The
REPORT
#black lives matter
Happy New Year!
Inauguration of Soror Kamala Harris 49th Vice President of the United States
tell the black girls we believe in their magic. tell the black girls how they were born from a long tradition of black woman dream merchants miracle makers and super heroes. tell the black girls how special powers are interwoven in their braids and cornrows. god gifted in the tips of their twists and locs. tell the black girls how the others can only dream and imagine their powers. tell the black girls we believe in their magic and it’s real. - Lamont Lilly
#J15 Salute to Essential Workers 91st MWRC GOES VIRTUAL 1
Salute to The Black Arts Movement Artist: Charly Palmer Queen Nina, acrylic on canvas, 40x30, charlypalmer.com
SAVE THE DATE! March 19 - 21, 2021 - Des Moines, IA Virtual
91
st Mid-Western Regional Conference
“REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN” Northbound Express: Celebrating Our Spirit of
Excellence
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SAVE THE DATE!
Vice President-Elect Kamala D. Harris to celebrate Founders' Day with her sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Nationwide Founders' Day Observance will take place on Friday, January 15, 2021. 7pm EST ~ 6pm CST ~ 4pm PST AKA Facebook Page and YouTube Channel
#J15 3
Making Herstory!
The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States will mark the commencement of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president and Soror Kamala Harris as vice president. A public ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2021, on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The event will be the 59th presidential inauguration. Upon his inauguration, Biden will become the oldest president at 78 years and 61 days, older upon taking office than Ronald Reagan, who left office at 77 years, 349 days. He will also become the first president from Delaware (although he was born in Pennsylvania), second Catholic after John F. Kennedy, and the fifteenth former vice president to serve as president. Soror Harris will become the first woman, first African American, first Asian American vice president, first member of any black Greek organization, and first member of Alpha Kappa Alpha to hold this office. Soror Harris will recite the following oath: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. Biden will recite the following oath, as prescribed by the Constitution: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God. No exact air time has been announced just yet, though opening remarks historically take place around 11:30 ET/8:30 a.m. PT. The inauguration is likely to be streamed by every major news station, in addition to being shared on platforms like Facebook Live, Twitter and YouTube.
LET’S WEAR OUR PEARLS AND PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THIS HISTORIC MOMENT 4 STYLE! AKA
Greetings,
Isaiah 43:19 NLT “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Happy NEW YEAR Sorors, Welcome to your new day, new beginnings, new health, new opportunities, new attitudes, new life, new you, new year! I know you can see it…just look at all of the new pathways Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Mid-Western Region have created to meet the many changes and challenges of 2020, and in preparation for the demands of 2021. We have learned how to navigate the unchartered waters of virtuality by hosting a virtual Boule and Regional Conferences, virtual elections, chapter and committee meetings, virtual Vendor Fairs, parties and games, virtual fundraisers and EAF challenges. Proudly, the operations and functionality of our beloved sorority remained upright and on course. We zoomed our way straight to the top! Sorors, the New Year promises to be a fantastic ride, full of many whistle-stops and excursions. I encourage you to stay aboard the Pearl Express and ride with me. I am excited to welcome aboard all of the new chapter officers and to challenge each of them to embrace their new position and all of the expectations. Looking ahead, the Pearl Express will soon be the Northbound Express: Celebrating Our Spirit of Excellence, as preparations for our first complete virtual 91st Mid-Western Regional Conference, are underway. Stay tuned for registration information and plan to get your seat. This will count as Regional Conference attendance for MIP sponsorship and for some chapter requirements. Sorors, we will stop to observe our International Founder’s Day/Sisterly Relations Day on January 15, 2021 and our Impact Day/MLK Day of Service on January 18, 2021. We will also continue our Prayer Line on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm CST. Stay tuned for important information regarding the opportunity for the 2021 Modified Membership Intake Process for both Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters. Finally, as we move forward into the new year, let us give thanks to the many blessings we have received in 2020. Our beloved sorority is healthy and stable. Our sisterhood is strong and mighty. And the first black female Vice President of the United States is our own Soror Kamala Harris. Sorors, HE continues to open doors and make pathways for us!
