Thursday, April 9, 2015

Finer Women Serving Mankind


 
Saturday March 21, 2015 was a busy day for Phi Omicron Zeta chapter; the day began with the chapter meeting, followed by Zeta Rededication and culminated with the 2015 Finer Womanhood celebration.  Soror Elisabeth Omilami was honored for continuing the legacy of her father, Brother Hosea Williams, in serving Atlanta's hungry, homeless and working poor through her organization, Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTHH).   This Finer Womanhood program also served as a platform for this chapter’s second Social Action event, by not only recognizing the efforts of Soror Omilami’s organization, but also by highlighting the NAACP.  The day offered an array of activities.
  • The goal to raise $400.00 for HFTHH was exceeded by more than 100%.  Soror Omilami was presented a check for $850.00 by Soror Dalphine Browder.
  • As with each of this chapter’s programs, the Auxiliaries were fully engaged.  Amica Kathy Maddox recited a moving poem on Service, and the Amicettes, along with their Advisors, Sorors Felicia Arnold and Marilyn Barton, performed an exciting and uplifting dance.  Soror Omilami was so impressed with the Amicettes that she requested to attend one of their meetings and spend time getting to know them better.  WOW!!
  • The Newton County NAACP President, Dr. Gwendolyn Cattledge, delivered a moving speech that encouraged each person present to be involved in their communities and to consider membership with the NAACP.
  • Soror Sandra Speaks brought awareness to Zeta's Social Awareness efforts and shared upcoming Phi Omicron Zeta community events.
  • The keynote speaker, Soror Kathryn Williams, shared a memorable and insightful speech on the history of HFTHH and encouraged all to "go against the grain" to serve mankind.
  • Phi Omicron Zeta also presented Soror Omilami with a silver and crystal Zeta bangle as a personal token of love and sisterhood.  A reception and fellowship ended the day’s events.
This program was attended by the Georgia State Director, Soror Shaneesa Ashford, and Sorors from other chapters across the Metro Atlanta area as well as family and friends.  What an exciting, inspirational and eventful day!!

Rho Epsilon Zeta Partnering for the Cause


 
Rho Epsilon Zeta:  Finer Womanhood Shines during Family & Friends Day at Midway Missionary Baptist Church
On Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the request of Soror Jocasta Frazier, Rho Epsilon Zeta joined Sigma Mu Zeta, Omicron Kappa Zeta and Kappa Iota Zeta for church service and Finer Womanhood fellowship at Midway Missionary Baptist Church in College Park, Georgia. Sorors in attendance participated in a Rededication Ceremony and Rev. Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, First Lady of Midway MBC and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., hosted a lovely Royal Blue and White Reception.


Rho Epsilon Zeta: Cobb County NPHC comes together for worship at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church
On Sunday, March 29, 2015, Cobb County National Panhellenic Council participated in its Annual Worship Service at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Marietta, Georgia. Seven of the Divine 9 organizations are represented in the Cobb NPHC: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Omicron Mu Lambda), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Rho Zeta Omega), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Alpharetta-Smyrna), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Chi Gamma Gamma), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (MRAC), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Xi Chi Sigma) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Rho Epsilon Zeta and Rho Xi Zeta).

Omega Mu Chapter Spreading the Zeta Renaissance

 
The Omega Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. has continued to spread the Zeta Renaissance throughout Mercer University.  The chapter hosted Finer Womanhood Week the last full week of March that catered to empowering the mind, body, and spirit of any woman. 
The week started with church at the campus ministry then proceeded into Monday with a natural hair forum.  A local stylist was brought in to not only give tips for haircare but also a demo of 3 quick and easy hairstyles.  The forum served to be very informative for everyone.  Then, taking a page from State Conference, the Omega Mu chapter decided to host a self-defense class Tuesday for the girls on campus with an alum of the chapter coming back to teach simple defensive moves for any situation.  Wednesday’s event involved the collaboration of multiple cultural organizations with each cooking a dish that students got to judge.  Simple dance choreography was taught to Mercer women and served to be a confidence booster as well as a great time for all the girls in the room Thursday.  Then, on Friday, everyone had a great time bringing words to life as they used a quote to inspire the painting of a picture. 
The chapter didn’t forget about service as Omega Mu helped a senior residential facility as they hosted their annual Easter egg hunt, then a fundraiser for March of Dimes was held through a Spades tournament later that afternoon.
Throughout the entire week confidence boosting post-its were posted in women’s restrooms as well as a string of inspirational “pearls” hung over our banner.  The entire week was a success for the chapter as numerous amounts of students came out to show support and we hope that the trend continues as we finish out the year strong.

Iota Eta Zeta Gets BuZy


 
Spring is always a very busy time for IHZ. Its jam packed with events from January until May and this year is no different. We jumped right into our Finer Womanhood observance with a weekend full of events. First, we made our way downtown early on a Saturday morning to volunteer with our undergrads, Beta Iota, to feed the homeless at St. Francis Soup Kitchen. The following day we kicked off our celebration with a church service at Lithonia First United Methodist Church, rededication, and brunch at Gladys and Ron’s following service. Over the years, Lithonia First UMC has generously hosted our auxiliary meetings and it was a pleasure to show that they have our support as well.
 
