bluegrass journal 4th issue

8
BLUEGRASSJOURNAL April 2012 Soror Terina J. Matthews State Coordinator Soror Gillian Griggs State Facilitator Soror Yolanda Demaree State Secretary Soror Shenita McConis State Social Action Chair Soror Dawn Offutt Regional Coordinator, Membership Services Soror Lucera Cross Regional Housing & Properties Committee Soror Briggit Miller State PPD Chair Soror Maxine Thomas State Journalist - East Soror Shannon Drane State Journalist - West Soror Mary Elaine Horn State Chaplain 2011 - 2012 Kentucky Leadership Team Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter Hosts Debutante Scholarship Ball By Soror Angela Evans On Friday, April 6, 2012 the Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated hosted its 2012 Debutante Scholarship Ball. The Debutante Scholarship Program began in 1961, and this year, the Chapter celebrated its 50th year of developing finer womanhood. The 50 yearold program is a five month experience focusing on encouraging higher educaRon and fostering finer womanhood through instrucRon in charm, eRqueTe and social awareness. In addiRon to eRqueTe workshops, the debutantes volunteered at the Lexington Rescue Mission's Gathering Place on MarRn Luther King, Jr. Day, where they assisted children in various art projects and games focusing on Dr. King's message of hope and unity. In March, the debutantes took a college tour to the Columbus, Ohio area, visiRng Wilberforce University, Central State University and Ohio State University. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the ball, Governor Beshear proclaimed April 6th "Delta Sigma Theta Day" in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over $24,000 was awarded in scholarships that evening. Second RunnerUp was Miss Shayana Fields, First RunnerUp was Miss Danielle Dailey and Miss MarKedra Jackson was crowned Miss Delta Debutante. Other debutantes who received special awards were: Cailan Sandusky, Miss Congeniality; Trina Thomas, Miss Academic Excellence; Brianna Livingston, Miss 110 Percent; and Keaundra Eubanks, Best Scrapbook. Sorors Angela Evans and Vicki Turner were the cochairs for this year’s Debutante. Soror Judith Cunningham is the Chapter President.

Upload: shannon-drane

Post on 26-Mar-2016

223 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Journal, newsletter

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLUEGRASSJOURNAL A

pril

201

2

Soror Terina J. MatthewsState Coordinator

Soror Gillian GriggsState Facilitator

Soror Yolanda DemareeState Secretary

Soror Shenita McConisState Social Action Chair

Soror Dawn OffuttRegional Coordinator,Membership Services

Soror Lucera CrossRegional Housing &

Properties Committee

Soror Briggit MillerState PPD Chair

Soror Maxine ThomasState Journalist - East

Soror Shannon DraneState Journalist - West

Soror Mary Elaine HornState Chaplain

2011 - 2012 Kentucky

Leadership Team

Lexington  (KY)  Alumnae  ChapterHosts  Debutante  Scholarship  Ball

By  Soror  Angela  Evans

On  Friday,  April  6,  2012  the  Lexington  (KY)  Alumnae  Chapter  of  Delta  Sigma  Theta  Sorority,  Incorporated  hosted  its  2012  Debutante  Scholarship  Ball.  The  Debutante  Scholarship  Program  began  in  1961,  and  this  year,  the  Chapter  celebrated  its  50th  year  of  developing  finer  womanhood.  The  50  year-­‐old  program  is  a  five  month  experience  focusing  on  encouraging  higher  educaRon  and  fostering  finer  womanhood  through  instrucRon  in  charm,  eRqueTe  and  social  awareness.  In  addiRon  to  eRqueTe  workshops,  the  debutantes  volunteered  at  the  Lexington  Rescue  Mission's  Gathering  Place  on  MarRn  Luther  King,  Jr.  Day,  where  they  assisted  children  in  various  art  projects  and  games  focusing  on  Dr.  King's  message  of  hope  and  unity.  In  March,  the  debutantes  took  a  college  tour  to  the  Columbus,  Ohio  area,  visiRng  Wilberforce  University,  Central  State  University  and  Ohio  State  University.In  honor  of  the  50th  anniversary  of  the  ball,  Governor  Beshear  proclaimed  April  6th  "Delta  Sigma  Theta  Day"  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Kentucky.  Over  $24,000  was  awarded  in  scholarships  that  evening.  Second  Runner-­‐Up  was  Miss  Shayana  Fields,  First  Runner-­‐Up  was  Miss  Danielle  Dailey  and  Miss  MarKedra  Jackson  was  crowned  Miss  Delta  Debutante.    Other  debutantes  who  received  special  awards  were:  Cailan  Sandusky,  Miss  Congeniality;  Trina  Thomas,  Miss  Academic  Excellence;  Brianna  Livingston,  Miss  110  Percent;  and  Keaundra  Eubanks,  Best  Scrapbook.  Sorors  Angela  Evans  and  Vicki  Turner  were  the  co-­‐chairs  for  this  year’s  Debutante.  Soror  Judith  Cunningham  is  the  Chapter  President.    

Page 2: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

Kentucky State Coordinator,Soror Terina J. Matthews

Kentucky State Facilitator, Soror Gillian Griggs

GreeRngs  State  of  Kentucky  Sorors!

Your  State  Coordinator  and  Facilitator  have  been  busy  parRcipaRng  in  various  Chapter  Membership  Intake  Ceremonies!!

The  State  of  Kentucky  is  pleased  welcome  43  New  Sorors  to  the  Sisterhood!

Eta  Upsilon  –  3  new  Sorors  Spring  2012  “DeliveRED  Trilogy”

Eta  Zeta  –  8  new  Sorors  Spring  2012  “T.N.T  –  Trying  New  Things”

Mu  Epsilon  –  19  new  Sorors  Spring  2012  “Myst19ue  AlignMEnt”

Xi  –  13  new  Sorors  Spring  2012    “Apocalypse  13”  

We  welcome  all  of  our  new  Sorors  with  open  arms  and  we  want  to  share  one  of  our  favorite  scriptures,  MaThew  9:37-­‐38  “Then  saith  he  unto  his  disciples,  The  harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  are  few;    Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  labourers  into  his  harvest.”  Sorors  we  pray  that  you  work  with  the  Sorors  from  your  chapter,  old  &  new,  hand  in  hand  to  conRnue  to  make  a  POSITIVE  impact  on  your  campus  and  community!  The  work  requires  proper  planning,  implementaRon  and  evaluaRon,  but  we  KNOW  that  you  can  DO  IT!  This  is  not  easy  work,  but  as  we  plan  for  the  Centennial  of  our  Illustrious  Sisterhood  we  know  that  with  all  of  these  AMAZING  hands  we  are  ready  to  impact  the  lives  of  THOUSANDS!  WELCOME  TO  DELTA  SIGMA  THETA  SORORITY,  INC.

Sorors,  as  we  embark  upon  the  end  of  a  Sorority  year,  let  us  reflect  on  the  GREATNESS  of  our  SISTERHOOD  and  the  accomplishments  of  our  chapters.  Do  not  give  up  now,  “For  the  race  is  not  given  to  the  swir….”  We  know  that  Rmes  get  hard,  but  we  ask  that  you  “keep  on  keeping  on”  for  the  summer  is  just  a  few  months  off  when  we  can  take  the  much  needed  break  to  refresh  and  rejuvenate  ourselves  for  what  will  be  an  EXCITING  2012-­‐2013  Sorority  year!

ConRnue  to  do  the  AWESOME  job  that  you  are  doing  in  reclaiming  our  Sorors!  We  all  should  desire  to  have  our  name  on  the  “roll”  for  2013.  

Sorors,  if  you  have  not  done  so  already  please  go  online  to  make  a  donaRon  to  the  Delta  FoundaRon.  You  can  do  so  by  going  to  www.deltafoundaRon.net  and  click  on  DONATE.  It  is  easy  and  a  $10  donaRon  goes  a  LONG  way!

To  all  of  our  2012  Graduates,  CONGRATULATIONS  on  your  AMAZING  accomplishment!  To  all  of  our  newly  elected  Chapter  officers,  WELCOME  to  Leadership  in  the  BEST  Sorority!  

Sorors,  it  is  IMPORTANT  that  you  make  certain  to  complete  your  chapter  compliance  by  the  established  and  communicated  deadlines  (especially  for  those  chapters  interested  in  parRcipaRng  in  Membership  Intake  during  Fall  2012).  Should  you  have  compliance  quesRons,  comments  or  concerns,  please  reach  out  to  your  State  Coordinator  for  assistance  and  the  State  of  Kentucky.

We  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to  THANK  all  of  the  State  of  KENTUCKY  Leadership  Team  members!  Your  work  this  year  has  not  gone  unnoRced  and  we  thank  you  for  serving  the  State  and  the  Sisterhood.  We  are  losing  2  of  our  leadership  team  members  (Soror  Shenita  McConis  –  State  Social  AcRon  Chair  and  Soror  Shannon  Drane  –  State  Journalist).  We  thank  you  both  for  your  EXCELLENT  service  and  best  wishes  on  your  next  journey  in  life!  

Page 3: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL Love, Laugh & Lead

“Strong Leaders Help Build Strong Teams”

Effective leaders are such because they never dream alone, but include others who are capable, committed, and motivated. They know the value of strong and capable persons working alongside them to dream dreams and see visions for greater possibilities for the institution or organization. Subsequently, a team must have a gifted and committed leader. The committed leader serves the vision and is committed to “forging the future as others develop the present,” according to author George Barna. Commitment spells dedication and determination and is best expressed in sacrificial service. A gifted and committed leader is not intimidated by those he/she leads, but recognizes that everyone has unique gifts and talents. Effective leaders: operate from the premise that all people have unique gifts and talents; are on the lookout for the unique gifts and talents of others; take time to learn what people are good at and what interests them; Encourage people to accept responsibilities that will allow their gifts and talents to emerge; give people challenging opportunities; and empower people by enabling them to use their unique gifts and talents.

Presented bySoror Maxine L. Thomas

Founders  Day  CelebrationBy:    Soror  Lauren  M.  Horton

  On   Saturday,   March   10,   2012   the   Louisville  Alumnae   Chapter   of   Delta   Sigma   Theta   Sorority,  Incorporated   hosted   a   statewide   Founders   Day  Celebration   at   the   Crowne   Plaza   Hotel.     It   was   a  beautiful  sight  to  see  sorors   from  across  the   state  of  Kentucky   joining   together   to   celebrate   the   founding  of   our   illustrious   sisterhood.     Sorors   gathered  for   a  ceremony   before   enjoying   a   deliciously   prepared  lunch   and   Founders   Day   address   given   by   Midwest  Regional  Director  Regina  Harper.  

  Vendors   were   also   on   hand   for   sorors   to  purchase   paraphernalia.     Several   hundred   sorors   –  from   undergraduates   to   our   beloved   Delta   Dears   –  attended   the  event.     LAC   sorors   also   gathered  for   a  sisterhood   reception   on   the   Friday   before   the  celebration   at   the   Bristol   Grille   in   downtown  Louisville.

Many  thanks  to  the  Founders  Day  committee  for  a  wonderful  weekend  enjoyed  by  all!

Louisville Alumnae Chapter

Page 4: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

State of KY DDNC Attendees Fort KState of KYDNC Attendees

Presents  Successful  Programs  and  Projects

Frankfort  Alumnae  Chapter  Programs  and  Projects  commiTee  has  been  busy  as  it  hosted  its  annual  African-­‐American  History  Program  on  Saturday,  February  25th  at  Kentucky  State  University.    The  Chapter  collaborated  with  Soror  Dr.  Pat  Higgin’s  class  and  Beta  Mu  Chapter  of  Alpha  Phi  Alpha  Fraternity,  Inc.  from  Kentucky  State  University  and  the  students  performed  skits,  read  moving  poems  and  speeches  and  introduced  several  less  menRoned  inventors  to  the  young  students.    One  of  the  creaRve  events  performed  was  a  wax  museum,  where  Dr.  Higgin’s  students  gave  facts  about  famous  African-­‐American  inventors.

