Soaring with Attitude, Kindness, and Admiration



BASILEUS NEWS
1ST ANTI-BASILEUS
2ND ANTI-BASILEUS
COMMITTEE NEWS
HEALTH COMMITTEE
HISTORY COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
PRECIOUS PEARLS
SISTERLY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
INTERNATIONAL INCENTIVES
POETRY JAM
GTO AT WORK IN THE COMMUNITY
2023 MEMBERSHIP RETREAT
SORORS ON THE MOVE
EDITOR’S PAGE
Welcome back! Please accept my personal thank you for delivering a summer packed with wonderful programming that has created memories that will grow more precious with the passing of time. I cannot help but smile at the remembrance of the Bling and Jeans event, where the table decorations contest took on a whole new dimension. And then there was the Chapter Retreat, in the words of Johnny Gill, “My, my, my!” We brought it home with the Poetry Jam, yes, we did that! Thank you all for your commitment to excellent programming and to soaring at new altitudes. We did all of that while simultaneously working to prepare for a dynamic Cluster II meeting. Thank you to the overwhelming majority of you who have met your Cluster II assessments. I am increasingly confident the remainder of you will do the same. We want no members left behind. If you need help, please seek help.
Additionally, over the summer break, 34 of you completed the Chapter Leadership Development Training series and were awarded Certificates of Completion, graduation stoles and the AKA University pin. Thank you for recognizing the value of ongoing training.
Serving as the host chapter will give each of us both a personal and collective opportunity to demonstrate the best of who we are. My desire is that with every sisterly encounter we, intentionally, leave the other Soror glad they came and anxious to return. Our secret sauce - - - Patience, Love, and Kindness!!
This fall we will continue to focus on the excellent work we are called to do for the community based on well-organized program initiatives. From time to time, the workload will be heavy, however, with many hands assisting the load is bearable. Sorors, organization is the key. Remember to create To-do lists, review the chapter calendar routinely and often, check the Chapter app for newsbreaks and manage your time to accomplish heavy workloads.
I am confident based on your demonstrated enthusiasm at the Chapter Retreat, you are fired up and ready to serve!
Sorors, continue to stay T.U.N.E.’d IN as we SOAR to higher heights of sisterhood and service. Serving to make a difference as we Go Greater – Together!
Leading with purpose: That’s the game plan!
Just like a well-coached football team, Gamma Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated has a winning game plan that ensures that we score big in community service, programs, sisterly relationships, and social impact. We have a winning strategy to execute the six key initiatives, each representing a unique play in the game plan for success.
We know that teamwork and committee work is the key to victory. To Strengthen our Sisterhood our Sisterly Relations and the Membership Committee organize regular huddles-gatherings where members come together to share experiences, support one another, and build strong bonds. Just like a football team in a huddle before a play, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter members are always looking for ways to foster trust and unity among themselves. Our leadership Development program is integral in ensuring that leaders understand their roles, are properly equipped, and are provided with the tools to lead their committees. The more you know, the better you do.
Just as a strong defensive line in football protects the goals, Gamma Theta Omega takes steps to protect the environment and foster activities such as providing seeds, plants and environmentally sustainable products to encourage and bring awareness to the environment. The chapter spends time in elementary schools teaching the children about healthy eating by eating vegetables and fruits and growing gardens. Gamma Theta Omega has organized tree planting events at two schools, Adams Middle School and B. C. Graham Elementary Schools. Just like a running back rushes to gain yardage, GTO rushes to empower families, our support to families is unwavering through our support through our youth groups and community service and educational resources activities. These programs navigate challenges; much like a successful rushing play advancing down the field. Our widely success CHIPP program where we provide breakfast and snacks over the weekend for students who otherwise may not have food.
In football, the forward pass is a strategic move to advance towards the end zone. Similarly, AKA empowers its members economically by providing financial literacy workshops, entrepreneurship seminars. These skills help to equip the community with the skills needed to make financial gains, setting them on the path to economic success.
In football, a touchdown celebration is a moment of joy and unity. GTO celebrates their victories in uplifting the community by organizing Ivy AKAdemy Celebration, providing books to the Freedom Library, hosting cultural events such as the Poetry Jam, and visiting seniors in nursing homes, These activities not only spread joy, but also bring diverse communities together, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. GTO approaches programs, community service and social impact like a well-structured football game plan. Through our six initiatives and chapter programs we score touchdowns in the form of positive change and community development. Our collaboration with community partners is an elevation to the work that we do. We continue to be a winning team in the game of service and social progress. Sorors are to be active and engaged on committees, because that is where service begins. That’s the Game Plan!