"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” -Martin Luther King, Jr
Welcome to the New Year!
Soror Twyla
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What 's Inside Catch Up Issue - January 2021
SAVE THE DATES....91st MWRC, #J15, Soror Kamala
5 MWR’s P.E.A.R.L . Report Team 7 P.E.A.R.L. Ministry Moments 8
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Regional Director’s Message
P.EA.R.L. Highlights “Fall Into Excellence” Recap
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SPECIAL SALUTE TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS
22 IMPACT DAYS 25
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Soror Spotlights
P.E.A.R.L. Communications Connections 34 Programs 35 Ivy Beyond the Wall 36 Chapter News 37 2020 Graduates 41 Regional Directors Calendar 43
aka1908.com/midwestern 6
The P.E.A.R.L. Report Team Soror Twyla Woods-Buford Mid-Western Regional Director
P.E.A.R.L. Submission Deadlines Holiday Issue - 11/29 Winter 2021 - 2/11 Spring 2021 - 5/18 Special Issue - 7/5 Fall 2021 - 11/1 Winter 2022 - 2/11
Soror Rhonda Harris International Communications and Public Relations Soror Kelly G. Loeb Editor-In-Chief Soror Angela Stevens MWR Information Officer Soror Ramona E. Davis Design & Layout
IVY LEAF Submission Deadlines Spring Issue~January 15 Summer Issue~April 15 Fall Issue~July 15 Winter Issue~October 15
LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THE NEWSLETTERS?
Visit the members only section of our website at http://www.aka1908.com/midwestern
WHERE TO SEND P.E.A.R.L. SUBMISSIONS Undergraduate Chapters Missouri Chapters Colorado & Nebraska Chapters Kansas & Iowa Chapters Oklahoma Chapters
Soror Kelly G. Loeb Soror Elise Brisco Soror Pamela Woodley Soror Nichelle Rogers Soror Gwendolyn Squires Soror Tracye Love Chandler
kglaka@gmail.com ebrisco411@gmail.com prwoodley@comcast.net catchnbr@gmail.com gweneg@yahoo.com musbluv@hotmail.com
Please direct any questions to your IVY TEAM coordinator or to: mwrpublications@gmail.com
HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION Please submit all articles via word attachment to mwrpublications@gmail.com or the respective IVY TEAM coordinator for your chapter’s state. Additionally please submit photographs as an attachment as well and identify the photographs by stating the name of the event, Program Target (if applicable), Chapter, Sorors’ names in the photograph. When submitting information please also submit the name, email and phone number of the Ivy Leaf Reporter and/or Soror submitting the information.
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Ministry Moments COVID POEM When this is over, may we never again take for granted A handshake with a stranger Full shelves at the store Conversations with neighbors A crowded theatre Friday night out The taste of communion A routine checkup The school rush each morning Coffee with a friend The stadium roaring Each deep breath A boring Tuesday Life itself.
When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be we were called to be we hoped to be and may we stay that way--better for each other because of the worst.
- Laura Kelley Fanucci
“Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. 8
P.E.A.R.L. HIGHLIGHTS “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King JR.