A few short weeks later we held our annual Health Fair at South DeKalb Mall. We partnered with Sigma Mu Zeta to bring vital health screenings to the Decatur community. Ours healthcare sponsors provided vision, hearing, blood pressure, glucose, and HIV screenings free of charge while other vendors provided healthy snacks, information regarding our national initiatives (Relay for Life and March for Babies), live fitness demonstrations and fun performances. We also used this time to honor three of our chapter sorors for 50 years of service to Zeta and they took to the stage to receive their Dove Awards. 
 
We wrapped up the month of March with our spring fundraiser, Paint the Town Blue, at Dip ‘n Dab art studio. Sorors and their guests were directed in step by step instruction on how to create a hand painted masterpiece. It was a wonderful event and the proceeds will be used to benefit our annual scholarship fund. We’ll continue our spring event schedule by awarding these scholarships at our annual Phyllis Brown Tea on May 3rd. Tickets are available by contacting ihz1920@gmail.com.

Xi Omega Zeta Holds Tea in Celebration of Finer Womanhood



XOZ Chapter sorors pictured from L to R:
1st Row: Stella Brown, Bessie Roberts, Gladys Turner, Rev. Mildred Denson, Sharon Pettit
2nd Row: Maxine Woodard, Andrena Dodson, Mildred Chaney, Nicole Harrell, Amanda Wiley
 
Xi Omega Zeta held its 1st Annual Finer Womanhood Tea in observance of Finer Womanhood Month on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Fellowship Bible Baptist. Attendees exemplified the essence of Finer Womanhood by wearing spring dresses, hats, and heels. Rev. Mildred Denson of Epsilon Tau Zeta in Macon spoke on the theme “Quilted Together”.  The women were reminded of their valuable roles in society and encouraged to do more together to “Build on the Principals of Zeta while Blazing New Paths”.  Proceeds from the event benefited Xi Omega Zeta’s chapter scholarship fund that provides scholarships to high school seniors in Houston County.

Gamma Rho Chapter at Georgia Tech


 
February 21, 2015 - Super Science Day at Clifton Elementary with AASU & GTSBE

At Clifton Elementary, we participated in the Super Science Day hosted by the African American Student Union, GT Society of Black Engineers, and the NPHC. We had various science projects and games set up for the elementary school students. We talked with them, had a fun paper plane challenge, and provided lunch.

February 22 -28 - Zeta Week "Break the Cycle"

In observance of Zeta Week, our theme this year was "Break the Cycle", each event was geared towards providing tips and helpful lessons on how to become a better person for tomorrow. We went to a church service hosted by a recent Tech grad that now has his own ministry. On Monday, we let students take a break from campus and come paint ceramics with us to express themselves. On Tuesday, we gave out sweet treats with Black History facts written on them and encouraged our peers to attend the free screening of "Selma" held on campus that evening. Due to the campus closing because of a possible snow day, we had to reschedule the Self Defense Seminar. Thursday, we celebrated our charter day with cake, chocolate, and punch. We also had an informative male panel and touched on various topics. Friday, we encouraged everyone to attend the annual Onyx Ball hosted by the African American Student Union. Saturday, we volunteered at Parklane Elementary with the Nu Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

March 6, 2015 - Georgia Tech Greek Carnival

We participated in Georgia Tech's Greek Carnival with the IFC, CPC, and MGC. We were partnered with another council and encouraged students to play games and get to know each other.

March 23, 2015 - New Member Presentation

We had a New Member Presentation and welcomed a new soror to campus - Soror Kelly "Ruby" Gleber.
 
March 26, 2015 - Self Defense Seminar with Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc.

We hosted our annual Self Defense Seminar with Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the Georgia Tech Police Department. GTPD came and gave out free goodies (such as whistles, glasses, pens, and flashlights). GTPD also gave a presentation on drinking and driving, sex education, rape, and emergency contacts on campus. After that, we had a small lesson on self-defense moves one can use when they are in danger.

Rho Xi Zeta Congratulates Soror Chrislyn Turner


 
Soror Chrislyn Turner is a 2015 Honoree of the State of Georgia Hall of Fame. She is a budget specialist with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security. In this position, she is the principal budget and financial administrator for the agency.
A 2007 inductee into the Southeastern Region Hall of Fame, Soror Turner is a proud 25-year Diamond Life member and a proven leader and asset to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Her accomplishments speak for themselves and merit her recognition as a 2015 State of Georgia Hall of Fame Honoree.
Under her leadership as the 18th Regional Director, the Southeastern Region chartered five chapters, two amicae auxiliaries, raised $128K for the capital campaign, updated the regional directory and established a monthly regional newsletter.  As Georgia State Director (2005-2010), membership was doubled to include the chartering of eight graduate chapters, three undergraduate chapters as well as the reinstatement of three undergraduate chapters. The state also added four amicae auxiliaries. In support of the capital campaign the State of Georgia purchased a bench that is now located in the courtyard of National Headquarters.
 