The scholarship committee has been hard at work behind the scenes getting poised and ready to continue to “Go Greater” as we “Soar to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.”
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Our 2nd Annual Poetry Jam “This is Us!” took place on September 2nd, 2023 at the University Area Community Development Center. Poets mesmerized the audience with their talent and a nice time was had by all. Our Science of Beauty program on September 10 will expose students to entrepreneurs in the make-up/beauty business. It lends itself to be a wonderful activity. Information about the Going Greater Scholarship opportunity will come out before December of this year. Stay tuned for more information. In August I had a wonderful time at our chapter retreat! The sessions were impactful, we graduated leaders, danced the night away at the luau, and was mesmerized by the worship service! Kudos to the Membership committee for all their efforts and hard work. I also encouraged sorors to work together to write a short poem to get them excited for the Poetry Jam. The winning table received an autographed copy of my Passion and Purpose anthology! Check out some of their handiwork on the next page. Sorors it’s that time! Let’s get back to work in our communities with love, smiles, and sisterhood.
Always in service,
Soror Mervelle A. Sage
Soror
2nd
MTAT
Scholarship Chairman ND ANTI-BASILEUS“ G enerating T imeless O pportunities through Scholarships”
GTO Sisterly Retreat Poetry
Prize winning poem!
As AKA sisters we are helpers of each other
So don’t get mad with our love, we smother
Made in the eyes of our Heavenly Creator
There’s only one thing we can do Just Go Greater!!
Pink and green queens, we are our Founder’s dreams Going greater everyday, lasting pearls forever slay
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY everyday!
Shevon Coles,Barbara Tripp, Angela Fullwood, Cora Dunkley, Allie B. Johnson
My sister my sister like the rain and the sun together as one we get it done
We nurture our ivies and we always have fun no wonder we are the best we already won
Rockhelle Johnson
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Were with Go Greater-GTO How about you?
Tangela D. Dupree
The sorors of AKA Higher we will soar wearing Pink and Green forevermore! We go greater day by day with acts of kindness in every way!
Stacey, Felicia, Renee
Don’t make things that don’t matter, matter!
We came , we absorbed it, and we adored it!
Jeneel
Roses are pink, money is green put on your pearls and help us accomplish the dream!
Vonyell Scrivens
A Haiku….
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s grace, ALWAYS serving face.
Natasha, Nicole, Juanita, Danielle
A pink Tea Rose and a long Ivy Vine embraces and touches all those that are near.
DeShone Glenn, Toni Anderson
God is great He's the key to our faith
As Goldens we aspire
To keep GTO on Fire!
Golden Girls: Hubbard, Johnson, Clark, Stephens, Gleern
We plan to attend the Poetry Jam!
It’ll be fun, educational and a grand slam!
Sorors don’t be a Ham, let’s Jam!
Blanche Turner
Roses are Pink
Ivy is Green
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Always reigns supreme Maria Mitchell, Marnese Mitchell, Antina Mobley, Lo Berry, Amanda Mitchell
My sister, my sister like the rain and the sun
Together as one , we get it done
We nurture our Ivies and we always have fun no wonder we’re the best, we already won Unknown
AKA each and every day
We will not Stray
We’re enjoying the retreat so far we’ve had a chance to laugh and holler
We’ve even spent a few dollars. We were educated about the voting and we don’t believe the recent polling.
get out and vote , it ain’t no joke!
Melanie Holder
Perfectly Pretty gorgeous and Green
That’s who we are
We are supreme
Kelli Stephens
P-is for PEARLS that are oh so rare
O-is for OUTSTANDING nature which is everywhere
E- is for our ENTHUSIASM each and every day
T- is TAKING the time to pray
R- is for RESPECT for our sisterhood
Y- is YIELDING to God since He makes all things good
Yvonne Long, Amy Jackson, Phyllis Lee, nanette Henderson, Donna Manning, Christine Glover, Iva Carter
Roses are Pink
Violets are Green
Everybody Can’t be an AKA Queen
Kisha, Mikki, Latoya
Beauty is the face she wears
From her pink painted lips to her stackable silky hair
She is smart and fashionable oh yes she slays
I’m sure you know that i’m talking about those pretty AKA’s Cynthia Crosby-Craig
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
It is an inherited group of red blood cell disorders that affect the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen through the body. In most, the red blood cells are shaped like a disc and flexible to move through the blood vessels without disturbance.
