GWENDOLYN L. KIRTLEY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The "Great" Great Lakes Region is doing its part in helping the Educational Advancement Foundation to achieve its goal of “Soaring to Greater Heights of Academic Achievement”. During the Fall Cluster season, we initiated and capitalized the Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

“Greater Together Endowment.”

The purpose of the "Greater Together" Endowment is to promote post collegiate education for sorors interested in reentering the workforce or changing careers. Thanks to the support of the sorors of our region, together - we were able to raise over $30,000 in 3 months.

This achievement will be recognized by the Green Diamond at the EAF Leadership Luncheon in Chicago, Illinois on July 14. Tickets will be available during registration for the Leadership Conference. For more information on EAF, please use the link below.

I Dream” by Langston Hughes was written and dedicated to Soror Lottie “L.” Pearl Mitchell, our third Supreme Basileus (1923-1925). Yes, hat Langston the renowned poet, playwright, activist, and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.

Soror L. Pearl was initiated into the first undergraduate chapter in Great Lakes, Zeta, at Wilberforce in 1916. Upon graduation, she studied at Oberlin Conservatory and Kalamazoo College. She was the only female head of an agency when hired by the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mitchell returned to Cleveland and became a Probation Officer She also performed with the Gilpin Players at Karamu House n the first Cleveland production with an interracial cast A vocal critic of the racial climate in Cleveland, she led protests against discrimination in schools, hospitals, and public housing. In 923 she joined the Cleveland branch of the NAACP and became President. Nationally, she was NAACP Vice President, DirectorMembership Campaigns, and organizer of the Youth Council. Langston was right about Soror Pearl she dreamed of a just world!

Soror Pearl was the North Central Regional Director (1926-1927) when t included the states that comprise the Great Lakes today. She was he first official Great Lakes Regional Director (1928-1930). Mitchell was the sixth Basileus of Alpha Omega Chapter in 1927 when Cleveland hosted a Boule She was affectionately called “Miss AKA” or “Lady Pearl ” Lady Pearl attended every Boule except two from 919-1972 She was a Directorate member holding the highest number of national offices, among them: First Anti-Basileus, Second Anti-Basileus, Supreme Tamiochus, Supreme Grammateus, and Editor of Ivy Leaf® magazine.

Soror L. Pearl served faithfully and achieved much in her 91 years. Upon her death, in 1974, the Cleveland Plain Dealer described her as: …a softspoken but courageous, determined leader for social equality or minorities and the poor.”

Soror Joan W. Anderson, Chair

Soror Wanda Harper

Soror Shantelle K Jennings

Soror Eleanor Manning Miller, Co-Chair