NEW ADMINISTRATION. NEW TARGETS.
SOARING TO GREATER HEIGHTS.
BASILEUS NEWS
1ST ANTI-BASILEUS
2ND ANTI-BASILEUS
OUR NEW PROGRAMS
JEWELS OF EXCELLENCE
#CAP COMMITTEE
HEALTH COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
PRECIOUS PEARLS
SISTERLY RELATIONS
PROGRAMS
VOTING/SOCIAL JUSTICE
MEET OUR ARCHIVIST
SORORS ON THE MOVE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EDITOR’S PAGE
My Dear Sorors,
Again, my congratulations go out to the recently honored Pearl, Golden and Silver Sorors. I can honestly say for once in my life I saw stars shining brightly in midday! You all looked stunning. It is virtually impossible to calculate the impact of the collective years of your service, however, we do know that your volunteerism is forever woven into Gamma Theta Omega’s storied history. Thank you for your commitment to a life of service.
It’s been said, “When you pray, move your feet!” We’ve done just that. We’ve petitioned Heaven for divine connections, ideas, and favorable outcomes. While waiting, we’ve been working and preparing for greater and now we are entering a season of abundance and overflow. We are Grateful!
While it is heating up outside, we’re on fire with the Chapter Retreat planning. The Membership committee Chairman, Soror Deidre Jones has been moving her feet along with her committee and I want you to know, it’s “getting hot in here!” There is so much to share, but not just yet. You have to attend the Chapter’s August Retreat to hear all that is being planned for the new year! The membership committee is calling it, “The Trifecta Experience: Appreciation, Knowledge and Affirmation.” It’s going to be an all-out Summer Sizzler in August at the Grand Hyatt and I promise you don’t want to be that Soror who misses it!
We are blessed to have such an abundance of talented Sorors who have a mind to work and “move their feet” to get it all done over the last six months. Sorors, thank you for your significant service to our Chapter and the community. Thank you for your willingness to serve without murmuring or complaining. Thank you for supporting the vision and helping to make it come to life.
I look forward to seeing all of you who will be travelling to the 70th Boule’ in Orlando. Please stay safe and learn all you can so that you can share when we safely return. Stay connected and check for regular Boule’ updates via your email.
Serving to make a difference as we Go Greater – Together!!!!
Sisterly,
Soror Tangela D. DuPree Soror Tangela D. DuPree
Our Programs speaks to our very heart. We are very engaged and are implementing and executing them with drumbeat precision. Although we have new goals and initiatives, we are aligned just by the work that we already do every day. We are ready!!
As has been presented at the Boule our goals and initiatives for 2022-2026 are:
• Strengthen Our Sisterhood will serve as the administration’s “Foundation Initiative” as we strengthen our bonds to support our service mission.
• The remaining five initiatives will serve as the “Program Initiatives” which include:
• Empower Our Families
• Build Our Economic Wealth
• Enhance Our Environment
• Advocate for Social Justice
• Uplift Our Local Community
These initiatives are designed to improve the lives of those we serve. We will work collaboratively to maximize our outreach on progressive endeavors and consistently produce leaders who will advance our credo of service.
Congratulations to the Community Service Committee for providing food items to children for the summer. The Committee packaged donated food items and packaged them in bags for the students to take home. They were very appreciative. I was at one of the schools, and. It was a delight to see the children with their bags. Some struggled to carry them because the bags were packed with nourishment. Thank you to the Chairman, Brenda Jackson Lee, Priscilla Howard, and Amy Jackson, Co-Chairmen. This activity falls in line with a new initiative and goal under the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) focus.
Look for additional activities soon as we prepare for our Back-to-School Bus program in partnership with the Gamma Theta Omega Inc. The Committee is planning to have an impactful event.
The Building Economic Legacy Committee partnered with William Cross to conduct a financial awareness workshop with students in Hillsborough County Elementary Schools. The workshop included over 260 students. The workshop provided financial awareness to the students at their age level but was chock full of knowledge. Gamma Theta Omega also partnered with Regions Banks to give a workshop on homeownership. The Regions Bank representative provided a comprehensive presentation that was clear, distinct, and very relevant.
Don’t forget about our Tech Buddy Workshop on July 30. During this meeting, Sorors will be given tips and tricks for all things tech. We are asking Sorors to bring their laptops and smartphones. Our goal is to provide the checklist for the attendees so they can have handy for the next time they are with zoom, teams, etc. and other technical situations. Please look in the Tea Rose for additional activities in the coming months.
Stay tuned for additional planning meetings and working sessions. We want to hit the ground running in September.
Soror Monique Smith Slater Anti-Basileus/Programs Chairman
Gamma Theta Omega’s Inaugural Poetry Jam Took place on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 8:00p.m. via Zoom. The committee partnered with The Target 4 Arts Committee and it was a huge success. There were three youth poets and three adult poets along with special guest host LIFE Malcolm who stole the shore. We were able to raise close to $1000 towards scholarships within the chapter. Stay tuned for what we have in store for next year!
Second Anti-Basileus
Greetings Sorors!
It’s almost summer…summer …summer time sorors! We may be going on break soon but that certainly does not mean that our work will stop.
It is the 50th Anniversary of the Miss Teenage Tampa Scholarship Pageant and the committee is in the planning phases. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact me as we are still in need of your talents to serve on the MTAT advisory council.
It is the 50th Anniversary of the Miss Teenage Tampa Scholarship Pageant and the committee is in the planning phases. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact me as we are still in need of your talents to serve on the MTAT advisory council.
Heritage Scholars Drive-by Recognition took place on Sunday, May 22, 2022
Middleton High School 2:00-4:30 p.m.
The Scholars were well received by family, friends, and sorors. If you have any questions and would still like to bless our scholars, please contact the subcommittee chair Soror Tressa Jones at scholarshipcomGTOchapter@gmail.com
Sorors there would be no us without you. We hope you will work with the committee to provide additional scholarship activities within the chapter. Together we can truly make a difference!
Always in service,
Marvee A. Sage
Soror Mervelle A. Sage
Danette Anthony Reed is the International President & CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® She is the 31st woman to lead the nation’s first African American sorority for college-educated women She comes to the position with more than 46 years of experience to lead the international organization
Ms Anthony Reed ascended to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s highest office in July 2022 As International President & CEO, Ms Anthony Reed sets policy and programs and leads a board of directors representing other international officers and 10 regional directors who oversee management of the sorority’s more than 1,046 chapters and 320,000 initiated members throughout the United States and 10 countries
A committed Life Member and Silver Star member, Ms Anthony Reed has held more than 24 leadership positions in the sorority at all levels including International First Vice President and previously International Treasurer At the Chapter level, Ms Anthony Reed has been president or vice president of three chapters, held numerous other leadership positions and was a charter member of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter, in Dallas, TX, where she is currently a member While president of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter, she received the South Central Region’s Outstanding Chapter President’s Award
A retired PepsiCo corporate executive, Ms Anthony Reed brings decades of corporate leadership, community engagement, service, and progressive sorority governance to the role She has served as an active and engaged sorority member and rising Alpha Kappa Alpha leader on the local, regional, and international levels
Ms Anthony Reed prides herself in engaging members of the sorority at all levels by being Authentic, Knowledgeable, and Accessible
Throughout her professional career and sorority service, Ms Anthony Reed has demonstrated a rich ability to listen and lead among all constituents to maximize professional and community impact
Ms. Anthony Reed rose through the operations ranks at Frito Lay, retiring after 34 years of service. A trailblazer within the PepsiCo, Frito Lay Division, she became the first AfricanAmerican woman plant director for Frito Lay to lead the startup of an $80 million bakery facility in Dallas. After this accomplishment, she moved to Frito Lay’s corporate office and led a cross-functional team in the commercialization of $300 million in innovative products.
The daughter of two educators, Ms Anthony Reed holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, Industrial Engineering, from Northwestern University She is the first Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® International President who is an engineer Initiated in 1976 into Gamma Chi Chapter at Northwestern University, Ms Anthony Reed’s Alpha Kappa Alpha lineage runs three generations deep She follows in the footsteps of her mother Mary Alice Anthony, who has more than 65 years of service and is a Pearl member of Theta Omega Chapter in Chicago In addition, her daughter, Erynn Denise Reed, initiated in 2015, is a member of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter, in Dallas Ms Anthony Reed also is the proud mother of her son, Anthony Leelynn Reed
Ms Anthony Reed is a charter member of the Greater Denton County (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; a member of Top Ladies of Distinction of Dallas, TX; a member of the Carrousels of Dallas, TX; a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians; and a former Girl Scouts leader Currently, she serves as Treasurer of Krugerville Community Development Corporation
She has received wide acclaim from a number of organizations for her service contributions including:
!Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals
!Women’s Inclusion Network Lifetime Achievement Award
!PepsiCo’s Global Harvey Russell Diversity and Inclusion Award
!National Council of Negro Women Outstanding Service Award
!Greater Denton County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Leadership Award
!Women’s Inclusion Network Leadership Development Award
!Women of Color “Making an Impact Award”
This administration has six initiatives.
1) Strengthen Our Sisterhood will serve as the administration’s “Foundation Initiative” as we strengthen our bonds to support our service mission.
The remaining five initiatives will serve as the “Program Initiatives” which include:
2) Empower Our Families
3) Build Our Economic Wealth
4) Enhance Our Environment
5) Advocate for Social Justice
6) Uplift Our Local Community
These initiatives are designed to improve the lives of those we serve. We will work collaboratively to maximize our outreach on progressive endeavors and consistently produce leaders who will advance our credo of service
Company
Date
Edition 1, Volume 1
Overview
Stomach cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the stomach. The stomach is a muscular sac located in the upper middle of your abdomen, just below your ribs. Your stomach receives and holds
the food you eat and then helps to break down and digest it.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can affect any part of the stomach. In most of the world, stomach cancers form in the main part of the stomach (stomach body).
But in the United States, stomach cancer is more likely to affect the area where the long tube (esophagus) that carries food you swallow meets the stomach. This area is called the gastroesophageal junction.
Where the cancer occurs in the stomach is one factor doctors consider when determining your treatment options. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the stomach cancer. Other treatments may be recommended before and after surgery .
surgery to remove the sto mach cancer. Other treatments may be recommended before and after surgery.
James Baldwin (famous author), Fred Rogers (beloved children television host), Nipsey Russell (famous comedian), and Michelle Thomas (Family Matters actress) are just some of the famous people who died of stomach (gastric) cancer.
Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
•Difficulty swallowing
•Feeling bloated after eating
•Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
•Heartburn
•Indigestion
•Nausea
•Stomach pain
•Unintentional weight loss
•Vomiting
PREVENTION:
Maintain a healthy weight Choose a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods you eat. Stop smoking.
Ask your doctor about your risk of stomach cancer.
DIAGNOSIS:
• UPPER ENDOSCOPY
• BIOPSY
• IMAGING TESTS
TREATMENT:
• SURGERY
• CHEMOTHEARPY
• RADIATION THERAPY
• IMMUNOTHERAPY
• TARGETED DRUG THERAPY
If you have signs and symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will likely investigate more -common causes of these signs and symptoms firs t.
As we rapidly approach the end of what has proven to be another busy successful empowering year of “Service”, please know the Hodegos Committee members wish to thank all of you for your “Servant” efforts and contributions to all mankind. Remember God built us to “Serve.” “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1Corinthians 12’27 NLT} God has equipped each of us differently and divvied up task in which we each should do our own special work, by “Serving” in our community and the world.
“SERVICE” RENDERED:
Prayers Extended to;
Soror Betty T. Baker, Soror Sandra Hill, Soror Beverly Holland, Soror Rosalyn Roker, Soror Willetta Miles-Clem’s Family, Soror Tina Solomon, Soror Phyllis Thompson-Walters, Soror Christine Myatt, Soror Alveta Maultsby, Soror Sheila Padgett, Soror Bessie Brown, Soror Jeri Williams, and all Gamma Theta Omega Sorors.
CONDOLENCES:
The Chapter is in sympathy with Soror Sheila Padgett in the loss of her sister-in-law Soror Juanita Padgett Underwood.
Please know, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter always extends our condolences and deepest sympathy to our Sorors and their family members.
COURTESIES……Cards, Phone Calls, Visits and Plants were presented.
RECOGNITION & CONGRATULATIONS TO SORORS “GOING GREATER”
Sorors as you know “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Keep “Serving” and going greater!!!!
Finally, Welcome!!!! Welcome to our new members!!!!
Yours in “Service,”
Soror F ta e Mari & Soror Phyis Thomps -Walters
July 20, 2023
It is time to elect the 2023 Robin Lynn Spirit Award Nominee. The Nominating committee is now taking nominations. If you would like to nominate someone, send their one-page Bio and Headshot by 6:00 p.m. August 12th to sdavis021@tampabay.rr.com
Nominations recommending sorors for this award should address the following:
• Have the outstanding leadership qualities.
• Be reliable and dependable.
• Have a real vision and sense of value.
• Promote and demonstrate sister relations.
• Exemplify and cultivate a spiritual image.
• Be involved and committed to other civic and community organizations.
• Be creative and talented.
• Display a winning attitude.
• Be an effective communicator.
• Go above and beyond the call of duty.
Soror S ra Davis Myers Nominating Chairman
On May 15, 2022, President Sarah Jordan banged her gavel for the final time calling the Precious Pearls meeting to order. It was the first opportunity in her two terms as President that she was able to preside at an in-person meeting. In response to covid-19 restrictions, all of the meetings, presentations, entertainment, and celebrations had been held virtually via a Zoom platform. Finally, the young ladies were able to put on their pink blazers and gather together under one roof.
The meeting began with an icebreaker facilitated by Soror Kathy Griffin. This activity provided an opportunity for Precious Pearls to meet and talk to each other face to face, learn fun facts about each other, rekindle old friendships and make new acquaintances. All the things that they were missing.
Like all meetings, birthdays were celebrated and successes were applauded.
As is tradition, officers were elected for 2022-2023 year. of the room with prepared speeches, sharing her qualifications and making campaign promises to all to persuade the vote in her favor. After all that was said and the ballots were counted, below are the new officers for next year:
President - Zoe Johnson Vice President - Kobi-Skye Padgett Secretary- Lariana
WadeSargent at Arms - Madison Sheriff
Chaplain - Asia Vasser
High School seniors were celebrated; another tradition held during the final meeting of the year. Seven of the twelve seniors were present to receive ovations and gifts. They participated in an impromptu panel answering questions from the audience about their college choices, expected majors, high school best practices, senior year challenges, college preparations, etc.
Congratulate the Class of 2022:
In April, Soror Donna Cason led the focus on The Arts, one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s International Targets. The Precious Pearls Arts Committee helped to provide the girls with an awareness of the Arts during the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movements, while entertaining them with fun activities that only wet their appetite for the knowledge of our culture and history.
There were dance demonstrations with a tutorial of The Charleston (forward with your right foot, back with your left) Precious Pearls rose from their chairs to try it out. There were interactive games to learn facts about this period in African American history
Committee members showcased their talents of dance, music and poetry.
Soror Ayesha Cade was the guest presenter. She shared her passion for the Arts through her work. Precious Pearls had lots of questions. Soror Cade’s comments after the meeting “This has been the BEST zoom presentation/meeting EVVEERRRR!!!!!
The Adult/work meetings can’t compare! The Girls of Precious Pearls are awesome!! Again, thank you” The Precious Pearls participating on the ARTS Committee were Shayla Jones, KobiSkye Padgett, Jazmyn McKenzie, Madison Sheriff, Christine Borden, Tiana McKinon, Da’More Shorter and Denver Codner.
In March, 20 young ladies were officially inducted into Precious Pearls during the 'Pink Blazer Ceremony'.
In front of their peers, the freshman class of Precious Pearls gathered with their familie and Sorors to wear their pink blazer for the first time in public. Soror Pamyla Crompton Rick and Soror Donna Cason facilitated the Precious Pearls Blazer Ceremony. Greetings from presidents of both Gamma Theta Omega Chapter and Gamma Theta Omega Foundation opened the program. GT0 chaplain blessed the blazers. Mentor and Soror Deiah Riley Rabon was the guest speaker.
In February, Precious Pearls and the Mentors attended the meeting embellished by their favorite HBCU. The Precious Pearls HBCU Committee led by Soror Kathy Griffin and Soror Latina McKinon created a competitive, interactive fun presentation to enhance HBCU knowledge through popular mediums like TikTok and Kahoot. Prizes were awarded to the girls who won the games. Both Precious Pearls and mentors were challenged, but went away with a lot more information.
