38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Program

President’s Greeting

Good Morning! On behalf of the 111 members of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I extend to you a heartfelt welcome to the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast. As we continue to navigatethis phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are grateful for the opportunity to return to a bit of normalcy with a slight twist. This year, for the first time, we bring to you our scholarship breakfast as a hybrid event. We are appreciative to all of you who are joining us in person or virtually. Thank you for your continued support of one of our signatureprograms where we gather to honor the legacy of Dr. King and invest in African American females as they pursue higher education.

In 2021, we brought together a powerful group of panelists who discussed Civil Rights: A Movement or Moment. Where Deacon Arthur Miller of St. Mary’s Church of Simsbury, Connecticut, urged the next generations to take ownership of the world in which they live by continuing to challenge the status quo. Last year, in 2022, a panel of enthusiastic young activists shared their perspectives on the challenges and changes needed to help ensure a better future for the soul of America in Generation Next: Speaking Truth to Power. Empowered by the life’s work of Dr. King, while recognizing how far we have come, and what still needs to be done, we present this year’s theme – Still We Rise. As I anxiously await the message from this year’s keynote speaker, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Maya Angelou – “You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Out of the huts of history’s shame, I rise. Up from a past that’s rooted in pain, I rise. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise. Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear, I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.”

The Hartford Alumnae Chapter along with the assistance of our community and corporate partners is thankful to be a part of the village that supports the achievements, dreams, and hopes of young African American women in our community.

Sincerely, LaKisha Grant-Washington, EdD

President, Hartford Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Keynote Speaker

REV. DR. HOWARD-JOHN WESLEY is the exciting, gifted and anointed Senior Pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) in Alexandria, VA. A courageous, dynamic, and visionary leader, he is only the eighth pastor in the church’s 219-year history of worshipping Christ while serving humankind. Under Dr. Wesley’s extraordinary leadership, the Alfred Street Baptist Church has grown from 2,500 members to 10,000 members, and 80 active ministries with an emphasis on children’s ministries and missions. Since 2020, Alfred Street Baptist Church, under the guidance and direction of Dr. Wesley through the Tithe-the-Tithe initiative, has donated more than $6 million dollars to over 200 organizations.

A native of Chicago, Dr. Wesley is the product of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical and electrical engineering. While in medical school, Dr. Wesley yielded to the call of God and walked away from a path to a medical career to attend seminary at the prestigious Boston University School of Theology where he was a Martin Luther King, Jr. scholar and a summa cum laude graduate in biblical studies and African American religious history. He received his Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Northern Baptist Seminary. Dr. Wesley has receivedan honorary Doctor of Humane Lettersfrom Stillman College, Tougaloo College, and Paul Quinn College, respectively. His passion for and excellence in preaching has afforded him the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor at Hartford Seminary, Boston University, and Virginia Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the Chairman of UNCF’s National Faith and Education Initiative Advisory Council. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Trustees of Virginia Union University, the Flint Hill School, and the Board of Directors of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missionary Convention. Previously, he served on the Board of Visitors of the Duke Divinity School and as the ViceChairman of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies

Dr. Wesley is the son of the late Rev. Dr. Alvin and Dr. Helene Wesley and represents the fourth generation of Baptist preachers in his family. He is an avid golfer, moviegoer, spades player, and aspiring chef. He is a Lifetimemember of KappaAlpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., as well as a member of Sigma Pi Phi, the first successful and oldest African-American Greeklettered organization. His sons, Howard-John II (Deuce) and Cooper Reece, are the greatest joys of his life.

Sponsors

The Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. extends a heartfelt Thank You to all of our supporters who made this event possible. Your generous contributions help to support renewable scholarships to African American female high school students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS

RONZE SPONSORS

Sponsors

NON-PROFIT PATRON LEVEL

Boys and Girls Club of Hartford

The Bushnell Connecticut State Colleges & Universities Eastern Connecticut State University Goodwin University Grace Academy Howard K. Hill Wheeler Health Yard Goats Foundation YWCA Hartford Region

IN-KIND SPONSOR

Scholarship Recipients

Since the inception of the Annual

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast

Wanda Adger

Aidyn Edwards

Ezinna Arosite Joann Edwards

Daniella Arthurs

Oprah Elis Sydney Atkinson Jade Fleming Nyasia Bagot Lauryn Flowers

Thea Bahadoosidgh K’ylah Flynn

Adesola Bamigbaiye Tawana Forte ReAnna Barclay Rena France

Oia Bartley Keisha Franklin

Jacqueline Baxter

Shantel Frasier Tiffany Bell Zakiya Gilles Marla Bell-Lovett Lolita Gilliam Keisha Benjamin Daisy Golden Carol Bennett Zorsha Gordon

Delores Bennett Chinue Govan Kaia Black Gian Grant

Rohanna Blackwood Amanda Greaves Karla Bonnick Rashani Hall Phoebe Brathwaite Chevannah Hardie Nikia Bray Asha Hargrove

Charlene Brown Alicia Harrell Kesha Brown Renee Haughton Traci Bryant Tiffany Heath Jeane Burke Shamia Henderson Sonya Burroughs Colleen Henry Lora Byfield Janel Henry

Charity Carter Charity Hilliman Janice Castle Lauryn Holloway Jahniel Clarke Tonya Huff

Tawana Compton Ashante Monique Hyman Tineaka Compton Kajh’mere Hughey

Vivienne Cooper Hebo Ismail

Desarae Cotton

Frances-Julia Jaynes Orlena Cowan Carla Jones

Tajanae Crawford Frances Jimenez

Carese Davis Evelyn Kelly

Doraine Davis Tamika Knight Greer Davis Donna Lambert Michelle Davis Amina Lampkin Kelly Dennis Traci Lawrence Natasha Douglas Shawna Lee Angela Dunnham

Scholarship Recipients

Since the inception of the Annual

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast

Sydney Legagner

Raeann Reid

Shani Lepore Samara Reynolds

Aymanie Litchfield Nayoka Rose Jessica Lloyd Lakesha Ruth Samantha Locke Nicole Sanders

Sherri-Ann Martell Taslima Shaikh Bonita Martin Monique Sharp

Monique Martin Victoria Shears

Nicola Maxwell Kayla Smith

Michelle McFarland Kendra Solomon

Camilla McFarlane Trisana Spence

Lynette McGee Tre’sor Stephenson

Zaiyah McKenzie-Henderson Kerry Ann Stewart

Chardonae McKogg Peyton Suggs

Janice McNair Simone Sweeney

Alexis Melville Jennifer Taylor

Jasmine Mickey Laneka Thomas

Yana Miles Malissa Thompson

Kamryn Moore Opal Thompson Tamika Moore Tiyah Thompson

Kamisha Morris Karriane Thorpe Robyn Morris Yolande Tomlinson McKayla Morrison Tercolia Troxlen Marissa Mounds Asata Virgo

Kareemah Muhammad Quismat Virgo

Desiree Napoleon Tiffany Walton Ruth Nelson Danielle Wellington

Jenine Nembhard Taylore Westbrook

Dotlyn Nicols

Ruthcecelia Whitworth Claire Odoms Tyshawnda Wiley Victoria Olakojo Beau Williams

Elyece Patterson

Chassidy Pedraza

Vernell Peggins

Latasha Williams

Bethany Winters

Symphone’e Willoughby

Angelique Phillips Delisa Williamson

Radiah Pinckney

Janae Wilson

Tabetha Ralph Johnnean Wilson Lakita Ransome Olivia Worrell Syreeta Rawlings Lisamarie Wright

Program

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Reverend Tamara Moreland First Congregational Church Norwalk, CT

NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM Lift Every Voice & Sing

Written by James Weldon Johnson

Jennifer Phipps, Vocalist & Akia Callum, Spoken Word Accompanied by HSO A Piacere String Quartet

INVOCATION

Rev. Lakisha E. Hyatt Chaplain, Hartford Alumnae Chapter

Program

BREAKFAST IS SERVED

SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION & SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROCLAMATION

Joelle A. Murchison

Member, MLK Breakfast Committee

Chiwanda Irving Property Operations Unit Manager Travelers

Bethany Winters

2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Recipient

SPEAKER INTRODUCTION

Deloris J. Drakes

Chair, MLK Breakfast Committee

MUSICAL SELECTION What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye HSO A Piacere String Quartet

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley Alfred Street Baptist Church Alexandria, VA

BENEDICTION

MUSICAL SELECTION Overcome

Arr. by HSO A Piacere String Quartet

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Biographies

THE REV TAMARA MORELAND serves as Senior Pastor of the historic First Congregational Church in Norwalk, CT. In September 2022, the church celebrated 370 years of mission and ministry – and under her leadership is Embracing New Life in Jesus Christ.

For a decade, Rev. Moreland was an Area Conference Minister in the United Church of Christ with 105 churches and seven regional associations. With over 20 years of professional experience prior to ordained ministry, Rev. Moreland is interested in the various ways in which persons inhabit their secular work as calling. She is passionate about how the church is being challenged and transformed by the legitimate role of women in leadership.

Rev. Moreland is a trustee at the Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, the Conference of Churches (224 EcoSpace), and a co-chair of the President’s Advisory Board on DEI at the University of Hartford. She loves spending quality time with her family, living out the Gospel, laughing with her circle of sisters, and learning to cook her grandmother’s favorite dishes. Rev. Moreland has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Hartford, a Master of Divinity from Yale University Divinity School, and has completed coursework for a Master of Science in Management. She is currently writing a book on the “Power of the Pastorate: Black Women Overcoming Obstacles.”

MS BETHANY WINTERS isaajuniorandhonorsdoublemajor in Religion and Spanish at Swarthmore College, a liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. Her research interests lie in Christian theological notions of motherhood, struggle, and soul, specifically within a womanist or mujerista framework. In the summer of 2022, Bethany attended Middlebury Spanish Language School, an intensive immersion program that encourages language fluency through the institutionspecific “language pledge,” which requires students to communicate entirely in Spanish. She is currently enrolled in the Spanish university, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, taking classes on the history of religion and 20th-century art history. After graduation, Bethany Winters hopes to further her travels in Spanish-speaking countries before pursuing a doctorate in the study of religion, culture, and politics. Outside of her classes, Bethany is a Mellon Mays Fellow, Writing Associate, Resident Advisor, Richard Rubin Scholar, and member of the Swarthmore College Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team.

Biographies

REV LAKISHA E. HYATT, MSN, RN is a wife, a mom, and a servant. Her faith in God is her foundation with a commitment to a life of service as a community leader, life coach, public speaker, academic lecturer, teacher, and licensed minister.

With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing, and 25 years of relevant professional experience in the medical field, Rev. Hyatt currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Valley Hospital, the largest state-funded inpatient psychiatric and addiction services hospital in Connecticut.

In addition to her secular work, Rev. Hyatt is a licensed and credentialed minister for the Church of God in Tennessee, serving as the Executive Director of Ministries at Rehoboth Church of God, in Bloomfield, CT. She also serves on a number of local boards, commissions, and task forces throughout Connecticut where she brings her heart forpeople and purpose lead in service toward sustained meaningful growth. Rev. Hyatt shares more than 22 years of marriage with her very best friend and partner in ministry, David Hyatt. Together, they have two beautiful children Eden Zayair (20) and Elijah St Patrick (15).

MS. AKIA CALLUM serves as the Director of Community Impact & Marketing for Waterbury Bridge to Success (BTS) Community Partnership. As a seasoned brand architect, community organizer, political strategist, social justice advocate, trained results-based facilitator, and educator with 10+ years of experience, Akia knows how to move from systems change to systems transformation locally, statewide, and nationally. In her current role at the organization, Akia focuses on building relational capital through a multichannel, intergenerational, inclusive communications, and community engagement strategy.

A proud daughter of immigrants and a Brooklyn native, Akia believes relationshipbuilding is key. She developed a love for community, advocacy, and social justice at a young age through her work in the New York City Council. Since then, Akia founded the Black Student Union at Post University in 2015 and served in various leadership roles at premier organizations, including the NAACP on the state and national levels. Recently, Akia served as President of the

Connecticut State Conference NAACP Youth & College Division and Chair of National Initiatives and Development for the NAACP National Youth Works Committee. In 2021, Akia became a founding member of the Connecticut Black Caucus. Her extensive experience in community organizing combined with her investment in a collective impact approach has supported community-identified needs and interests to dismantle systems of oppression.

A lifelong learner and an Adjunct Professor at Post University. She is a Yale Access to Law Fellow and holds a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies as well as a Master of Education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from Post University.

Biographies

MS JENNIFER PHIPPS, a CT native, graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Theatre, specializing in Acting, Directing, and Scenic Design. Jennifer currently works in Arts Administration as the Assistant Manager of Learning & Social Impact for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, where she utilizes her many talents and years of experience in event management and video production through various HSO education programs, with the passionate belief that music should be accessible to everyone.

HARTFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S APIACERE STRING QUARTET

MR. JAROSLAW LIS,violin, is Assistant Principal second violin and Personnel Manager of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the faculty of the Hartt School Community Division and Greater Hartford Academy for Performing Arts. Mr. Lis received his M.A. summa cum laude from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, Poland. As one of the youngest members of the Sinfonia Varsovia, he has worked with Yehudi Menuhin, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Emannuel Krivine, as well as recorded for Denon and Aperto labels.

MS DEBBY TYLER, violin, began studying Suzuki violin with Harry Kobialka in Potsdam, NY, as a young child. At the age of thirteen, she began taking lessons with Deszo Vaghy, the first violinist of the Vaghy String Quartet. She earned her Bachelor of Music in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Zvi Zeitlin and Charlie Castleman.

MR MICHAEL WHEELER, viola, currently the HSO Principal Viola, began his professional career in the New World Symphony under the leadership of Michael Tilson Thomas. Prior to joining the HSO, he was a member of the San Antonio Symphony. He has performed recently as the Acting Principal Viola to the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (New London) and also with the Goodspeed Opera House. He studied at Indiana University, Juilliard, and the New England Conservatory. He enjoys teaching at the Hartt School Community Division and at the Miss Porter’s School.

MR. PETER ZAY, cello, has musical achievements that have taken him to concert halls throughout the United States, Europe, and Central America. He appears regularly at the International Musical Arts Institute chamber music concerts in Fryeburg, Maine, and travels frequently to Spain to perform as a guest of the Quartetto Saravasti. In addition to being a member of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Zay has performed regularly with many other organizations including the Boston Lyric Opera, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the Boston Modern Orchestra, the New World Symphony, the New Haven and Springfield (MA) Symphonies, and the Barrington Stage Company.

Cheryl A. Hickmon

27th National President

Ms. Hickmon a beloved native of Hartford, Connecticut, was elected the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in November 2021. This achievement was the culmination of her life’s dream as a member of Delta Sigma Theta. Her journey in Delta Sigma Theta began at South Carolina State University, where she was initiated through the Alpha Xi Chapter in 1982. Her commitment to Delta was apparent early on and led her to become Alpha Xi Chapter President (1983-1984) and South Atlantic Regional Representative (1984-1986). After graduating from South Carolina State, Ms. Hickmon returned to her home of Hartford, where she joined the Hartford Alumnae Chapter and eventually became Chapter President (2009 – 2013).

Her love for Delta was reflected throughout her 39 years of continuous service. Throughout the years, she held numerous elected and appointed leadership positions at the National, Regional, and Local levels. Some of these positions included National First Vice President, National Secretary, Eastern Regional Director, South Atlantic Regional Representative, Chair of the National Scholarship and Standards Committee, Co-Chair of the National Leadership Academy, and Co-Chair of the National Documents Review and Revision Task Force. Cheryl had the distinction of attending every national convention since her initiation and participating in a total of 107 conventions and conferences throughout her lifetime.

