Inspirational Founders' Day Messages

Founders' Day Messages from

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National Officers Barbara J . Neville President Marsha Ingersoll Vice President J oyce Freeman-Baker Recording Secretary Sharletta McKinney Corresponding Secretary IreneCrowell Financial Secretary CharadesEstes Treasurer Susan OdomHouze Parliamentarian Lynn Rosario Member-at-Large Viola Burton Mitchell Public Relations Officer Edna Williams Historian/J ournalist Ruth Carter Sergeant-at-Arms DeLynda Wilson Registered Agent BettyWalker, Esq. General Counsel

Elizabeth Saunders Immediate Past National President

Our Founders Mary WardBarnes J oyceTateBrown TheodoreJ ackson Cora A Non-Profit 501c3 Organization www.chums-inc.org

To All of My Chum Sisters,

One of the greatest honors we as Chums can do is to pay tribute to our Founders, ChumsMary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown and Theodora Cora Jackson.

We pay tribute to them for their vision, leadership, fortitude, bravery, energy, tenacity, grace and their heart. We exist 76 years later because our Founders saw a need by young professional women to embrace and enrich their communities and each other. They saw possibilities and made them a reality.

I am reminded as we celebrate our Founders, to remember our Past National Presidents. They have walked in our Founders’ shoes and has ensured their legacy remains alive. Our Past National Presidents have moved us forward and lifted us up. They have broadened the horizon of Chums, Incorporated and established a path for us. So I cannot just pay homage to our Founders and forget those that followed. Our legacy has many shades of good, better, best!

So as we celebrate Chums Mary, Joyce and Theodora, think about the possibilities we see, the possibilities we live, the possibilities for new heights, the possibilities for excellence!

Chum Sisters, you are today’s possibilities. So I solute the legacy we will establish in continuing our Founder’s dream.

In Sisterhood and Service, Chum Barbara Neville National President

Greetings my Chum Sisters!

Weareso blessed to bepart of an organization that has valued and cultivated friendships since its beginning. In February wehonor three special women - Mary Ward Barnes, JoyceTate Brown and Theodora Jackson Cora. Threeamazing women who founded an organization built on their friendship; an organization wherefriends can work together to enrich thelives of children and servetheir communities.

K armetria Burton best describes sisterhood as a bond between women who sharecommon goals and can cometogether to movetheagenda forward. Last year wecelebrated 75 years of service and sisterhood. It’s a testament to our fortitude, determination and sheer desireto serve. We’ve impacted and madea differencein so many lives.

Our Founders showed us what friendship looked likeand what sisterhood could do. Celebrate our sisterhood. Bethebest Chum Sister you can be: Takecareof yourself, haveregular checkups, eat well, exerciseand stay active.

Taketimeto relax and pamper yourself.

Hold trueto thecharacteristics of our Creed– Charter and Charm, Honesty and Humility, U nderstanding and U nselfishness, Modesty and Moderation.

Love, support, encourageand respect oneanother.

Work together to enrich thelives of children and serveour communities.

As wemoveforward with expanding our sisterhood and service, honor our past and optimistically embraceour future. Remember thosewe’velost, cherish thosewho arehereand welcomethosewho will come.

I’m so grateful to know so many outstanding women who I can call my friends, my sisters.

Happy Founders’ Month my Chum Sisters!

Chummily, Chum Marsha Ingersoll National VicePresident Chums, Incorporated

Dear Chum Sisters, Each year in February we celebrate Black History Month, which began as Negro History Week. We honor the sacrifices, ingenuity and perseverance demonstrated by those who came before us. It is in that same spirit of commitment and collaboration that we, as Chum sisters, proudly and humbly honor our founders for their dedication in charting a course for the achieving women we call Chums.

It is an honor and privilege to acknowledge and celebrate our three founders, Chum Mary Ward Barnes, Chum Joyce Tate Brown and Chum Theodora Cora Jackson. We thank them for the vision they created and nurtured to bring together professional, accomplished African-American women in the spirit of meeting in friendship and fun, to encourage a spirit of helpfulness and to use our talents in service to the community.

We continue to build on the foundation laid by our founders to promote civic, cultural, educational and social improvement. These areas of focus provide us with many opportunities to bring about change and progress as we “Listen to the Children … Enrich Their Lives.”

Also in February, many people celebrate Valentine’s Day. On this day we celebrate our families and friends with different expressions of love. Our founders were friends who we know loved each other.

Their friendship and love created an organization built on respect, love and honor. As we move through the year and grow in number, our individual and collective commitment to community and to each other keeps us true to our Creed.

What started as a social and civic club in Norfolk, Virginia, has matured into a notable and noble non-profit organization in this country; a fact that we owe enduring gratitude to our founders whose vision paralleled that of the founders of Negro History Week that grew into what we call Black History Month.

As Chums, we are proud, committed, grateful and motivated by our founders and the path they charted for us now and forever more!

Happy Founders Day Chum Sisters!

Chum Luv, Chum Joyce Freeman-Baker National Recording Secretary

National Officers Barbara J . Neville President Marsha Ingersoll Vice President J oyce Freeman-Baker Recording Secretary Sharletta McKinney Corresponding Secretary IreneCrowell Financial Secretary CharadesEstes Treasurer Susan OdomHouze Parliamentarian Lynn Rosario Member-at-Large Viola Burton Mitchell Public Relations Officer Edna Williams Historian/J ournalist Ruth Carter Sergeant-at-Arms DeLynda Wilson Registered Agent Betty Walker, Esq. General Counsel

Elizabeth Saunders Immediate Past National President

Chum Sisters

As we honor our illustrious founders and rededicate ourselves since our national founding 76 years ago, we have been at the forefront of African American life and culture, impacting communities both locally and nationally.

We are proud of our strong and longstanding initiatives that have resulted in tremendous improvements in our communities. We have promoted civic, cultural, educational, and social engagement while focusing on improving the lives of children and youth. Now, more than ever, our sisterhood is critical. It is critical to our individual wellbeing and to our collective empowerment as a group. We realize that our shared sisterhood is transformative. There is strength in our numbers (watch us at the polls). When we come together, we can uplift one another, inspire one another, and initiate life-altering programs in our communities while having a little fun along the way.

Founders’ Day is a significant milestone. It is our time. It gives us pause to reflect on our work and enduring commitments. It is also a time to acknowledge our treasured friendships and sister circle. African American women’s friendships are special. We know this because we live in a demanding world where we shoulder many burdens and take on many responsibilities—yet we live, we laugh, and we thrive. We do this because we lean on one another. We are our sister’s keepers. So, let us express our gratitude for our Chums sisterhood, for our founders and for our current leaders and members of this beloved organization.

Happy Founder’s Day, Chum Sisters!

Our Founders Mary WardBarnes J oyceTateBrown TheodoreJ ackson Cora A Non-Profit 501c3 Organization www.chums-inc.org

Chum Sharletta B. McKinney National Corresponding Secretary Chums, Inc.

Name Last Name Profession Dear ______ Team, Mittens

Photo by Tete_escape

Dear Chum Sisters, It was a cold, rainy night, 76 years ago, when three extraordinary women – Mary, Joyce, and Theodora – sat in a red Thunderbird and decided to form a social club naming it after their friendship “Chums”. In February every year, we reflect on all we have to be grateful for as a direct result of membership in Chums, Incorporated.

However, a day in February was just the first day for this wonderful organization. What would have happened if our founders took the rest of the year off?

These are unusual times; we are a social organization operating during social distancing mandates. While your chapter may need to look outside the box for creative ways to fulfill our shared goals and values, we are not that different from our founders. We cannot rest on our past accomplishment to get us through this global pandemic. Instead, we must press forward and continue promoting a “Sisterhood for a Lifetime”. Chum sisters, we must continue to be the vehicle to promote community, friendship, and sisterhood.

It is impressive to see the many creative ways you are stepping up and living our shared values.