In people who are affected by Sickle Cell disease, their red blood cell is shaped like a crescent or sickle due to a mutation in genetics. This makes moving through the body difficult and can block blood flow and oxygen to the body.
The blocked blood flow can lead to serious affects such as a stroke, eye problems, infection and severe pain termed pain crises.
Sickle cells cannot easily change shape, they also tend to burst apart. Normal red blood cells live about 90 to 120 days, but sickle cells last only 10 to 20 days. The body is always making new red blood cells to replace the old cells. However, in sickle cell disease, the body may have trouble keeping up with how fast the cells are being destroyed. Because of this, the number of red blood cells is usually lower than in people without sickle cell disease. This condition, called anemia, can cause a person to have less energy.
Sickle Cell Disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million people worldwide. In the United States, most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as Black.
•About 1 in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait.
•About 1 in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Trait is when one sickle cell gene is inherited by one parent and a normal hemoglobin gene from the other parent.
Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong condition that is manageable. It is present at birth; however, children are not affected by it until 5 or 6 months of age. The symptoms may present differently from individual to individual.
Early symptoms:
•A yellowish color of the skin (jaundice) or whites of the eyes (icterus) that appears when many red blood cells undergo hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells)
•Extreme tiredness or fussiness from anemia
•Painful swelling of the hands and feet
Emergent symptoms:
If symptoms are severe call 911.
•Severe anemia: Symptoms include extreme tiredness (fatigue), shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat. Splenic sequestration crisis or an aplastic crisis can cause severe anemia symptoms. These conditions can be life-threatening.
Fever: A fever of more than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.5 degrees Celsius, requires attention from a healthcare provider and treatment with antibiotics right away. Some people will need to be hospitalized.
•Acute chest syndrome: Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. You will need to be admitted to the hospital, where you may receive antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or a blood transfusion.
•Stroke: Warning signs include sudden weakness, numbness on one side of the body, confusion, or trouble speaking, seeing, or walking.
•Priapism: An erection that lasts for 4 hours or more. You will need to go to the hospital to see a hematologist (a doctor who specializes in blood conditions and diseases) and a urologist (a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the male reproductive and urinary systems).
Blood and genetic testing are identifying tests that determine sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. Genetic testing can assist in determining the type of sickle cell disease. Genetic testing will confirm if the individual is caring more than one or two copies of the hemoglobin gene.
Reference:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease/sic
Dr. Xernona Clayton worked with the National Urban League and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Civil Rights Movement, where she was closely associated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Brady went on to become the first African American from the southern United States to host a daily primetime talk show, later becoming a corporate vice president for Turner Broadcasting.
Ahoy Sorors!
I would like to personally thank the Membership co-chairmen, committee members, presenters and everyone who worked to make the Chapter Retreat an engaging and fun experience.
The Chapter Retreat was held at Saddlebrook Spa and Resort- August 18th-20th. The theme was “Soaring with Attitude, Kindness and Admiration”. We had 201 sorors registered which included two Pearls, fifteen Golden and five undergrads from Zeta Upsilon. There were 183 sorors who showed up to experience the fun-filled weekend.
We started Friday with a reception and a discussion on Social Justice from the Connections and Social Action Committee. Our Pearls Konnect networking activity was the perfect opportunity for sorors to meet, greet and make connections.
The membership committee opened up the Saturday session with Mary J Blige’s top selling song “Just Fine”. We received a state of the chapter presentation from Madam Basileus and a creative baseball style overview of the chapter Programs. Our Ivy Leaf Reporter provided tips on how to post on social media, and The Ivy Enrichment Foundation of Tampa Bay gave a review of the purpose of the foundation.
We also received video greetings from Madam 28th, Soror Carolyn House Stewart. A new aspect of the retreat was our break out rooms. We had break out rooms for Leadership Development, Health and Wellness and Painting with Rhythm. Sisterly Relations and Protocol collaborated to present a refresher on some of our rituals and traditions. In addition, the weekend featured vendors, games and a luau. We collected 175 sanitary items for the Haitian Education Project, Inc.
The retreat survey link can be found in the weekly Tea Rose throughout the month of September.
