KEZ Chronicles January/February 2021 by T1920

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

KEZ CHRONICLES The latest news in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Kaptivating" Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter In This Issue A Word From Our President

A "Finer" Recipe

A Word From Our President KEZ Soror Spotlight- A Finer Legacy As our sorority embarked on its 101st year of existence, I was asked, "What do Sorors feel

Chucks & Pearls for Inauguration

our Founders would say about Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority in 2021?" My response was, “In these unprecedented times our Founders would want us to adapt.” Sorors, we need to adapt quickly and reach back to help our sisters to adapt in order for Zeta to remain relevant for the next 100 years.”

KEZ in The Community

Now the question I ask myself is, how do we adapt? Twenty-twenty one has everyone making to-do lists that range from registering for a new COVID-19 vaccine, to registering for classes to become debt-free, and even registering for professional development to help us

KEZ Goes Red for Heart Disease Awareness

keep our coveted jobs. Regardless of how this year has made you prioritize the items on your list, please start with self-care. Share your breakthrough with sisterly love, and serve your community with the knowledge and resources you have obtained. As the Kappa Epsilon Zeta chapter welcomes each new year, we do so with our minds set on remaining finer and the growth of our sisterhood by inviting Sorors back home. The Bronx Zetas have adapted by planning three chapter retreats instead of only one this sorority year. Our first retreat #KEZCares was focused on self-care. We will follow up with a second

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter facebook.com/zphibkez

@zphibkez

chapter retreat #KEZLoves with a focus on sisterly love. We will claim our breakthrough! Our sorority year will end with another retreat focused on #KEZServes, where we will reflect on our impact of spreading the message of self-worth to our neighbors who have faced some heart-breaking challenges and losses. Writer Nikki Banas once said, "it's called self-worth for a reason - your worth comes from you. It comes from being yourself and proud of who you are. It comes from being someone you love. Because when it comes down to it, the numbers will change. But what won't change is who you are deep inside: beautiful, limitless, wonderful, creative, strong, capable -

www.bronxzetas.org

and that is where your worth comes from." We share this message with you to inspire our sisterhood and community partners to adapt and invite Sorors looking for a Zeta home to come home to KEZ because we are here for each other.#KEZCares #KEZLoves #KEZServes

cont'd p.7

KEZ CHRONICLES JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Chucks & Pearls January 20, 2021 was quite the historic day. Women around the world looked on with pride to witness California Senator Kamala Harris become the first woman and the first of Black and South Asian descent to be sworn in as the Vice-President of the United States. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter and their youth auxiliaries wore the outfit of choice for VicePresident Harris: chuck sneakers with pearls.

Chucks & Pearls

KAPPA EPSILON ZETA In the community

Kappa Epsilon Zeta participated in the MLK Jr. Global Day of Service by collaborating with the Bharati Foundation and Vishnu Mandir temple to distribute food and clothing in Soundview.

Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter members worked with PATHHSEO to distribute 115 "Blessing Bundles" along with assorted food items in front of Lincoln Hospital in Mott Haven.

KEZ member Jennifer Jackson participating in a community service event in Harlem

KEZ member Nyahalay Tucker waiting to assist registrants at BronxWorks food pantry

KEZ member Dr. Yolanda Calderon distributing Blessing Bundles

KEZ member Kechea Brown distributing Blessing Bundles

ZETAS HAVE HE RT: KEZ GOES RED FOR HEART DISEASE AWARENESS On the first Friday in February, The American Heart Association provides a sobering reminder that heart disease has had a devastating impact on communities of color. Heart disease is not only the leading cause of death for women in the United States, African-American women are disproportionately affected and Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease ten years earlier than non-Hispanics. To help spread awareness, members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. wear red on this day.

STEPS TO HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE Conduct Research

See your doctor regularly. Primary care is key to disease prevention and health promotion. Ask your primary care provider questions on your family history and how you can prevent cardiovascular disease. If you are not sure what your lab values mean, ASK! If you have abnormal lab values, ask what you can do to bring them to a normal value. Research diets such as DASH, vegan, vegetarian, and heart health diet and discuss with your primary provider before starting the diet. Research exercises that are best for you. You should also discuss with your primary provider before starting any exercise program. Many people like to consume alcohol, but it is imperative to research the effects alcohol has on cardiovascular health. Do you have any pre-existing conditions such fatty liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.? Do you take prescribed medications? Doing the proper research on yourself and cardiovascular disease will lead to a healthier you. - Michelyn Johnson, MSN, RN Director of Patient Services Community Home Healthcare Services

