Phi Omicron Zeta Solidifies Partnerships

 In our effort to facilitate community service, Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter has established partnerships with Bethlehem Baptist Church, Newton High School, Mountain View Nursing Center and the Rockdale Medical Center.  

 

Over the summer of 2013, Phi Omicron Zeta volunteered on Divine Nine Day of the Summer Feeding and Enrichment Program, one of the Bethlehem Baptist Church's ministries.  This ministry provides food and classes designed to help nurture Covington’s children during the summer months when food and adult supervision are a scarcity.  Members from seven of the Divine Nine organizations led group meetings, facilitated classroom instruction and prepared and served meals for the program participants.  Soror Kathryn Williams and Soror Alison Jackson facilitated lessons and served lunch for first graders while Soror Evon Mazyck , Soror Eula Hardeman and one of our potential Aspirants worked with the fourth graders.    The pastor of the church, Reverend H.K. Benton, said, “Our program is an expression of compassion to these children who would be unoccupied and unfed. We offer them ways to become better citizens, better community members.”  This summer the program attendance averaged about 150 children a day.  Our chapter’s next event at Bethlehem Church will be Prematurity Awareness.

 

Eta Theta Zeta

The members of The Eta Theta Zeta Foundation and The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated planned a two-day conference, which was held Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27, 2013. Entitled “A Conference on the Laney-Walker Boulevard Corridor: A Tribute to the Women of the Corridor and A Cadre of Other Influential Matriarchs,” this conference was designed to inspire and encourage people to research and record the stories of the women of the corridor and the other influential matriarchs who have impacted their lives.  It is the intent of the organizations to collect and preserve these stories for future generations to read.      

Ashlyn Daggett, Davisha Darnell, Barbara Gilliam, Kierra Jenins, Valerie Sanders and Tyler Tucker

On July 28, 2013, Eta Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated inducted six bright and beautiful young ladies into the Archonette Club.  On August 12, 2013 they attended the Georgia State Leadership and Youth Conference in Macon, Georgia.  These young ladies are enthusiastic about their events and workshops for 2013-2014; which include  “Etiquette for Elegance,” “Thanks for You Thanksgiving;” where they fed the homeless, provided gifts for Child Enrichment; a shelter for abused women and children, and Eta Theta Zeta Chapter’s Zetas Against Drugs Workshop.

In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the State of Georgia is EXCITED to host a "Bra Drive" to benefit Dress for Success!

The mission of Dress for Success is "to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

Sorors are asked to bring NEW bras, with tags still on (varying women sizes - no sports bras) to the October MIP sessions on 10/12/2013 and 10/26/2013. Sorors who attended the 10/5/2013 session or plan to attend the 11/9/2013session may participate by mailing your bras to the State P.O. Box:

State of Georgia "Dress for Success" Drive
P.O. Box 490718
Atlanta, GA 30349

In the Summer They Retreat

This summer the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Rho Xi Zeta Chapter took the opportunity to execute the words of our International President Mary B Wright “A Good Zeta is a well-informed Zeta”.

The summer began with a retreat for the executive board during which sorors learned techniques to improve our chapter by mastering the skill of delegation.  Delegation helps chapter members stay engaged and take ownership in both the chapter and the sorority as a whole.  During the month of July chapter members visited the wonderful city of Indianapolis to participate in the national Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) training and certification.  At ZOL sorors received a detailed description of their leadership styles, great ideas on branding, and an introduction to the new membership process!

Lastly, the chapter participated in their annual chapter retreat, held in the cabins of north Georgia.  They enjoyed great fellowship, planned the year, and shared the information from ZOL.  Notable during the retreat was river tubing, a wonderful experience that was also a practical application of critical team work skills. 

During the summers most people take off, but the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Inc. use it as an opportunity to become better.

Busy Summer for Psi Rho Zeta

On May 2, 2013, Psi Rho Zeta chapter presented a  $1,000.00 scholarship to Ms. Isis Turner-Davenport at Lamar County High School’s Honors Program. The chapter also attended Total Victory Blessing Ceremony, which honors young single parents graduating from high school in Lamar County.  Ms. Crystal Toombs was sponsored by the chapter members. The youth groups under the sponsorship of Psi Rho Zeta Chapter held their first annual Mothers/Daughters Tea where they presented roses and creative handmade coupon books to their mothers. They also held fundraisers to finance all members’ participation in the Youth Retreat to be held August 10, 2013 in Macon, Georgia.

