OMICRON ALPHA ZETA FOUNDERS’ DAY

In recognition of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s 97^th Founders’ Day, the Omicron Alpha Zeta held its Founders’ Day Breakfast Celebration on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church Life Center. Over 100 attendees enjoyed a spirit-filled program comprised of a delightful breakfast, song, praise dance, poetry, a dedication to our Triumphant Sorors, and a fervent rendition of the lives of our Founders.

Sorors and Amicae traveled from near and far to attend our breakfast. Attendees include the following: Georgia State Director Soror S. N. Ashford, Sorors from Alpha Theta Zeta, Alpha Alpha Gamma Zeta, Beta Omega Zeta, Chi Pi Zeta, Eta Rho Zeta, and the Amicae of Phenix City, Alabama. Also, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined us for our Founders’ Day Celebration.

Coordinated by Soror Dr. Robbie Latimore, the 2017 Founders’ Day Celebration was a resounding success!

OMICRON ALPHA ZETA GLOBAL DAY OF SERVICE AND HIDDEN FIGURES VIEWING

In recognition of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Global Day of Service, the Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter served as hostesses and collected the offering for Americus-Sumter County’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Friendship Baptist Church. Rev. Melvin McCluster, Pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church publicly thanked Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter for their collaboration in the MLK, Jr. Day Commemoration and their service to the community.

Later, Sorors traveled to Albany, Georgia to enjoy a sisterhood lunch followed by a viewing of the movie, Hidden Figures. Sorors tremendously enjoyed the fellowship and the history highlighting women of color and their significant contributions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Kappa Iota Zeta Youth Auxiliary - Archonettes, Amicettes, Pearlettes On The Move!

The youth represented Kappa Iota Zeta (KIZ) exceptionally well at the 82^nd Southeastern Regional Conference held in Atlanta, GA. Joy Johnson, the Archonette President was invited to speak at the opening ceremony to give the welcome. Additionally, she was greeted to a warm reception with the Madam Grand Wright, Commissioner Emma Darnell and Executive Director of Airport Area of Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carmenlita Scott. She was the highlight of the evening.

The youth took home numerous awards. The youth competed in the Regional Spelling Bee where they took first, second and third place. Additionally, they were all recognized for all A’s and AB Honor Roll. March for Babies 2015, the Pearlettes raised the most money $500.00. In 2016, The KIZ Youth took first place in the Regional Youth Project: March for Babies/Coins in a Baby Bottle donation. The total amount of coins received by the KIZ Youth were over $150.

KIZ Youth were able to attend a college tour that took them to the campus of Spelman College. They visited Sisters Chapel on the Spelman campus where, after his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s body once lied in repose. They also visited Spelman’s gym where they have all new equipment. The youth advisors were excited to see “Gilbert Hall” one of the filming locations for the famed television show “A Different World.” 

KIZ Pearlettes were able to meet Soror Sheryl Underwood and take pictures. The youth really enjoyed Soror Underwood.

KIZ Youth created Christmas Cards for the Seniors at Cosby Spear High-Rise and also our lovely Doves.

KIZ Youth wrote letters to our military services members in recognition of Veteran’s Day.

Fundraising Events: the selling of the Waffle house coupons. Overall the youth raised over $200. More to come!!

The Archonettes had four young ladies to induction to the youth auxiliary. Joy Johnson is the President, Arshanti Williams is the Vice President, Monique Tuft is the Secretary, and Cierra Williams is the Treasurer. These young ladies have done several ZHOPE projects this year so far.

KIZ Youth also attended Union City Breast Cancer Walk; where they helped sign runners and walkers in and passed out snacks and water.

KIZ Youth also attended the Harp Concert. This was a real treat for all involved. 

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter Graduates Inaugural Stork’s Nest Class

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter (KIZ) and the KIZ Stork's Nest Committee, led by Soror Tara Lockett, held its first graduation and shopping day for the participants in the inaugural Stork’s Nest class.  The graduates were required to complete a “Super Saturday” which included 8 educational modules and classes with community partners such as Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Service and Peach State Healthcare.  The classes focused on the importance of prenatal care for expectant mothers. In addition to completing the “Super Saturday,” participants in the program received points by keeping their doctor’s appointments and engaging in healthy behavior.  With these points, the graduates were able to shop for newborn items in the Stork’s Nest Store.

Kappa Iota Zeta looks to continue operating its Stork’s Nest Program in the East Point area through its partnership with Zion Hill Community Development Corporation. Continuing to build on the rich history started by Soror Evelyn Brown, who was the originator of the Stork’s Nest program, KIZ will focus this year on growing its Stork’s Nest Program. 

For more information or to donate to the KIZ Stork’s Nest Initiative, contact information@zphibkiz.org.

Kappa Iota Zeta - Autism Awareness

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter’s Autism Awareness Committee proposal was accepted on the national level of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at Boule' 2016 to be placed in Z-HOPE Manual Volume three.

