THE PEACH BUZZ: 2017

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Partners in Service

On Saturday, September 9, 2017, members of Kappa Iota Zeta and its auxiliary, the Amicae of East Point, gathered with other community volunteers at the Walter and Andrew Young Family YMCA for the YMCA’s Help Houston Project. The Amicae and members of Kappa Iota Zeta presented Mr. Gavin McGuire, YMCA Executive Director, with a check to be used to purchase water for residents of Texas displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The Zetas and Amicae also assisted with loading cases of water on a truck headed to Houston.

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter and the Amicae of East Point have enjoyed a strong relationship with the Young Family YMCA and look forward to more partnership opportunities that will benefit the city of East Point and communities beyond.

Shannon McGuire-Lee, Kappa Iota Zeta President; Tara Locket, KIZ 2nd Vice President; Gavin McGuire, Young YMCA Executive Director; Michelle L. Robinson, KIZ Amicae Auxiliary Co-Chair; Connie Lincoln, Amicae of East Point – President; and Jenette Lewis, Amicae of East Point.

Cheryl Johnson, KIZ Amicae Auxiliary Co-Chair; Queen Lackey, Amicae of East Point; Judy Beasley, Amicae of East Point.

Sigma Omicron Zeta 2017 Scholarship Recipients

The members of the Sigma Omicron Zeta chapter are pleased to announce our scholarship recipients for 2017. They are Autumn Williams, who is a freshman at Spelman College majoring in Chemistry, and Kikachukwu Ugboh, who is a freshman at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering. We look forward to seeing the contributions these two young ladies will make in the years to come.

Autumn Williams, Freshman at Spelman College

Cool Down With the Zetas

The so sweet ladies of the Epsilon Tau Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. hosted an end of summer cookout. The event was well attended by Zetas, Amicae, family, and friends. School supplies were collected and donated to a local elementary school.

Phi Omicron Zeta's Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Phi Omicron Zeta held their annual scholarship luncheon and recognized the following scholars: Kaylen Jackson, Jada Johnson, and Terrance Mitchell.

Guest Speaker for this event was Major Leslie B. Holmes who is the Chief Deputy of Lamar County. She was raised in the state of Texas , graduate of Wharton High School, attended Wharton Community College with a double major in Accounting and Real Estate, currently enrolled as a student at Columbus State seeking additional training in the field of law. She is married to Mr. Bobby Holmes of Milner, Ga and they have four sons, Pierre, Keith, Brett, and Bobby Jr.

The guest speaker shared with the recipients words of encouragement to think about as they pursue their first year of college. During her presentation, parents were acknowledged for all of their hard work in helping this dream become a reality.

The ladies of Phi Omicron Zeta again would like to thank our scholars and wish them well as they pursue new journeys/careers.

Beta Omega Zeta Chapter Welcomes New Members

The 23rd of June 2017 was such a great day for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. as three new members of Beta Omega Zeta Chapter were inducted into membership. The chapter celebrated their new sorors with great fellowship, gifts, and dinner. To our Spring 2017 Sorors Rhonda Robinson, Sequoyah Pinkney, and Shawnese Leonard, welcome to this great sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and we are so proud to call you our sorors!

Epsilon Eta Zeta's Community Pearls Scholarship Luncheon

In observance of Finer Womanhood, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority recognized five outstanding ladies of the community for their extraordinary community service. The number five is noteworthy of the five founders of our sorority. The 2017 honorees were recognized at the chapter’s luncheon which was held at the Columbus Country Club. The guest speaker for this occasion was Ms. Chrislyn Turner.

Ms. Turner has an affinity for nonprofit service and it has been her life’s passion. Currently, she serves as the Zetas Enlightening and Uplifting (ZEAL) Foundation Board President. Z.E.A.L. is the 501c3 fundraising arm of Rho Xi Zeta Chapter. Ms. Turner has over 15 years of non-profit leadership and board experience. As a proud Diamond Level member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Turner served as past National Executive Board Member, Regional and State Director of the Southeastern Region.

The 2017 Community Pearl honorees were as follows: Mrs. Lillian V. Baker, Mrs. Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, Mrs. LaTivia Rivers, Dr. JoAnn Thomas-Buchanan and Ms. Katonga L. Wright.

Mrs. Lillian Vaughn Baker is a Salem, Alabama native and a lifelong educator and community servant having worked as a teacher, principal, director of community education, assistant superintendent and three times interim superintendent in Russell County. She was also the first black female to serve as Assistant Superintendent. She attended Alabama A & M, Troy University, Phenix City and Auburn University.