Chapter Youth

Psi Rho Zeta chapter members with guests and speakers

No break for KIZ

Although June, July and August are typically seen as “Summer Break” months, the sorors of Kappa Iota Zeta have been busy throughout the summer with various activities.

KIZ kicked off the month of June with a Z-HOPE project at the Cosby Spear Highrise in Atlanta. Sorors met with the residents and participated in Older Americans Month Celebration and Bingo Night. The theme was “Unleash the Power of Age”. Sorors found themselves reflecting and become inspired throughout that night.  June also marked the start of our 2013 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign. The chapter Walk Team is in fundraising mode and preparing for the upcoming walk on October 26, 2013.  

 

The service continued in July with our on-going partnership with the City of East Point. KIZ sorors worked as volunteers at the East Point Independence Day Festival on July 4th. The chapter also had the opportunity to serve once again with Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless at their Back to School Jamboree. Sorors also took part of July to participate in the Zeta Organizational Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana; during which future leaders of Zeta gathered for 4 days of intensive leadership training as well as for organizational updates. 

 

 

KIZ sorors are living up to the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood and look forward to a successful 2013-2014 Sorority Year.

Keep up the good work ladies!

GA Amicae Moving Forward

After working at the United Nations for more than three decades, Amica Flora Deane Lowe-Rockett enrolled at Kennesaw State University (KSU).  On July 30, 2013, Amica Lowe-Rockett graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Sociology. 

Named Student of the Year 2011-2012, she received one of the first Presidential Diversity Awards for her work on a potential KSU childcare facility.  The proud grandmother of three is a member of Golden Key International Honour Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She currently works as a student assistant in the Life Long Learning Center.  On August 5th, Amica Lowe-Rockett will begin a new position as Administrative Associate I in the Volunteer Kennesaw State University Unit (VKSU) of the Student Development Department.

Congratulations Amica Flora Deane Lowe-Rockett!

Zeta Day of Service

What does your chapter have planned for this day?

Blue Trees by Soror Katie Mitchell

Basilieus Katie Mitchell of XI XI Zeta chapter participated in a "Paint Your Tree" community project in Thrasher Park in Norcross, GA. It inspires her poem:

 

BLUE TREES

 

Emerald and sapphire masks divulge the painted hue

By the painter's own hand creates the shade of royal blue

Leaves suppress the sunlight to create grey darkness of cool 

Under which a soul transforms its appearance and interprets a new mood

Speckles of light no longer threaten but performs the pearl dance in time

Rest now my sister under the warmth of our Creator and sooth your mind 

 

SOZ Making waves

The ladies Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Omicron Zeta chapter ended the sorority year with the chartering of their Lawrenceville chapter Amicae auxiliary. Seven women were welcomed as Friends of Zeta at the ceremony held May 19.

Sigma Omicron Zeta holds its 2^nd Annual Chapter Retreat, the weekend of June 28 – June 30, 2013

 

The retreat was held at the Mountain Resort Cabin Rentals in Ellijay, GA.  A record turnout of 16 out of 18 Sorors attended.

The weekend consisted of :

·         wrapping up the year-end activities with the final Chapter meeting.

·         History and protocol re: new Amicae auxiliary chartered

·         Embellishment to include team bingo, and who is that Zeta

·         Very competitive “Spoons” game.

·         Fellowship – cooking & eating.

The retreat allowed current and new chapter members to bond as well as welcome the newly initiated members of the Iota Sigma chapter at Clayton State University.
 

 

The weekend ended with everyone igniting their fire for Zeta and looking forward to the activities of the upcoming Sororal year.

Congratulations to the MOD Grant Winners!

Save the Date! GA State Leadership Conference 2014

Honoring Men and Women of Excellence

This year the ladies of Omicron Alpha Zeta put a little twist on the Finer Womanhood Celebration and decided to recognize men as well as women. The chapter selected as honorees several citizens who have made a positive impact in Sumter and/or surrounding counties in various professions and in community service. Among the 33 honorees were the school superintendent, principals, pastors, law enforcement officers, university officials, and community servant leaders.

The awards banquet was held on March 30 on the campus of South GA Technical College in Americus. The theme for the occasion was “Building Better Communities through Service, Leadership and Education. The speaker for this event was Ms. Chrislyn Turner, the immediate past Southeastern Regional Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., of Marietta, GA.  

