SPRING 2022
KEZ CHRONICLES The latest news in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Kaptivating" Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter In This Issue A Word From Our President
KEZ On the Move
A Word From Our President
KEZ Soror Spotlight
We have made it to the end of the 2022 Sorority year! Closing out our year is bittersweet; we have still so much to celebrate
Community Spotlight
within our Bronx community yet so much to mourn. The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are here to serve today, tomorrow, and even yesterday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to friends, family, and our community at large as we mourn the loss of so many in these past two months.
KEZ Marches for Babies
The current executive board plans to wrap up the year with a community outreach fair: #KEZCares lead by Soror Deidre Garrett-Scott. Please plan to join us at The Sotomayor Community Center on June 4th at 2pm to receive information on our Stork’s Nest (for expectant mothers), Fire Safety by FDNY, Health and Wellness, Youth Groups, Voter Registration, Financial Literacy, and more. This is a free event for all! In addition, our membership committee has partnered with our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to showcase some sibling rivalry: #KEZLoves lead by Soror Nyahalay Tucker. Please join us at The Sotomayor Community Center this summer to watch the only constitutionally bound Fraternity & Sorority battle it out Blue Family Feud style! It is going to be a good time! This is a free event for our audience. Get your tickets today! Finally, our fundraising committee has created a plan to give you a chance to win a grand: #KEZServes lead by Soror Keli
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter facebook.com/zphibkez
Bell-Cole. Enter to win our end of the year scholarship fundraiser and support youth to attend college. Let KEZ pay for your summer fun! Enter before it’s too late. You have until June 15th to purchase your raffle tickets! Best of luck to you and thank you for your support! In closing, it has been a privilege to serve as the president of The Bronx’s Premiere Zeta chapter and I congratulate and welcome the new executive board! May you never waiver in your commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and
@zphibkez
personal integrity. Signing off,
www.bronxzetas.org Juliet Duggins #KEZCares #KEZLoves #KEZServes
cont'd p.7
KEZ CHRONICLES SPRING 2022
KAPPA EPSILON ZETA On the Move
KEZ Members and community organizers with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson (centered) at the Phipps Neighborhoods food distribution in Soundview.
KEZ Members K. Brown, K. Bell-Cole, and J. Jackson helping to distribute over 1000 tablets to senior citizens in Mott Haven.
KEZ Amicette Club members with New York City Councilmember Amanda Farias.
KEZ Member K. Brown in Eastchester as part of our Elder Care initiative.
KEZ is on the move!!!!!
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. New York State Director and KEZ Member A. Koiner, CPA speaking at the 2022 New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus in Albany.
KEZ SOROR SPOTLIGHT
KAPPA EPSILON ZETA CHAPTER PRESIDENT, 2022-2024
MÉTA MORRISON A Message For the Bronx Community
Dear Bronx Community,
I am Méta S. Morrison. Professionally, I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a specialty in Immunohematology. I am a leader in my field with greater than 15 years of experience working at some of the top healthcare institutions in the country. More relevant at this time, I am honored and ecstatic to announce that I am the President-Elect of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter! I became a member of this illustrious Sorority while an undergraduate at Stony Brook University. I can proudly say that for each of my 18 years of uninterrupted service, I held either an appointed and/or elected position. Being president of our chapter is an enormous responsibility, and I can assure you I am prepared for it! I am charged up to lead as Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter emerges from the circumstances of this pandemic, as only a Dove could glide from the clouds of a storm! We are turning the corner and coming through with the Zeal that our chapter is known for. Bronx Borough, we have missed you and we look forward to seeing you outside as we double down in our efforts to be of service!
Yours in Sisterhood and Service,
Méta S. Morrison, MBA Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter President-Elect, 2022-2024
#kezcares
KEZ MARCHES FOR BABIES 2022 KAPPA EPSILON ZETA PARTICIPATES IN THE MARCH OF DIMES MARCH FOR BABIES WALK
It was a gorgeous Saturday morning, perfect for the first in person March of Dimes March for Babies Walk in over two years. Members of Kappa Epsilon Zeta and their youth auxiliaries participated in the walk with a picturesque New York skyline in the distance. Team Captain Michelle Charles Bobb expressed joy at the chapter's hard work to raise funds. "March For Babies 2022 was one of the most successful for KEZ! With the help of our Sorors, family, and friends, we exceeded our $7,000 goal and raised $10,101! Thank you for showing how much KEZ cares about fighting for access to equitable health care, getting vital services to moms and babies, and helping to reduce preterm births. KEZ is truly amazing!" You can donate to Team KEZ until June 30, 2022. https://www.marchforbabies.org//team/ZetaPhiBetaKEZChapter
KEZ chapter President Juliet Duggins with two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning
h t i W d r o AW e v o D Our
DR. GLORIA L. HOBBS
Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter is extremely fortunate to have our very own Zeta Dove, Dr. Gloria L. Hobbs. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated receives the title of Zeta Dove after fifty years of membership. Although Dr. Hobbs is known for her humble demeanor, she has an extremely impressive track record of excellence. Dr. Hobbs earned a BA degree from Hunter College in 1945 and just one year later earned her MA degree from Columbia University. In 1947, Dr. Hobbs was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. via Alpha Pi Zeta Chapter in San Antonio, Texas. In 1962, Dr. Hobbs became the FIRST African-American to receive a Ph.D from the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Texas. In 1972, Dr. Hobbs became the first African-American elected to the Ithaca College Board of Trustees. Today, Ithaca College awards The Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award for Outstanding Students in the African Diaspora. Dr. Hobbs is also the proud recipient of the Litt.D. Honoris Causa, the honorary Doctor of Letters Degree, awarded in 2018.