Mary, Joyce, and Theodora would have been impressed by our members’ resourcefulness and the resources you have made available in your communities.

We must recommit ourselves to our values and lifelong commitment to Chums, Incorporated.

We must continue to strengthen relationships with our sisters. We must be willing to speak, take chances, and offer new ideas for ways to live our Chum Creed. Ultimately, we each must do exactly what Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, Theodora Cora Jackson did.

As Sir Winston Churchill said, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Our founders did not consider that February night as a task completed. It was the first step.

Thank you to every member for your committed efforts to ensure that we continue to listen to the children and have a strong Sisterhood.

Happy Founders’ Day! Chum Charade Estes, National Treasurer

February 10, 2022

Dear Chum Sisters: As we approach our 76 th Founders’ Day, there is no better time to reflect on the majestic vision of Founders’ Chum Mary Ward Barns, Chum Joyce Tate Brown and Chum Mary Ward Barns and pay homage to their accomplishments. Many of us didn’t have the opportunity to meet these three amazing women; but we know that they were about purpose and action. Because of them, Chums, the five letters that described their sisterhood, has become synonymous with an organization that operates for the betterment of our children. So, it’s only right that we honor their friendship and servant leadership during the month our of organization’s founding.

The pandemic continues to limit our ability to actively participate in civic, social and cultural activities with each other and forced us to pivot in the way that we provide service. It may seem bleak at times but I challenge each of you to think about the obstacles that our Founders faced as they began laying the groundwork for this incredible organization and honor their memory by celebrating each other and our accomplishments. As an inspiration, I leave you with the words of a woman who continues to blaze trails.

Every Woman The success of every woman should the inspiration to another.

We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.

- Serena Williams

Yours in Chumdom,

Chum Susan Odom Houze National Parliamentarian

Dear Cherished Chum Sisters, During this fantastic month of February that is abundant with celebrations. Now, more than ever is a time for us to remember who we are. And as you read this poem by Mitra Rahbar, and notice how on point this sister is, my hope is that your soul will feel seen. Please take a moment to breathe and exhale, acknowledge a journey well-traveled before stepping into the future.

*credit to Maria Shivers, "SUNDAY PAPER" posting 2/6/22 Sisterly, Chum Lynn Rosario National Member-at-Large

National Officers Barbara J . Neville President Marsha Ingersoll Vice President J oyceFreeman-Baker Recording Secretary Sharletta McKinney Corresponding Secretary IreneCrowell Financial Secretary CharadesEstes Treasurer Susan OdomHouze Parliamentarian Lynn Rosario Member-at-Large Viola Burton Mitchell Public Relations Officer Edna Williams Historian/J ournalist Ruth Carter Sergeant-at-Arms

My Chum Sisters, Imagine life in Norfolk Virginia in 1946. Segregation was alive, affecting every aspect of their lives. Three Phenomenal women, Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown and Theodora Jackson Cora had the vision and insight to start a social group. Through their friendship, love of community services, focused on children, and the betterment of all through educational, civic, cultural and social improvement.

Here we are today 76 years, later celebrating their vision of Chumdon and implementing programs that are still relevant for our children and society.

Our Founders and Past Presidents have navigated the many changes that have occurred over the last 76 years. We all can think back over the seven decades of social changes, political and technological while our Founders and Past National Presidents stayed positive, persistent and prayerful. As Your National Public Relations Officer, Founders and Past National Presidents, I salute you!

DeLynda Wilson Registered Agent

In closing, I would like to pay tribute to the legacy of our Founder's and our past National Presidents during this Founders Day month. Their vision and contributions have helped keep the mission and dream alive.