During the Celebration, a woman from both the undergraduate and graduate chapter, was honoered as Zeta of the Year. Ms. Kuwanza Frazier, chapter president for Mu Mu Chapter at Georgia Southwestern State University was presented with the undergraduate Zeta of the Year award. Ms. Kina Davis, Z-HOPE Coordinator, in addition to Undergraduate Advisor to Mu Mu, was presented the graduate chapter Zeta of the Year.

Chi Pi Zeta Youth Induction Ceremony

On April 13, 2013, Chi Pi Zeta hosted its inaugural Pearlette and Amicette Induction ceremony.  The ceremony featured a welcome and overview of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as well as the purpose and goal of youth auxiliaries. The theme of the program was “Diamonds and Pearls”.  The Pearlettes and Amicettes were introduced to the audience as they were escorted into the facility by young gentlemen. 

Pearlettes and Amicettes with the young gentlemen who served as escorts for the ceremony

 Pearlettes

Ta’Tyana Anderson

Jayden Bogel

Nykaela Burks

Adia Coward

Taylor Mason

Anaya Vance

Ayania Williams

Amicettes

La’Naysha Blackshear

Anissa Bryant

Ja’Nya Bryant

 Amaya Cooper

Allysia Dunkins

Gabriella Goode

Taylor Roberson

Jada Walden

Iota Eta Zeta Shows Up and Shows Out during Finer Womanhood Month

      

The Iota Eta Zeta chapter kicked off Finer Womanhood Week with a Sunday celebration. It began with an early morning church service at Hillside Chapel &Truth Center, International on February 24^th, where the chapter came together for worship. The service was followed by the traditional re-dedication ceremony and an afternoon of fellowship at Landon's Restaurant for brunch.




IHZ wrapped up the month with the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday March 30^th at Lithonia First United Methodist Church. All three youth auxiliaries were in attendance, along with a host of sorors, family, friends, and kids from the local community. The event included a coloring contest, egg toss, bunny hop lesson, and a spirited competition to break “Harry” the piñata. Then came the main event and the youth were left to scour the church grounds in search of colorful eggs hidden by sorors. Lucky hunters were awarded with cash and various prizes, including Easter baskets, toys, and a few even took home a piece of the piñata!

          

Article Submitted by: Symone Morris

Finer Womanhood in Savannah, GA

During Finer Womanhood Month, the Sorors of Alpha Theta Zeta chapter, inducted nine new Sorors into the sisterhood.  These new Sorors met all the requirements for initiation, and are now ready to work for Zeta.

Pictured left to right:  Sorors Sheila Bryant, Shaniqua Vassar, Tonisha Scott, Kathy West-Randall, Raessha Tisdale, Calandra Reaves, Carolyn Degraffenreaidt, LaVonya Johnson, and Sophia Perry

The ceremony kicked of the Finer Womanhood activities for the Savannah, GA chapter, and the new Sorors were able to participate in all of the planned activities. The chapter culminated their Finer Womanhood Month celebration with a luncheon at Johnny Harris Banquet Hall on March 23, 2012. The speaker for the occasion was one of our own Sorors, Mrs. Jackie Small, wife of Rev. Nathaniel Small.  Soror Small spoke on the subject “The Treasure Within”. The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Zeta Doves, members who have been in the sorority for fifty or more years. 

Pictured from left to right: Sorors Johnnie Spaulding, Clyde Faison, Louise Willkerson, and Delores Washington

The chapter also honored Zeta Dove Soror Dorothy Canty Bass who was interred earlier this month.  A donation to Hospice of Savannah was made in Soror Bass’ honor. Each Zeta Dove was presented with a jacket bearing the sorority’s emblem, their name and a beautiful dove on the back of the jacket.

Congratulations ladies!

Iota Sigma on the Rise

On April 19, after a four year long hiatus, the "Classy, but Sassy" Iota Sigma chapter was proud to welcome two new members into our esteemed Sorority.

Sorors: Adriana Brown (Senior) and Lakeisha Jenkins (Junior) are the newest
members of Zeta Phi  Beta at Clayton State University

The neophytes went right to work and participated in the March for Babies Walk in Suwanee, GA with members of the Iota Sigma and Sigma Omicron Zeta chapters.

