OMICRON ALPHA ZETA and MU MU CHAPTER PARTICIPATE IN WORLD AIDS DAY RESOURCE FAIR

         

                 

In recognition of World AIDS Day, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. chapter's Omicron Alpha Zeta  and Mu Mu co-hosted a World AIDS Day Community Resource and Health Fair at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Over 200 participants received free HIV testing, health screenings, informational brochures, and red ribbons. Attendees participated in cake walks, Zumba, Alcohol/HIV Bingo, and were entertained by special performances. In addition to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., several vendors attended the event including Wellcare, Middle Flint Behavior Healthcare, Sumter Faith Clinic, Sumter County Family Connection, and many more.

Since 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized World AIDS Day on December 1 of each year. Globally, over 34 million people have HIV and 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS. WHO encourages organizations to conduct events to increase awareness, improve education, and encourage everyone to know their status.

POZ’s Christmas with Riverside Nursing Home

Christmas is a fun time of the year and Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter, looks forward to spending it with Riverside Nursing Home every year. This year we played bingo, sang Christmas carols, gave out homemade Christmas cards, blessing bags and blue and white peppermint canes. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be with family on Christmas, and this is why Phi Omicron Zeta is always here to bring Christmas cheer to Riverside Nursing Home. People sometimes only think of children, but the elderly enjoys the joy of Christmas as well.

This year Phi Omicron Zeta Youth Auxiliary sang Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells and Silent Night.  Riverside Nursing Home residents were very excited for the youth performance and thankful for the Christmas cards and blessing bags. Phi Omicron Zeta  enjoys what they do and love making a difference in people lives. 

OMICRON ALPHA ZETA CHAPTER DONATES TO FOOD TO THE NEEDY FOR THANKSGIVING

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. chapter Omicron Alpha Zeta donated to two community-based organizations that served food to the needy for Thanksgiving. Members donated a turkey and served food during Little Rock Baptist Church’s Annual “Reach Out and Touch” Thanksgiving Day Meal. Over 50 attendees enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal, fellowship, and inspiration. In addition to Little Rock Baptist Church and Omicron Alpha Zeta, other community partners were the Crisp County Extension Service, Greater New Birth Family Outreach Ministries, and several local businesses.

Also, members of Omicron Alpha Zeta  collected Thanksgiving canned goods for the Hand of Hope Food Pantry. The Hand of Hope Multipurpose Center meets the needs of the community through low-cost clothing, emergency food distribution and housing, and tutoring. 

A Noteworthy November

The Omega Mu chapter kicked the month of November off by showing some school spirit. During the week of September 30th through November 5th, we participated in several homecoming events. The week ended with a blue and white tailgate in which Sigma and Zeta alumni came out to have a good time. 

We also participated in the statewide day of service, where we had the opportunity to volunteer for the annual Ridge Run 5K in support of adoption. We had an amazing time cheering on the participants as they reached their individual goals.  

We took the chance to send three of our members, Autiana Brooks, Ashley Batten, and Brittany Johnson, to the Southeastern Regional Conference in Atlanta. They were able to absorb some meaningful knowledge that will help us better ourselves as a chapter.  They embraced their leadership skills by taking advantage of every opportunity immerse themselves in Zeta. 

“Kaptivating” Kappa Iota Zeta - Zeta Day of Service

On Saturday, November 5, 2016, the  Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc “Kaptivating” Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter (KIZ) implemented an East Point/Atlanta KIZ take over.  This year on our annual service day, Kappa Iota Zeta provided services to help with the military, youth, and the Stork’s Nest.

   

November 1^st marked the National Family Literacy Day.  During the month of November, there are many events which are held at schools, libraries and other literacy organizations.  The scholars of KIZ volunteered their time to participate in a literacy lock- in with students of varying grade levels at Asa Hilliard Elementary School. This event was called “Read with Me Z”.  The sisters of KIZ formed individual groups of students to read books aloud and ask various comprehension questions to keep the students engaged and to help improve their reading comprehension. The students rotated to different readers depending on their grade level.  

The students also had the opportunity to fellowship with friends while enjoying a healthy snack.  According an article written by Caitrin Blake at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, there is a strong correlation between the foods students consume daily and their performance.  It is important that the youth in the community understands the importance of a healthy snack.  

The finer women of KIZ also went to the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center to serve in there call center.  Directed by call center supervisors, the sisters of KIZ were given a list of veterans to contact.  They called the Veterans to encourage them to keep their necessary appointments.  During the service day the sisters of KIZ had the opportunity to meet the VA’s new Director, Annette P. Walker, who expressed her appreciation for the sorority giving of their time to assist the veterans. 

