The Pearl Gazette | March 2023

CelebratingWOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

GAMMA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®

A GLANCE INSIDE THIS EDITION

1ST ANTI-BASILEUS

2ND ANTI-BASILEUS

HEALTH COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

SISTERLY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES & RECOGNITIONS

IVY AKADEMY CELEBRATION

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

EDITOR’S PAGE

BASILEUS NEWS

Spring is upon us and the time for reﬂection, renewal and reawakening has begun.

We gratefully reﬂect on a wonderful Ivy AKAdemy celebration where we introduced our exciting 2023 Program Initiatives to the public as is customary. Thank you, Soror Jessica Holmes, Chairman, and the entire Ivy AKAdemy Committee for an informative and memorable event.

As we prepare to come together in Tallahassee for the AKA Day at the Capitol, we must renew our commitment to being leaders for social justice. More than ever, our communities need our voice and we must show up and be present. Let us arm ourselves with both courage and knowledge – if you’re not aware, please take the time to become familiar with Florida House Bill 999 as it has far-reaching implications and long-term ramiﬁcations for all who believe in equality for all. If passed, House Bill 999 could very likely lead to the end of some of our most treasured institutions and initiatives centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. In part, House Bill 999 bans the use of “Critical Race Theory rhetoric, without deﬁning the term.” We should all be alarmed and moved to action! We cannot sit by and simply hope someone else takes a stand for us, WE must do all we can, for ourselves, and for the most vulnerable among us -- our children.

Sorors, let's reawaken our consciousness and pack Gamma Theta Omega’s AKA bus like never before! It’s “Never Too Late” to get on the bus in our pink and green attire and send the strong message that YES -- we are awake and we see you and NO -- we will not be quiet or ignored. Let us honor the memory of the late Congressman John Lewis and get into some Good Trouble. Sorors, we will see you on the Hill.

Together,

Sorors,

TANGELA

BASILEUS

D. DUPREE

CALLING ALL

Sheros

Greetings Sorors!

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Our Sorority is a sisterhood of college-educated professionals who are markedly distinguished by a need to serve others and galvanized by strong women who have embraced their destiny of greatness and continually created ways to take our service to greater heights. One way to celebrate Women’s History Month is by reaching out to a Sorors who has empowered you and thanking her for the positive impact she’s made in your life. Another way is to strive to be an exemplary leader and think about how you too can become a shero! Sheros support, encourage and push others to be better. Let’s celebrate our Sheros today!

Connection and Social Action

Gamma Theta Omega’s Connections and Social Action Committee has engaged in community events and programs to educate and inform about civic duty and changes in rulings and legislation that affect our community. The importance of voting is an integral part of our democracy. We should exercise our right to vote and encourage others to vote in every election, including local, state, and national campaigns. It is incumbent on all of us to read and understand what is happening politically so that we can make informed decisions on legislation that impact our lives.

Activities happening this month for this committee:

• AKA Day at Capitol on 3/29/23

• Letter Writing Campaign Ongoing

Health and Wellness

National Nutrition Month, celebrated in March, stresses the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the transformative powers of healthy food choices. Good health is central to human happiness and well-being, contributing signiﬁcantly to prosperity, wealth, and even economic progress. Take the necessary steps for your health and well-being and know your body!

Enhance our Environment

We are Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood and are Enhancing our Environment by planting trees. Alpha Kappa Alpha has a national partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to accomplish this goal. As part of our national partnership, the Arbor Day Foundation has developed a customized online portal experience to allow members to order trees and receive education on how and where to plant trees. April is the designated month for members and chapters to plant trees in celebration of the global environmental observance of Earth Month. Individual Sorors chapters can participate in this endeavor. Stay tuned for additional details.

1 st Anti-Basileus

MONIQUE SMITH-SLATER 1 ST ANTI-BASILEUS

March is not only Women’s History Month but our committee wants to say kudos to the moms of these special individuals, our 2022 Heritage Scholars. Check out what they have been up to and look forward to as we showcase our 2023 Heritage Scholars in a future edition. Always in service,

Soror Mervelle A. Sage 2nd Anti-Basileus MTAT Scholarship Chairman

MER V EL L E A. S AG E S e c o nd A nti-B a sil e u s

“ G enerating T imeless O pportunities through Scholarships”

HEALTH COMMITTEE

COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer is derived from cancer in the colon or the rectum. Cancer can start from either the rectum or colon, hence the cancer can be termed colon cancer or rectal cancer

The colon and rectum make up the large intestine or large bowel which is part of the digestive system. The colon is a large muscular tube measuring around 5 feet long.