Dr. Hobbs as a new initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (1947)
"We didn't go our separate ways, we were the separate ways. We were the standard."
Dr. Hobbs, age 2
NT:
Thank you so much for speaking with me.
an extraordinary life.
GH:
I know you don't like saying so, but you have led quite
Could you tell me what led you to Texas?
Well, I had just received my master's degree and I was seeking opportunities to teach on the
collegiate level. Antonio.
That opportunity arrived when I was offered a job at St. Philips College in San
Being a city girl and a Northerner, I knew the move to Texas would be quite a change, but
I was excited.
The student dynamics at St. Philips were interesting because, in addition to the usual
teenage college students, there was an influx of veterans (all older than I) who had just returned home from World War II and were eager to pursue their education with the help of the G I Bill. I was paid $200 a month which back then was more than enough to live on and still send some money back home to help the family.
NT: GH:
Were you introduced to Zeta at that time?
Yes.
There was a woman who was secretary to the Dean.
I'll never forget her name, Nezzie
Bradley. Nezzie told me what sororities were like, and I accompanied her to a meeting. Once there, I found the Zetas spoke about things that spoke to me such as education, community projects, and scholarship. There were about twenty women in attendance. From there I decided to join.
I was
initiated into Alpha Pi Zeta Chapter in 1947.
NT: GH:
How would you describe the climate of your chapter at that time?
I'd say we were a good society of women truly interested in Scholarship, Service, and
Sisterhood.
I have fond memories of us singing our hymn in unison with a joyful heart, socializing,
taking care of business, and attending Boulé. It was a good sisterly experience. We traveled to conferences and drove to different cities to support Sorors, particularly in Houston and Austin. We were more spread out but did our best to support one another.
NT:
I'm sure Boulé was a wonderful experience.
I love attending now.
Would you say there were
any experiences that were particularly memorable?
continued on page 9
GH:
Yes!
My earliest time in Zeta was under International Grand Basileus Lullelia Harrison (12th
International President).
She was a giant! Unbelievable leadership and an unbelievable person.
She was a fantastic Grand and she was living in Houston at the time. I remember seeing her husband always accompanying her to Boulé, holding her bag, and making sure she was taken care of.
I remember telling him once how I admired his support of and attention to his wife, and he
responded, "Well if you have a woman who is doing something and you're not, you should do everything you can to make sure she does it well."
True indeed.
Other memories I cherish just simply involve being around other Sorors, especially the younger or new Sorors for whom I served as Sponsor and Big Sister. in my 20s but it didn't matter.
I was more mature in a sense since I was
We did a lot of fundraising and we were big on attending and
supporting the church. We did what we were supposed to do which was give scholarships and serve the community. We were proud of the things we were doing.
NT:
Of course. Would you say there is a difference between how Sorors interact now in comparison
to back then?
GH:
I can't say I see much difference between how Sorors interacted with one another back then
as opposed to now, but there is much more opportunity to interact now. Advances in technology and greatly improved means of communication and transportation have impacted our methods of interaction. Technology has made a big difference. Back then, we just had ourselves. It was routine to visit one another in our homes and have chapter meetings there, so in that sense, it would seem to be more intimate back then.
We not only knew fellow Sorors, but we knew all members of their
families as well.
NT: GH:
What were chapter meetings like?
Not much different. We had our meetings led by the Basileus (President) where we gave reports
and collaborated on projects. We have always been about pushing forward the business of Zeta. If I can say perhaps the only real difference is there were a lot of meetings in Sorors' homes. It was a social outing as well as a business outing.
NT: GH:
It sounds like there was a lot of focus on fellowship.