Lastly, the sisters of KIZ’s Storks Nest served at the Georgia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Fall Festival and Resource Fair.  The community participants were invited to attend the Fall Festival along with the National Director of Storks Nest, Soror Joanne Patterson, and the State of Georgia Parliamentarian, Soror Vickie Pearson.  The festival education families on eating healthy while we education on the Stork’s Nest.  Families were given samples of fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks to reinforce what was learned.  

OMICRON ALPHA ZETA CHAPTER RECOGNIZES ITS VETERANS

Pictured from left to right: Soror Natosha Gulley, Soror Kina Davis, President (displaying Soror Tyseanna Allen’s certificate – not pictured), and Soror Tanesh Buckner

In recognition of National Military Appreciation Week, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter recognized its members who have served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Omicron Alpha Zeta has three members who have served or is currently serving in the military. Soror Natosha Gulley served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2007. Soror Tanesh Buckner served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 1998. Soror Tyseanna Allen serves in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2009 to present. Soror Kina Davis, President, presented certificates to each of the Chapter’s veterans. Thank you for your service!

Pictured from left to right: Soror Natosha Gulley and Soror Tanesh Buckner. Soror Tyseanna Allen (not pictured)

Phi Omicron Zeta - Toiletry Blessings Bags

For the Day of Service, Phi Omicron Zeta seven members and thirteen POZ youth auxiliary members got together to pack toiletry blessings bags, to give to Riverside Nursing Home, Rockdale Women Shelter, Rainbow Homeless Shelter, and  Bethlehem Baptist Church.Two hundred toiletry bags were packed. 

Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter - Graduates Awarded Scholarships

Service, Education, Progress. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter, Columbus, Georgia annually awards scholarships to deserving youth in our community.  The scholarship applicants exceeded the minimum qualifications and excelled in academics and community service.  We are pleased to announce our 2016 scholarship recipients.  

From left to right:    Ja'Nia Johnson; Kendrick High, Angel Rosser and Ashley Dorsey; Carver High.
Back Row Left To Right:   Mrs. Olivia Rutledge, Scholarship Chairperson, Briana Long, Smiths Station High, Latia Carter and Markeisha Wagner; Carver High,   Jaliyah Giles; Hardaway High, Keyon Davis; Northside High and Mrs. Brenda DeRamus, President of Epsilon Eta Zeta

Scholarship recipients not in the photo are Xaulyca Hall and Asia West; Jordan High; Raven Rivers; Central High, Chariena Woods; Kendrick High and Andrea D. Washington, Columbus State University.

The recipient of the Dr. Eunice S. Thomas Scholarship was Andrea D. Washington, Columbus State University.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. congratulates these youth on their success and wishes them well in their future endeavors.

Beta Omega Zeta Chapter Participated in a Day of Service

The Beta Omega Zeta Chapter of Albany, Georgia participated in the 2016 Project Homeless Connect event that was held on November 15, 2016. The chapter members donated hygiene items such as washcloths, soaps, and socks to more than 500 hundred citizens in need.   The Beta Omega Zeta chapter was proud to represent Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.in Albany, Georgia, with a day of service for such a great cause. 

Zeta Day of Service: Lillian Carter Rehabilitation Center

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter held their Zeta Day of Service Event at the Lillian Carter Rehabilitation Center in Plains, GA.  The seniors at the center was excited to see us when we arrived that morning.  We had the opportunity to take them into the activity room.  Once we were in the activity room, sorors began to hold conversations with them until the room was setup for bingo.  When bingo was setup, each soror was paired with two to three seniors to assist with them bingo.  Soror Kina Davis called the numbers.  The seniors were able to win some great prizes.  Some of the prizes were socks, body wash, lotion, soap, deodorant, puzzles, and drink bottle.  The seniors and the sorors had a fun filled morning.  We look forward to our upcoming Christmas party with them in December.

Eta Omega Zeta Breast Cancer Awareness Program

On Oct. 16, 2016 Eta Omega Zeta held a Breast Cancer Awareness Program during Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church morning service. Soror Kathryn Davis gave the congregation facts about breast cancer. After service there was a reception in the fellowship hall. A table was set up in the vestibule of the church with brochures on breast cancer and the effects of cancer in general, as well as some freebies.. Each person attending service receive a pin to wear with either hope, faith, courage or survivor on it. The members was asked to wear pink on that Sunday. The breast cancer survivors answered questions they felt comfortable in answering.

Xi Omega Zeta Weekend of Service for the Georgia Day of Service Campaign

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Omega Zeta Chapter (Warner Robins) kicked off the first week of November with the Weekend of Service with three community service projects as we celebrated the annual Georgia Day of Service.  On Thursday, November 3rd, 2016, Xi Omega Zeta collaborated with the Warner Robins chapter of the NPHC to collect food and cleaning supplies to benefit the Warner Robins Community Outreach Service Center. 