Frankfort  Alumnae  Chapter  also  held  its  first  EMBODI  program  on  Saturday,  March  17,  2012  at  Second  Street  School  from  10:00am  to  

2:00pm.    It  collaborated  with  Superintendent  Rich  Crowe,  Frankfort  Independent  School  System  and  students  from  Frankfort’s  OWN.    The  theme  for  this  event  was  “Transforming  Lives  of  African  American  Males  in  Frankfort,  Kentucky.”    Four  inspiring  men  from  the  community  spoke  with  the  young  men.  They  included  the  Rev.  William  Jackson  who  addressed  Health  Awareness;  the  Rev.  Leslie  Whitlock  who  spoke  on  Personal  Best;  the  Rev.  William  Leach  who  presented  a  Team-­‐building  exercise;  and  Mr.  Sherron  Jackson  who  spoke  on  Financial  Awareness.    

By  the  end  of  the  event,  the  students  were  shouRng  “I  AM  SOMEBODY”,  and  had  gained  knowledge  about  healthy  habits,  working  together  with  good  communicaRon,  and  had  learned  techniques  on  how  to  save  and  spend  their  money  wisely.    The  program  closed  as  the  Chapter’s  Chair  of  the  Programs  and  Projects  CommiTee,  Maria  Bush,  passed  out  door  prizes,  cerRficates  and  gave  closing  remarks  for  a  successful  event.

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

Frankfort Alumnae Chapter

Page 5: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

Delta  Day  at  the  Kentucky  State  Capitol(Frankfort  Alumnae  Chapter)

Sorors  of  Delta  Sigma  Theta  Sorority,  Inc.  came  from  across  the  state  of   Kentucky   for  Delta  Day  which   convened  at   the  KY  State  Capitol  Annex  on  February  17,  2012.    Some  41  registered  sorors  met  at  this  locaRon  at  9  am   and   the   Frankfort   Alumnae   Chapter   President   Soror,   Cathy   Thomas  opened   with   felicitous   greeRngs.   Ms.   Sheila   Mason,   who   works   for   KY  LegislaRve   Research   Commission   gave   an   overview   of   the   LegislaRve  Research   Commission   and   highlighted   legislaRve   bills   that   may   be   of  concern  to  Sorors  and  their  communiRes.  

There  were  two  morning  speakers.    Soror  Keidra  King  (State  Director  for   Obama   for   Kentucky)   discussed   voRng   rights   for   KY   ciRzens   and   on  ways  to  encourage  African  Americans  to  vote.    Dr.  LaQuandra  NesbiT,  MD  (Director   of   Louisville   Metro   Dept.   of   Public   Health   and   Wellness)  discussed  nutriRon,  diabetes,  and  wellness.  

The   event   also   featured   a   luncheon   which   was   held   at   Immanuel  BapRst   Church.   Announcements   and   remarks   regarding   Delta’s   NaRonal  and   Regional   level   were   given   by   Sorors   Terina   MaThews   (State  Coordinator),  Gillian   Griggs  (State  Facilitator)  and   Shenita  McConis  (State  Social  AcRon  Coordinator).    Ms.  Renee  Shaw,  the  guest  speaker,  spoke  on  the  KY  LegislaRve  process  and  stated  what  bills  concern  African  Americans  the  most.  She  encouraged  Sorors  to  call  their  Legislators  regarding  the  bills  that  concern  them.  

Delta  Day  at  the  KY  State  Capitol  Annex  was  a  great  success.

Page 6: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

2012  Delta  Week

During   the   week   of   March   12-­‐16,   the   Eta   Rho   Chapter   at   Eastern   Kentucky  University  had  their  2012  Delta  Week,  “Dedicate  Some  Time  to  Behold  a  LaDy.”  March  is   NaRonal  Women’s  Month   and   through   programming,  HP  wanted   to   empower   the  campus  women.  

The   first   event  was   Monday,  March   12,   “Be   in   Holy   Union:   Disciples   Seeking  Truth  Bible   Study.”  During   this   Bible  study,  guests   learned  how  to   love  one   another.  Tuesday,  March  13  had  two  events,  “Respect  Her:  I  Don’t  Stand  for  This  Sexual  Assault  Awareness   Program  with   Greek   Life,”   and   “Appreciate  Her  Worth:  Ode   to  Women’s  Suffrage   March.”   The   Sexual   Violence   program   was   the   Chapter’s   IMPACT   Day   of  service  program  and  presented  informaRon  about  rape  culture  and  its  effects  amongst  young   people.   The   Ode   to   Women’s   Suffrage   was   a   mile   walk   around   campus   to  celebrate  all  women  and   to   reflect  upon   the  first  public  act  our  Founders  parRcipated  in.