Yes, definitely. I do think we were a little more socially inclined. Back then, the membership
was expected to rise above the racism and prejudice we faced with dignity and class. Zeta expected greatness and we achieved just that. In a way we were leaders in the "social" structure too. We didn't tout ourselves that way but looking back we were looked up to. We were known. You knew who the Zetas were. Society knew a lot more of sorority women back then. We had to keep up with a certain expectation of conduct. We were expected to dress a certain way and act a certain way. Perhaps this was the result of being in the segregated south, but we were more visible, in a "black" world of sorts. We didn't go our separate ways, we were the separate ways. We were the standard.
NT:
Wow.
GH:
Yes.
Even so, back then as it is now our focus was Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer
Womanhood.
NT:
Did you serve on any committees?
GH:
Oh, yes, I served on different committees at different times like the Finance Committee, the
Membership Committee, the Archonette Committee, the Fundraising Committee, and always the Scholarship Committee.
NT:
How would you describe your experiences as a Zeta Dove in KEZ?
GH:
Even the small things done by individual Sorors or the larger expressions like sending flowers or
gifts by the entire body, all make me feel loved and appreciated. At times, I feel like Zeus, sitting on Mount Olympus listening in on a great meeting of humans who are so talented and respectful of each other that it is a joy to be among them.
NT:
I'm glad we can provide that experience for you.
GH:
Thank you.
Sometimes I feel like I should say something during meetings, but I don't because
you Sorors do things so exceptionally well. KEZ is a very special and loving group of young women. I'm so glad I returned to the Sisterhood. KEZ is quite special.
KEZ is a chapter of trained,
professional, and educated women. You've been all so kind and I feel extremely blessed.
NT:
Thank you so much Dr. Hobbs.
GH:
Thank you.
Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter would like to wish our Dove, Dr. Gloria Lindsay Hobbs a very happy
th
75
Zetaversary Dr. Hobbs, you are the epitome of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. We are immensely grateful to call you our chapter Soror. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all.
Community Spotlight
ONE MAN'S DEDICATION
Mr. Scott, accepting the 2018 PASEsetter Award
MR. EDWIN SCOTT IS AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLIC SERVANT WHO CURRENTLY SERVES AS DIRECTOR OF BEACONS AT PHIPPS NEIGHBORHOODS. Tell me a bit about your upbringing and how it may have influenced you into entering non-profit work. In a nutshell, I had one of those typical southern and northern city hybrid upbringings where I spent the school year up in the city and summers down in North Carolina. That really helped shape a lot of my character and some of the values that I espouse today. Probably the best way to summarize my childhood would be "a village." People who were there for me, making sure I was not in any trouble, and made sure I had the resources and support to do things. I believe my era was a great time to grow up. Black, White, it didn't matter, they were people who focused on the improvement and betterment of young people in the community whether it be a coach, a teacher, etc. My father was and still is a member of the AME Church. He is 94 years old. My mother was Presbyterian. So even in the church, I was surrounded by people willing to provide support. I think those things inspired me to give back. It is my mantra and guiding spirit.
I've always considered myself a leader. I went into teaching. I taught math and science outside of school. I remember a colleague once told me "You're doing such a phenomenal job, break out of these four walls of the classroom and become an administrator." I eventually became a Program Director, Chief Program Officer, Chief Operating Officer, as well as Interim Executive Director. The agency folded, but thank God I was able to keep myself afloat. That has pretty much been my guiding spirit.
"THIS IS MY LIFE, THIS IS MY BLOOD, THIS IS EVERYTHING TO ME." How l ong have you been associ at ed wi t h Phi pps Nei ghborhoods? What mot i vat es you t o st ay? Eight years and I have to say I love telling this little story. I was working as a consultant in Westchester County. I wrote grants and helped to design as well as improve programs and engagement. A colleague remembered that I ran one of the first Beacons of New York City. At that time, the Beacon in Throgs Neck was struggling to the point where it was in danger of being shut down. My colleague said, "you have to come down and fix this." Now, my mentality is that of a mechanic of sorts. Come down, fix things, provide you with the bill, and go about my business. However, it didn't work out that way. As you can see, I've been here ever since. This community, what can I say? I've received such an outpouring of love. I saw the benefit of being someone who brought new strategies. The community was so responsive and so loving. I found my niche. When you do such a great job there is this little thing called a promotion, so I was asked to come to Sotomayor. It was suffering. Now Sotomayor is doing quite well to the point where I now oversee the agency's Cornerstones and Beacons.
What motivates me? Wow. Well, this my life, this is my blood, this is everything to me. I believe it is a calling. What motivates me are the young people that come back and say "thank you." The energy, spirit, and love. It is the kind of work I love to do. I would do it even if I were not paid but thank God I do get paid for it.
I n your opi ni on, what are t he most pressi ng needs of t he Bronx communi t y? There is a little thing called love. There is no love of self, there is no love of children. There is no love of community. There is no love in how we talk to each other, how we relate and communicate. There is no love in how we resolve conflict. In times of conflict, someone has to pull out a gun. Someone has to die. Why?
