Great Lakes Gazette Volume 5

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️ SOARING

2023

IN SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD

Gazette

VOL. 5

2

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

SOARING "GreaterTogether"

Alysse Elaine Guerrier, 2nd International Vice-President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Gwendolyn L. Kirtley, Great Lakes Regional Director

3

Contents

SPECIAL EDITION

GREETINGS FROM

Spring Events Magazine

Madam Regional Director

5

The Editor

6

9

GOLDEN HOUR

PHILANTHROPY

CHAPTER

12

13

Chat

HISTORICALLY

The Lake Effect

Evaluation & Preparation

THE

AKA DAY AT

14

Speaking

CROWN Act

15

16

18

SOARING

GREAT LAKES

Corner

Sorors

Cluster News

20

24

28

International

SOARING

UNDERGRADUATE

The Captiol

THROUGHOUT THE

Greater Together

Great Lakes

34

46

IVIES BEYOND

NEWSLETTER

CONTACT

The Wall

Submission Guidelines

Committees

32

50

4

DESK OF

52

Information

53

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

5

6

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

7

8

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

The theme for this issue of the Great Lakes Gazette is sisterhood.

As you know, sisterhood is one of the basic tenets on which our sorority was founded: “to promote unity and friendship among college women.” This means that we learn to form a deep bond based on love and respect. Through this bond, we support each other as we focus on collaborating to be of “Service to All Mankind.

When we were initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® , and some of us before initiation, we learned “our history” and the actions necessary to work together to achieve the longevity and impact that we have had over the last soon to be 116 years for the sorority and 100 years for the Great Lakes region.

For me, sisterhood is not automatic. Completing the Membership Experience (formerly the Membership Intake Process) doesn’t mean that you can instantly exhibit all the appropriate behaviors that define our sisterhood. We have tools like the Soror Code of Ethics, training and documents that help define and reinforce what is expected. Is it easy? No! When you bring a group of well educated, smart, confident, experienced, talented, successful, and independent thinking women together, it takes work! I believe that as we work, we “grow” into sisterhood and go through various phases together. We achieve growth by working on programs and committees together, representing AKA in the community, getting to know each other better and fulfilling the overall mission of the sorority. This creates the solidarity that keeps us energized about the sorority and what we can achieve together.

If you have Diamond, Pearl, Golden or Silver Sorors in your chapter, they can tell you that reaching the pinnacle of sisterhood is a challenge. Each of our jewels has had her own path of growth in becoming a true Alpha Kappa Alpha woman. They have evolved with each experience and can share their wisdom with us. They can often be quoted as saying, “you get what you put into it.” What we put into it has caused us to get bigger and better as a sorority.

This issue of the Great Lakes Gazette will remind you to celebrate our successes and accomplishments. It represents true sisterhood in action. These notable articles help to reinforce that being “Greater Together” is clearly our reality.

Thank you for your contribution! Enjoy this publication.

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

9

STRONGER TOGETHER

When we truly follow God’s command to love one another, we discover that with loving one another comes an understanding that we need one another.

God did not intend for us to go through this life alone. He created us to be in relationship with Him and with one another. It is through our discovery of our need for one another that we learn the virtues and values of sisterhood. In that process, we understand that we are stronger together.

HERE ARE SOME ATTRIBUTES OF SISTERHOOD: Sisterhood promotes camaraderie, not conflict.

Sisterhood fosters collaboration, not competition.

Sisterhood is having each other’s backs.

Sisterhood is being there to encourage and support one another through good times & not-sogood times.

Sisterhood is about achieving goals together.

Sisterhood is aspiring to reach greater heights & exceeding expectations together.

Sisterhood is about serving our communities together. It’s about learning to give back.

Sisterhood is recognizing that no matter how talented, accomplished, resourceful and gifted we may be as individuals, we still need one another.

We are stronger together.

10

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Most of you are probably familiar with the song, “No Man is an Island”, which has been recorded by several artists including the Rev. James Cleveland and Joan Baez. The lyrics speak powerfully to the strength of sisterhood.

Our sisterhood shines brightest when we step up and reach out to serve one another, to comfort one another, to encourage one another, to show compassion towards one another, and to pray for one another. We are the instruments of God’s love, we are the voices of His goodness, and we are the embodiment of His command to love one another.