Wednesday,  March   14,  “Study  Her  Mind,  Body,  and  Spirit:  Delta  Study   Tables,”  was  open   to  all   students  who  wanted  extra  study  Rme  arer  Midterms.  On  Thursday,  March  15,  “Be  a  PosiRve  Influence:  Campus  Clean  Up  and  Project  R.E.D.  (Recycle  Every  Day)”  the  Chapter  members  came  together  to   clean  up   the  campus.  There  was  also  a  public  announcement  made  to  students  encouraging  them  to  pick  up  at  least  5  pieces  of   trash  and  to  recycle.  The  last  event,  Friday,  March  16,  was  “Treat  her  like  a  Queen:    DSTressed?  Relax  Here.”  This  was   a  program  focused  on   self-­‐worth,  and  learning  the  importance  of  style.

Eta Rho Chapter

Page 7: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

The deaths of young African Americans seem to be on the rise. The shooting of the African American citizens in Oklahoma, Chicago and the recent death of Trayvon Martin in Florida are only a few out of the estimated twelve alleged hate crimes that have taken place in the past months. All over the country, many are taking a stand against the recent tragedy in demand for justice.

  On the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Kentucky, the Eta Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated partnered with the Epsilon Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated to lead a silent march through campus to raise awareness of the injustice in the death of young Trayvon Martin. Mercedes Donahue, a junior and a member of the chapter was the creator of the idea of leading the march. Also, Donahue opted for the participants to hold balloons instead of candles during the march. There were eighty-three black balloons and seventeen white balloons to commemorate each year of his life. Donahue stated, “I chose balloons because they are easier to handle,” and the idea was clever and added the appropriate to make the march stand out during the mid Sunday afternoon.

  Furthermore, a graduating senior, who is also a member if the chapter, Sylvia Reyes, made major contributions to the success of the march my planning it and vocally expressing her enthusiasm for the cause to begin and end the event. She recited a poem and requested a moment of silence in respect for the family of the Martin, which made for a very uplifting ending.

  This march was also featured on the local news network and on the front page of the campus newspaper.

Eta Zeta Chapter

Page 8: Bluegrass Journal 4th Issue

BLU

EGRASS

JOU

RN

AL

  GreeRngs   Sorors   of   the   state   of  Kentucky!   Xi   chapter   at   the   University   of  Louisville   hosted   a  Project   S.H.A.P.E.   program  on  Wednesday,  April  24,  2012,  to   support  the  iniRaRve   created   under   2nd   NaRonal   Vice  President  Chelsea  Hayes.  Under  the  leadership  of   our   State   Facilitator,   Gillian   Griggs,   Xi  chapter   hosted   a   program   for   our   campus  community   to   implement   this   physical   and  mental  health  iniRaRve.  

  As  students   at  a  metropolitan  university  living   in   a   highly   technological   age,   we   are  aware   of   the   barriers   people   find   to   healthy  living.  To  combat  these  issues,  we  developed  a  program  that  would  offer  a  different  approach  to   a  healthy   lifestyle.  We   held   an   informaRve  session  incorporaRng  smartphone  applicaRons  and   the   available   food   choices   on   campus   to  show   students   that   it   is   possible   to   stay  

healthy   and   live   within   a   limited   student  budget.  

  Sorors   facilitated   an   interacRve   game  for  the  16   sorors  and  30  guests,  showing  how  different   seemingly   healthy   food   choices   can  be   misleading.   Lack   of   equipment   and   the  mundane  nature  of  exercise  are  barriers  many  find  when  dealing  with  exercise.  The   program  took  a  different  approach  to  appeal   to  a  more  diverse   populaRon.   Arer   the   informaRon  session,   we   had   an   amazing   kick   boxing  workout   that  enabled   everyone   in  aTendance  to   parRcipate   in   a   fun,   acRve   workout   that  could   be   done  at  their   own   pace  without  any  equipment  needed.  

  Project   S.H.A.P.E.   was   an   excellent  program   that   was   necessary   in   our  community;   its   influence   is   far   reaching,   and  will   posiRvely   impact   the   lives   of   all  parRcipants.  

Xi Chapter

Project S.H.A.P.E.