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Fall into Pink and Green Excellence: Mind, Body & Spirit Virtual Summit
On October 31st, 2020, the Magnificent Mid-Western Region hosted its inaugural virtual summit, Fall into Pink and Green Excellence: Mind, Body and Spirit under the direction of Regional Director Twyla Woods Buford with the assistance of Cluster Coordinators Evetta McMillian-Walker, Cluster A; LaTanya T. Patton, Cluster B; Lenora Ivy, Cluster C; Marion Logan, Cluster D; Geri Webb, Cluster E and Resource Assistant, Treyla Lee. The event highlighted our international program targets: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness and the Arts, with sorors from around the region participating in this momentous occasion. As sorors joined throughout the summit, our talented sorors graced us with songs: Soror Soror Soror Soror Soror Soror
Ozanna Obasi – “That Name” - Beta Omega Chapter G. Jasmine McCarroll Martin – “Love” – Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter Jessikha Williams – “My Name is Victory” – Beta Omega Chapter Khadijah Watson – “Can’t Give Up Now”/“Jesus Will” – Xi Tau Omega Chapter Omega Tillman – “The Battle Is Not Yours, It’s The Lord’s” – Beta Omega Chapter Amy Redcloud – “Love Theory” – Iota Beta Omega Chapter
The Summit featured three segments of excellence: the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit. Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, 29th Supreme Basileus, served as our featured speaker. Soror Dorothy captured the Mind, leading us through a presentation on professional journeys in leadership within our sorority and provided tips on how we can pivot through the uncertainties while dealing with a national pandemic. She encouraged us to focus on the importance of preparing ourselves for professional leadership in our sorority and in our greater communities. The Body segment focused on how to feel good physically and emotionally, while caring and focusing on our wellbeing to best serve ourselves, families and our communities. The program included a tribute to our region’s breast cancer survivors including words from Soror Felicia Jones-Senter of Alpha Chi Omega Chapter. Soror Kenya Robinson of Mu Omega Omega Chapter shared at home exercises. A panel of health care providers – Regina M. Lewis, DO (Alpha Chi Omega Chapter), Sharon Smallwood, MD (Alpha Chi Omega Chapter), Sequita Richardson, MD (Mu Omega Chapter) Veronica A. Anwuri, MD (Beta Omega Chapter), Staci Bogin, DPM (Mu Omega Omega Chapter), Rhoda Lockett-Moore, DDS (Iota Beta Omega Chapter), Dion Owens, MD (Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter) and Yolonda Carson, LCSW (Beta Omega Chapter) addressed matters of the body including mental fatigue, COVID-19 and self-care. The segment on the Spirit was a recharge to ourselves, inspiring hope and peace during the pandemic, reminding sorors to be still and count our many blessings of every day while feeding our spirit with meditation, music and encouragement. The summit concluded with meditations for the soul from Sorors Terrill Maxwell (Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter), Andriette Jordan-Fields (Mu Omega Omega Chapter) and Wilma Taylor – (Beta Omega Chapter). The Summit was amazing and enjoyed by all!
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A SALUTE TO OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
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Essential Workers
Dr. Angela Felton-Coleman
Join us in paying tribute to the lives and work of our essential workers. While we realize that not every essential worker is captured in this tribute, please know that our intention is to honor ALL whether their photograph is included or not. This is a small gesture to continue to acknowledge your bravery, committment and perservance to do your jobs. Together we issue a powerful call for transformation in honor of the people that we’ve lost and to fight for the working people who are essential to our economy and society. These essential workers are disproportionately Black and other women of color, immigrant, and other communities in the margins. We have a responsibility and opportunity to create an inclusive future that ensures that everyone is treated with dignity and respect–through raising pay and workplace standards, improving safety, and increasing worker power in the workplace. We Salute You and Stand With You!
“We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. 12
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Alexis Bush Bailey
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Lashonette Kemp
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Sheila Jones, Xi Tau Omega.
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Menneka Scott Roper
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Soror Spotlights The Magnificent Mid-Western Region
Soror spotlight is dedicated to sorors who are working in professional careers, living out their dreams, or making a positive impact in the world. Black excellence isn’t limited to being a celebrity. Black excellence is you, your friends, and neighbors. Let’s celebrate us!
Joan Thompson, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Space Force
Lt. Col. Thompson currently serves as the Deputy Director, Personnel, Manpower and Services, Headquarters Space Operations Command (SpOC), Peterson AFB, Colorado. On October 2, 2020 she took the oath to join the U.S. Space Force (USSF). The USSF was established on December 20, 2019 as the 6th branch of the U.S. Armed Services; it is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947. On October 7, the USSF announced the results of its Squadron Commander board and Lt. Col. Thompson was selected to command the Education Operations Support Squadron. This is a new squadron that will fall under the future Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). She will be responsible for standing up the unit, designing what Full Operating Capability (FOC) looks like, navigating the basing process and building foundational USSF education objectives. Lt. Col. Thompson will make history as the first commander of this new Space Force squadron.
Congratulations to Alpha Chi Omega Chapter-Tulsa, OK member Soror Kimberly Motley Grayson on her Silver Star Status.
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Dr. Rebecca Wates Receives 2020 Honoree of The Year Award Grandview, Mo. - Congratulations to Xi Tau Omega member, Dr. Rebecca Wates, on being named Honoree of the Year by the Surburban Balance Lift Her Up Movement on December 5, 2020. She is the first SHERO to receive this award. Although the novel coronavirus has made this a challenging year, scientist Dr. Wates is being honored for working behind the scenes on medical breakthroughs. She was honored for being a Shero in the health advancement movement.
Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding, UCCS Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding is the founder of the Truth and Conciliation Commission, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, tenured associate professor and chair of Women's and Ethnic Studies and recently appointed Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. With a B.A. and M. A. in Literature from Clark Atlanta University and Purdue University, respectively, as well as a Ph. D. in American Studies from Purdue University, she specializes in critical race and gender studies, English literature, and American popular culture. She is an interdisciplinary scholar and a social justice activist who produces generative scholarship that reaches far beyond the walls of academia and well into transformative ministry and community building. Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding is often called upon to expertly address and consult on issues concerning race and gender dynamics in American popular culture and society, both nationally and internationally. Additionally, she is the author of Abolishing White Masculinity: From Mark Twain to Hiphop and has written articles for The Feminist Wire, For Harriet and NewBlackMan. As a faith leader and social justice worker, she has worked closely with grassroots organizations that include, but are not limited to, RawTools, Inc., the NAACP Colorado/Montana/ Wyoming Regional State Conference, Together Colorado and the Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion.
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Congratulations to Alpha Chi Omega ChapterTulsa, OK member Soror Sherron D. Jones on her Silver Star Status.
Congratulations to Alpha Chi Omega ChapterTulsa, OK member Soror Christina Henley Ratliff on her Silver Star Status
Soror Rina Neal, Mu Eta Omega Chapter, is an elected official, serving in the position of President for the USD 475 Board of Education. This board serves Junction City and Fort Riley, KS. Soror Mia Taylor, Mu Eta Omega, received her Master’s Degree, from Kansas State University (KSU), and is currently an admissions recruiter for KSU based in Texas. Soror Ashley Eckelberry, Mu Eta Omega, was named 2020 Teacher of the Year for USD 383 serving Manhattan-Ogden school district. She teaches first grade in Manhattan, KS. Soror Ashley also gathered more than 175 Soles 4 Souls. Soror Dr. Cheryl Grice, Mu Eta Omega has been asked to serve on the Mayor’s Task Force COVID-19, serving Riley County in Manhattan KS. Soror Margaret Kilpatrick, Mu Eta Omega was named 2020 United Way Volunteer of the Year, serving Junction City, KS.
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Impact Days
Breast Cancer Awareness IMPACT Day
Mid-Western Regional Director Twyla Woods Buford wears pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and those we have lost to this disease and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer.
Iota Beta Omega Chapter
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Mu Omega Soror Joycelyn Strickland is geared up for the More Than Pink Susan B. Komen Pink Walk!
Mu Omega of Kansas City, Kansas: Sorors Erin Pullen, Debra Johnson, and Gwendolyn Squires supporting Susan G. Komen’s PINK IT UP as they walk to bring awareness to Breast Cancer!
Mu Omega member Sharon Sparkman is a three-year survivor of breast cancer. She and her team walked during the MORE THAN PINK virtual walk for Susan G. Komen. Everyone came together to walk for the strong, celebrate the survivors, and to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Mu Omega Omega Sorors raised $579 (more than twice their $250 goal) by participating in Susan G. Komen Colorado's Virtual MORE THAN PINK Walk for Breast Cancer. Pictured here are Soror Gina Edwards-Hickman (back) and Carla Patrick (front)
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Alpha Chi Omega Chapter members, family and friends participated in a virtual walk.
Omega Nu Omega Chapter hosted a members-only Zumba session with certified instructor Pricilla Westbrooks! This activity got us up and moving and highlighted our sorority initiative to promote women’s healthcare and wellness; ONO leads by example!
Alpha Iota Omega Chapter Soror Teresa White, breast cancer survivor. Soror Linessa Frazier, mother’s caregiver and a breast cancer survivor.
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Pi Xi Chapter at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg held Breast Cancer Awareness Forum featuring Cancer Survivors and a Virtual Pretty Girl House Party with a DJ to raise money for Target II: Women’s Health & Wellness to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness Community Virtual Walk On Saturday, Oct. 3 members of Sigma Sigma Omega Chapter photographed themselves on their walk to honor breast cancer survivors and the warriors currently fighting through this disease. The virtual walk kept alive in our memories those who have gained their wings and raised awareness about breast cancer.
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Sorors from Upsilon Rho Omega - Overland Park, KS participated in a virtual walk in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kansas City
Xi Tau Omega Thank you to our brave breast cancer survivors who shared their heartfelt stories during Xi Tau Omega's virtual event on Saturday, October 3rd. Target II Chairman Shellie Diehl moderated the program, emphasizing three clear messages : 1) how important it is to get regular mammograms to give yourself the best opportunity for early detection of cancer, 2) a diagnosis is NOT a death sentence. With the help of the medical professionals, you should start your treatment plan immediately, and 3) surround yourself with a support group that includes family and close friends who will be there throughout your journey. #AKABreastCancerAwarenessDay
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Caregivers IMPACT Day
Xi Tau Omega Chapter Members and Caregivers Soror Lynne Boyer (Top Left), Soror Juanita Bush Davis (Top Right), Soror Melanie Jefferson (Middle Left), Soror Anjanette Hogan (Middle Right), Soror Renita Shelton (Bottom Left) and Soror Sheila Jones (Bottom Right). During this year’s Caregiver Impact Day, Xi Tau Omega honored chapter members who serve as caregivers to their loved ones. We recognized these sorors for their roles as caregivers during the chapter’s November meeting and gave them a special gift of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Sorors Melanie Jefferson and Lynne Boyer, both Silver Stars and Life Members, shared their personal stories on the chapter’s social media accounts. “I have been a caregiver for my mom since January 20, 2019. It has been pretty rough, but I am managing. I just had to put her in hospice care this last week so hopefully I can get a little bit more assistance” said Soror Melanie. When asked how she practices self care, Soror Melanie references her walking crew, also known
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as her fur babies, who were featured in the video with her. “We walk every day, along with Soror Melina Johnson which helps keep me grounded. I make sure that I work out and exercise every day. I like the fact that caregivers’ day has brought more awareness to everyone around you. Now, sometimes people will call, text or say I am just thinking of you. That is what has impacted me the most. I am so proud that Alpha Kappa Alpha has taken the time out to recognize something that we take for granted. I am proud of the sorority for doing this and I am proud of myself for being able to take care of my mom.” Soror Lynne Boyer serves as a Caregiver to her 96 year old mother who is also a Soror. Sorors Lynne and Juanita, both members of Xi Tau Omega are sisters who share in the responsibility of caring for their parents alongside their other sister, Soror Nadine Varella. “To have our sorority have this national impact day to honor and celebrate caregivers, it warms my heart and speaks to why we are such a loving and nurturing organization. We take care of our own. The one thing that I want to stress and that we have done is to make sure that we take care of our own selves. We don’t burn ourselves out because it is a labor of love and at times it is very hard when you see your parents not able to do for themselves,” said Soror Lynne. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, more than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one. The Caregiver Action Network provides many resources for caregivers as well as a free help desk. Sorors and community members can contact their Care Support Team, staffed by caregiving experts, to help find the right information needed to help navigate the complex caregiving challenges by calling 855-227-3640. Thank you to all of our Soror Caregivers. We appreciate and salute you for all that you do!
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Soror Bessie Dowdell
Soror Celestine Walker
Soror Linda Martin Smith
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Soror Lynn Williams
P.E.A.R.L. COMMUNICATIONS “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. 33
Connections
What Do You Know About the League of Women Voters? The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League was officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified. The League provided a way for women to overcome their lack of confidence about voting and a means for becoming educated about voting. From its beginning, the League has been a non-partisan grassroots organization whose leaders believed that citizens should play a critical role in our democracy. Today, the League continues to fight for election protection, democratic reforms, and equal access to the ballot-all the while maintaining its commitment to non-partisanship and fostering an informed electorate. If you ask why I should support the League of Women Voters, think about this principle: government of the people, by the people and for the people cannot function without active involvement of the people. The League of Women Voters is a unique, non-partisan organization that is a recognized force in molding political leaders, shaping public policy, and promoting informed citizen participation at all levels of government. We believe in keeping elections free, fair, and accessible. Supporting the League means you are part of creating a change in our democratic republic. We are, after all, neighbors first and foremost. In April 2020 I accepted the role of president in the League of Women Voters in Lawton, Oklahoma. I have accepted membership in the City of Lawton Race Relations Commission, and as a potential member on the board of the Lawton Food Bank. I have authored and published three letters to the editor of our local newspaper on voter education, participated and partnered with other agencies at Census and Voter Registration Drives as a citizen of Lawton and the League of Women Voters, and worked to promote continuity of CDC guidelines for COVID-19 at work and public settings.
Sisterly, Soror Arlie W. Hampton, Life Member, Theta Upsilon Omega Chapter
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Mid-Western Region Showed Excellence in Virtual Programming
Programs
What a year we had in 2020! Yet, our Mid-Western Region Chapters arose to Program Excellence on a “virtual” platform! Thank you sorors for all your hard work in adapting to the virtual programming in Outstanding EXCELLENCE! There are three very important Impact Days coming up in the next few weeks that you want to plan for now, “J15” our 113th Founders’ Day, MLK Day of Service, and our annual “Pink Goes Red For Heart Health”! I can feel the excitement and look forward to seeing and hearing about your service during January and February 2021! As we jump into 2021 with a solid foundation of “virtual” programming, let’s look forward to a new year of Program Excellence by continuing to collect shoes for the Soles 4 Souls partnership,eyeglasses for the Lions Club International and sew pillowcase dresses and shirts for refugees! We do such important work and our service in these areas is even more crucial during this pandemic. A soror from my chapter once eloquently stated, “Service is who we are and Service is what we do!” This year you took the challenges of conducting programs virtually and came up with creative ways to accomplish great things! I applaud you for a “Job Well Done” and look forward to your continued Programs of Excellence in 2021!
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Ivy Beyond The Wall In Remembrace of 22nd Mid-Western Regional Director, Dr. Wessylyne A. Simpson On November 20, 2020, our 22nd Mid-Western Regional Director, Dr. Wessylyne A. Simpson, became an Ivy Beyond the Wall after a long illness. She was a resident of Langston, Oklahoma. Dr. Simpson was initiated at Langston University in the Alpha Zeta Chapter. She was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Incorporated, Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter. Dr. Simpson was a profound educator. She served as Dean of the School of Education & Behavioral Science at Langston University. During her tenure of nearly 40 years, she served in numerous capacities from a Chemistry Professor, to Dean of Women, to the Dean of Education. During her tenure as Regional Director from 1986-1990, she served under the administration of 22nd Supreme Basileus Janet Jones Ballard. During Soror Ballard’s administration the following occurred: • • • •
Expanded African Village project Increased International visibility, establishing chapters in the Bahamas, Bermuda & St. Thomas Virgin Island Held first national function in Caribbean, Leadership Conference, Montego Bay, Jamaica Promoted member support of Historical Black Colleges & Universities
Dr. Simpson was a mentor to many students on the campus of Langston University. The Outstanding Undergraduate Soror Award is named in her honor. She leaves a daughter in the sisterhood, Soror Lynne Simpson Scott.
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“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Chapter News-
Virtual Pink on the Greens Success
Submitted by Soror Nichelle Rogers, Mu Omega Omega Ivy Leaf Reporter Pink on the Greens has been a Mu Omega Omega in-person golf clinic for 10 years, and this year’s event adapted to the changing times caused by the pandemic. Led by Soror Denise Caleb and the Ivy Community Fund, this year’s virtual event shifted to a speaking engagement followed by an online MAC Cosmetics virtual party and auction. Our speaker, Angella Reid, shared her journey and experience in the field of hospitality management, as she became the first woman and ninth person to manage the day-to-day operations of the White House as Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher. Overall, the event had about 40 attendees and raised $4,011.43 towards our scholarships and grants.
Iota Beta Omega School Outreach For Iota Beta Omega, 2020 marks 50 years of service to all mankind in the Colorado Springs community. In continuing a legacy of service, the chapter donated $500 each to three local schools. With Fall 2020 being such a unique start of the school year, sorors of Iota Beta Omega welcomed the opportunity to give. With the donation, Fox Meadow Middle School purchased school uniforms for families in need. French Elementary and John Adams Elementary provided new school supplies. Due to social distancing protocols in place, individual supply sets are an essential and costly need for many budgets at this time. Each school expressed gratitude and commended the chapter for partnering in a time of need.
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Mu Omega Omega Serves
Submitted by Soror Nichelle Rogers, Mu Omega Omega Ivy Leaf Reporter Mu Omega Omega Chapter provided 168 cold-weather items including coats, scarves and other miscellaneous items to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, a national leader in providing integrated housing, health care, vocational and supportive services, creating lasting solutions to homelessness. Our Social Justice Committee members provided food for 50 locals at Aurora Warms the Night, supporting their efforts to serve the growing homeless population. Sorors raised more than $671.00 for the Honey Pot, a black-owned feminine care business, to send more than 5,000 pads to Kisumu, Kenya.
Photo: Collected Items for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Photo: Soror Marcelette Ellis-Goodwin with Honey Pot donation
Mu Omega Omega In Local Spotlights! Several Mu Omega Omega sorors were in the local spotlight for their work in the community. Soror Leah Bea was interviewed on Channel 7, coordinated by Soror Niambi Nichols, for her work with Larry H. Miller dealerships and the need for backpacks filled with supplies for children. Please see the link for the interview: https://news.yahoo.com/larry-h-miller-pack-backpack-181411610.html?guccounter=1&guce_referr er=aHR0cHM6Ly9sLmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGYg3olbVAY1nXw1ZLs6uTOsC 2RFRuqyvL4JMuV9D8-tv5deRbDh_5zB70DkOAvT6xgXxn1iSMCJSlAVO4EzjGbC_VcEh5XSb06eoRJK5e 3dhPr3d5ZCUyk4C1WzhPFiw2N7xe95o1pM5XMTIUVZaPDlZ-YPqvZscZbGpqyq9jISoror Lakia Thomas was interviewed by Channel 9 to discuss COVID-19 outbreaks at Child Care Centers. Please see the link for the interview: https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/colorado-coronavirus-outbreaksrestaurants-businesses-schools/73-7024e48b-e427-4709-80bc-3a94a5fe98a6
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Xi Eta Virtual Skee-Week Success! From October 18 through 24, Xi Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated participated in the biannual SkeeWeek. Despite not being able to host any in-person events, sorors produced a successful fall 2020 Skee-Week by creating virtual content and they thank everyone who assisted the chapter and were featured in the posts. All of our content from Skee-Week can be seen on our Instagram account @akacsu. Our Sunday event was a beautiful virtual Day of Prayer Service hosted by the Undergraduate Activities Committee, which included spoken word, praise dance, a sermon, an instrumental, and a soloist. On Monday, Soror Simone Butler prepared and published a video with simple instructions on how to make and maintain a monthly budget. During Tuesday’s event, sorors reached out to Colorado State University student artists of color and highlighted three individuals along with their amazing work on Instagram, encouraging followers to interact with the artists’ own Instagram pages to see more of their work. Wednesday’s event included a special video message from Soror Dedra Chavis, from Mu Omega Omega Chapter, about maintaining good mental health. Although Wellness Wednesday is typically used to focus on women’s health and wellness, sorors agreed that it is extremely important at this unprecedented time to encourage individuals to work on their mental health. For Thursday’s Global Impact target, we gave a number of tips on indoor gardening as we believe that home gardening is a fun way to grow your own produce and practice sustainable living. On Friday, we highlighted the prestigious HBCU Grambling State University (GSU) with an Instagram post providing a few facts about the college and encouraging viewers to seek more information about GSU. For the final day of Skee-Week, our sorors connected over a movie and snacks, a members-only virtual sisterly relations activity. Article Submitted by Soror Simone Butler, Xi Eta Basileus Photos: CSU Artists of Color Spotlight
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We welcomed the newest members of the Pi Xi Chapter to the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri on November,22, 2020.
Alpha Chi Omega Chapter Tulsa, OK welcomes back Sorors on the campus of the University of Tulsa. Sorors Tori Cole and Erica McAlester are fall 2020 initiates in the Tenacious Theta Xi Chapter. Soror Yolanda Mitchell is the graduate advisor.
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Congratu lations 2020 Fall Graduates
“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Alpha Iota Omega Chapter Monica West First Year Nurse Topeka Ks
Alexandria Jackson
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GRADUATE Alpha Chi Omega Chapter (Tulsa, OK) Soror Michelle Evans graduated in May 2020 from the University of Oklahoma with a master's degree in accountancy.
Cece Tullis
Zaria Chambers, of the Kappa Psi Chapter, will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health with a minor in Health and Exercise Science. Her plans post-graduation include getting a job in the field related to bettering quality of care for black mothers and children in the healthcare system, before moving onto a Master of Public Health program.
Tosin Adeoye
Tiauna Young, of the Kappa Psi Chapter, will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology. Her plan after graduation is to take a gap semester to save money before starting an Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master’s Program in the Fall.
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Director's Calendar Directorate Meeting Regional Prayer Line Call 6 pm cst Basileus Meeting/Grad Advisor Meeting Cluster Coordinator Meeting International Celebration of Diamonds, Pearls, Golden and Silver Sorors 91st Regional Conference Steering Committee Directorate Meeting MIP Undergraduate Training ( attend only one ) MIP Undergraduate Training ( attend only one ) J-15 Founders Day !! Directorate Meeting Impact Day - Day of Service Regional Prayer Line Call 6 pm cst MIP Graduate Training ( attend only one ) Mid-Western Special Day of Prayer 7AM MIP Graduate Training ( attend only one ) Directorate Meeting Directorate Meeting Regional Prayer Line Call 6 pm cst Basileus Meeting/Grad Advisor Meeting Cluster Coordinator Meeting Foundation Workshop #1 7pm - 9pm CST (chapters must attend all four) Impact Day - Pink Goes Red Day for Heart Health Directorate Meeting 91st Regional Conference Steering Committee 91st Regional Conference Early Registration Deadline 91st Regional Conference Final Video Submission Day 91st Regional Conference Late Fee begins Regional AKA Day at the Capitol (State-wide Breakout Rooms) Foundation Workshop #2 7pm - 9pm CST (Attend all four) Directorate Meeting Regional Conference Final Registration Date Regional Prayer Line Call 6 pm cst Foundation Workshop #3 7pm - 9pm CST (Attend all four)
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Sunday, January 3, 2021 Monday January 4, 2021 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Thursday, January 7, 2021 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Sunday, January 10, 2021 Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Friday, January 15, 2021 Sunday, January 17, 2021 Monday, January 18, 2021 Monday, January 18, 2021 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Wednesday, January 20,2021 Thursday, January 21, 2021 Sunday, January 24, 2021 Sunday, January 31, 2021 Monday, February, 1, 2021 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Thursday, February 4, 2021 Thursday, February 4, 2021 Friday, February 5, 2021 Sunday, February 7, 2021 Sunday, February 7, 2021 Sunday, February 7, 2021 Sunday, February 7, 2021 Monday, February 8, 2021 Thursday, February 11, 2021 Thursday, February 11, 2021 Sunday, February 14, 2021 Sunday, February 14, 2021 Monday, February 15, 2021 Thursday, February 18, 2021
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Together In Purpose and Spirit
Twyla Woods-Buford P.O. Box 16748 Kansas City, Missouri 64133 Twbuford@AKA1908.com
aka1908.com/midwestern 44