Let us pray that God will continue to bless, strengthen, and sustain our precious sisterhood.

“We’ll help each other, for we know there’s no other--like our sisterhood, ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA.” -Soror Chapter

Alma

Forte,

Chaplain,

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

Mu

Alpha

Omega

VOLUME 5

11

1 7 Diamond Sorors Pearl Sorors 13

36 Golden Sorors

12

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

https://fs30.formsite.com/User1 AKAGLR/LakeEffect/index THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

13

Chapter Evaluations Preparation

During Boule in 2022, Supreme Basileus Danette Anthony Reed announced that all chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® would undergo a standards evaluation (in-person) during her administration. To assure Great Lakes has every opportunity for a successful outcome, the Standards Committee and Strategic Planning Committee assembled a package of tips and tools for chapters.

Evaluations help us understand our documents and develop the tools and knowledge to ensure the success of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The “Greater Together” Chapter Evaluation Training is a great opportunity for your chapter to prepare for evaluation in 2023, 2024, or 2025.

For more information, contact Soror Gail Forest, Great Lakes Representative to the International Standards Committee.

14

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Great Lakes History-The Early Years The foundation of what would become the Great Lakes Region began in the early 1920s. In 1924, the North Central region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was composed of the states of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

According to the 1928 Boule Minutes, the Great Lakes Region was officially established during a redistricting of chapters. The areas identified were Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Institute, West Virginia. Regional Director L. Pearl Mitchell reported eleven chapters in Great Lakes at the close of the 1929 Boule. Chapters from Western New York were added to the Great Lakes Region after 1944.

Today, the Great Lakes Region is composed of Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and West Virginia. There are approximately 7,800 general, undergraduate, and graduate members, 48 graduate chapters and 47 undergraduate chapters. We are soaring into our Centennial Celebration!!!

Great Lakes Quick Facts Our Region is home to six International Supreme Basilei Zeta Chapter was the first undergraduate chapter chartered in 1916 at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio Alpha Omega Chapter, our sorority’s first graduate chapter, was chartered as Eta Chapter in 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio Thirty outstanding Great Lakes Regional Directors have led this region The Great Lakes Region has hosted 11 Boules since 1920 Alpha Omega was the first chapter of any sorority to run a federal job training center -- the Cleveland Job Corps

Chapter Historians Please keep records of your important chapter events and accomplishments. As we move forward in this administration, we will be requesting historical information and updates. Just as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® story highlights the pioneering spirit of our illustrious founders, each chapter’s story should show the same pioneering spirit. From Soror L. Pearl Mitchell to Soror Gwendolyn L. Kirtley, we are the keepers of the dream. As we begin our 100th Anniversary Celebration, please document and tell your story!

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

15

The Crown Act

2023

Great Lakes Gazette Sorors with Natural Hair

Fashion Trend The CROWN Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” was introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and would prohibit hair-based discrimination, ..."if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin." Hairstyles that this legislation would protect include those, "...in which hair is tightly coiled or tightly curled, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros."

In a speech from the House floor, the Congresswoman listed cases of Black Americans losing job opportunities, being denied federal assistance, or otherwise being treated unfairly based on their hair.

"There's no logical reason that anyone should be discriminated against on any level because of the texture of their hair or the style of their hair."

-- Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

16

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

facing the facts

2023

in 33 states

you can be discriminated against because of your hair.

53%

of Black mothers whose daughters have experienced hair discrimination say it began as early as 5 years old.

1.5%

Black women are 1.5x more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair

80% A Black woman is 80% more likely to change her natural hair to meet social norms or expectations at work .

The CROWN Act was originally created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools. While progress has been made, race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace – from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions – disproportionately impacting Black women’s employment opportunities and professional advancement.

To bring awareness to this issue, Dove and LinkedIn co-commissioned the 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study, detailing the systemic social and economic impact of hair bias and discrimination against Black women in the workplace in 2023, further proving the urgent need for change.

The 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study surveyed 2,990 female identifying respondents in the U.S. ages 2564 (1,039 Black, 1,028 Hispanic, 1,064 white, with some respondents identifying as more than one race/ethnicity) between December 2022 and January 2023. All respondents were employed part or full-time at the time of the study. The research was conducted on behalf of Dove and LinkedIn by Modulize, a boutique consulting firm specializing in data and analytics insights for polycultural communities.

