2014 State of Georgia Leadership Conference

 Our 2014 Chapters of the Year:

Omicron Alpha Zeta, Americus, GA
Chi Epsilon, University of GA...
Kappa Iota Zeta, East Point, GA
Sigma Mu Zeta, Stone Mountain, GA
Omicron Nu, University of West GA
Rho Xi Zeta, Kennesaw, GA

On behalf of the State Leadership Team of the GREAT State of Georgia, it was truly a pleasure to serve our Sorors and Amicae at the 2014 State of Georgia Leadership Conference!

We wish to thank:

Our special guests and guest presenters;

The FINER volunteers who gave of their time and talents to help make the conference a success; and

Eta Omega Zeta, Phi Chi Zeta, Chi Epsilon, Delta Mu Sigma and... Zeta Nu for your hospitality.

Congratulations to our Chapters and Auxiliaries of the Year, Hall of Fame Honorees and Amicae Honorees! We also welcome Sorors Nicole Deas, Kei'shawn Tention, Marketa Killingbeck and Kina Davis to the State Leadership Team, and Sorors Vanessa Elkins Rogers, Shanice King and Brittni Johnson in their new roles. We thank Sorors Cutia Blunt, Sekemia Caldwell-Johnson, Sheila Bowers and Veronda Ford for their faithful and tireless service to the State.

Lastly, thank you to our Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for allowing is to share in your joyous Centennial Celebration!

Georgia, we salute you! Thank you for allowing us to serve you!

Sisterly,

Shaneesa N. Ashford
Director, The GREAT State of Georgia

First Four-Letter Chapter: Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta

On Sunday, June 8, 2014, the Great State of Georgia and the Second to None Southeastern Region made history by chartering its first four-letter chapter in Newnan, Georgia.  The nine charter members of Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter of Newnan, Georgia were welcomed into the state by approximately 60 members of Zeta across the Southeastern Region, as well as members of Phi Beta Sigma and other Divine 9 organizations. The chartering ceremony and dessert reception was held at the Asa Powell Expo center and other activities included a silent auction and a raffle drawing during the event. The evening celebration concluded with guests being invited to dinner at O'Charley's Restaurant following the dessert reception. 

 

The members of Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta have gotten off to a great start in the local Newnan community by forming partnerships with the Summit Family YMCA, White Oak Country Club, O'Charley's Restaurant and Wesley Woods of Newnan. The chapter plans to host a number of activities in preparation for the upcoming Sorority Year to include a chapter retreat, a sister outing and attending Boule' in Washington, D.C. 

For more information regarding upcoming events for the ladies of the Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter, you can email the chapter at aakz1920@gmail.com 

 

(Left to right) Seated: Shaunta Miranda (Charter Member), Florence Mitchell (Charter Member),RD Dr. Felicia Scott-Strickland, SD Shaneesa N. Ashford, Dr. Terri N. Bell (Charter Member)

(Left to right) Standing: Naundra Lyon-Heidelberg (Charter Member),

Tamicia Williams-Gomillion (Charter Member), Valerie Todd (Charter Member),

Milrinette T. Nelson (Charter Member), Garrysa Caffey (1st Transfer Member),

Vikki Mitchell (Charter Member), Suzette Gooden (Charter Member)

 

2014 Spring Graduates

Highlighting 2014 Spring Graduates

 

 

 

 

 

Sigma Mu Zeta: Chapter of the Year Definition

 

What a year! We have traveled through the valley, climbed the mountain and made it to our destination.  It has been quite a year filled with numerous community service projects and sister bonding moments.  As we come near to the end of our fiscal year, I reflect on the great success of this chapter, from increased members to the top graduate chapter 26 to 50 to the coveted “Chapter of the Year Award”.   

 

Let’s look at how we got here; we started our journey with the 1^ST Annual Community Health Fair with the Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and Stoneview Elementary School.  This event focused on Breast Cancer Awareness and Childhood Obesity that included a 3 mile walk.  Our monthly program, with Traditions Health & Rehabilitation Center which leaves our guest wanting more; our active participation as members of the State & Regional Registration Team with our own Jocasta Frazier at the helm.  Our gift for gab at Breaking Bread - Fellowship among friends, March for Babies, Sickle Cell Walk, Feed the Homeless, Clothes the Needed, Food & Clothes Pantry, and much more.  

 

Sorors the stars are the limit, great job to you all in holding us strong to being a community conscious, action oriented organization. 

 

 

WAY TO GO TEAM KIZ!!!

 

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter has a special connection with March of Dimes. In fact, some of our very own Sorors were pre-mature infants!  It's because of March of Dimes that pre-mature infants are able to receive the proper resources in order to live. Kappa Iota Zeta participated in the March of Dimes/March for Babies walk in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Led by Committee Chair, Soror Dana Scott and a dedicated team of walkers, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter stepped it up and we exceeded our goal! Our goal was $5,000 and to date we have raised $8,140.00! 

Way to go Sorors!!

Congratulations Kappa Iota Zeta on not only establishing a goal but exceeding it!!

Theta Chi Zeta Chapter, Inc. of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. of Thomasville, Georgia Represented

 

 

On April 17, 2014, Sorors from Theta Chi Zeta Chapter recently attended a Blue and White Reception in Tallahassee, FL honoring the newly appointed President, Soror Elmira Mangum, PhD, of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

 

Several Zeta Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Chapters from surrounding areas were also present.

 

Sorors in attendance from the Theta Chi Zeta Chapter, Inc. of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc. where: (seated) Joreatha Malone (a Zeta Dove for over 50 years), President, Soror Elmira Mangum, PhD, Mary Jefferson, (standing) J. Renee Holton, Julia Berry, Noni Hunter, Johnnie L. Brown, and Geraldine Faulk.  Brother John H. Malone of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, accompanied his wife and daughter along with other Zeta’s and Sigma’s as we each enjoyed the fellowship with the President Soror Elmira Mangum.

 

Soror Mangum received many lovely gifts among them is one that really stands out, a beautiful rotating globe on a base.

 

After the program a delicious meal was served. We all had a chance to mingle and chat with the President.

 

State of Georgia Hall of Fame Inductee: Soror Sarah J. White

 

Soror Sarah J. White was recently inducted into the State of Georgia 2014 Hall of Fame in Athens, Georgia at the Celebration of Finer Women Awards Banquet.

Soror White received a Bachelor of Science Degree at Fort Valley State University and a Master of Science Degree at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, both in the area of Mathematics/Education.  Soror White has enjoyed teaching many gifted as well as challenging students in Wisconsin and Georgia for thirty-five years. She retired from the Dougherty County School System in 2005.

Soror White is a Diamond Life member and ZOL certified.  As a member of Beta Omega Zeta Chapter, Soror White has held various offices that include Basileus, First Anti-Basileus and Parliamentarian. Additionally, she has served as the undergraduate advisor for Pi Beta Chapter of Albany State University and the State of Georgia Youth Coordinator.

Soror White is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Albany and is very active with the Missionary and Nursery Ministries.

Soror White is a native of Telfair County, McRae, Georgia and the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Lee (Hattie) Ashford.  She is married to Lonzie White and they are blessed with two children and one grandson.

5 Goals for the Founders Lead us Chapter of the Year

The Remarkable Rho Xi Zeta Chapter of Kennesaw Georgia won Chapter of the Year by focusing on 5 areas.  The 1^st goal was to  Retain and Reclaim Sorors.  This year we had 10 Sorors reclaim/ transfer into our chapter plus we initiated 3 new Sorors, bringing our total membership to 35. 

 

Our 2^nd goal was to serve the community through Service. Some of major annual service projects are Taste of Blue Health a wellness fair held on Founders day, our Teacher Supply drive benefiting teachers of Sanders Middle School and the March of Dimes walk were we raised over $3500 this year.

 

Our 3^rd goal was to provide embellishment to our Sorors.  We covered Anti- Hazing information, Networking to Build our Chapter Brand, Reclaim sessions for Sorors that have been away from Zeta for 5+ years and Things every Zeta should know.