Betty Walker, Esq. General Counsel

Yours in service,

Elizabeth Saunders Immediate Past National President

Our Founders Mary Ward Barnes J oyceTateBrown TheodoreJ ackson Cora A Non-Profit 501c3 Organization www.chums-inc.org

Chum Viola Burton Mitchell National Public Relations Officer Greater Lansing Chapter

National Officers Barbara J . Neville President Marsha Ingersoll Vice President J oyceFreeman-Baker Recording Secretary Sharletta McKinney Corresponding Secretary IreneCrowell Financial Secretary CharadesEstes Treasurer Susan OdomHouze Parliamentarian Lynn Rosario Member-at-Large Viola Burton Mitchell Public Relations Officer Edna Edwards Williams

Historian/J ournalist Ruth Carter Sergeant-at-Arms DeLynda Wilson Registered Agent

As we celebrate our Founders’ Day. We graciously thank Mary Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown, and Theodora Jackson Cora for their insight 76 years ago. These women created an organization with love and warmth to expand across the country. This is shown in our growth of 36 chapters hailing East to West coasts, North and South.

As we continue to meet in friendship and fun, encourage a spirit of helpfulness, and use our many talents in service in our varied communities, we collectively uphold our national theme to “Listen to the Children…enrich their lives.”

Our founders would be amazed and proud of our progress since the foundation they humbly created. Let us continue to make memories for generations to come as we shine with: C - Character and charm we strive to attain.

H - Honesty and humility are always our aim.

U - Understanding and unselfishness we exhibit each day.

M - Modesty and moderation light our pathway.

As we continue our charge in Chums, Incorporated, let us aim our arrow and focus on our work at hand. As your Historian/ Journalist, together, we will build upon our rich history in Chumdom our founders set before us.

In Sisterhood and Service, I humbly salute you!

Betty Walker, Esq. General Counsel

Happy Founders’ Day!

Elizabeth Saunders Immediate Past National President

Chummily,

Our Founders Mary Ward Barnes J oyceTateBrown TheodoreJ ackson Cora A Non-Profit 501c3 Organization www.chums-inc.org

Ed n a Ed wa r d s Wi l l i a ms Chum Edna Edwards Williams National Historian/Journalist Chums, Incorporated

National Officers Barbara J . Neville President Marsha Ingersoll Vice President

Dear Chum Sisters,

Happy Founders’ Day

J oyce Freeman-Baker Recording Secretary Sharletta McKinney Corresponding Secretary Irene Crowell Financial Secretary CharadesEstes Treasurer Susan OdomHouze Parliamentarian Lynn Rosario Member-at-Large Viola Burton Mitchell Public Relations Officer Edna Williams Historian/J ournalist Ruth Carter Sergeant-at-Arms DeLynda Wilson Registered Agent Betty Walker, Esq. General Counsel

Elizabeth Saunders Immediate Past National President

Our Founders Mary WardBarnes J oyceTateBrown TheodoreJ ackson Cora A Non-Profit 501c3 Organization www.chums-inc.org

I salute you for your continued service and dedication to our distinguished organization, Chums Incorporated. As a past National President, you have kept the vision of our founding Chum Sisters by enhancing our cultural, social relations and broaden our civic responsibilities through various programs and activities in our communities during your tenure.

As National Sergeant-at-Arms, I thank you for all you continue to do to further grow our village. You are a precious gem thus I am praying a special prayer just for you.

Jesus, all good things flow through you. All good gifts come from you including my beautiful sisters. I ask that you lift them up and bless the work they do, “listening to the children.” Multiply their work 100 times over until their cup is overflowing. Each worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of children via various projects and initiatives. I thank you for our journey through life together as Chum Sisters. I pray each continues to flourish and that you bless each sister as only you can. Amen

Chum Ruth

,

February 18, 2022 Greetings Chum Sisters, On behalf of the Executive Committee of Chums, Incorporated, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your unselfish serving of our communities and the ongoing efforts to enrich the lives of our young people by supporting our national theme, “Listen to the Children.”

I am confident that our Founders, Chum Mary Ward Barnes, Chum Joyce Tate Brown, and Chum Theodora Jackson Cora are so proud of the numerous hours of work and dedication committed toward the fulfillment of this endeavor.

As we move forward, let us continue to devote our time and energy to the betterment of social, civic and cultural relationships within our communities.

Happy Founders Day Chum Sisters!

Sisterly,

Chum DeLynda W. Wilson National Registered Agent