See you on the ship,
Soror Deidre R. JonesMAY SOROR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SOROR CORTNIE SIMMONS
JUNE SOROR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SOROR DESHONE GLENN
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Gamma Theta Omega Chapter
Build Our Economic Wealth Committee
September Edition
Greetings Sorors,
After our brief summer pause draws to a close, and with sorors having engaged in a very relaxing, educational and spiritually fed GTO Retreat, led by our dynamic Membership Committee, Team Economic Wealth is eagerly preparing to fall back into action to continue our program initiative of educating individuals in our black and brown communities. A year- to- date highlight of completed program activities was presented by Chairman Blanche Turner during a spirited Programs session, led by our GTO 1st AntiBasileus, Soror Monique Slater.
As we fall back into service with our GTO sisterhood, Economic Wealth will focus on completing the goals and objectives of the Soaring Administration to further enhance our Gamma Theta Omega programs. To achieve these goals, our committee will host Economic Wealth workshops and Gamma Theta Omega Sorors are cordially asked to support these activities together with family, friends and our communities.
Last but not least, as committee chairman, I extend a warm sisterly welcome to new committee members, Sorors Tonya Bonner and Nicole Hester. THANK YOU inadvance to all team members for your continued service and commitment.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!
In Sisterly Service,
Soror Blanche A. TurnerAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Gamma Theta Omega Chapter
Build Our Economic Wealth Committee
September Edition
Greetings Sorors,
After our brief summer pause draws to a close, and with sorors having engaged in a very relaxing, educational and spiritually fed GTO Retreat, led by our dynamic Membership Committee, Team Economic Wealth is eagerly preparing to fall back into action to continue our program initiative of educating individuals in our black and brown communities. A year- to- date highlight of completed program activities was presented by Chairman Blanche Turner during a spirited Programs session, led by our GTO 1st AntiBasileus, Soror Monique Slater.
As we fall back into service with our GTO sisterhood, Economic Wealth will focus on completing the goals and objectives of the Soaring Administration to further enhance our Gamma Theta Omega programs. To achieve these goals, our committee will host Economic Wealth workshops and Gamma Theta Omega Sorors are cordially asked to support these activities together with family, friends and our communities.
Last but not least, as committee chairman, I extend a warm sisterly welcome to new committee members, Sorors Tonya Bonner and Nicole Hester. THANK YOU inadvance to all team members for your continued service and commitment.
In Sisterly Service,
Soror Blanche A. Turner“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the Soul of America.” John Lewis
On June 20, 2023, the Connection and Social Action Committee, Gamma Theta Omega chapter members as well as community leaders participated in the “Stay Woke Florida” Make Good Trouble Bus Tour. The City of Tampa served as one of the fourteen stops hosted by the Florida NAACP, the Transformative Justice Coalition, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. In keeping with the “Advocate for Social Justice” program initiative outlined by our Supreme Basileus, Danette Anthony Reed, the chapter’s involvement in this event was of vital importance. The “rolling protest” was designed to raise awareness and encourage communities to stand up and fight back against the suppressive actions recently taken by legislators in Florida. Some sorors took part in the motorcade with their cars decked out with signs and posters championing the cause of voter suppression while others manned tables with information for individuals as they passed through the designated staging area.
In addition to hearing from public figures, sorors collected “banned” books that have since been donated to the Beulah Baptist “Freedom Library”. Under a new Florida Law, challenged books are required to be removed from circulation until a decision is made on whether they are appropriate for grade levels. With a disproportionate number of the banned books being written by African American authors, a major area of focus has been the collection and redistribution of books, to continue the appropriate education needed for students of all ages and grades.
The event was well attended by the surrounding communities and served as a beacon of hope and encouragement!
The Gamma Theta Omega Chapter kicked off its chapter-wide campaign, “How Does Your Ivy Grow” (HDYIG) in May of 2023 in alignment with the Enhance Our Environment Initiative. The six-month project taught Sorors how to plant and provide on-going care for English Ivy - Hedera Helix - as an indoor and outdoor plant.
Eighty-chapter participants were provided a live English Ivy plant, trowel, gardening gloves, watering bottle, planter saucer, care instruction card and an educational video. Live repotting demonstrations were provided with support across multiple channels to answer participants questions. The ivies’ growth was captured in photos.
The project promoted the benefits of houseplants and cultivated an interest in gardening. It was a great way to show our love and admiration of our beloved symbol – the Ivy Leaf. The HDYIG committee is chaired by Soror Belinda Lawson and Soror Tangela D. DuPree is the Basileus of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter.
On Saturday, September 2, 2023, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® hosted its 2nd annual Poetry Jam under the leadership of Chairman Kandace Nunn Johnson.
The primary aim? To raise essential funds for student scholarships.
This year's theme was, "This Is Us: A Celebration of Black Excellence Through the Arts." The event drew talent from as far as Jamaica, promising an unforgettable evening. DJ NYx filled the air with soulful beats while performers like J'Nelle Richardson, Ras Takura, and Walter "Wally B." Jennings graced the stage. An open mic session encouraged first-timers to share their poetry in a supportive environment with more than 100 guests.
The Poetry Jam Committee captivated the audience with poetry, dance contests, and more. Concessions sold pink and green popcorn, courtesy of Soror Iva Carter, and other snacks. VIPs were greeted with individual charcuterie plates, popcorn, and a bottle of pink sparking rose on ice on the table.
The emcee, Mrs. Kassidy Johnson Jacobs, and a member of Gamma Theta Omega played a pivotal role in ensuring that donations flowed generously. Together, the committee helped to raise more than $4,600.
The Poetry Jam Committee is a sub-committee of the Scholarships Committee led by Second Anti Basileus Mervelle Sage. Soror Mervelle not only read two of her poems from her published works, she also helped curate some of the performers for this event.
Basileus Tangela D. DuPree and First Anti Basileus, Monique Slater were in attendance. Soror Christine Glover, First Vice President of the Ivy Enrichment Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc., also in attendance shared her poetry on stage.
Gamma Theta Omega continues to impact education and the Tampa Bay community positively. The Poetry Jam has set the stage for the fulfillment of scholarships!
The Gamma Theta Omega Chapter received a donation from the Amgen Capability Center in Tampa, FL. More than 500 kits were packed including: 250 kids to service the students of Edison Elementary for the Children’s’ Hunger Initiative Power Pack Program (CHIPP) and Haitian Education Foundation, 150 kits for the seniors at Sunny Vista and Habana Care Senior Homes, and 100 personal hygiene kits filled with feminine hygiene products for the Chapter’s feminine products drive. Thank you to Soror Kassidy Johnson Jacobs who helped to secure this donation to our Chapter.
BROTHERHOOD SERVICE ORGANIZATION A 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
TAMPA, FL.
The Members of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter thanked the Men of Vision for their years of volunteer service to Gamma Theta Omega by presenting the organization with a donation in the amount of $1320.00. Mr. Hamilton, and two representatives from the Men of Vision group received the donation at the Chapter’s Day of Prayer service.
Men of Vision has surpassed State of Florida High school graduation rate 10 years in a row with 98% of its members receiving their standard high school diploma.
Dr. Dawn Ericsson Provine is the Chief Medical Officer at Age Rejuvenation, a hormone therapy, wellness, weight loss and anti-aging practice, which operates out of 5 offices in Tampa and Orlando and in over 10 other states via telehealth. Dr. Ericsson was just featured on Tampa Bay Morning Blend. Dr. Ericsson earned degrees at Yale University and SUNY Stony Brook Medical School. She specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years before further specializing in hormonal and other anti-aging driven therapies. In 2015, Dr. Ericsson was voted Tampa’s Best OB/GYN, and in 2022, she was recognized as a Tampa Top Doctor. Dr. Ericsson is a Board-Certified Fellow of ACOG and has held membership in several local and national Medical Associations. She is a proud mother of three children and happily married. Dr Ericsson enjoys being an active community volunteer, lending support and mentorship to various organizations. Currently, she serves as Foundation Board Chair at Advent Health Hospital Tampa, Medical Director at North Florida Rural Health, and long-time Board member of Academy Preparatory of Tampa.”
Dr. Cora Dunkley was recognized by her Church for the good work that she has done in the community with her CURED (Cuddle Up and Read Every Day) program.
Soror Renee Hutchinson has recently been promoted to Property Manager at Nexus Workspaces in South Florida. The Property is 65,000 square fee and consists of two executive office buildings.
Estrellita "Lo" Berry recognized as a Community Service Award Recipient by the Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity doing their 86th Konclave here in Tampa Bay.
Estrellita “Lo” Berry, M.A, the former President and CEO of REACHUP, Inc.
Soror Tangela D. DuPree, Basileus - gtopresidentTangela@gmail.com
Soror Betia Washington -Anti-Grammateus - gtoantigrammbetia@gmail.com
Soror Jacquelyn Reese, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus
Soror Antina Mobley, Parliamentarian – gtobylaws@gmail.com