Ms. Hickmon was a licensed Clinical Laboratory Technologist and had worked in the Reproductive Medical Laboratory for more than 30 years. She supervised the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories for Andrology and Endocrinology in this role. Cheryl was highly skilled and experienced in the specialties of Andrology and Endocrinology and stated that one of her greatest joys was assisting couples with the gift of children

She had a thirst for life and lived by the motto, “Don’t measure life by the number of breaths you take but by the number of moments that take your breath away.” Cheryl shared her skills with the communities where she lived and served via the NAACP,NCNW,theNationalBrotherhoodofSkiers,andSt.Monica’sEpiscopal Church. She was therecipientof numerous awards andhonors throughouther life, includingtheOutstandingAccomplishmentsandAchievementAwardfromSouth Carolina State and the “100 Most Influential African Americans in the State of Connecticut” by the Connecticut Chapters of the NAACP, and the Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Tau Iota Chapter.

Ms. Hickmon was an ideal Delta. She is remembered not just for being a leader but for being a true sister who embodied integrity, grace, and the noble spirit of fortitude. Our sisterhood has truly been made better, having had her amongst our ranks. Older brothers Ned and David Hickmon and a host of other family and friends survive Ms. Hickmon.

We are ecstatic to share this most somber yet befitting moment with you as we honor and celebrate our beloved soror and friend by renaming our scholarship the Cheryl A. Hickmon Scholarship

Chapter Officers

President, Dr. LaKisha Grant-Washington

Treasurer, Carla Ladson-Diaz First Vice President, Natasha Stacey-Reid Asst. Treasurer, Stacey Franklin Second Vice President, Nuchette Black-Burke Financial Secretary, Nicole Terry Recording Secretary, Regina Lester-Harriat Asst. Fin. Secretary, AQuanna Hansley Corresponding Secretary, Kaprece Smith Sergeant-At-Arms, Amber Jones Chaplain, Lakisha E. Hyatt Custodian, Candace Chester Mafe

Chapter Members

Jacqueline French-Johnson Jill Naraine Karen Addison Thembi Fulse Eboni Nelson

Heather Aaron

Mylyn Alexander-Smith Sharon Gaddy Selah Nobles-Woodard Velda Alfred Sheilda Garrison Santosha Oliver Sharon Anderson* Joyce Gibson Patrice Olson Margaret Andrews Catherine Grant-Alston Ashanti Osbourne Portia Bachman LaKisha Grant-Washington Kionna Owens Marie Baskerville AQuanna Hansley Wenzola Perry Susan Baxter Shirley Harrison Dolores Pertillar Agnes Black Kimberlee Henry Tracie Peterson* Nuchette Black-Burke* Cheryl A. Hickmon Natasha Pierre Martha Brackeen-Harris Artisena Hill Meckla Pinnix Tonya Bradley Nicole Hughey Kelly Pittman Norma Brown Lakisha Hyatt* Simone Powell Walton Brown-Foster Chiwanda Irving Alyce Rawlins Andrea Brown-Seldon Carol Jackson-Lawhorn Renee Reliford Cheryl Carter Kimberly James Esther Richmond Destinee Chambers Amber Jones Tilea Rooks Barbara Clark Demitra Jones* Alexis Russell Kristen Clark Laraine Jones Lakesha Ruth Ayesha Clarke Lorraine Kearse Alana Seldon Ashley Coleman Carla Ladson-Diaz Annette Shack C. Jeanne Costley Wanda Ladson-Smith Marclion Shilleh-McMikle

Carlita Cotton Eleanor Lane Stacey-Ann Simpson* Tamara Dabney Regina Lester-Harriat Kaprece Smith Julia Darby JoAnn Lewis Vera Smith-Winfree Patsy Darity Valerie Lilley Natasha Stacey-Reid Veronica T. DeLandro Princess Lyles Melissa Strother Francoise Deristel-Leger Candace Chester Mafe Nicole Terry Deloris J. Drakes Barbara Maybin Danielle S. Thomas*

Stacey Epps Gloria McCree Lorna ThomasFarquharson

Daphne Falconer Micah Mingo Shirley Thompson Leslie Fitzsimmons Aigner Mitchell LaShawn Walwyn* Pamela Floyd-Cranford Tamara Mitchell-Davis Shirley Williams

Andrea Forbes-Swaby* Tanya Moorehead Jacqueline Wilson Robin Foust* Patsy Mundy Denise Wright-Chappell Stacey Franklin Joelle A. Murchison* Danielle Watt MLK Breakfast Committee Chair *MLK Breakfast Committee Member 27th National President