P.EA.R.L. Highlights

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.

Dr. Angela Felton-ColemanEssential Workers 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.

Sheila Jones, Xi Tau Omega.

Menneka Scott Roper

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

“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!

Soror Bessie Dowdell

P.E.A.R.L. COMMUNICATIONS