The
REPORT
SPRING has SPRUNG 89th MWRC That’s a Wrap!
AKA DAY at the
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Capitol
Greetings from Madame Regional Director
The Pearl Express is rolling full steam ahead! Thank you to the many Cluster B Train Conductors, Engineers and Ticket Takers for all that was done to make this a most successful 89th Mid-Western Regional Conference. Many laughs and memories were captured. I hope that you will take time to scroll through the pictures provided on our website of the conference and events and to enjoy the colorful copy of the 89th Regional Conference souvenir/ agenda book.
Thank you also to the Sorors that completed the conference evaluation and gave their candid opinions regarding their experiences both good and bad with the hotel. Your sentiments have been conveyed. With the summer months ahead I want to encourage sorors individually, and chapters collectively to continue collecting shoes and glasses for our service projects. If possible plan a summer sleep over or sisterly relations event to keep in touch with each other. Don't forget to invite general members and inactive sorors to participate. Next stop, Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, June 27 – 30, 2019. The Pearl Express will then be headed to our Fall Cluster Meetings and for the 90th Anniversary Conference in Norman, Oklahoma on March 19 – 22, 2020. Soror Twyla
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Congrats!
Diamond Golden
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Silver
INSIDE THIS ISSUE a quarterly publication SPRING 2019 vol. 2, Issue 1
In Every Issue Regional Director’s Message
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Mid-Western Region’s P.E.A.R.L . Report Team P.E.A.R.L. Ministry Moments IMPACT DAYS
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Features
6 AKA Day at the Capitol 12 Origin of Mother’s Day 10 Soror Spotlights 21 89th MWR Conference
Regional Updates & Highlights
P E
Educational Information - Corporate Office and International Committees.
PLUS - Undergraduate Sorors & Chapter Activities
A R L
Program Information and Updates
Accolades and Achievements
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Reflections/Remembrances and Sisterly Relations
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Looking Ahead - Important Dates and Calendar Information
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***Special MIP and Graduate Edition*** Coming in June aka1908.com/midwestern 4
The P.E.A.R.L. Report Team Soror Twyla Woods-Buford Mid-Western Regional Director
P.E.A.R.L. Submission Deadlines March 24, 2019 June 30, 2019 August 25, 2019
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 Technology and 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 Chapters Kansas & Iowa Chapters Nebraska Chapters Oklahoma Chapters
Soror Kelly G. Loeb Soror Elise Brisco Soror Pamela Woodley Soror Angela Stevens Soror Gwendolyn Squires Soror Candiss Williams Soror Colleen Venters
kglaka@gmail.com or ebrisco411@gmail.com prwoodley@comcast.net angela80915@yahoo.com gweneg@yahoo.com cwilliam78@hotmail.com kahleen@cotc.net
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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89th MWRC That’s a
Wrap!
The 89th Mid – Western Regional Conference The Pearl Express has Left the Station March 14th – 17th Omaha, NE, The Pearl Express made the first stop at the 89th MidWestern Region Conference. Thursday evening brought the Public Meeting highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the work of several Omaha community leaders. This year’s theme “On Track to Exemplify Service” coincides with the International program theme for 2018-2022 “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service”—which includes five program targets and one signature program, that are designed to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. International President Dr. Glenda Glover was the keynote speaker for the event and she delivered an enthusiastic message about the contribution of HBCUs titled “The Best Is Yet to Come!” On Friday, March 15, the conference held the first and second plenary sessions, featuring the Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony, Chapter Roll Call and the passing of the gavel to Soror Twyla WoodsBuford. Madam Regional Director presented the State of the Region Report and recognized three Diamond Sorors: newly inducted Diamond Garnett Wilson plus Gwendolyn Kirk and Ruth Thomas. Madam Supreme Basileus Glenda Glover delivered the State of the Sorority Report. The Undergraduate Rail Express Step Show, held Friday evening, opened with a special performance by the Golden Steppers as they entertained the crowd and paid tribute to Aretha Franklin.
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Three outstanding undergraduate teams competed for the top prize. The second competition included one graduate step team and one graduate exhibition team. Stepshow winners: 1st place .......Kappa Pi .............$300 2nd place......Delta....................$200 3rd place.......Epsilon Alpha......$100 Graduate Chapter...............$300....Mu Omega Omega Graduate Exhibition............Trophy...................KC PEARLS Saturday March 16th, the Leadership Breakfast of the 89th Mid-Western Regional Conference was held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 under the theme “Excellence on the Pearl Express”. Soror Danette Anthony Reed, First Supreme Anti-Basileus, introduced our guest speaker, Soror Glenda Glover, 30th Supreme Basileus. 2018 chapter officers received awards recognizing their leadership. The Undergraduate Luncheon was truly inspirational with Soror Omega Tillman of Beta Omega Chapter singing “I Just Can’t Give Up Now.” In her keynote speech, Soror Kaylen Long (Iota Eta Chapter, South Eastern Region), Undergraduate Member-at-Large, instructed sorors to secure their seats on the Pearl Express and secure the bag. The third plenary session wrapped up with a business session, legacy parade and litany, more chapter awards and final committee reports. Sunday, March 17: The final stop on the Pearl Express was the Ecumenical Service, with the theme of Exemplifying Excellence Through Worship. Rev. Janis Grubbs Cobbs, Chairman of the MidWestern Regional Spiritual Oversight Committee, introduced guest speaker Soror Yvette Richards, former national president of United Methodist Women and member of St. James United Methodist Church of Kansas City, MO. Soror Yvette’s message centered on “What Is It to be Excellent in The Lord?” For a full report on the 89th Mid-Western Regional Conference and a link to the photo gallery, visit the members only section of the Mid-Western Region’s Website at http://www.aka1908.com/midwestern
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The Origin of Mother's Day Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world, and Mother’s Day 2019 occurs on Sunday, May 12, in the United States. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day traditionally involves presenting moms with flowers, cards and other gifts. History of Mother’s Day Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”— the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service. Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s. Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.” Anna Jarvis The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia. Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis— who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood. By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
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Jarvis Decries Commercialized Mother’s Day Anna Jarvis had originally conceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services. But once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, it was not long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity. While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise Mother’s Day’s profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized. She outwardly denounced the transformation and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies. Jarvis eventually resorted to an open campaign against Mother’s Day profiteers, speaking out against confectioners, florists and even charities. She also launched countless lawsuits against groups that had used the name “Mother’s Day,” eventually spending most of her personal wealth in legal fees. By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar. Mother’s Day Around the World While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood. In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families also celebrate by giving mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores. At times, Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children. In the 1970s women’s groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare. Author History.com Editor
URL
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
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AKA Day at the Capitol
OKLAHOMA AKA DAY AT THE CAPITOL On Wednesday, April 3, sixty-five women from all over the state of Oklahoma decked out in their pink and green converged on the Oklahoma Capitol grounds for the annual AKA Day at the Capitol led by the Oklahoma State Connection Chairman, Angela Long. Mid-Western Regional Director Twyla Woods-Buford was in attendance along with the Mid-Western Regional Representative of the Connection Committee, Ashley Stewart, Esq. Members spent the morning at the Oklahoma Bar Association, where they were given some very good information related to some of the hot topics facing the state currently. Retired Chief Jerry Cason, the first black chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, talked about the new permitless carry law. Elizabeth Suddath from the Department of Education discussed educational funding and support for students in kindergarten through twelfth grades, and Dr. Laura Pitman from the Department of Corrections spoke on the disproportionate incarceration rates among women in the state of Oklahoma. All presenters gave excellent information for members to take back to their communities. McNeal’s Catering, a black-owned business in Oklahoma City, served a delicious lunch to attendees. After lunch, members made the trip across the street to the State Capitol building where they met with the Oklahoma Black Caucus, took photographs and were acknowledged by the State Senate. With sorors from throughout Oklahoma in attendance for the day, we had an impressive showing at this event.
L-R: Soror Monica Finley, Basileus, Beta Sigma Omega, Senator George E. Young, Sr. (chair, Black Caucus), Representative Regina Goodwin, (vice-chair, Black Caucus),Representative Jason Lowe (member Black caucus), 30th MWR Director, Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, Senator Kevin Matthews (member of Black Caucus), Soror Katherine Bracy, Basileus, Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega chapter, Soror Nicole Gordon, Connection chairman, Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega chapter, Representative Ajay Pittman (member Black caucus), Representative Merleyn Bell (member, Black Caucus), former Oklahoma Senator and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Soror Anastasia Pittman.
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(center, front row, seated): 28th MWR Director, Maggie Green, 25th MWR Director, Brenda Lewis, 30th MWR Director, Twyla Woods-Buford, MW Representative to the International Connection Committee, Ashley Stewart, and Oklahoma State Coordinator, Angela Long. Chapters represented: Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega, Sigma Sigma Omega, Beta Sigma Omega, Alpha Upsilon Omega, Alpha Chi Omega, Upsilon Theta Omega, Theta Upsilon Omega, and Alpha Epsilon Omega
L-R: Senator George E. Young, Sr. (Chair, Black Legislative Caucus), 30th MWR Director, Twyla Woods-Buford, Senator Kevin Matthews (member, Black Legislative Caucus)
L-R: Soror Angela Long, Oklahoma State Coordinator, Chief Jerry Casson, Oklahoma Sheriff Department, Retired, 30th MWR Director, Twyla Woods-Buford, State Trooper Paul Timmons, Soror Ashley Stewart, MW Rep, International Connection Committee
L-R: 25th MWR Director, Brenda Lewis, 30th MWR Director, Twyla WoodsBuford, 28th MWR Director, Maggie Green
L-R:: Anastasia Pittman, Diana Berry, Upsilon Theta Omega Connection Chairman, Soror Ashley Stewart, MW Representative to the International Connection Committee, Soror Anglea Long, Oklahoma State Coordinator, 30th MWR Director, Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, Soror Michele Purvey, Sigma Sigma Omega, Connection Chairman, Soror Nicole Gordon, Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega Connection Chairman, Soror Gerri Webb, Alpha Chi Omega chapter, Zoe Berry, Theta Upsilon Omega
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Colorado AKA Day at the Capitol On February 12, 2019, Alpha Kappa Alpha women across the state of Colorado, under the leadership of Mid-Western Regional Director Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, held the 2019 Colorado AKA Day at the Capitol. Sorors Ashley Stewart, Mid-Western Representative, International Connection Committee, Lee Kathryn Cash-Masey, Colorado State Coordinator, and Colorado chapter Connection Chairmen planned the day. During Colorado AKA Day at the Capitol, sorors learned about Alpha Kappa Alpha's international legislative agenda and participated in a panel discussion on health care issues affecting Colorado citizens. Sorors also interacted with their state legislators, including Soror Janet Buckner and Soror Rhonda Fields, members of the Colorado House of Representatives.
center: Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, CO Representative (members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Janet Buckner and Rhonda Fields) and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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Soror Twyla Woods-Buford and Colorado Representative and Alpha Kappa Alpha member Soror Janet Buckner
Colorado sorors and Soror Twyla Woods-Buford sit on the Colorado Senate floor.
Kansas AKA Day at the Capitol Mid-Western Regional Director Soror Twyla WoodsBuford was joined by Alpha Kappa Alpha members from throughout the state of Kansas during AKA Day at the Capitol on February 27, 2019. Also in attendance: Soror Jan Carpenter-Baker, 29th Mid-Western Regional Director, Soror Lani Stigler, Mid-Western Representative, International Graduate Certification Committee, and Soror Tanesha Thompson, Mid-Western Representative, International Program Committee Both graduate and undergraduate chapter members joined other community organizations to participate in Kansas Black Legislative Day which included several legislative forums: fundamentals of advocacy, expanding Medicaid in Kansas, Kansas foster care reform, and criminal justice reform. Sorors also got to experience how a bill becomes law firsthand by listening to the floor debates concerning the Alpha Kappa Alpha license plate legislation. Sorors Twyla Woods-Buford, Ashley Stewart, Mid-Western Regional Representative to the International Connection Committee, and Kansas State Coordinator Lavonta Williams were recognized on the House of Representatives and Senate floor during AKA Day at the Capitol. L-R: Kansas State Coordinator, Lavonta Williams , Twyla Woods-Buford, Ashley Stewart
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Kansas Sorors, Ashley Stewart, Twyla WoodsBuford (center), Jan Carpenter-Baker (29th, MWR Director)
Soror Twyla Woods-Buford speaking to Kansas sorors at AKA Day at the Capitol
Nebraska AKA Day at the Capitol Sorors, including Mid-Western Regional Director Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, gathered on March 27, 2019, for a day of legislative learning at the Nebraska State Capitol. Also attending were Soror Ashley Stewart, Mid-Western Representative to the International Connection Committee and Nebraska State Coordinator, Connie Elmore. Participants met with their local legislators, including Senator Justin T. Wayne from Colorado's District 13 to discuss Medicaid expansion for Nebraskans, criminal justice reform, the 2020 census, and advocacy tools like letter-writing campaigns. Sorors Ashley Stewart, Connie Elmore and chapter Connection chairmen from across the state planned the day. AKA Day at the Nebraska State Capitol was a huge success! Thanks to all in attendance. A special thanks to Senator Justin Wayne for coming to talk with us today about some of the bills that will be debated this session.
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Iowa AKA Day at the Capitol February 14, 2019, - Members of the Iota Zeta Omega, Tau Psi Omega, Eta Tau and Epsilon Theta chapters participated in Iowa AKA Day at the Capitol along with Regional Director Soror Twyla Woods-Buford and 26th Mid-Western Regional Director, Betty Davis Gause. Under the leadership of the MidWestern Regional Director, sorors and community partners (NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and others) met at the Iowa State Capitol to discuss vital issues impacting the community. The event, planned by Sorors Ashley Stewart, Mid-Western Region Representative to the International Connection Committee, Rachelle Hunt Russian, Iowa State Coordinator, and state chapter connection chairmen, allowed participants to hear from the Iowa American Civil Liberties Union about voting rights for disenfranchised citizens and from the Commission of the Status of African Americans in Iowa. They also learned about Alpha Kappa Alpha's connection and advocacy activities taking place across the state.
L - R: Soror Ashley Stewart, Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, Soror Barbara Haack (MWR, International MIP Committee) and community partners including West Des Moines City Councilman, Renee Hardman (front row, L)
L - R: Soror Ashley Stewart, Soror Betty Davis-Gause, 26th Mid-Western Regional Director, Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, Iowa Representative, Roz Smith, and Soror Jacquie Easley McGhee, Iota Zeta Omega connection chairman
L-R: Twyla Woods-Buford, Soror Ashley Stewart, Soror Barbara Haack, MW Representative, International MIP Commitee, Soror Treyla Lee, Soror Rachelle Hunt Russian, IA State Coordinator, members of Iota Zeta Omega and Tau Psi Omega chapters.
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Missouri AKA Day at the Capitol April 23, 2019 - Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mid-Western and Central Region from across the state of Missouri gathered for AKA Day at the Capitol under the leadership of Mid-Western Regional Director, Twyla Woods-Buford and Central Regional Director, Sonya L. Bowen. Sorors began the morning at the Missouri State Capitol, where Soror Twyla Woods-Buford received a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives presented by Rep. Barbara Anne Washington, an elected member of the Missouri House and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Members also took a photograph and met with Missouri Governor, Mike Parson. While at the Missouri State Capitol sorors were encouraged to meet with their elected officials in the legislature. Following, the meetings at the Capitol, Alpha Kappa Alpha members traveled to Lincoln University, a HBCU and presented the President, Soror Jerald Jones Woolfolk, with a contribution from both the Central and Mid-Western regions in support of HBCU 4 Life. Sorors also met with other elected officials from the House including Senator Brian Williams, the only African American in the Missouri Senate. Missouri Day at the Capitol, planned by Missouri State Coordinators Soror Ryana Parks-Shaw (Mid-Western Region) and Soror Stacy M. Edwards (Central Region) along with assistance from Ashley Stewart and Kimberly Egonmwan, Representatives to the International Connection Committee from the MidWestern and Central Regions respectively.
front center: MO House of Representative, Soror Barbara Ann Washington, Missouri Governor Mike Parsons, 30th MWR Director, Soror Twyla Woods-Buford and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
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below L-R: Soror Ashley Stewart (MWR International Connection Committee, Senator Brian Williams, and Soror Kimberly Egonmwan, CE Representative International Connection Committee during Missouri AKA Day at the Capitol above L-R: Chapter Basilei, Soror Ryana ParksShaw (MWR Missouri State Coordinator), Soror Ashley Stewart (MWR Rep. International Connection Committee) Rep. Soror Barbara Anne Washington (MO House of Representatives), Soror Twyla Woods-Buford, 30th MWR Director, Soror Kimberley Egonmwan (CE Rep. International Connection Committee), Soror Stacy M. Edwards, CE Missouri State Coordinator), Chapter Basilei.
Members of Kappa Chi Omega attending Missouri AKA Day at the Capitol. L: Soror Aliyah Downs, newly initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Chi Omega chapter.
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Ministry Moments The Magnificent Mid-Western Region The Bible urges us to get wisdom and get understanding (Proverbs 4:5). We are instructed to have two goals: wisdom-knowing and doing right and common sense. Wisdom is the ability to meet each situation with discernment and good judgement, whether in dealing with others, making choices, or dispensing justice. Wisdom involves using the knowledge we have to take the proper course of action. If we know and don’t act, it is the same as not knowing all. When we let Christ become the source of our wisdom, Christ will guide us in making wise decisions and acting on them. May our prayer be to help us see with new eyes today the burden of care that others harbor within them. Grant us insight to see beyond smiling faces into hearts that hurt. And when we recognize the pain, Lord, let us reach out with wisdom.
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Soror Spotlights The Magnificent Mid-Western Region Congratulations to Soror Gloria Wilson for being selected the 2019 Lifetime Achievement recipient for the Women of Color Expo Oklahoma City, which reaches out to aspiring and achieving women from all walks of life. Soror Gloria will receive her award Saturday April 6 at the awards luncheon at Metro Technology Centers, Springlake Campus.
Congratulations to Captain Shary Jones, Mu Omega Chapter, on receiving the 2019 Hildrus A. Poindexter Award in Minneapolis, Minnesota for exemplary service in improving the health of African Americans and other minorities in the United States.
Congratulations to Keianna Hunter on becoming the 95th Miss Lincoln University 2019-2020. Keianna is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Iota Chapter from Memphis, Tennessee, majoring in nursing. Keianna plans to pursue a career in Pediatric Nursing.
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IMPACT Days Iota Beta Omega serves community, honored with MLK I Have A Dream Award Colorado Springs, CO – Iota Beta Omega has served the Colorado Springs community for 49 years through programs such as Educating Children of Color, Seniors on Saturday, beautification of city parks, ASCEND #CAP, and by promoting health and nutrition awareness. This year, the Gospel Music Workshop of America Choir (GMWAC) honored Iota Beta Omega’s service and commitment to the community by awarding the chapter with the 2019 I Have a Dream Award, bestowed upon organizations who have sustained monumental and impactful acts of service and dedication to their local community. The GMWAC Director lauded the chapter, stating “through it all, you L to R: (back) – Yvette Allen, Celestine Walker, Carrie Matoke, Angela Stevens, have made a difference in our Marilyn Edwards, Gloria Johnson. (front) Chonta Edwards, Desiree Terrell, Tonya Bonner, Cayce Moses, Bessie Dowdell, Celeste Oliver, Tina Bailey, Nicole Miner, community.” Special guests Sophie Sims (President) Colorado State Sen. Angela Williams and NAACP Colorado, Wyoming and Montana State Conference President Rosemary Lytle attended the ceremony. In the wake of this prestigious honor, Iota Beta Omega sorors devoted their efforts to deliver a full day’s worth of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Iota Beta Omega Chapter started the morning by attending the MLK All Peoples Breakfast, an annual event enhancing enhancing diversity awareness and promoting the ideals of fairness and equality. Sorors also joined together for a 1-mile community rally in honor of King’s fight for social change and equality. Following the community rally, sorors partnered with the Care and Share Food Bank and worked alongside more than 200 volunteers (including members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and The Links, Incorporated) to sort and pack food donations into nutritious meal boxes for emergency distribution to nearly 600 families affected by the recent government shutdown.During three MLK Day signature events, the chapter devoted more than 10 hours of service and contributed to a record-breaking one-day giveaway of 72,000 pounds of food. Sorors ended the day by enjoying the Cleo Robinson Dance Ensemble Performance.
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L to R: Sophie Sims (President), Chonta Edwards, Tonya Bonner, Yvette Allen, Cayce Moses, Bessie Dowdell, Celeste Oliver, Celestine Walker, Carrie Matoke, Angela Stevens, Tina Bailey, Nicole Miner
L to R: (back) Soror Rhoda Lockett, Soror Angela Stevens, Soror Dawn Thoman. (front) Ardyce Johnson and Chevette Mooney
L to R: Soror Angela Stevens, Soror Desiree Terrell, Soror Rhoda Lockett, Soror Chonta Edwards
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. International Day of Service Epsilon Nu Omega sorors served lunch to homeless adults at the Senior Support Services (SSS), Denver's only day center for homeless seniors. In addition to food and clothing, SSS provides a safe place for seniors to get a hearty meal and participate in activities. Computer and Internet access, transportation, financial counseling and additional services are also available. ENO also collected 200 pairs of men's socks for the day center to distribute, and purchased 85 pounds of fresh fruit to share with the seniors.
Handing over some 20 pairs of men’s socks to Julie Romero, Senior Support Services Day Center Manager. L to R: Soror Deborah Parsons, Julie Romero, Soror Judith Alexander and Soror Sonia O’Hair
Soror Sonia O’Hair taking orders and passing out food at the Senior Support Services Center. ENO also purchased fresh fruit to hand out.
L to R: Soror Deborah Parson, Soror Sonia O’Hair, Soror Judith Alexander donated sock and their time to the Senior Support Services Center
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Epsilon Nu Omega, HBCU College Fair
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Educational Information P3E – Parliamentary Pearls Promoting Excellence
Soror Bonnie Washington Murdah, PRP Supreme Parliamentarian
Soror Joy Jackson-Guilford South Atlantic Region Representative
The Parliamentarian The Parliamentary Authority for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The intent of this article is to give an overview of the duties of the parliamentarian in a business meeting. The primary duty of the parliamentarian is to serve as an advisor to the basileus on matters of parliamentary procedure, Constitution and Bylaws, Manual Of Standard Procedure and other documents of the organization. Knowing in advance the business to come before the meeting, the basileus should confer with the parliamentarian before the meeting opens in order to anticipate any problems that may arise. An experienced parliamentarian will often see a problem developing and be able to head it off with a few words to the basileus. Therefore, the parliamentarian should be assigned a seat next to the basileus. During the meeting the work of the parliamentarian should be limited to giving advice to the basileus and, when requested, to any other member. In addition, the parliamentarian may be asked to teach classes, present workshops, hold office hours during conventions, and the like. A key consultant in the preparation for a convention should be the parliamentarian, who should
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be engaged well in advance. It is desirable that this person be a professional parliamentarian. During the convention, the parliamentarian serves as principal advisor to the basileus, the officers, and the committee chairmen in the actual transaction of business. A member of a chapter/organization who acts as its parliamentarian has the same duty as the basileus to maintain a position of impartiality, and therefore does not make motions, participate in debate, or vote on any question except in the case of a ballot vote. If a member feels that she cannot properly forgo these rights in order to serve as parliamentarian, she should not accept that position. Author: Soror Johnnie R. Brown-Swift, PRP-R Beta Pi Omega Chapter South Central Representative to the International Constitution Committee
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Accolades & Achievements Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Mu Omega Chapter Celebrates 95 Years of Service to All Mankind
Happy Birthday Mu Omega! Members of Mu Omega Chapter of Kansas City, Kansas celebrated the chapter’s 95th birthday joined by family and friends on Friday, May 10th at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The celebration’s attendees included sorors from each of the Kansas City area’s graduate and undergraduate chapters and other community members. Members shared with guests the rich history of Mu Omega and the significant roles the sorority’s founders had in expanding Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Mid-Western Region. Mu Omega was chartered under a lucky star, and they are justly proud that two of the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beulah E. Burke and Ethel Jones Mowbray, were chartering members of the chapter. Mu Omega was chartered on May 10, 1924 under the direction of third Supreme Basileus Lottie Pearl Mitchell.
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Special guests at the 95th anniversary included Mid-Western Regional Director Twyla WoodsBuford, Jan M. Carpenter-Baker, 29th Mid-Western Regional Director, Delorise Gines, 19th MidWestern Regional Director, and Basilei from the Kansas City graduate chapters. Soror Harriett Herbert of Mu Omega Chapter presented the chapter with a plaque from the Vernon Multipurpose Center of Kansas City, KS, an outreach site serving senior citizens, commemorating that the center has named and dedicated a room at the center in Mu Omega’s name and honor. Vernon Center participants are always especially excited during Mu Omega’s annual senior prom, hosted at the center. 29th Mid-Western Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter-Baker of Mu Omega Chapter presented the chapter with a proclamation from Missouri State Representative (District 23) Soror Barbara Anne Washington, praising and celebrating Mu Omega’s 95th birthday. Soror Barbara Anne is also a member and former Basileus of Mu Omega. Having reached this monumental milestone, Mu Omega asserts that they will remain in the forefront of community service, program support and sisterhood as they continue their tradition of providing outstanding service to their communities and instilling the inspiration of excellence in all that they touch. They pride themselves on being able to give back to the people of the greater Kansas City area in many different ways. Soror Sharon Hayes is the Basileus of Mu Omega. Soror Tanesha Thompson served as chairman of the 95th birthday celebration.