How the colon works

The colon’s function is to absorb water and salt from the remaining food matter after it travels through the small intestine. The waste that remains after passing through the colon goes through the rectum. The rectum is approximately 6 inches of the digestive system.

How does Colorectal Cancer begin Colorectal Cancer begins as a growth, also known as a polyp, in the inner lining of the rectum or colon. The chance of a growth turning into cancer depends on the type of growth it is.

There are three types of polyps that are viewed:

• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps sometimes change into cancer. Because of this, adenomas are called a pre-cancerous condition. The 3 types of adenomas are tubular, villous, and tubulovillous.

• Hyperplastic polyps and inﬂammatory polyps: These polyps are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous. Some people with large (more than 1cm) hyperplastic polyps might need colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy more often.

• Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Other factors that may be considered for increase in colorectal cancer are:

• Polyps that are greater than 1 centimeter

• If more than three polyps are found

• Abnormality is seen after the polyp is removed from the lining of the rectum or colon

Risk Factors

There are several risks factors for colorectal cancer.

• Obesity

• Diet high in red meats (pork, beef or liver)

• Processed meats

• Smoking

• No physical activity

• Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption

• Family history

HEALTH COMMITTEE

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may not present quickly. However, some of the followings are details to look for.

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that's not relieved by having one

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

• Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black

• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain

• Weakness and fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

HOW TO PROPERLY USE THE TOILET WHEN POOPING

Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider colon cancer screening around age 45. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner. Several screening options exist — each with its own beneﬁts and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.

How do I lower my risk of rectal or colon cancers as a woman

To lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer or any other cancer, aim to follow healthy lifestyle behaviors. Exercise at least four times a week, eat a diet high in ﬁber (aim for 25 grams of ﬁber a day) and limit your alcohol intake. Most importantly, be aware of your body – if you are experiencing any unusual or persistent symptoms, please mention it to your physician.

!

GET ON BOARD THE MEMBER Ship

Ahoy Sorors!

The MemberShip is moving full steam ahead. We have a long list of ports of call during the next few months! We will host a Transfer and Reactivated Soror Orientation March 25th for sorors who joined Gamma Theta Omega in 2023. All invites have been sent out.

The MemberShip Committee is implementing S.O.S.: Strengthening our Sisterhood Mentoring Program. We need mentors and mentees to sign up using the links below:

Criteria for mentors:

- An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha for a minimum of ﬁve years

- An active member of Gamma Theta Omega for a minimum of three consecutive years

- Willing to provide guidance and spend a minimum of one hour a month with mentee

- Will not replace the Membership sponsors, but will provide an additional layer of support

- Possess knowledge of governing documents

- Willing to mentor one to two sorors

- Must complete mentoring application (link https://forms.gle/17yN1d95Jy74WDiF8 )

- Must complete mentoring training (March 25 12:30 pm)

Criteria for Mentee:

- Transferred, reactivated or initiated in 2019 or later

- Must complete the mentee application (link https://forms.gle/A2xBDwXxJM2YPxYd9 )

Stay tuned for more details about a MemberShip workshop in April.

See you on the ship,

Soror Deidre R. Jones MemberShip Chairman

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

SISTERLY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES AND RECOGNITIONS

THE LIGHTENING RECOGNIZES DIVINE ORGANIZATIONS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

MEMBERS OF DIVINE 9 WERE AWARDED $1,000 EACH FOR PROGRAMS!

Soror Monique Slater, National Hockey League Executive Vice President, and Soror Tangela D. DuPree Sorors attending the Black Brown and College Bound Soror Tangela and Pastor Alan Harris

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES AND RECOGNITIONS

THE CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM COMMITTEE

RECOGNIZES GAMMA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER AND FOUNDATION FOR YEARS OF SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Alpha Kappa Alpha members in attendance at City of Tampa Black History Program Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersbug College Soror Tangela D. DuPree, Basileus Gamma Theta Omega Soror Peggy Quince, Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice