Celebrations + Events

Soror Bertha Todd

ALPHA PSI OMEGA Wilmington, N.C.

Pearl Soror Bertha Boykin Todd held a book signing for her recent publication, “Refl ections on a Massacre and a Coup.” The book, edited by her daughter, Soror Rita Todd, centers around the research and development of uncovering the violent 1898 takeover that left many thriving African Americans dead or running out of Wilmington.

The 1949 Alpha Chi Chapter initiate holds degrees from North Carolina Central University, East Carolina University, and an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. With more than 70 years of sorority service, Soror Todd said this is her fi fth and fi nal book publication.

C r i s + Events

CENTENARIAN CELEBRATIONS

CENTENARIAN JEMISON CELEBRATES 80 YEARS Soror Evelyn Jemison was initiated into the Chi Chapter at Talladega College in 1942. She graduated with a biology and mathematics degree and began a stellar career in science education. Soror Jemison studied under esteemed investigators at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, and the Center for Disease Control. She has worked with the NAACP in the fi ght for equality. Soror Jemison established the Sickle Cell Program at Virginia State University. She traveled to South Africa with a delegation to study integration in the universities. She has devoted decades to volunteering and community service. In a letter celebrating her 100th birthday, Past MAR Regional Director Congleton remarked, “Our sorority would not be where we are today without the steadfast commitment and dedication of our precious jewel Sorors like you.” This year marks 80 years of Soror Jemison’s dedication to “Service to All Mankind.”

SOROR NEWELL CELEBRATES 105TH BIRTHDAY Phi Omega Chapter Diamond Soror, Dr. Virginia K. Newell, celebrated her 105th birthday with a celebration hosted by Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines on October 6, 2022. Soror Newell was initiated into the Chi Chapter at Talladega College on November 1, 1938, and continues to serve with dedication and passion, especially in voter education and providing books and opportunities for children to read. She is a retired mathematician, educator, author, and one of the fi rst two female African-Americans elected to the Winston-Salem Board of Aldermen. Mayor Joines provided an opportunity for guests, including the 20th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director (Soror Nadine Vargas Stewart) and Phi Omega Chapter members, to honor Soror Newell as she celebrates this amazing milestone and for her service to the community. A proclamation was issued by Mayor Joines naming October 7th, Soror Newell’s birthday, Dr. Virginia K. Newell Day.

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SOROR DOROTHY H. BRYAN CELEBRATE 100TH BIRTHDAY Soror Dorothy Bryan, a member of Theta Beta Omega Chapter in New Bern NC celebrated her 100th birthday in November 2022. Through her professional career and volunteer activities across the community, state and nation, she has made substantial contributions to improve the lives of African Americans and all people in Craven County, NC. She is a distinguished educator and humanitarian who served the New Bern community for more than 50 years. A tireless worker, she is active in several organizations, more notably, a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church, NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Retired Teachers Association, New Bern Historical Society and the local Climber’s Club, Inc. Her rich story resonates in the lives of many individuals she touched and her achievements as an outstanding African American woman. Soror Bryan received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University) in 1944.

DIAMOND SOROR RUTH SMITH CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY! Happy 100th Birthday to Soror Ruth Anderson Smith!!! Soror

Ruth was the fi rst member in the Mid-Atlantic Region

to reach Diamond status. Words cannot express how thankful we are for the life and service of Soror Ruth. Since her initiation into the Alpha Chi Chapter in 1940, our Diamond Soror has served all mankind for the past 82 years! As a Rocky Mount native, Soror Ruth’s impact within the Nash & Edgecombe communities spans multiple generations. She has always been a community activist for people of color. Whether being present during a voter registration drive or serving as an active citizen of the Civil Rights Movement, Soror Ruth has been a voice of hope and motivation for many.

Soror Ruth personifi es the importance of cultivating and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards. After obtaining her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Library Science from North Carolina Central University, Soror Ruth’s professional milestones included serving as a fi fth-grade teacher and librarian at a local junior high school. Outside of her civic duties and professional accomplishments, Soror Ruth has been an active member of the Chi Omega Chapter. Until recently, Soror Ruth was present at all chapter meetings and events. She is a mother and sister to many chapter members and continues to soar within our sisterhood.

Please join us in celebrating and honoring our most precious Diamond!

CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

IOTA KAPPA OMEGA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Kappa Omega Chapter celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its chartering with "The Golden Gala-Celebrating 50 Years of Service, Scholarship, and Sisterhood in the Greenville, NC Community and Beyond" on November 5, 2022, at 7:00 pm at The Greenville Hilton.

This event featured not only a dinner and silent auction but also the awarding of the Golden Community Service Individual and Organizational Awards. The winners were Arjenae Williams, Visionary and Founder of the area feeding

program, Something to Somebody, and The Jackie Robinson Baseball League, a sports program not only focused on teaching and promoting the sport of baseball but also the holistic nurture of young athletes within the Greenville Community.

The night was also celebrated by tributes to Iota Kappa Omega Charter members and greetings from the city, county, and state elected offi cials. An offi cial proclamation celebrating 50 Years of Service in Greenville was given by Mayor PJ Connelly. N.C. Senator Don Davis and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Member Former NC Chief Court Justice Senator Cheri Beasley brought greetings from the State of North Carolina. Ultimately, the event was rounded out with the soulful stylings of R&B Vocalist Marcel Anderson and DJ Darren “D-Nice” Parker, who hosted a rousing dance party.

Iota Kappa Omega Chapter was chartered on October 28, 1972, and has grown by leaps and bounds– from 16 tenacious charter members to a vibrant membership of 166 strong. The chapter is fortunate to have fi ve serving charter members- Evelyn Jean Carter, Shirley Coward Cox, Ella T. Harris, Helen Johnson, and Verna Smith Mills.