Volume 2 Issue 1 The Delta Torch Flint Alumnae Chapter Newsletter October 2013 A Word from Our President Khalilah Majied Flint Alumnae Chapter Greetings and welcome to another edition of “The Delta Torch,” Flint Alumnae Chapter’s newsletter. Our chapter has a proud and rich history of serving the Flint community since its chartering on May 16, 1954. We are honored to have you learn more about our distinguished chapter and the many programs we have that provide public service to the community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the largest African-American Greek-lettered sorority in the world, was founded by 22 college women on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University. We are still excited, having ended a beautiful and enthusiastic 100th Centennial celebration in Washington, D.C. with over 60,000 visitors to the city. Today, the sorority has a membership of over 200,000 women in the United States and abroad, dedicated to public service. As we once again, open a new Sorority year for Flint Alumnae Chapter, we have been blessed with energy, enthusiasm and mostly the will of God to have completed so many important projects and services to our community in 2012-2013. Flint Alumnae Chapter paid tribute to its Founders in grand fashion, by extending to our community our version of Sisterhood and Service. We offered a lasting landmark to the City of Flint by placing a brick in commemoration of our centennial at the Back to Bricks memorial. We provided education and engagement to the students at Bryant Elementary School; we assisted with the continued growth of the Flint Pubic Library; we gave gifts to our Senior Citizens; provided community service through our Basic Needs Fair and our Diabetes Sunday; we were recognized for our Centennial through a Proclamation from the Flint Board of Commissioners, and culminated our celebration by fellowshipping with over 60,000 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc at the Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C.. This was a monumental occasion and we were blessed to participate in this celebration. The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - Flint Alumnae Chapter are more than just willing workers, they are extraordinary women of virtue and vigor. It has been my humble privilege to serve as their president this year and I am revved up for what 2013-2014 will bring to our chapter. To the community, thank you so much for your support of our events. I am pleased to announce that we were awarded two awards during our convention for our Basic Needs Fair and Diabetes Initiative. We were successful because of the outpouring of support from the Flint community. Page 1 On behalf of the members of Flint Alumnae, thank you for your taking time to learn more D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . about our organization. Volume 2 Issue 1 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Awards Rebecca Louise Robinson Scholarships By, Sandra Wilson Information and Communications Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently awarded $5,000 in scholarships to area high school and college students in Flint or Genesee County in recognition of their academic excellence and in an effort to assist them in further pursuing their educational goals. A banquet in their honor, was held at Walli’s East restaurant. The 2012-2013 scholarship recipients are: Jasmine Cofield, Mott Middle College; Christian Conyers, Howard University; Carietta Durham, Northwestern High; Jalen Eason, Northern High; Shadarryl Hardnett, Hamady High; Asia Johnson, Southwestern High; Dejha Love, Hamady High; Willie McClure, Genesee Early College; Josee Muldrew, Powers Catholic High; Cheree Riddle, Genesee Early College; and Dayonna Scott, Northwestern High. Congratulations to everyone! For more information on the Rebecca Louise Robinson Scholarship and to download an application, visit our website, www.flintdeltas.com. The Delta Torch D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Page Page 2 2 Volume 2 Issue 1 Community Basic Needs Fair Assists Families By Karen Price Social Action Chair In celebration of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., centennial celebration, Flint Alumnae chapter in coordination with The Flint Public Library hosted their annual “Basic Needs Fair”. The event held at the Flint Public Library, focused on providing information and services such as, health, food, or shelter. Twenty-three vendors donated their time and resources to assist those in need. The chapter provided seventy-five bags of non-perishable food items which exceeded the original goal of twentytwo planned in honor of our twenty-two founders. We would like to express our many thanks to our sorors and friends who donated food and money to help make this event a huge success. The event received advanced publicity through media interviews with Betty Hendricks, radio host of African–American Inspirations, WFLT 1420 a.m.; Larry Elliott news anchor WJRT-ABC TV 12 News at Noon, and coverage through various local newspapers. Over 130 individuals were assisted. Vendors, Harold Woodson and Soror Cheryl Gallon, HealthPlus of Michigan. “Many thanks to our Sorors and friends who donated food and money to help make this event a huge success” Soror Karen Price, Chairperson Page 3 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Volume 2 Issue 1 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Flint Alumnae Chapter Celebrating 100 years of Service “Making History” By, Ineatha Waters 1st Vice President “Calling all Greek letter organizations to meet the CHALLENGE.” Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. makes history by leaving its mark with a centennial brick-laying and being the first Greek letter organization of any kind to sponsor a Commemorative Brick, according to “Back to the Bricks” chairman, AL Hatch. “Flint Alumnae continues to celebrate 100 years of excellence through scholarship, sisterhood, and service” stated Khalilah Majied, President of the Flint Alumnae Chapter, during the brick laying ceremony. All proceeds from the purchase of a commemorative Brick goes towards the Automotive Pioneers Statue Fund Commemorative Brick Project. The proceeds will raise money for a series of life-size bronze statues recognizing automotive pioneers. Flint Alumnae's centennial brick can be viewed near the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley St. near the automotive pioneer statue. If your organization has an interest in supporting this worthwhile project, go to backtothebricks.org. Page 4 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Caption describing picture or graphic. Members of Flint Alumnae celebrating 100 years of service Volume 2 Issue 1 “There’s Power In a Purse” Donation to Flint Women Shelters Celebrating 100 years of Service, Scholarship, and Sisterhood By Ineatha Waters, 1st Vice President As part of Flint Alumnae Chapter’s year long centennial celebration, the chapter donated 157 gently used purses to local women shelters in the Flint area. The purses were filled with Christian literature, personal care items, snacks and/or small gifts for women. Flint Alumnae member Ineatha Waters presenting purses to STRIVE coordinators Community Organizations such as Shelter of Flint, YWCA, Carriage Town Ministries and S.T.R.I.V.E were all benefactors of this community service project. “There is POWER IN A PURSE”, according to LaTonya Ross as she and other members of the chapter presented over 45 purses to the YWCA at their annual Mother’s Day dinner. Flint Alumnae Member LaTanya Ross relaxes in donated purses Page 5 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Volume 2 Issue 1 League of Women Voters Honors one of their Own By Cynthia W. Edwards Chapter Journalist The League of Women Voters group, honored four members during their annual meeting at the Whaley Historical House. Soror Helen Harris, Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, was amongst the honorees for her 60 years of service. The festivities included a tea party and recognition for years of dedicated service to the organization. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization encourages informed and active participation in government; works to increase understanding of major Pictured left to right; Sorors Wanda Harden, Helen Harris and public policy issues and influences Catherine Fredricks. public policy through education and advocacy. Congratulations Soror Harris for your outstanding public service and leadership. As we celebrate 100 years of service you continue to exemplify the awareness started by our founders to the voting rights of women. Page 6 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Volume 2 Issue 1 24th Annual African American Quilters Exhibit By Cynthia W. Edwards Chapter Journalist Flint Alumnae Chapter’s Arts & Letters program encourages the support of cultural events yearly through sponsorships and collaboration with the Flint Public Library, Flint Institute of Music and Flint Institute of Arts. On September 14, in such collaboration with The Flint Public Library, Mr. Roy Mitchell, Jr, master quilter, was the guest speaker in the 24th Annual African American Quilters Exhibit. Mr. Mitchell told his story behind becoming a quilter and why he chose to focus on an image which is sometimes viewed as a negative stereotype associated with African Americans...watermelon. His collection featured children with watermelons, called “The Watermelon Babies.” Pictured left to right, Sorors Linda Gulley, Celestia Bell, Cynthia Edwards, Mr. Roy Mitchell, Jr., Wanda Harden, Lisa Rogers, and Kathryn Boles. Page 7 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Mr. Mitchell demonstrates the watermelon lining he uses for his quilts. Proving that the underside is just as beautiful as the quilt itself. Soror Mae Green with the Flint Alumnae Chapter’s Delta Sigma Theta Quilt featured in the exhibit. Volume 2 Issue 1 Flint Alumnae Chapter Attends 51 National Convention By, Sandra Wilson Information and Communication There was excitement and inspiration felt by all who attended Delta Sigma Theta’s 51st National Convention in Washington, DC. What a sight it was to see over 42,000 registered sorors convening on the city in our red and white attire as we celebrated our centennial year of service, sisterhood and scholarship. There were many distinguished, motivational keynote speakers including, National President, Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and Dr. Bernice King, to name a few. As part of the Convention weekend, it was also rewarding to watch as six incredible women were inducted as honorary members to our sorority. Our new sorors are: Angela Bassett, actress, Susan L. Taylor, former editor of ESSENCE magazine, Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, former White House fellow, Paula Madison, journalist, Lisa Jackson, engineer and Dr. Tererai Trent, humanitarian. Page 8 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC . Volume 2 Issue 1 UPCOMING EVENT Page 9 D ELTA S IGM A TH ETA S ORORITY, INC .