Additionally, the state of Georgia supported humanitarian efforts in Ghana by purchasing a water well and contributed to the construction of an Infirmary. Soror Turner is currently a member of Rho Xi Zeta Chapter in Kennesaw, a chapter that she helped charter and served as president for three consecutive terms. As an undergraduate, she led her chapter Epsilon Zeta, to the community service award at the 1992 Boule held in Charlotte, NC.
 
Soror Turner is active in community organizations, most notably the Atlanta Junior League where she part of the individual giving committee. She is a fundraiser for the annual fund and earned a Fund Development Fundraising Certificate from the league.
 
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

KIZ Recognized at 2015 Georgia State Leadership Conference


 
The sorors of Kappa Iota Zeta were proud to pick up several awards at the 2015 Georgia State Leadership Conference.
 
KIZ was recognized for 1st Place ZHOPE points (51+ members), 1st Place ZHOPE Youth, 1stPlace March for Babies fundraising, Soror Lois McKellar – Top March for Babies Individual Fundraiser, Soror LaNise Thrasher – UG Advisor of the Year, and Soror Jenelsia Belt – Life Member Outstanding Service Award. Soror Margie Terry and Soror Jacqueline Ward-Williams were inducted as Zeta Doves at State Conference.
 
Thank you to KIZ committee chairs and sorors who helped KIZ win these awards at our 2015 State Conference.

ETA GAMMA ZETA - FINER WOMANHOOD MONTH


Eta  Gamma Zeta Members attending State Conference 2015
L-R: Soror Candace Vaughn, Soror Carol Alderman (Diamond Life), Soror Wilhemina Thrasher (Life Member) and Soror Patricia Butler
To begin the New Year, sorors wore Zeta colors and paraphernalia to highlight our 95th Founder’s Day on January 16, 2015.  The following day Founder’s Day was observed with a program paying tribute to our Five Pearls, followed by a luncheon at Second Presbyterian Church.

The chapter held several activities during Finer Womanhood month.  Activities included members paying tribute to our local Founders, followed by our traditional rededication ceremony and luncheon.
Soror Evans chaired the Divine Nine Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Scholarship Service program held at Historical Gaines Chapel Church in Waycross, GA on March 15. Eta Gamma Zeta placed first in the fundraiser category among the Greek organizations.
The chapter will conclude their Finer Womanhood activities with a Community service ZHOPE project donating nonperishable items to Sparrow’s Nest, a local nonprofit organization.

ZETAS ZUMBA FOR EDUCATION


 
The “Outstanding” Omicron Kappa Zeta chapter partied with a purpose on Friday, March 20th, by hosting our annual Zetas Zumba for Education event to raise funds for our Ola Hill Memorial Scholarship.
Now in its third year, the event is a partnership with fitness guru Cynthia Florence, CEO and founder of Pure Energy Fitness in Marietta, Georgia.  This event has attracted support from a variety of sponsors and individuals, including family members of our Triumphant Soror Ola Hill, a charter member of Omicron Kappa Zeta after whom our scholarship was named.
Proceeds from the event support the scholarship, which is a monetary book award given to deserving high school seniors who attend Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County Schools and Clayton County Schools in our chapter’s service area. 

ECHOES FROM ETA OMEGA ZETA CHAPTER – ATHENS


                                                               CONGRATULATIONS  TO :
Soror  Margaret W. Tribble,  the first DOVE in Eta Omega Zeta!! She was honored at the State and Regional Conferences.
Soror  Nancy Elaine Johnson-Kelley for being an inaugural  recipient of the Jim Perkins Dedication Award  which honors dedicated staff members who make a difference in the lives of students. Dr. Allen McCannon, Superintendent of Madison County School System will present the award on April 14, 2015.
Soror Katheryn B. Davis, a 2015 Athens Award Nominee; her nomination was by her chapter, Eta Omega Zeta – Athens. The Athena Award is an international award presented to persons who demonstrate excellence, creativity and success in business and furthers those goals for other  professional women.
 
Eta Omega Zeta Chapter – Athens for co-sponsorship  of  a FREE AFFORDABLE CARE INFORMATION SESSION  at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church .
 
Sorors Caroline Dagadu and Lisa Harris , awesome representatives  of  Eta Omega Zeta Chapter at New Grove Baptist Church, Winterville, GA. for “ Black Fraternities and Sororities Day “.  This event was a part of the Church’s  Educational and Community Services, Inc. Program.
Eta Omega Zeta Chapter – Athens for an excellent Finer Womanhood Program at the Greater Bethel A. M. E. Church where six finer women were honored for community service.