Soaring

VoterRegistrationFocus:HighSchools&VocationalCenter

Beta Lambda Omega sponsored voter registrations at McDowell County Career and Technology Center, Mount View High School in Welch, WV, and River View High School in Bradshaw, WV. The Connections and Social Action Committee selected these locations to register eligible 18 years plus, and those eligible by election day. Voter registration began during time periods when most eligible students were present including adult learning LPN students. Upon completing registration, registrants were given sample ballots, ballot amendment information and the phone number for voters who may experience problems at the polls

TheInnocenceProject

In September, The Iota Upsilon Chapter at Syracuse University had Skee-Week In following the target initiative “Advocate for Social Justice”, the chapter had The Innocence Project’s exoneree, Termaine Hicks. Philadelphia Police shot him as he was helping a victim. Based on false testimonies, he was convicted of rape, aggravated assault, possessing an instrument of crime, and terroristic threats in 2002 and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison During his 19-year sentence, he focused on his mental and spiritual health and used creative writing as an outlet. He was released from SCI Phoenix Prison on Dec 16, 2020

LoveDoesn'tHurt

Following the tragic death of Soror Shantina Davenport, Mu Alpha Omega redoubled its effort to support the Shelterhouse of Midland, the Underground Railroad of Saginaw, the Bay Women’s Center of Bay City and the Women’s Aid Service of Mt Pleasant, all in Michigan. Each location has a resale store to help raise funds to support the shelter and the families who need their services They also provide gently used clothing and/or household items to assist in a fresh start for the families once they are relocated The chapter also expanded its impact by partnering with Great Lakes Bay Region Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.® in our “Clean and Fresh Closet” program Each organization was encouraged to declutter monthly but emphasized spring and fall cleaning The estimated value of items donated was tracked To date, we have contributed more than $30,000 in estimated value to local women’s shelters.

SororSykesisSwornIn

Akron, OH - Saturday, January 28, 2023, Zeta Theta Omega Chapter members had the opportunity to witness a first - the swearing-in of Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes. Soror Sykes is the first AfricanAmerican woman who will serve in the 13th Congressional District of Ohio On this same day, a proclamation was issued; January 28, 2023, will be forever known as Congresswoman Emilia Sykes Day in Summit County In her acceptance speech, she advised her district will see her and her teams; complete dedication to the families and counties she serves This monumental event occurred at Firestone Community Learning Center (CLC), where Soror Sykes graduated high school in 2003 She is also the first African-American to be inducted into the Firestone CLC Wall of Fame