SEPTEMBER 2025
ISSUE 7
A GLANCE INSIDE
BASILEUS NEWS PAGE: 1
FIRST ANTI-BASILEUS NEWS PAGE:2
SECOND ANTI-BASILEUS NEWS PAGE:3
POETRY JAM PAGE 4
EMERGING YOUR LEADERS COMMITTEE (EYL) PAGE 5&6
MEMBERSHIP COMMITEE PAGE 7&8
SISTERLY RELATIONS
PAGE:9
EDITORS PAGE PAGE:10
TANGELA D. DUPREE BASILEUS
BASILEUS NEWS
September is the month when the temperature starts to cool off and the leaves begin to fall. But in our Chapter, it’s just the opposite. Fall is when things start to heat up again!
This is the time when we reconvene from our summer break, fired up and ready to Soar.
All 12 of our delegates were credentialed before the first Plenary, seated timely, and ready to Soar at the first session. The International Technology Team introduced new and improved technical advancements to enhance our operations. Legislation affecting our ME was passed and will be shared during our first Chapter meeting. Gamma Theta Omega was proudly represented in the Platinum Parade.
One of the most memorable moments was when Vice President Kamala Harris graced us with her presence! Just days later, President Joe Biden unexpectedly and unselfishly passed the torch to our Soror Kamala Harris, giving her the opportunity to run for President of the United States of America! It’s been on and popping ever since
This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that requires us all to be engaged. This election will chart the course for future generations to come. Freedom is on the line. We must abide by the rules laid out before us. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a non-partisan organization, and we will follow the lead of our Connections and Social Action Committee, which requires us to Engage, Mobilize, and Vote!
Sorors, it’s a great time to be an Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman! I am serving to make a difference, as we Go Greater Together! And, I’m counting on you to do your part in this season.
Serving to make a difference! Soror
Tangela
MONIQUE SLATER FIRST ANTI BASILEUS
FIRST ANTI -BASILEUS NEWS
Welcome Back Sorors!
I hope each of you had a summer filled with pink and green joy! Though we took a brief break from chapter meetings, the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha never stopped. From the thrilling moments at Boule in Dallas to the beautiful connections shared at chapter events, we have been reminded of the strength of our sisterhood. Now, as we gear up for a new season, the question is: Are you ready to **SOAR**?
As we transition from the heat of summer into the busyness of fall, it’s time to focus on the important work that lies ahead. Our chapter must continue to lead with purpose, whether it’s mobilizing our communities through voter engagement, enhancing our operational readiness, or participating in impactful service activities like the *Moffitt Walk for Cancer*. And as we look to the end of the year, we’ll celebrate our commitment to service with events like *Uplifting Our Community Through Christmas in the Park*.
The challenges before us are significant, but by working together, we can end the year stronger than ever.
Gamma Theta Omega has always exemplified Alpha Kappa Alpha’s core values by blending sisterhood with service. Through our united efforts, we foster a spirit of empowerment, unity, and progress that not only benefits the chapter but also uplifts the entire community. Our commitment to future generations ensures that they are equipped with the tools and resources to thrive, continuing our legacy of excellence and leadership.
With a focus on both individual empowerment and collective impact, Gamma Theta Omega’s work ensures that the sorority’s legacy of "Service to All Mankind" flourishes in the modern era. Together, we will soar to even greater heights with every passing year.
Let’s make this season one of strength, unity, and service!
SECOND ANTI - BASILEUS NEWS
POETRY JAM
On September 28th, Gamma Theta Omega hosted “Poetry Jam,” an event for poets to showcase their talent for Spoken Word.
EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS
We are thrilled to announce that the 2024-2025 Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) program is off to an amazing start following our orientation on September 8th! As we enter our 14th year, we are excited for the year ahead, filled with impactful events, development opportunities, and plenty of growth for our 36 participants 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade girls ready to take on leadership, education, civic engagement, and character building.
This year, we also have new leadership at the helm. Soror Madelon Johnson will be serving as our new Chair. We want to take a moment to thank Soror Cree Williams for her incredible dedication and leadership over the past few years. Although she is stepping down to focus on her education, her support has been invaluable, and we wish her all the best!
Focus Areas for 2024-2025
Our focus this year continues to center around four key pillars:
- Leadership Development: Equipping our girls with skills to lead in their schools and communities, preparing them to be confident and capable in various areas of life.
- Education: Providing resources and experiences to enhance their academic journey and nurture a love for learning
- Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation in the community and fostering a sense of responsibility to make a positive impact.
- Character Building: Developing integrity, empathy, and ethical values to help shape them into well-rounded individuals.
These areas are especially critical for middle school girls, a time when they are learning to navigate new challenges and opportunities. Through our mentorship and programs, we aim to provide the support and guidance they need to thrive during these pivotal years.
Meeting Schedule & Upcoming Events
EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS
Our EYL meetings will be held every second Sunday of the month. The next meeting will take place on October 13, focusing on leadership development and voting. We will also host campaign speeches for our EYL officers running for President, Vice President, Historian, Chaplain, and Secretary. It’s an exciting time as the girls learn about the importance of leadership and democratic processes, both of which are key to their growth as future leaders.
In addition to our regular meetings, we are pleased to share that this year, we have planned three college tours and several other enriching activities to support our EYL members’ development.
Mentorship & Support
We have several new mentors joining us this year, and while we are excited to welcome them, we still need more mentor support. Ensuring we have a robust mentoring team is essential to the success of our program and the effectiveness of our work with these amazing young girls.
A Special Thank You
Lastly, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gamma Theta Omega Chapter for your continued support and hard work. The dedication of our EYL committee and the broader chapter makes this program possible. We look forward to an incredible year ahead filled with growth, learning, and leadership!
With gratitude,
The EYL Committee
Cortnie Simmons Hordge
MEMBERSHIP COMMITEE
Get on board the MemberShip MemberShip Chairmen
DeidreR.Jones-LacquittaFullilove-Berry-PatriceJoseph-Jackie Marcelin
Ahoy Sorors!
I would like to thank the Magnificent Membership committee for their tireless work planning and executing the Chapter Retreat. I would also like to thank all Sorors who attended, presented workshop or served as vendors. The chapter Retreat was held August 16-18 at Westin Tampa Bay. There were 180 registered Sorors and 167 in attendance. The three-day weekend was filled with exhilarating activities including a Social Justice Committee update, chucks and pearls parade and a call to action. The Programs parade highlighted the chapter activities and committee chairmen. We were treated to greetings from the 28th Supreme Basileus, Soror Carolyn House Stewart and the 17th South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Marsha Lewis Brown. Our chapter Basileus, Soror Tangela DuPree presented the state of the chapter report which confirmed we are in great shape.
Sorors selected a break-out room which included one of three choices: breathing and relaxation techniques, how to stay safe presented by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies and a leadership development class which culminated in graduation during lunch. We promoted economic wealth by supporting black-owned businesses in our vendor's area.
We are proud to say that while focusing on soaring, we also uplifted the community. The chapter collected nearly one hundred backpacks/duffel bags for Children Services and donated $590 to Girls of the World, Inc and $590 to Children With A Vision Inc. The weekend also included a stroll exhibition from our Regional Conference award winning chapter stroll team, karaoke, sisterly relations fun and games and a beach party. The weekend culminated with a phenomenal Day of Prayer service which personalized “Mary and Martha”
MEMBERSHIP COMMITEE
Please complete the survey in the Tea Rose which assists with future planning.
See you on the ship!
Soror Deidre R. Jones MemberShip Chairman