Eat a healthy and balanced diet Eating a well balanced diet is essential in reducing the risk of heart disease. Some effective diets include the following: Low Saturated Fat Diet High Fiber Diet High Plant Based Food Diet Low Sodium Diet Little to moderate alcohol consumption Suggested website: https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html - Julie Ann Arzu, RN

Exercise Regularly

According to the American Heart Association, a simple 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week, will improve your heart health and help “reduce” your risk of heart disease. Some examples include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, and jumping rope. These heartpumping examples of aerobic exercise are the kind that doctors typically recommend. Dr. Suze-Elisha Principal, PT Licensed Physical Therapist Board Certified Specialist In Orthopedics Owner of Principal Physical Therapy, PLLC

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can truly be useful to someone with heart disease because one of the best things someone with a bad heart can do is be calm and relaxed. All types of heart disease or "dis-ease" are usually initiated by stress, whether external or internal. The stress we put on our bodies becomes internalized and can turn into high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, the list goes on. Practicing mindfulness can help one shift the stress or dis-ease from within out. Doing different mindfulness activities helps this shift move forward. -Ivy Okang Nurse Case Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Astrology apprentice with Moonlady Academy Malorine Mathurin Herbalism apprentice with Sacred Vibes Karen Rose

No Smoking

Heart Disease is a broad term that refers to a range of conditions that impact your heart. According to the CDC, Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Smoking is a key risk factor for heart disease and is 100% within our control. In fact, smoking is the cause of one in every 4 deaths from heart disease. There are several lifestyle changes that can improve heart health. Eat lots of fresh vegetables, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. Due to the increased levels of prolactin and oxytocin, breastfeeding is also positively associated with heart health. Breastfeeding can decrease the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and therefore heart disease. If you are a smoker, quit! Quitting will immediately pause the damage caused and within 2 years, you can start to actually decrease your heart disease risk. If you do not smoke, continue to refrain. The risks to your heart are just too great! -Juleen Johnson, MSN, RN, IBCLC Lactation Specialist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center

A Finer Recipe SOROR NICOLE MCINTYRE TEACHES YOU HOW TO CREATE A TASTY PEPPER SHRIMP DISH Shrimp -Wash the shrimp in vinegar and/or lime/lemon juice. -You may use the peeled/deveined shrimp or the unpeeled shrimp with the head still on (traditionally, Jamaicans use the unpeeled shrimp with the head on). -Pat away the excess water then add the herbs and seasonings. Herbs Onion/Scallion Garlic* (I like to blend the onion and garlic together so that it can be used to make a nice gravy while cooking). Thyme 1-2 Scotch Bonnet peppers (habanero can be used as a substitute and for milder version, use 1 pepper and remove the seed before adding to the pot) Seasonings (to taste) Himalayan Pink Salt Garlic Salt Black Pepper Paprika Red Pepper flakes Cajun seasoning (optional-my personal choice) Sazon Goya with Coriander and Annatto (the annatto, as does the paprika/red pepper flakes/cajun seasoning, helps to give the shrimp that bright red color associated with pepper shrimp) Allspice powder/pimento seed

Add the scotch bonnet peppers to the oil for flavor and heat! Once the oil is nice and hot, add the shrimp with the seasonings and herbs. As it cooks on medium heat, the shrimp will turn a lovely red color. Stir then add the pot cover so that the shrimp gently cooks as it continues to steam for the next 10-15 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, stir the shrimp in the pot so that it cooks and changes to the red color on both sides.*If you wish to add any more seasonings, this is your final opportunity to do so, for taste.*I personally like to add a little (a teaspoon or two) of corn starch or topioca to help in thickening the liquid/sauce that the shrimp is steaming in. Cover the pot, then let the shrimp cook for a few more minutes. If you feel the shrimp is ready or you're concerned about overcooking, remove the pot from the heat. However, you must leave the cover over the pot to allow the cooking process to continue from the natural trapped heat. When you're ready, serve with the delicious sauce!

Cooking Once the shrimp has been thoroughly mixed/tossed with the herbs and seasonings, leave to marinate for a few hours or overnight. The more time the shrimp marinates, the better the flavor. Preheat your pot for a few minutes. Add a few tablespoons of oil (coconut or olive) on medium heat, then add a small packet of the low sodium Sazon Goya with coriander and annatto.*This addition will contribute to the bright, red color.

Served with steamed cabbage for a low-calorie and delectable meal

KAPPA EPSILON ZETA SOROR SPOTLIGHT A "Finer" Legacy

Soror Nicole Bell-Simon & Soror Keli Bell-Cole "I always wanted to be a big sister....."

It doesn't take long to get a sense of the genuine love and admiration between the Bell sisters. Raised in Lakeview, NY, you can literally feel the pride Sorors Nicole Bell- Simon and Keli Bell-Cole have in having the ability to call each other "Soror." Although close in actual age, their road to Zeta varies in length. While Soror Bell-Simon will celebrate the 30th anniversary (Spring 1991) of her initiation into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated by way of Mu Iota Chapter at UPenn this year, Soror Bell-Cole is new to the Sisterhood, having just celebrated her 1st Zeta anniversary as a Spring 2020 initiate of Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter. NT: Can you share what initially attracted you to Zeta? KC: That's so funny Nicole and I actually just talked about this last week. NS: What attracted me to Zeta? You're right Keli we did have this conversation recently. Well, I was initiated as an undergraduate so my experience was significantly shaped by my campus experience with the fraternities and sororities already there. Zeta resonated with me because Zetas were the ones who were "cool, active, and down." We had other organizations, but they didn't seem to be organizations that you would really want to join. I didn't get the sense of sisterhood. I looked briefly at another organization but I just did not get that feeling of sisterly love and that bond that I felt with the Zetas, so I said "nope!" The funny thing is, Zeta was new to my campus. I'm Spring 91' and the chapter was reactivated in 1990 so they were pretty new. Luckily for me, I was able to be initiated my junior year. NT: Thank you. Now I'll pivot to you Keli. You have your big sister, who joins this sorority. All of a sudden, she comes home with these letters that you've probably never seen before. How did this impact your feelings towards Zeta and eventually making the decision to seek membership? KC: It's weird. More so than coming home with letters, I remember the cats! She had all these cat figurines. I don't know Nicole, I don't really remember you wearing a lot of para back then. NS: Yeah, I was poor (collective laughter). KC: What I remember the most actually was her line sisters. A couple of them also lived in Long Island, so whenever they would meet up Nicole would say "you're coming with me!" As a result, I really got to know two of her line sisters in particular. She would bring me to all the parties that I had no business being at because we're five years apart. I ended up immediately forming a bond with Zetas and Sigmas. By the time I was a sophomore in college, the Zetas were no longer on campus. Nonetheless, Zetas had long been part of my life. They became my big sisters and I looked up to them. I've always been into community service, but you know...I had kids and life happens. One day, Nicole gave me a little nudge like "Whatcha doin' girl? What's going on?" Honestly, I felt like I was kind "too old" but my youngest child was now older so then Nicole introduced me to KEZ! I said to myself "wow this does seem like a really nice chapter." Luckily, KEZ made.

KAPPA EPSILON ZETA SOROR SPOTLIGHT NT: And congrats once again. KC: Thank you. NS: So I'll add that yes, life did get pretty busy for Keli. Funny enough, I was on a business trip and one of my line sisters just so happened to be in the same city. While talking, she asked "what's going on with Keli? Why isn't she Zeta?" I mention this because I think of my undergrad Sorors. I tell them all the time they need to come to KEZ because KEZ is about their business. They are about community service, they exhibit Sisterhood, they are professional, and they like to party. NT: I would be inclined to agree. It's amazing to see how our chapter and parties (laughs) have grown. It's incredible. Nicole, we know that your time in Zeta is longer but I'd like for you both to tell me how you would describe your Zeta experience so far. NS: I'd say for me, the Zeta experience is one of support, of acceptance, and sisterly love. It evolves and changes but it is one that I am so proud of and so happy to be part of. It's amazing. I can't believe my line sisters and I will be thirty years in two months! You can only imagine what we've been through together, right? Over thirty years. How many disappointments, how many successes that we've been able to celebrate together. I mention the support and I feel like it is having people who have your back and want you to do well. My Sorors are so inspiring when I look at what they are doing educationally as well as professionally. NT: I love it. Keli, your turn. KC: Oh boy. It's been a weird year, right? NS: Let's be clear, this is not the year I planned. KC: Exactly. It has been weird but it's been great learning, it's been encouraging, it's been great bonding with my intake sisters. I thought we would be close but not nearly as close as we actually are. The sense of sisterhood is awesome. Patrice (Patrice Shand, immediate past 1st Vice-President) is great. I think about just how helpful everyone is. I just wish that I could be in the world and do more community service at this time but my family is a little nervous with Covid-19. Given the circumstances, it has still been wonderful and I'm looking forward to growing in Zeta as well as professionally. I'm excited, and like Nicole said, when you see everyone doing these great things in the chapter, you're like "my sisters are amazing." NT: Last question. How does it feel to not only be sisters, but now finally chapter Sorors? NS: (laughs) Oh boy. So for me, it's great. There is a common theme here. The common theme is I wanted a baby sister, right? I always wanted to be a big sister and I was happy to get a baby sister. We got along great so I always wanted her to be my Soror. Now that it has finally come to fruition and we're in the same chapter, it's one hundred percent a dream come true. NT: Awww how sweet. NS: I mean, Keli lives in New Jersey so it is a trek to come to the Bronx. I'm in Westchester so at least I don't have a bridge to cross. But for her to be KEZ made I knew she'd be well taken care of. The idea of being side by side, to be able to work in Zeta together is wonderful. I'd like to do it more because like Keli said, due to Covid-19, we don't really leave our homes but I still look forward to it. I always believed that we couldn't be closer, but this is next level. Just last week we were talking about Zeta and now the whole family has to deal with it (laughs). Now that Keli's youngest daughter is an Amicette, I feel like the blue and white experience is just growing in our family. We'll see how far it can bloom. KC: I don't think I can say it any better. She summed it up. NT: Please try. (collective laughter) KC: Okay. It feels great. Like Nicole said, it's a longtime dream come true. I've had Zeta in my life since I was fifteen so thirty years later sometimes it feels a little surreal. I'm looking forward to having my feet on the ground, but live in person performing community service. I think what makes KEZ even more special for me is that both of our parents actually grew up in the Bronx. I feel that connection. They attended Evander Childs High School. NT: That isn't far at all from where I grew up. KC: Really? NS: It's funny you brought that up because honestly I feel the same way. I think of them when I'm there for service events. I remember when Dad used to take us around the old neighborhood. I remember that so I feel that special connection. NT: Thank you Sorors for your time. This was wonderful. Thank you so much. KC: Thank you. NS: Thank you.

ing Recogniz

KEZ EXCELLENCE ACKNOWLEDGING KEZ SORORS EXEMPLIFYING SCHOLARSHIP, SERVICE, SISTERHOOD, AND FINER WOMANHOOD.

Congratulations to Soror Dr. Tekashi Crum-Hunter for living up to our principal of Scholarship! Dr. Crum-Hunter was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, the nation's largest leadership society. The National Society of Leadership and Success is a life changing program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success, and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities.

Thank you Soror Dana Middleton for going above and beyond the call of Sisterhood and Service. Soror Middleton made a generous contribution to the Blessing Bundles initiative. Kappa Epsilon Zeta was able to create 100 Blessing Bundles with Soror Middleton's donation alone. The donation was also made possible by the Richards family in honor of their mother, Glenda A. Richards.

Congratulations to KEZ Spring 2020 for exemplifying Finer Womanhood from the day of initiation! Spring 2020 was recently showcased by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Atlantic Region as an example to follow for initiation attire.

Congratulations Sorors and thank you for your excellence! KEZ CHRONICLES JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021

Community

RESOURCES PATHHSEO, Inc. PATHHSEO @ Caldwell Temple "PATHHSEO devotes and engages various programs and services to help in the fight against hunger, the dependency of services and the many social repercussions of poverty." Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pathhseo.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pathhseo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/334941698/pathhseo-at-caldwell-temple? hl=en

BronxWorks "BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community." Administration Office BronxWorks 60 E. Tremont Ave Bronx, NY 10453 (646) 393-4000 info@bronxworks.org To donate: http://www.bronxworks.org/donate-to-bronxworks Assistance Hotline: (718) 731-3114

The Bharati Foundation “Connecting Resources To Those In Need” Ms. Bharati Sukul Kemraj 347-229-3664 bharatikemraj@gmail.com

T N

!!!

G S IT

T OT

Y O LA

O N

U !

!!!

About the Editor Nyahalay Tucker was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in December 2009 via Kappa Epsilon Zeta. She currently serves as editor of KEZ Chronicles and chapter journalist. Please send all inquires to ntucker@kezsf.org