Precious Pearls were called upon to facilitate a session during the IVY AKAdemy. The girls presented the HBCU facts, games, and activities to the community.
The Precious Pearls participating on the HBCU Committee included Shauntel Christopher, Je’Maria Newsome, Aliah Kelly, Da’More Shorter, and Chavae Robinson.
In January, Soror Audra Woods worked with the Social Media committee to prepare an awareness discussion on the Do’s and Don’ts for social media. As an HR professional, she shared safe practices, image awareness of what you post can negatively impact future career and internship opportunities, encouraging the use of Linked In to build your brand even while in high school. Social Media can be beneficial when used appropriately; but can cause distractions when time spent on social media is not limited; refrain from negative conversations that cause mental distress such as bullying which can impact both school work and relationships. Precious Pearls participating in the presentation planning included Kymbri Sims and Sydney Crenshaw.
WithoutYOU, this work would not be possible. As we end the school year for 2022, we look forward to preparation for a new year in the fall.
Soror Sharon Canty
Soror Donna Cason
Soror Shayla Cason
Soror Mikki Chambers
Soror Verlyn B. Crompton
Soror Kathy Griffin
Soror Brenda Jackson-Lee
Soror Stacy Johnson
Soror Miriam Joyner-Smith
Soror Nikki Lockett
Soror Ashley McKenzie
Soror LaTina McKinon
Soror Deiah Rabon
Soror Pamyla Crompton Rick
Soror Sherry Smith-Williams
Soror Julie Sneed
Soror Carla White Sunday
Soror Audra Woods
I Am My Sister's Keeper: "Leave a SPARKLE wherever you GO!"
Our Pearl Legacies "flowered" their moms with a special video that was shared at the May sorority meeting We are truly blessed to have 4 Pearl Sorors in Gamma Theta Omega, and two of them have Legacies that represent up to 3 generations of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
The AKAs are going to Broadway We will dazzle at the Straz Center in our PINK and GREEN The Chapter will attend two Broadway productions, Hadestown and Tina-The Tina Turner Musical, together on December 1, 2022, and February 2, 2023, respectively.
Sisterly Relations thanks you for your continued support of our activities. See you at the CHAPTER RETREAT!
Soror Carolyn Lewis, Chairman
Soror Caroline Stewart, Co-Chairman
Soror Dionne Moragne, Co-Chairman
Soror Tangela D. DuPree, Basileus gtopresidentTangela@gmail.com
Soror Monique S. Slater, 1st Anti-Basileus - gto1stvicepresident@gmail.com
Soror Mervelle Sage, 2nd Anti-Basileus gto2ndvp@gmail.com
Soror Janice Jacob, Grammateus gtogrammjanice@gmail.com
Soror Betia Washington -Anti-Grammateus gtoantigrammbetia@gmail.com
Soror Jeroline Horne, Tamiouchos gtotreas@gmail.com
Soror Vanessa Paige, Pecunious Grammateus gtopg1908@gmail.com
Soror Mikaelya Coffee, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus mikaelya.coffee@gmail.com
Soror Kisha Porter, Epistoleus EpistGTO@gmail.com
Soror Kandace Nunn Johnson Anti-Epistoleus GTOantiepist1908@gmail.com
Soror Patrice M. Joseph, Chaplain praygtochaplain@gmail.com
Soror Kassidy Johnson, Ivy Leaf Reporter gtoivyleafreports@gmail.com
Soror Bertha Baker, Historian gtohistorian@gmail.com
Soror Fontaine Marion, Hodegos fonaka_01@gmail.com
Soror Phyllis Thompson Walters, Anti-Hodegos gtohodegos@gmail.com
Soror Dorsity M. Cole, Graduate Advisor dorsity1@gmail.com
Soror Rhonesia Dennard, Graduate Advisor rldennard@aol.com
Soror Sheila Padgett, Business Manager gtobusinessmgr@gmail.com
Soror Jada Wright-Greene, Archivist Gtoarchives@gmail.com
Soror Yvette Rhodes, Member at Large memberatlarge@gmail.com
Soror Sonja Wise, Philacter gtophilacter@gmail.com
Soror Antina Mobley, Parliamentarian gtobylaws@gmail.com