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

17

Social justice stands as a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society, emphasizing the need to eradicate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all. AKA Day at the Capitol serves as a pivotal moment for sorors to actively participate in the democratic process by meeting with their representatives.

It provides a platform for all of us to amplify our collective voice, addressing critical issues like health disparities, education, criminal justice, and civil rights.

By engaging directly with elected officials, sorors contributed to the dialogue surrounding policies that impact marginalized communities, particularly emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Crown Act and advancements in black women's maternal health.

AKA Day at the Capitol becomes a tangible manifestation of the sorority's commitment to Advocate for Social Justice, fostering a space where their concerns are not only acknowledged but actively addressed through meaningful conversations and advocacy. This intersection of civic engagement and social justice advocacy reinforces the notion that when sorors unite and leverage their influence, they become powerful agents for positive societal change.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️ Great Lakes Region

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

SOARING GREATER TOGETHER IN SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD

20

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

Corner VOLUME 5

International Fall Skee-Week October 22-28, 2023

The Pinkie P.R.O.M.I.S.E initiative is the undergraduate activities committee program, spear headed and created by 2nd Supreme AntiBasileus, Soror Alysse. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that all targets are met during SkeeWeeks each semester. Last spring’s international Skee-Week days were March 11-18, 2023. This fall it will be October 22-28, 2023.

Sunday 10/22 - Sunday Worship Monday 10/23 - Build Our Economic Wealth Tuesday 10/24 - Enhance our Environment Wednesday 10/25 - Advocate for Social Justice Thursday 10/26 - Uplift our Local Community Friday 10/27 - Strengthen Our Sisterhood Saturday 10/28 - Empower Our Families

@aka_uac THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

AKA Undergraduates VOLUME 5

21

Alpha Lambda Soror Berah Brown Soror Christina DuPree Soror Jasmine Fox Soror Ronnae Johnson Soror Nakima Olverson Soror Nyreisha Tevis

Beta Eta Soror Kendall Brown Soror Paige Chapman Soror Madison Eaton Soror Riann English Soror Dawn Fields Soror Jada Houston Soror Anina Jackson Soror Taylor Johnson Soror Morgan Miller Soror Erica Nelson Soror Maria Patton

Beta Mu Soror Amana Moore Soror Dominique Pace Soror Mercedes Pace

22

Beta Xi

Delta Zeta

Soror Kayla Adams Soror Serena Leonard Soror Diamani Rice Soror Brittany Sanders Soror Ashtoni Sands Soror Makayla Smith Soror Camile Washington

Soror Elka Boyd Soror Mya Calloway Soror Nya Clark Soror Jessica Clemons Soror Ayanna Collier Soror Mikayla Cooper Soror Lily Cross Soror Rayven Evans Delta Chi Soror Ar-Torrah Gillum Soror Ainsley King Soror Tristyn Griffin Soror Ariel Slappy Soror Justice Griswold Soror Jessica Taylor Soror Najla Hollins Soror Paige Lyons Delta Pi Soror Marqell McClendon Soror Diamonique Lindsay Soror Kennedy McCullers Soror Nadia Moore Soror Malaysia Nash Soror Shelise Stinson Soror Destinee Shelly Soror Siara Smart Soror Ryan Smith Delta Phi Soror Serenity Smith Soror Mylan Foster Soror Cydney Tate Soror Cydney Granger Soror Amber Tyner Soror Maya Jones Soror Brooklyn Stallworth Soror Sarah Walbrook Soror Marisa Washington Soror Breanna Williams Soror Haley Williams Soror Ariel Zander

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Epsilon Chi

Nu Phi

Soror Khalia Callahan Soror Richious Carton Soror Mackenzie Henry Soror India Richardson Soror Christianna Surratt

