concerns/Needs
Soror Roseline McKinney, Executive Director, ext. 505,
[email protected]
Delta Research and Educational Foundation
Soror Madeliene Dobbins, Director, 202-347-1337,
[email protected]
*PLEASE SUBMIT AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT POSTCARD WHEN SUBMITTING
FUNDS. THIS CARD WILL BE DATE STAMPED AND RETURNED TO YOU AS
CONFIRMATION OF THE RECEIPT OF YOUR FEES.
Special Financial Concerns
Soror Gwendolyn K. Dailey, Director of Finance, ext. 502,
[email protected]
Wire Transfers, Fee Remittance*
Beverly Barnes, Finance Secretary, ext. 393,
[email protected]
On-line dues, chapter fees and outstanding transmittals
Soror Crystal Mitchell, Finance Coordinator, ext. 391,
[email protected]
Beverly Barnes, Finance Secretary, ext. 393, [email protected]
Regina Myles, Accounting Assistant/Accounts Receivable, ext. 392,
[email protected]
Terrance Jones, Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper, ext. 552,
[email protected]
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1707 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Phone: (202) 986-2400
Fax: (202) 986-2513
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm E.S.T.
www.deltasigmatheta.org
Any topic not covered should be addressed to [email protected]
REVISED 10-07
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1707 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WASHINGTON, DC
PERMIT NO. 7179