Mrs. Baker has been recognized for community service with many organizations to include (RCERA) Russell County Education Retirees Association, serving as secretary for eighteen years, St. Paul CME Church in Crawford, Alabama as church secretary, Christian Education Director, Advisor of the Missionary Auxiliary, and Vacation Bible School. Mrs. Baker served tirelessly on the Inaugural Committee of the Phenix City Mayor’s Day of Compassion and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Mrs. Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick is a Lieutenant with the Columbus Police Department’s Special Victims Unit (Sex Crimes/Youth Services), where she has proudly served her community for over 30 years. She is a native of Lumpkin, Georgia and is married to John Fitzpatick, Jr. She received her Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Science in Public Administration/Justice Administration from Columbus State University.

Joyce’s passion for mankind extends beyond her daily responsibilities at the Columbus Police Department. She raises awareness within the community as a guest speaker on bullying and sex crimes, an active participant in motorcycle rides for cancer awareness and a volunteer for Heroes and Helpers Annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s memberships and affiliations are extensive but some include the Police Honor Guard Commander, State of Georgia Fraternal Order of Police Motor Unit, Stewards of Children, Coalition for the City of Columbus, Georgia on Ending Human Sex Trafficking Now, Easter Seals Board and Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. LaTivia Rivers is currently the Manager of the Georgia Visitor Information Center, Columbus, Georgia. Mrs. Rivers is a proud graduate of Wallace Community College and presently attends Troy University and is a certified “Travel Marketing Professional” (TMP).

Mrs. Rivers is extremely active in the tri-city community serving on numerous committees within the following organizations: Phenix City Charter Review Committee, Phenix City Alabama-Mayor’s Ball, Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Banquet, Kiwanis and the 2016 General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia Leadership Team.

Dr. JoAnn Thomas-Buchanan is a Columbus native and proud parent of one daughter, Tamara Sheri’ Johnson. Dr. Buchanan was educated in the public schools of Muscogee County. She often speaks of the encouragement and positive contributions made by her parents and many teachers she encountered as she matriculated through school. Dr. Buchanan advanced through the Muscogee County System working as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Student Affairs, 504 Coordinator and Behavior Intervention Specialist at the Woodall Center. Her passion to continue to educate and make life better for others lead her to open her own Healthcare business. Dr. Thomas has made numerous charitable donations to community organizations and provide college scholarship assistance to deserving local high school students.

Dr. Thomas is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter. Her motto is: “Stand for something or fall for everything!”

Katonga L. Wright, ESQ is a native of Columbus and a 1995 graduate of G.W. Carver High and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. In 2011 Ms. Wright and her father, Attorney William J. Wright, Sr. founded The Wright Legal Group, LLC.

Ms. Wright is the founder of Master of My Fate Mentoring Program; a not for profit initiative started to give students access to mentoring opportunities and career related camps and programs. For the past four years, the program has focused on law related internships and summer camps for kids and young adults interested in becoming lawyers. She has also worked with diversity initiatives within the State Bar of Georgia.

The luncheon was enjoyed by all. Proceeds from the luncheon will support our scholarship program for deserving high school students in the area. Entertainment was provided by Ms. Josephine Ford, Soloist and Mr. Warren Thornton, Saxophonist. Photos by Davis Video Creations.

Welcome Home Doves

“Welcome Home Doves" is our new initiative spotlighting our reclaimed members. Sigma Omicron Zeta Lawrenceville welcomes Soror Gloria Nelson, Soror Alexis Jackson-Walker, Soror Michelle Pettway, and Soror Tamila Bynes. Soror Gloria Nelson is a 1967 initiate of the Theta Beta Chapter Tuskegee Institute. Soror Alexis Jackson-Walker is a 1992 initiate of the Omega Beta Chapter, Fayetteville State University. Soror Michelle Pettway is a Spring 1989 initiate of the Alpha Nu Chapter State University of New York, and Soror Tamila Bynes is a 2006 initiate of the Gamma Lambda Zeta Chapter Florida. SOZ is thrilled to have these ladies join us and we lovingly welcome each Soror home to Zeta!

Sigma Omicron Zeta would like to welcome its newest members to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sorors Jillian Colon, Renee Mitchell, Shadell Murray, Nicolette Pinnock, Lynn Walker, and Michelle Elias are 2017 Spring initiates. SOZ welcomes our new Sorors to the chapter and to the great Sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Omicron Zeta congratulates Soror Lilanta Joy Bradley for completing her Doctoral degree in Public Health from the University of Georgia in May of 2017. SOZ is proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Bradley and wish her infinite success in her future endeavors. Soror Bradley is a true testament to the principles of which we were founded!