Chi Pi Zeta’s Finer Womanhood Celebration

Chi Pi Zeta celebrated Finer Womanhood in grand class and style at the historic Elizabeth’s on 37^th Street in Savannah.  The formal dinner program featured a presentation on the history of Finer Womanhood observances, as well as reflection on “The Finer Woman” as excerpted from the 1925 X-RAY by Soror Evelyn Foster.

The Finer Woman- An Acrostic

The finer woman is

Faithful to duty;

Ideal of womanhood;

Noble in character;

Engaging in manner;

Responsible to trust;

Womanly in conduct;

Obedient to a higher self;

Magnanimous in spirit;

Affable in receiving others;

Noteworthy in deeds;

Hospitable to strangers and guests;

Obliging to neighbors;

Open-hearted to poor and needy;

Deserving of praise.

Submitted by Elizabeth Marlin

Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths: The State of Georgia 2013 Leadership Conference

The 2013 State of Georgia Leadership Conference was held March 1-3, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Perimeter at Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia. More than 300 attendees gathered for a weekend of information, education and fellowship.

Dignitaries in attendance included national officers International President Mary Breaux Wright; 20^th International President Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte; National First Vice President Scarlet H. Black; Southeastern Regional Director Dr. Felicia Scott-Strickland; and National Graduate Member at Large Patricia Jones. Also attending were a host of National, Regional and State Elected and Appointed Officers.

The theme of the weekend focused on Organizational Management. Workshops included Managing Chapter Expectations; Managing Your Personal and Professional Brand; Managing Chapter Finances and Managing Chapter/Auxiliary Programming. In addition, an auxiliary management workshop was held for the Amicae.

Zetas and Amicae, including International President Mary Breaux Wright, warm up for Zumba with the Seniors as part of the State of Georgia's service project during the 2013 Leadership Conference.

State Director Shaneesa Ashford inducts Soror Debra Booker of Chi Pi Zeta Chapter into the State of Georgia Hall of Fame.

The State also focused on President Wright’s Elder Care initiative by hosting a service project at the Northside Shepard Senior Center and through monetary and item donations for Meals on Wheels Atlanta. Chapters and auxiliaries across the state donated more than $1,000 and 350 items.

In addition, the State honored chapters and members for their hard work and dedication, and elected new officers to the board. Congratulations to the following Sorors and chapters for their outstanding efforts:

Hall of Fame Inductees

Soror Debra Booker – Chi Pi Zeta Chapter, Hinesville

Dr. Robbie Latimore – Omicron Alpha Zeta, Americus

Chapters of the Year

Epsilon Xi – Georgia Southern University

Chi Pi Zeta – Hinesville

Psi Rho Zeta – Forsyth

Kappa Iota Zeta – Atlanta

Top Z-HOPE Chapters

Kappa Iota Zeta – Atlanta

Sigma Mu Zeta – Stone Mountain

Chi Pi Zeta – Hinesville

Mu Mu – Georgia Southwestern State University

Omicron Nu – University of West Georgia

Top Z-HOPE Auxiliary

Amicae of Cuthbert

Top March of Dimes Fundraising Chapter

Kappa Iota Zeta – Atlanta

Top March of Dimes Fundraiser

Soror Lois McKellar, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter

Undergraduate Advisor of the Year

Soror Tjazha Mahani

Advisor to Beta Iota Chapter, Spelman College

Highest Individual GPA

Soror Christina Cross

Alpha Tau Chapter, Emory University

Highest Chapter GPA

Beta Iota Chapter, Spelman College

Undergraduate Program of the Year

Z.A.D. (Zetas Against Drugs)

Sigma Rho Chapter, Augusta State University

Elected Officers

Assistant Secretary – Soror Tammy Parker

Financial Secretary – Soror Shirley Howard

Parliamentarian – Soror Vicki Pearson

Newsletter Editor – Soror Deborah Ayoade

Chi Pi Zeta Celebrates Founders' Day in a Big Way

Founders' Day Celebration in Savannah, GA

Chi Pi Zeta and Sigma Brothers joined by the Delta Sigma Theta - Hinesville Alumni Chapter at Baconton Missionary Baptist Church as we fellowship for Founders’ Day church service.

Members of Chi Pi Zeta join to pack goodie bags for the MLK Jr. parade on Monday, January 21st. In efforts to promote our health initiative we provided some healthier choices this year to show our youth some alternatives to candy actually tastes good.