The Community Outreach Service Center is a non-profit organization that  was founded by Rev. John and Izzy Thomas in 1999 and serves as "A Haven For the Homeless".  Over the past few years, the Warner Robins NPHC chapter has collected and donated items to benefit the homeless families that are seeking assistance to become self-sufficient in all areas of their life.  Members of Xi Omega Zeta contributed 160 cleaning supplies to the total NPHC donation of 700 items to the organization. 

Our second community service project not only served as a our official Georgia Day of Service Project on Saturday, November 5th, but our launch to Military Appreciation Week as well. We collected over 2,689 toiletry items and created 100 care packages to benefit the homeless Veterans who receive services through the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia. 

Our collaboration with the Voluntary Services department at the CAVAMC will benefit over 100 male and female Veterans throughout the Middle Georgia area, especially near the Perry Clinic. We concluded our weekend of service  on Saturday by also collecting funds to donate sandwich bags for the State of Georgia USO Project. The sandwich bags will be used for snacks for Veterans that are deployed across the world. We truly enjoyed the camaraderie of working with these organizations for our weekend of service and certainly look forward to servicing our Veteran and Homeless population in the Middle Georgia area in the future. 

PINK OUT SUNDAY IN NEWNAN

Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta celebrated breast cancer survivors Sunday, October 17, 2016 with its community partners at Jones Hill Chapel, United Methodist Church. Sorors invited Wendie Franks (RN) from the Coweta County Health Department to speak to the congregation. Not only did Ms. Franks give a demonstration on how to perform a self-examination, she also gave her testimony on her battle and victory over breast cancer. Other church members and friends were recognized for their courageous fight with the deadly disease.

The church assisted AAKZ with its annual Wigs for Awareness Collection by donating a generous amount of wigs. The chapter provided church attendees with a beautiful reception as they were given informational pamphlets and t-shirts. Pastor Jermaine Elders painted the backdrop for photos. “I’m always happy to see Zeta Phi Beta,” said the pastor. Participants enjoyed this event.

Paint The Church Pink with POZ

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Phi Omicron Zeta, painted the church pink with Bethlehem Baptist Church and Sims Chapel Baptist Church in Covington Georgia.

On Sunday October 23rd, at the 8:00 am service, Phi Omicron Zeta Paint the Church Pink concluded with Bethlehem Baptist Church and 11:00 am service with Sims Baptist Church receiving breast cancer ribbons in the form of the breast cancer symbol and recognition for those who knows someone with breast cancer, battling with breast cancer, caregiver to someone with breast cancer, lost someone to breast cancer and survivors to breast cancer. Each candidate was pinned by the Sorors and Amicae; the tenderness of the moment was expressed on the face of each candidate.

This was a beautiful moment; each church was pleased and is looking forward to the next program with Phi Omicron Zeta.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter

Sigma Mu Zeta kicked off “Breast Cancer Awareness” month on October 5^th by hosting our 2^nd Annual Wednesday Wig Wine Down at the Calabar Bar and Grill in Stone Mountain, Ga.  This event is one of the ways we receive monetary donations and wigs in support of the American Cancer Society.  The event is an opportunity to fellowship with friends, family and fellow Greeks that continue to support this event.

At our monthly chapter meeting held on October 15^th, was themed “PINK OUT” and the membership was encouraged to wear pink and bring in donations of wigs or money. After the meeting, we went to our favorite Beauty Supply Store to shop and in honor of our continued patronage the store owners also donated additional wigs. This year we were also fortunate to have some of our partners join us in collecting and donating wigs.                       

On Saturday, October 29^th, we joined the thousands of others along with one of our undergraduate chapters from Clayton State College at Piedmont Park in Atlanta to participate in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk”.   We concluded this month with a sisterhood event that included family and friends at  a canvas painting party with a Breast Cancer Awareness theme on Sunday, October 30^th. A special thank you goes out to our many supporters who helped us reach and exceed our goal for this great cause!

Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter Paint the Church Pink

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church

St. Mark AME Church

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter had a magnificent time painting churches pink in Americus and Sumter County.  We conducted three Paint Your Church Pink event.  The churches that partnered with us were Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and St. Mark AME Church.  They welcomed us with open arms.  

We honored our Pink Warriors.  Pink Warriors are women who knew that God wouldn’t put more on them than they can handle.  They knew that if they put their trust in him, they would win the battle.  They knew the journey would not be easy but they had to keep the faith.  Giving up was not an option, because they had to win the race.  

We honored breast cancer survivors that endured a lot of hardships, pain, and more.  Now they are a living testimony how God delivered them and they continue to spread awareness in their community.  Speakers for each Paint Your Church Pink was Soror Kina Davis, Soror Alnita Dowdell, and Soror Ernestine Martin.  Each survivor received a bag, cup, calendar, memo pad, and pencil.  Members attending services received a pink ribbon, calendar, and bookmarks.  Breast Cancer Awareness handouts were also provided.  All 3 events were a success and we look forward to these events next year.

Soror Cathy Dukes….Breast Cancer Survivor

Soror Cathy Dukes and Soror Kina Davis

Soror Cathy Dukes is a Breast Cancer Survivor.  She is a charter member of the Mu Mu Chapter at Georgia Southwestern State University.  She is the sister of Soror Terri Wakefield who is a member of Tau Omicron Zeta Chapter.  Soror Dukes is a member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Americus, GA.  Soror Kina Davis had the honor to pin Soror Dukes with her Breast Cancer Awareness Pin during the ceremony.  Soror Dukes is a very strong advocate when it comes spreading awareness about cancer.

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter Youth Archonettes and Amicettes

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter Youth Archonettes and Amicettes participated in a community service event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The youth volunteered at the Union City 2016 Breast Cancer Walk. The Archonettes and Amicettes registered participants; gave out T-shirts; helped with event set up; distributed water and snacks for participants of the event.

Phi Omicron Zeta - Making a Difference with Youth

On Sunday August 28, 2016, Phi Omicron Zeta expanded, once again, its outreach to the youth by launching another auxiliary, the Pearlettes, thereby increasing membership across the three youth auxiliaries by eighteen. Phi Omicron Zeta has added a new youth auxiliary each year for the last three years. With each new auxiliary, Phi Omicron Zeta also adds new initiatives.  This year the chapter is adding a study hall and a mentoring program.  Look for good things to come throughout this sorority year from these three groups of beautiful, smart, talented and poised young girls and congratulation to the nine new Pearlettes!

The Ladies of Rho Epsilon Zeta Chapter - A Very Busy Summer!

The Ladies of Rho Epsilon Zeta Chapter have been very busy this summer. Fostering the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, Rho Epsilon Zeta has been out in the community making a difference:

Divine Nine 5K Atlanta – June 11, 2016 – Welcome All Park

The Inaugural Divine 5k Walk/Run issued a call for all Metro Atlanta Greeks, friends and family to walk, jog and run for the cause to benefit NPHC of Greater Atlanta’s community programs and scholarship fund.

Alpha Kappa Alpha 2016 Boulé THINKHBCU EXPO – July 9, 2016 – Georgia World Congress Center

THINKHBCU is an International campaign to bring awareness and financial support to HBCU’s. Students were asked to consider attending historically black colleges and universities and learn about the benefits and contributions HBCUs make to society. Greek organizations were there to share information about their programs and scholarships.

·    Eagles Nest Church – Backpacks and School Supplies Drive – July 17, 2016 – Eagles Nest Church

S.O.A.R (Single. Outstanding. Achieved. Redeemed), The Singles Ministry at Eagles Nest Church in Roswell, GA, held a backpack/school supplies drive to benefit the single parents of Eagles Nest Church. The Ladies of Rho Epsilon Zeta Chapter enjoyed Sunday service and donated more than 10 backpacks filled with school supplies.

NPHC of Cobb County/Fair Oaks Recreation Center – Back to School Bash – August 7, 2016 – Marietta, GA

Member organizations of Cobb County NPHC partnered with Fair Oaks Recreation Center for a Back to School event which featured information booths, activities for kids, food & drinks, and school supply giveaway.

Omega Psi Phi – Drive 4 Knowledge Charity Golf Classic – August 26, 2016 – Marietta City Club

The Brothers of the Chi Gamma Gamma Chapter held their 26^th Annual Golf Tournament to raise money in support of the 2^nd Century Invictus Fund, which supports and enhances educational opportunities for youth and young males in the service area of the foundation. Volunteers were at every hole during the tournament ensuring this event was fun for all who attended while raising funds for a worthy cause.

Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation – Girls Who Rule the World College Expo –September 16, 2016

The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation created Girls Who Rule the World to enhance the development of young girls and provide a forum to expose them to the benefits and importance of positive self-image, responsible personal conduct, respect for self and others, educational achievement and cultural enhancement. The Mentoring Weekend is comprised of 100 young women ages 13-18 from the Metro Atlanta area. Rho Epsilon Zeta Chapter distributed scholarship applications and talked to parents about Zeta Phi Beta’s youth auxiliaries.

 Freemont Foundation 5K Walk/Run – September 24, 2016 – Grant Park

Created as a legacy of Dr. James McKinley Freemont, Sr., the Freemont Foundation awards scholarships to deserving students attending institutions of higher learning. A select group of Atlanta-area fraternities and sororities were asked to be involved with public service in the community while celebrating education and fitness. Volunteers assisted with race day activities including registration, course marshals, food and water stations, set-up and clean up.