Soror Deja Yeargin

Rho Psi Soror Shanna Turner Soror Keylan West

Omicron

Theta Soror Donae Carter Soror Jayln Hall Soror Mackenzie Fields Soror Kira Jones Soror Cierra Gordon Gamma Iota Soror Alexandria Hunter Soror Teya LeBlanc-Hill Soror Taylor Lewis Soror Courtney Moore Soror Timia Lloyd Soror Divan Maraboli-Desma Soror Jordan Soltau Soror Nyjae Martin Soror Chloe Walls Soror Kennis Sparks Iota Upsilon Soror Clarice Vernon Soror Simone Bellot Xi Soror Clarke Johnson Soror Ariel Cotton Jackson Soror Nyah Jones Soror Lauren Foster Omicron Beta Soror Shea McMullen Soror Iyanna Gipson Soror Teepa Al-Mosawi Soror Jurnee Peltier Soror Kiani Bell Xi Phi Soror Destinee Ellison Lambda Mu Soror Kylar C. Daniels Soror Imani Gaston Soror Faith Alam Soror Dallas Gauthier Soror Mackenzie Lee Soror Kimberly Holder-Callendar Soror Gabbi Purnell Soror Hailey Ridenour

Mu Phi Soror Raven Boraders

Nu Soror Amya Walker

Pi Gamma Soror Morgan Davies Soror Sarah Griffin Soror Jazzmen Little Soror Hosanna Smith

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

Zeta

Soror Keane Curry Soror Lennoja Hawkins Soror Anjaneia Meux

VOLUME 5

23

SECONDARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO CORINNE LYONS

LISA ISSAC RECOGNIZED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

24

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

DELLA FLORA CHOSEN AS SUPERINTENDENT OF MARION CITY SCHOOLS

OMEGA XI OMEGA SOROR SOARING TO GREATER HEIGHTS IN MACOMB

VOLUME 5

NEWLY CROWNED PEARL

KINLOCH APPOINTED UNIVERSITY’S 15 TH PRESIDENT

LA K EGSAG AT ZTEET T E THT E HGERG ER AE T ALTA K ES ZE

WILLIAMS NAMED 2023 TRAILBLAZER

WILKERSON-JOHNSON’S STEAM PRIMER FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

VIO SPRING 2023 EDIT OLNU M E 5

2 1 25

ASH-SHAKOOR RECOGNIZED AS A REMARKABLE WOMAN WILLIAMS RECEIVES SANKOFA AWARD

SIMON RECEIVES PROCLAMATION

BANKS RECEIVES THE PRESTIGIOUS ATHENA AWARD

26

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

JACKSON APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

A PRECIOUS PEARL

SMITH IS A 2022 HONOREE OF CLEVELAND BUSINESS 40 UNDER FORTY

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

27

Connecting Pearls Across The Great Lakes Region MI

NY

PA OH WV

28

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

MICHIGAN Cluster News

New Michigan Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator Soror Breyana Wilson is a senior at Western Michigan University, majoring in Education and Human Development. She serves as the Membership Chairman and the Pecunious Grammateus for the Delta Chi Chapter and now as your Michigan Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator! She has set a personal goal to have uninterrupted membership in our beloved sorority by joining a graduate chapter immediately upon graduation where she can continue to service her community and demonstrate the true meaning of "Greater Together"! She is thankful for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Madam Regional Director, Soror Gwendolyn Kirtley and plans to demonstrate her commitment to sisterhood and service by being an example for other undergraduate sorors to emulate. Soror Breyana's favorite scripture is: Proverbs 4:23 Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Michigan Black Dollar Days Chapters in the Michigan Cluster contributed to supporting black businesses and making a financial impact in the community. Thank you to Delta Tau Omega, Eta Iota Omega, Iota Iota Omega, Iota Sigma Omega, Lambda Pi Omega, Pi Tau Omega, Chi Epsilon Omega, Omega Epsilon Omega and Omega Xi Omega Chapters for supporting black owned restaurants, black entrepreneurs, black owned brands at major retailers and black owned businesses.

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

29

NORTHERN OHIO/ WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Cluster News

Sorors from across the state of Ohio joined Madam Regional Director Gwen L. Kirtley for a day of soaring to advance social justice.

Soror Suzanne Evans, a member of Alpha Beta Beta Omega, Canton, Ohio has been promoted from Deputy Chief United States Pretrial Services and Probation Officer to Chief United States Pretrial Services and Probation Officer for the Northern District of Ohio.

Soror Suzanne currently serves as the chapter Grammateus. In her private life, Soror Suzanne travels with her daughter and son to soccer tournaments throughout the state

Meet Soror Hailee!

30

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

WESTERN NEW YORK Cluster News

GOLDEN SOROR FRANCES HARRIS

GOLDEN SOROR RAE CARSON

SILVER SOROR LAQUANNA SPARKMAN

SILVER SOROR JODY JONELL COVINGTON

SILVER SOROR DUANISE ALLEN

SILVER SOROR AKILAH COLLINS

Reflections from 2023 Western New York Jewels: "It was an awesome task to be of service for these 50 years; to tell the story of how I persevered and endured through this sisterhood on many enjoyable levels!"

"I am proud and grateful to be an AKA at this stage with its memories, benefits, and opportunities to serve."

"Becoming a Silver Soror empowers me to empower my two daughters, my forever AKA legacy."

"There is nothing more rewarding than to be part of a sisterhood and an organization for 25 years that promotes the importance of service to others during the trying times our Nation has most recently endured."

"Being a Silver Soror is the best feeling I could imagine; knowing I've hit a milestone in the best organization to ever grace this planet is honorable."

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

31

GREAT LAKES International Committees Catching the Vision in 2023

by Collectively Connecting Through Acts of Service

32

GREAT LAKES

Health and Well Being African-Americans and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Silent Epidemic

To date, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with a large percentage of those being African Americans. It is the fourth leading cause of death in older African Americans.

Therefore, the Alzheimer’s Association has identified the disease as an emerging public health crisis among aging African Americans and called it the silent epidemic. Recent research has shown that: It is more prevalent among African Americans than Whites.

There is a greater familial risk in African Americans.

Genetic and environmental factors may work differently in African Americans.

African Americans tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, thus limiting treatments that depend upon early intervention.

While older African Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, research hasn’t yet identified the cause. Higher rates of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease may play a role.

55% of African Americans think that significant loss of cognitive abilities or memory is a natural part of aging rather than a disease. As a result many families and caregivers are suffering in silence due to a lack of adequate mental health support, dietary resources and education on the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease, and its impact on the health and well-being of the African American family and community.

Be aware of the following signs and speak with your physician regarding any concerns: Feeling less able to do day-to-day activities Misplacing or losing things more often An increase in anger, anxiety or sadness Trouble with reading, writing and conversations Repeating questions or stories Withdrawing from family, friends or social activities Hearing that others share concerns about changes in [their] memory or behavior Getting lost on familiar roads or paths If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association (800.272.3900)is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease.

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

33

SOARING "Greater Together" 34

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

ALPHA RHO OMEGA CHAPTER BASILEUS, CARLYN J. ROBINSON AND ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

ALPHA RHO OMEGA AND OMEGA EPSILON OMEGA CHAPTERS BASILEI AND ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE CHAIRMEN

VOLUME 5

35

Growing Sisterhood

ZETA THETA OMEGA MEMBERS HAVING FUN

STRENGTHENING OUR SISTERHOOD COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, SOROR RENISHIA HOUCHINS

Kandid Konversations

KANDID KONVERSATIONS PARTICIPANTS

36

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

An Afternoon Tea with the Basileus

April Membership Refresher

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

37

MEMBERSHIP SHOWCASING PLANTED TREE

ALPHA OMEGA SORORS TEACH LEADERSHIP AKADEMY SCHOLARS THE IMPORTANCE OF STARTING A HOME GARDEN

38

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

PSI ETA OMEGA CHAPTER SHRED DAY

ABBO SORORS DIGGING HOLE FOR THE TREE

CHAIRMAN SOROR CHELSEY FORTE’ ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

39

AAO SORORS AND YLI STUDENTS AT OASIS FARM AND FISHERY

TREE PLANTING IN MOTION WITH THE VIPS

SOROR DEMETRIUS LAMBERT-FALCONER ENHANCING OUR ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

40

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

AAO SORORS UNDER ADOPTED HIGHWAY SIGN

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

AAO SORORS PREPARING TO CLEAN UP THE HIGHWAY GREEN SPACE

VOLUME 5

41

PI TAU OMEGA CHAPTER MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN READING TO DETROIT'S MARYGROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

42

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

SORORS JEANNETTE JONES, ANDREA PERRY, AUDRA MARTIN, CHELSEY FORTE' AND GERALDINE NELSON HAYES

GREATER LANSING, MI SENIORS

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE LYRA HARRIS BOLDEN

VOLUME 5

43

Helping Our Young Scholars SOAR To Success

ALPHA OMEGA MEMBERS AND HBCU TRUNK DONATION

Perfecting Our Pearls

PERFECTING OUR PEARLS CHAIRMAN DANA K. LAGARDE

PERFECTING OUR PEARLS COMMITTEE WITH CONGRESSWOMAN EMILIA STRONG SYKES

44

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Theta Lambda Omega Chapter kicks off a Credit Union Membership Drive

BASILEUS CAROL ELLIS AND MEMBER YVETTE TRANSOU

Wear Pink, Buy Black, Spend Green

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

45

The Great Lakes

AKA PALS

S I S T E R S QU A DS

RANDOM ACTS OF SISTERLINESS

46

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Michigan Empowering Members with Canva for Beginners Pontiac, MI - On April 21, 2023, the Technology Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Theta Lambda Omega Chapter hosted a dynamic Canva Software for Beginners course, empowering members with essential graphic design skills. The event took place at My Dance Studio, Inc., and the turnout was remarkable, with members of all ages and experience levels eagerly participating. During the course, Sorors learned simple tutorials to get started with Canva, a user-friendly design tool, to create stunning visuals for various purposes, from social media posts to flyers for committees. The course was a resounding success, with participants expressing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their online presence and develop their design skills.

Alpha Rho Omega chapter partners to provide food for seniors Detroit, MI - Alpha Rho Omega chapter, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation of Detroit, has partnered with Focus Hope: Food For Seniors program, which provides meals to homebound seniors with limited income in the metropolitan Detroit area. Each month, sorors assist with packing and delivering food boxes filled with nutritious and non-perishable food items to help seniors meet their basic needs. In the past six months, members have packed 1,495 boxes and delivered 270 meals to seniors. Due to the committee's hard work, Focus Hope has permanently assigned our organization a senior apartment building, with plans to add another building soon.

MEMBERS OF ALPHA RHO OMEGA CHAPTER

MEMBERS OF ALPHA RHO OMEGA CHAPTER PACKING FOOD BOXES FOR SENIORS

Western New York

Youth Leadership Development In Rochester, NY Rochester, NY - Delta Nu Omega chose a multifaceted approach to working with fifteen young people in the Youth Leadership Institute. Participants raked leaves and picked up trash in Rochester’s Clean Sweep in an area around the historic Memorial AME Zion Church. They planted a tree in honor of our oldest active soror, Dr. Alice Young (age 99), at the Adams Street Recreation Center, located next to the school named in her honor. At the Closing YLI Ceremony, the youth were empowered to share the projects they had worked on throughout the year. DNO at her best, teaching leadership development with a holistic approach!!!

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

47

Northern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania

AAO Holds a Leadership Development Workshop Pittsburgh, PA – Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter held a Leadership Development workshop where they discussed the important values of a Second Century Leader. Under the direction of Leadership Chairman Soror Jackie Blakey-Tate, AAO sorors heard presentations from the following committees: Sisterly Relations, Nominating, Bylaws, and Leadership. Sorors participated in a plethora of activities that encouraged character building, sisterly acts of kindness, and learned ways to identify their individual "glows and grows."

Sorors were also presented information from "So Now You Are Elected." Undergraduate sorors also attended this workshop, and those that were graduating were presented gifts from AAO to congratulate them.

ALPHA ALPHA OMEGA CHAPTER MEMBERS AND UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

The Opportunity to Share Akron, OH – The Akron Urban League (AUL) invited the local D9 to participate in the Divine Nine Greek Showcase as a part of their Scholars Academy Program. Zeta Theta Omega Chapter President Dr. Leah E. Shaw shared our rich history, programs, motto, and notable members with the scholars. Members of the chapter joined Dr. Shaw for a stroll to Pretty Girl Rock. The Scholars Academy is a new AUL program that combines the Annual Scholarship Program, networking, and college prep sessions for Summit County high school students.

ZETA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

DR, LEAH E. SHAW, CHAPTER BASILEUS

Zeta Theta Omega Builds for Women Akron, OH – On May 13, 2023, Zeta Theta Omega Chapter officially Launched Women's Build Day 2023 with a day of service for Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.