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Rho Epsilon Zeta March for Babies

On April 29, 2017, Rho Epsilon Zeta chapter participated in the March for Babies event that took place in Marietta, GA. This event is near and dear to our hearts because we have many Sorors who have had to deal with the challenges that come with the loss of a child or premature births. It was a great honor and pleasure to represent our beloved Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Omicron Alpha Zeta 2017 Educational Scholarships

Americus, Georgia (May 12, 2017) – On the campus of the Americus-Sumter High School, the Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter awarded two high school seniors with educational scholarships.

Ms. Daisha Roberts, the daughter of Shona Pettiford, is a native of Americus, Georgia Ms. Roberts is very active on her campus and is a members of the following organizations: the Swim Team, FBLA, the Math Team, News and Yearbook Teams, and served as a Georgia Youth Assembly Senator and Georgia State Science Fair Representative. In the community, Ms. Roberts has championed canned food drives, helped teachers prepare their classrooms, and she holds several Microsoft Office certifications. Ms. Roberts enjoys politics, writing, web design, and photography and seeks to attend Yale University to become an attorney.

Ms. Kelly Lynn Ingle, the daughter of Melissa Lynn Ingle, is a native of Plains, Georgia and valedictorian of her high school class. Ms. Ingle is very active in her church, William Road Church of Christ, and her community. In high school, Ms. Ingle is a member of the FFA, FBLA, Beta Club, Math Team, and Band. Also, Ms. Ingle regularly volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, donates time to activities involving the less fortunate and children. Ms. Ingle provides holiday meals for families, tutors children, and sends care packages to U.S. soldiers. Ms. Ingle plans to attend Faulkner University and major in education. Each recipient received a $250 educational scholarship and a certificate.

Educational Scholarship Recipient Kelly Lynn Ingle and Bambie Hayes, Scholarship Chair

Educational Scholarship Recipient Daisha Roberts and Bambie Hayes, Scholarship Chair

Omicron Alpha Zeta Attends Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church Anniversary

Americus, Georgia (April 23, 2017) – On Sunday, April 23, 2017, Dr. DeRienzia Johnson, First Lady Vernice Johnson, and First Son Joshua Johnson celebrated 10 years of faithful service to Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. Members of the Johnson family, church members, friends, and the Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter, gave presentations of appreciation to Dr. Johnson, First Lady Johnson, and First Son Johnson. President Kina Davis delivered words of gratitude to Dr. Johnson for his 10-year collaboration with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Soror Robbie Latimore and Frater Frank Latimore adorned Dr. Johnson in his doctoral robe. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter partners with Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in numerous programs throughout the year including the Christmas Program for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA) and Angel Tree® youth, the Back-to-School Bash, and Education Summits in Sumter County, Georgia.

Omicron Alpha Zeta Relay for Life 2017

Americus, Georgia (April 28, 2017) – On the field of Sumter County Middle School, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Sumter County, Georgia. Since 1985, Relay for Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer. Over 4 million people in 20 countries walk overnight to bring awareness and raise funds for cancer research. Sorors walked around the track and lit luminaries in honor or memory of individuals affected by cancer. Also, members of the Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter donated light refreshments to Relay for Life’s participants and attendees. Sorors played games with the youth, made hula skirts, and enjoyed the fellowship of other community-based organizations. The Relay for Life of Sumter County, Georgia rose over $20,000 for cancer research in 2017.

Phi Omicron Zeta Stork's Nest Relocates

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter, on Sunday April 9, 2017, moved their Stork’s Nest to a Bethlehem Baptist Church property, located at 2169 Usher St NW, Covington, GA 30014. It was an exciting day that concluded with members of Bethlehem Baptist Church and Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter cutting the ribbon to officially open the Nest. This is an excellent example of church and community partnering to make people lives better.

Stork’s Nest, a cooperative project of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and the March of Dimes Foundation, for more than forty years, aims to increase the number of women receiving early and regular prenatal care, in an effort to prevent cases of low birth-weight, premature births and infant deaths. The program is designed to promote prenatal care participation and encourage healthy behaviors during pregnancy for low income mothers through two components, incentives and education. Stork’s Nest clients “earn” points toward incentives, such as baby care items though a variety of positive, health-promoting activities, such as, attending prenatal visits, participating in prenatal education classes, stopping at-risk behaviors, such as, smoking cigarettes and consuming alcoholic beverages and reducing stress. There are more than 80 Nests throughout the United States. Stork’s Nest is a jointly owned trademark of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and March of Dimes Foundation and can only be implemented by these two organizations.

To ensure the Nest would be ready prior to the new opening, Bethlehem Baptist Church Deacon, Craig McCloud, worked tirelessly painting and repairing the room that would become the Nest, while members of Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter and their family members decorated, installed shelving and arranged the incentive items.

The first Stork’s Nest was launched in Atlanta, Georgia in 1971 as one of many educational and service projects of Better Infant Births (BIB), a highly successful program sponsored by the Fulton-Dekalb-Clayton Chapter of the March of Dimes.

Expectant mothers and fathers in Newton and Rockdale Counties interested in participating with the Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter Stork’s Nest should contact Marilyn Barton, Stork’s Nest Coordinator, at Barton.marilyn@yahoo.com . The Stork’s Nest is open and ready to do its part to encourage expectant parents to practice healthy behaviors that may lead to healthier babies.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter Members and Friend L to R: Eula Hardeman, Ayanna Lewis, Marilyn Barton, Evon Mazyck, Kathryn Williams, Kyra Williams, Dalphine Browder, Kaleena Jackson, Gloria Fallings, Dionne Wilson and Felicia Arnold.

Sigma Omega Zeta Inaugural Scholarship Luncheon

The Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. had its Inaugural Scholarship Luncheon on May 20th, 2017 at Renaissance Atlanta Airport Hotel. The luncheon was sponsored by the chapter’s education foundation. The mission of the Sigma Omega Zeta Education Foundation is its commitment to assist with the goals of young women who pursue higher education. The Five Pearls of Hope Fund provides a $500.00 non-renewable scholarship to Clayton County seniors whose written essay exemplifies scholarship, character and financial need. Preference is given to students who have participated in community service in the Clayton County area. As the luncheon began, the atmosphere was adorned with elegantly finer decorations. After invocation and blessing, Sorors, the recipients, and their families enjoyed a delicious lunch as sounds of the Curtis Watson Brass Band filled the banquet hall. Following lunch, our keynote speaker, Soror Dr. Joyce Bolds enriched our spirits with eloquent words inspiring us through our principles and the life of Triumphant Soror Zora Neale Hurston. Three young ladies were awarded scholarships. The Power of Word scholarship was awarded to Cheyenne Stoghill and Suhailah A. Wright. The Blue & White Legacy Scholarship was presented to Kristin Johnson, daughter of our very own Soror Renea Johnson. This Inaugural Scholarship Luncheon was a PHI-nominal beginning! The Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. anticipates next year’s luncheon as we continue to celebrate young ladies who epitomize our Sorority principles of scholarship and character. Congratulations to our Inaugural Scholarship recipients!

Rho Epsilon Zeta's St. Jude Telethon with Praise 102.5

The Rho Epsilon Zeta Chapter answered phones and setup recurring donations during the annual St. Jude Radiothon in Atlanta, GA with Praise 102.5. Celebrity radio hosts such as Erica Campbell and William McDowell were in attendance, they lent their voices to help in the fight against childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening diseases. Radio Cares for St. Jude Kids® national radio broadcast event corralled inspirational music stations across the country and raised more than $1.5 million for the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.

Rho Epsilon Zeta's Sisterhood Event with the Atlanta Hawks

On March 26, 2017, Rho Epsilon Zeta enjoyed the fellowship of the sisterhood by attending an Atlanta Hawks game. It's always a good idea to check in with our fellow Sorors and spend time building those relationships.

Epsilon Tau Zeta's Stars on Parade

On April 22, 2017, the Epsilon Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Macon, Ga held their bi-annual Stars on Parade scholarship pageant. The event was well attended by members of the Macon-Bibb County community and was highlighted in the local news. Epsilon Tau Zeta was able to raise $10,000 towards scholarships. They awarded seven scholarships to local graduating seniors.

Xi Xi Zeta's 6th Annual Scholarship Breakfast

The Xi Xi Zeta Chapter and the Amicae Auxiliary of Lithonia held its 6th Annual Scholarship Breakfast at the St. Paul A.M.E. Church on Saturday, June 3rd, “Keeping the Flame of Excellence”. Our special guest speaker was our Sigma Brother, Monaleto C. Irby, the immediate past State of Georgia Director of the Sigma Beta Clubs.

Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta Attends School Board Meeting

Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta is Getting Engaged with the Coweta County community. Sorors attended the May 9, 2017 school board meeting. Items discussed included approval request for assistive technology for the special education department, approval for several summer field trips, and various building construction support. The East Coweta County High School was recognized for their national championship win in Memphis, TN. Several board members formally recognized the Zetas after the meeting and thanked them for their continuous support shown regularly at monthly meetings.

Fierce and Finer Spotlight June 2017

The great state of Georgia would like to congratulate the graduates of 2017. The Fierce and Finer spotlight for June 2017 is shining brightly on some of the graduates in the state.