The first event of the 2016-17 sorority year was Destination East Point Festival. This festival provided an opportunity to share informational documents provided by Autism Speaks with the community in attendance. The festival provided an opportunity to share an upcoming event titled “Light It Up Blue”. Light It Up Blue is celebrated internationally yearly on April 2. The April 2 event can be as simple as lighting a building, home, or other venues blue.

The second opportunity to bring awareness about Autism was presented at the 82^nd Southeastern Regional Conference of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., held in Atlanta, Georgia on November 10-13, 2016. Each registered attendee was provided with a small blue bag with a business card that explained the meaning of the multi-color autism ribbon, and autism awareness butter mints. The effort reached a population of 600.

The committee continues to grow in knowledge of researched articles and documents, and share these articles and documents with the sorors in Kappa Iota Zeta chapter and directors of the Sigma Zeta Foundation, Inc.  We have learned by wearing the autism pin and bracelet, we engage in conversations as we move thru our daily life.

Our goal is to continue to share "autism is a disorder, not a disease ", and there are many resources for parents, families, friends, and supporters.

We hope to move this mountain (autism awareness) one bite at a time.

Phi Omicron Zeta Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter celebrated it with Newton County High School and Veterans Memorial Middle School in Covington, Georgia.

At Newton High School, Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter was part of the NPHC Panel Discussion for the juniors and seniors.  During 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th periods Phi Omicron Zeta was given five minutes each period to present information about their organization and experience as part of the sorority.  After each session, there was a question and answer with the students. In attendance were eight hundred juniors and seniors.

Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter had the pleasure of stepping in Veterans Memorial Middle School's College Awareness Greek Step Show.  There was a brief synopsis of the history followed by a seven-minute step and two strolls from the Finer Women of POZ. Other members of The Divine Nine whom were present included: Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho. 

The purpose of this step show was to shed some light upon Black History Month as well as encouraging the students of VMMS to attend college while magnifying some of the great benefits of continuing your education, such as becoming part of a sorority or fraternity. The step show was a great success, and very popular amongst the students. Therefore, administrators have decided to make this an annual event during the month of February.

Sigma Mu Zeta's Global Day of Service

The women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Mu Zeta (SMZ) Chapter honored the late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in the Global Day of Service. Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter organized a service project for the misplaced citizens of DeKalb County.  The chapter partnered with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Kappa Alpha Sigma (KAS) Chapter and Buddy’s Gas Station on Glenwood Ave. to give families in need coats, shirts, hygiene kits, socks, sandwiches, snacks and other items. SMZ and KAS also went to the motel behind Buddy’s to knock on doors to let the residents know about the services we were providing at Buddy’s.

We then ran into a mother and her young children who had just literally got put out of their motel room.  The mother was standing there with her and the kids belongings while her young children played who were thinking they were just outside in the walkway playing for a minute. The mother was in a daze, trying to figure out her next move and while panicking on the inside.  At first, she didn’t want our help and really didn’t want to talk about it.  After a little convincing from a Frat and Soror, she explained her situation.  With all the Sigma’s and Zetas in attendance, our group was able to gather enough funds to pay for an additional week stay and put some money in her pockets to do what she needs to do for her family.  We were also able to provide information on how to get additional resources for her and the kids if she wanted it.  The mother was so grateful and thankful and all she could say was ‘Thank you Jesus’!  

After we were finished with aiding the citizens of DeKalb County, we packed up and caravanned to Fulton County to reach more people in need. We parked near the outreach center and were able to pass out more items to the people in the community.

EPSILON ZETA CELEBRATES METRO ATLANTA FOUNDERS' DAY 2017

Epsilon Zeta Chapter was elated to be among the area Zeta Chapters in celebration of a phenomenal Metro Atlanta Joint Founders' Day Program with metro chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated at Emory Conference Center Hotel - Saturday, January 28, 2017.  Dr. Alice Hinsley, President and Sorors of Epsilon Zeta including JoAnn Brazille - Amicae Friends of Epsilon Zeta  - enjoyed celebrating together in unity and honoring our Founders of Sigma and Zeta.

EPSILON ZETA STORK'S NEST IS ON THE MOVE! BY SOROR CAROLYN GOODMAN

Upon untiring and relentless efforts to locate an appropriate as well as resourceful facility in the community, after several long months of negotiating, Dr. Alice Hinsley, our President proudly informed us that Stork's Nest was about to be reopened again.  Epsilon Zeta Chapter, celebrated the re-opening of the Stork's Nest in June, 2016.  The ceremony took place at the Fulton County Adamsville Health Center expanding the prenatal program within the Atlanta area.

The Stork's Nest Coordinator, Soror Kathryn Hargro assisted by Felicia Mebane and steering committee of Epsilon Zeta Chapter are on the move!  Successive Prenatal Education Sessions for the Stork's Nest sponsored by Epsilon Zeta have been since the beginning of the new sorority year 2016 at the Regional Health Center. Additionally, medical staff at Adamsville Health Center supported us by recommending clients, teaching classes, and facilitating a modern/spacious classroom for our sessions in addition to housing our Nest.

Epsilon Zeta received positive feedback from our ten graduates and volunteer teachers.  Thanks to the Center and Epsilon Zeta Chapter for a successful program.

The Stork's Nest Program was created by Soror Evelyn Brown, Epsilon Zeta Chapter and in 1972 the National Sorority officially adopted the project.

Epsilon Zeta Chapter Stork's Nest Committee Members. L. to R. Mary Greene, Pearl Logan, Kathryn Hargroo, Z-HOPE chair, Alice Hinsley, Basileus, Caroline Terry, Averett Shannon and Delphine Reese.  ZPB donates fans to acknowledge Zeta Prematurity Awareness Program (ZPAP).  Each Stork's Nest client received a fan in November which is Prematurity Awareness Month.

Self Z Defense

On January 27^th, 2017 Sigma Mu Zeta partnered with Results Central (a local fitness center) in Decatur to present our 2^nd annual “Happy New You” Women’s Empowerment program. This year’s event theme, “Self Z Defense”, was chosen to bring awareness to safety and self-protection for women. The program was designed specifically in response to the increasing number of attacks and carjacking’s at gas stations and malls in and around the Atlanta area.  Our very own DeKalb South Precinct Captain Bentley, along with two other officers, held a workshop giving county statistics on robberies in our area and the alarming amount involve women.  The Officers left us with a "Personal Safety and You" informational pamphlet and giveaways from DeKalb County Police department.  Some of the important points from their discussion were; knowing your neighbor and CSI – being a good witness.  

Attendees also had an opportunity to participate in a Martial Arts class with Professor Credle, an instructor at Results Central. The class demonstrated various techniques to protect yourself when being attacked from different directions and how to escape from a choke hold. The class was fun and informative. 

Zeta and Sigma Celebrating Founders' Day with Service

For more than 35 years, the Metro Atlanta Alumni chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and have held a Joint Founders' Day program. 

The Founders' Day brunch celebration has been a major success from its beginning. Recently, the Founders' Day planning committee sought to add a service project to the planned celebration. For 2016 and 2017, the planning committee decided on the food preparation night for the Hosea Helps (Formerly Hosea Feed the Hungry) MLK Holiday Dinner event. Soror Elizabeth Omilami, CEO of Hosea Helps and the daughter of Brother Hosea Williams, was very pleased with the turnout of the Blue and White Family for the event. Members performed various tasks from volunteer registration to different roles in the food preparation areas. All of the chapters participating in the Founders' Day Celebration sent representatives to the food prep event and some participated in the MLK Holiday Dinner event servicing the homeless community. 

Etiquette and Empowerment: Engaging the Youth of Today

The Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter of Stone Mountain, partnered with a local youth group, Abundance of Favors of the New Love Tabernacle Church in Lithonia, to host an interactive workshop entitled “Etiquette and Empowerment: Engaging the Youth of Today” on Saturday, December 3, 2016.  The participants, ages 13 to 17 were lead in a “Teen Talk” discussion segment where they openly shared thoughts on bullying, the CODE (snitching) and being a bystander to bullying. Texting, social media and internet do’s and don’ts where also part of their discussions.

Participants then moved on to a second segment, which was an etiquette class. Participants learned three (3) different place settings and when to use them, table manners that included cell phone etiquette and the young men learned and practiced seating etiquette. There was an answer and question period after each segment and a game with prizes where they had to color in words that were mentioned throughout the program. 

XI XI ZETA CHAPTER - Z Hope Activities

The Xi Xi Zeta chapter in Lithonia, GA has been on the move in the community spreading love to the residents of the Golden Living Center (now renamed Glenwood Health and Rehabilitation Center) in Decatur, Georgia.  Our chapter began serving the seniors of this community in July, 2016 on every third Saturday. Sorors are given an opportunity to share smiles, prayers, and uplifting cheer through their favorite game of BINGO.  Xi Xi Zeta Sorors come together to create a new adventure for the residents of Golden Living Center, one month at a time.

Rho Epsilon Zeta - Black History Month

          L to R: Soror Natasha Chatman, Soror Gwen Harris, 

         Soror Dana Wilkerson Lynch & Soror Janet Campbell

In celebration of Black History Month Rho Epsilon Zeta chapter participated in the First College/Greek Fair in Roswell, GA.  This initiative was a part of the Root Ensemble organization funded by the City of Roswell.  We had a chance to meet high school students who were interested in attending college and we provided information about our beautiful Sorority.  Most importantly we had the opportunity to provide information about our Louquender Robinson Memorial Scholarship that is awarded to a deserving high school student every sorority year.  The event was well attended and the young adults walked away with a wealth of information.