Women's Build aims to empower women to help families build strength, stability, and independence. Zeta Theta Omega built walls and prepped several boxes of tiles headed to the Restore for sale. Our donation of $1000 to Women's Build was this event's FIRST donation of the year. As Drew Hall, Chief Development Officer for Habitat, said, "Women's Build until the AKAs show up!" It is always our privilege to join in with Habitat every year to make a lasting impact on the Akron community.

ZETA THETA OMEGA VOLUNTEERS

ZETA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER'S DONATION

48

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Northern Ohio/ Western Pennsylvania Spring Kleaning Akron, OH - Each year, Zeta Theta Omega Chapter holds Spring Kleaning. It' a time for people to clean out their closets and make donations of clothing and small appliances to those in need. Co-Chairmen Lannetta Knotts and Renishia Houchins, in conjunction with Planet Aid, helped the community to lighten their load.

The participants had the opportunity to drop off at five different locations throughout the city. Spring Kleaning was a successful drive with several loads of goods donated.

THE PRETTY GIRL WAY GOLDEN SOROR HAZEL MALONE MAKING HER DONATION

Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter hosts the annual Juneteenth Jazz

Brunch and honors Scholarship Recipients

Toledo, OH - On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter hosted its annual Juneteenth Jazz Brunch at the Pinnacle in Maumee, Ohio. The first in-person jazz brunch, since the pandemic. A scrumptious brunch included, chicken and waffles, fresh fruit, and pastries. Musical accompaniment was provided by local jazz saxophonist Mike Williams and guitarist Nate Hicks. Proceeds supported scholarships and community service. An added portion of the programming was the awarding of scholarships to deserving high school graduates. Five young ladies were awarded an academic scholarship to colleges they will attend starting in the fall of this year.

SCHOLARSHIP HONOREES WITH THE CHAPTER BASILEUS; TRACCI JOHNSON, SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, KAYLA JOHNSON, JASMINE SHETTLEWOOD

GOLDEN AND PEARL SORORS (KNEELING) CLARA PETTY, FUNDRAISING CO-CHAIRMAN, ANDREA PRICE.

Southern Ohio SOARING to Greater Heights of Technology

SOROR LALISA ANTHONY

Canton, OH - Alpha Beta Beta Omega Chapter completed its third year of fundraising for their Boots on the Ground campaign (BOTG). The fundraising campaign runs for approximately 3 weeks in October each year. This year the BOTG committee raised over $1,600. Twenty pair of boots and 40 pair of socks were distributed to elementary school children. Since 2020, Alpha Beta Beta Omega has given away 56 pair of boots and 112 pair of socks throughout Canton city schools and raised SOROR ANDREA PERRY, over $5,400 to date. Soror LaLisa Anthony is the Committee S C H O O L P R I N C I P A L , A N D LALISA ANTHONY Chairman. Soror Audra Martin is Basileus.

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

49

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

51

Gazette Article Submission Guidelines All articles must be submitted by your chapter’s Ivy Leaf Reporter. Articles submitted by individual chapter members will be returned to the chapter. Please use the on-line submission process found on the Great Lakes Region website. ​ In the case of General Members, articles must be submitted to the General Members Liaison, Soror Cathy McCall. ​

Article Guidelines ​ Please keep in mind the following guidelines: First, make sure your articles are newsworthy. We encourage stories describing any truly remarkable accomplishments of chapters and Sorors ​ Second, be mindful of the following word count limits and instructions. We reserve the right to edit articles for space and accuracy. If articles are submitted exceeding the word maximum, they will be edited ​ When in doubt about submission guidelines, please email akaglrnewsletter@gmail.com.​ All articles must be submitted via the on-line submission process.

Photography Guidelines There is no charge for any information submitted by the chapter Ivy Leaf Reporter. ​ Please submit all photos or graphics as a .jpeg. Include a caption for each photo, not to exceed 5 names. We reserve the right to edit articles for space and accuracy. If articles are submitted exceeding the word maximum, they will be edited. ​ When in doubt about submission guidelines, please email akaglrnewsletter@gmail.com ​ All articles must be submitted via the on-line submission process.

We hope you continue to submit articles that embody who we are as members Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ​ We look forward to receiving your Chapter’s next submission!

52

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

Click here to visit our Regional website!

Click here to visit our Corporate website!

THE

GREAT LAKES Gazette

CONTACT US

THE GREAT LAKES GAZETTE

VOLUME 5

53

VOL 6

"Greater Together" Coming Soon