The systemic inequity in schools, healthcare, even opportunities for not just generational wealth, but wealth as a whole. Violence, particularly domestic violence, has become rampant. I tie all of that into love-the lack of it. We have to find a way to bring more love into the community.
How can Kappa Epsi l on Zet a cont i nue t o assi st you i n ful fi l l i ng your mi ssi on i n hel pi ng t he communi t y? This may sound strange, but I believe my job is to ask you that question. It is my responsibility as a servant leader to ask how I can help you. Your sorority has been phenomenal. From the programs, to assisting with food distributions, to the upcoming workshops and resource fairs. If what you have done already is all you can do, it is more than what I can ask for. To answer, I would like to figure out a way to address domestic violence without making it clinical in nature. I would like to see victims of domestic violence, of any gender, to come in and see KEZ's community programs, a movie, dance, resource fair, anything. I want them to see this could be a hub of release in being involved and engaged in activities that promote a respite, a place to get away from it all.
MILESTO NES
Zetaversary
Happy 25th Zetaversary Soror Juliet Duggins and Soror Janay Phillips-Wilson Epsilon Chapter May 31, 1997
Happy 20th Zetaversary Soror Veronica Straws-Malone Zeta Kappa Chapter April 19, 2002
Happy 15th Zetaversary Soror Jacqueline Waiters Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter 04/28/2007
Happy 10th Zetaversary Soror Quandalasha Fambro Delta Delta Chapter 4/19/2012
Happy 5th Zetaversary Soror Willayie Saygbe
Soror Jennifer Jackson
Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter
Alpha Alpha Upsilon Zeta Chapter
3/11/2017
4/28/2017
Soror Veronica Farrar, Soror Shahidah Nicole Hamlett, Soror Michelle Howard, and Soror Nikita Slater Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter 05/12/2017
Recognizing
KEZ EXCELLENCE
ACKNOWLEDGING KEZ SORORS EXEMPLIFYING SCHOLARSHIP, SERVICE, SISTERHOOD, AND FINER WOMANHOOD.
Congratulations to Soror Veronica Straws-Malone for being re-elected as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. New York State Parliamentarian.
Congratulations to Soror Jennifer Jackson for being selected to join the inaugural cohort of Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business.
Congratulations to Soror Patrice Shand for being elected as a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. New York State Nominating Committee.
Congratulations to Soror Deirdre Garrett-Scott, who was nominated to join the Board of Directors for the National Academy of Certified Case Managers. She is also a charter member and an Executive Board member of the National Association of Aging in Place Council (Bronx chapter), and was recently hired as an Assistant Executive Director at Atria Senior Living.
Congratulations to Soror Méta Morrison and Soror Jacqueline Waiters for participating in the 2022 Five Boro Bike Tour!
Congratulations Sorors and thank you for your excellence! EXPO PAVILLION, 31ST LOWER MANHATTAN
KEZ CHRONICLES SPRING 2022
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Phipps Neighborhoods "Phipps Houses is the oldest and largest not-for-profit developer, owner, and manager of affordable housing in New York City. Its social services affiliate, Phipps Neighborhoods, provides children, youth and families in low-income neighborhoods the opportunities they need to thrive through comprehensive workforce and education programs, and access to community and economic empowerment services. Together they are changing lives in New York City." Phipps Houses Phipps Houses Services, Inc. Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. 902 Broadway, 13th Floor New York, NY 10010 Phone: 212.243.9090
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
WE INVITE YOU TO ATTEND OUR
UPCOMING EVENTS June 4, 2022 Kappa Epsilon Zeta Presents: KEZ Cares Kappa Epsilon Zeta is proud to present an afternoon of information and resources. Come receive information on health safety, financial literacy, voter registration, and more. The FDNY will have a presentation on fire safety and KEZ will provide information regarding our youth groups and our Stork's Nest Program (for expectant mothers).
Summer 2022 Blue Family Feud: Battle of the Blue & White If you like watching the long running game show Family Feud, you will LOVE watching the Blue & White Family battle it out! The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Finer Women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will compete for the title of Blue Family Feud Champion and a chance to win fast money! It will be an afternoon of competition, laughs, and number 1 answers. Light refreshments will be served.
Fall 2022 Sisters United: Combating Misogynoir in the Media Have the historical and contemporary portrayals of black women and girls in media impacted society’s perception of black women and girls within the diaspora? Join Kappa Epsilon Zeta as we explore and discuss the historical negative depiction of black women in the media, be it through film, television, music, etc. We will discuss how media biases impact the mental health of black women and girls and ways to change the narrative.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! 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 inquiries to ntucker@kezsf.org