 

Our 4^th goal was to build our Support Network within the Blue and White family and the Divine Nine. We made a concerted effort to attend as many events as possible to build relationships to promote Greek love.  In turn, we have seen tons of support at our annual Hats and Heels Chapter Anniversary celebration, our monthly Doves and Dialogues Networking events and end of year celebration the Zeta Finer Womanhood Soiree where we recognized chapter Sorors and other Greeks.

 

Our 5^th and final goal was to do everything in the name of “Zeta”.  We are a small but mighty chapter and everything we have done this year was based on the foundation of the love we have for each other and our Fantastic organization! Through this goal we prevailed through any adversities we faced.  This year has been amazing and we can’t wait for the 2014-2015 year.

 

 

Alpha Theta Zeta Year in Review

 

Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter in Savannah, Georgia had a very busy and successful year.  The year was filled with activities that were geared toward our programmatic thrusts and various other programs.

The collage of pictures indicates just how busy we were.  During Finer Womanhood Month, the sorority worshipped together at St. Paul C.M.E.  We also enjoyed a fun filled evening at Barnes Restaurant where we held our Annual Madd Hatters Tea.  All Sorors dressed in jeans, high heeled shoes, Zeta paraphernalia, and a mad hat.

The youth advisors inducted young ladies in the Pearlettes, Amicettes, and Archonettes auxillaries.  All inductees are students in the local public schools who came with high recommendations to the organization.

 Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter gathered to take a group photo of the chapter. 

Also during Finer Womanhood Month, some of the Sorors spent time at Gadsden Elementary School, where Soror Deborah Jones is principal, reading to all the first graders.  Grade level books were given to all the students and a gift packet of books were given to the teachers.

The Sorors  participated in two Relays for Life.  The first one was held at Daffin Park where the Sorors either walked the route or handed out refreshments along the route.  The second relay was held at Benedictine Military Academy where Sorors, with their theme appropriate banner, walked for miles around the tract.  This relay lasted all night, and several Sorors stayed out all night in tents enjoying the planned activities.

Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter, the undergraduate chapters Rho Beta and Iota Tau, Amicae, and the Youth Auxiliaries donated seventy Easter baskets to Greenbriar Children’s Home.

The chapter has held other activities such as a monthly visit to the nursing home to paint fingernails of the residents.

 

 

 

 

Esther Grace Simmons, Poet and Author: Eta Theta Zeta Foundation,Inc. 3rd Annual Conference

Ms. Esther Grace Simmons was one of the featured authors at the Eta Theta Zeta Foundation, Inc. 3^rd Annual Conference on the Laney-Walker Boulevard Corridor: A Tribute to the Women of the Corridor and a Cadre of Other Influential Matriarchs.  The event was held April 25^th – 26^th at 1247 Laney Walker Boulevard in Augusta, Georgia. Saturday, April 26^th the authors read poetry and short stories from their literary works. Speakers reminding us of the importance of writing and preserving life histories were:  Dr. Seretha D. Williams, Professor of English at Georgia Regents University and Dr. Catherine L. Adams, Assistant Professor of English and Humanities Department Chair at Paine College.   Notable authors attending the event were: Mrs. Cecelia Johnson, Ms. Tiara Dugger, Ms. Carlyn Thomas and Mrs. Crystal E. Neal.  Dr. Jean Embry read poems from the literary work, Pieces of the Puzzle and Dr. Adeleri Onisegun spoke about her soon to be released book, Transformational Images.

 

During the social hour with food and fellowship, the authors signed their books for the people who bought them.  Soror E. Virginia Johnson invited Esther to attend this event and take part in the book signing.  Soror Esther Grace Simmons was blessed to sell several copies of her poetry book, Esther’s Book of Original Inspirational Poetry and her CD, “Sincerely Grace” featuring her latest original gospel songs.

 

Soror Arvella Robinson is the President of Eta Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Soror Betty J. Bryant is the Chairperson of Eta Theta Zeta Foundation, Inc.  Congratulations to the sorors of Eta Theta Zeta for a job well done.

Standing, left to right, Arvella Robinson, Esther Grace Simmons,

E. Virginia Johnson, and Betty J. Bryant