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This year, the Mu Omega Omega Chapter celebrates its 40th anniversary, having been chartered December 15, 1979 by Soror Delorise Gines, 19th Mid-Western Regional Director. What better way to kick off a year of celebrations than to unveil a new chapter logo! We showcased it during our January chapter meeting, honoring the twelve sorors who served as Basileus and the 22 founding members of our magnificent chapter. Kudos to Soror Denise Caleb who created the lovely logo. The chapter’s sisterly relations committee treated us to a cake and sparkling cider toast, led by Chapter Basileus Evetta McMillian-Walker. Cheers to the first 40 years, Sorors, and cheers to another 40 more!
Congratulations, Soror Twyla, on a successful and most enjoyable regional conference. Please express my sincere thanks to the 14 Golden Steppers who participated in opening the step show - it was a blast! Surely Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin would have agreed that Soror Ruby Ivy at age 88 was our Queen of the Golden Steppers! The icing on the cake was having our past and current regional directors striking their steps. We appreciate you, Soror Twyla, and you, Soror Betty Davis-Gause. Sisterly Submitted, Soror Joyce A. Henderson, Master Golden Stepper.
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February was Pink Goes Red across the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Network!
Mu Omega Omega Chapter This initiative remains a focus as we enhance our commitment to healthy hearts through fitness activities and walking. Chapters were encouraged to get moving and get involved, so on to start the month off right, a number of sorors wore red on February 1st. We continued our support at the beginning our of chapter meeting on February 9th, when Soror Kenya Robinson led us in a quick and fun Zumba session! Our Sisterly Relations Committee also made sure our chapter snacks were not only delicious, but heart healthy as well. Soror Dedra Chavis even created heart healthy smoothies for Sorors to try! Our Pink Goes Red day closed out as we were joined by Terri Richardson, from the Colorado Black Health Collaborative, who shared important information about heart health and how it specifically relates to us as minority women. Soror Veronda Smith also talked to the chapter about food portions and how to control what we eat to take better care of our hearts and bodies.
Congratulations to Soror Vicki Myers and her husband Al Myers on being honored at the Lincoln University President’s Gala with the Soldier’s Dream Award for their numerous contributions and support to the university over the years. Soror Myers is a member of the Gamma Epsilon Omega Chapter, where she serves as Tamiouchos. Her husband is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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Cluster A Founders’ Day
Sorors from around Colorado celebrated 111 years of sisterhood and service at our Founders' Day luncheon observance and AKA Reactivation Day, January 19, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Denver. With the theme, The Power of the Pearl, the lovely event began with the Rededication Ritual followed by a public luncheon. Keynote speaker Colorado State Rep. Janet Buckner, who turns Golden this year with 50 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, encouraged everyone to remember it is adversity and irritation that make a strong and beautiful pearl. With a focus to reclaim our lost pearls, members were encouraged to bring as many inactive sorors as possible to the event. More than 150 people attended, including members of all three graduate chapters in Cluster A – Epsilon Nu Omega in Denver, Iota Beta Omega in Colorado Springs and Mu Omega Omega in Aurora. Undergraduate chapter Alpha Kappa also attended, serving as hostesses for the afternoon.
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Cluster A Founders’ Day
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Reflections & Remembrances Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter – Ivy Beyond the Wall Cheryl Hall Crump: Contracts Manager/Caregiver/Cheerleader
Soror Cheryl Elaine Hall Crump, 74, became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on March 7, 2019. Born in Long Beach, Calif., Soror Crump was raised in Denver, CO. At Colorado State College in Greeley (now the University of Northern Colorado), she became the first African American cheerleader. Soror Crump was initiated through Mu Omega Omega Chapter in Aurora, CO. In 1987, she relocated to Washington, DC. While in Washington, Soror Crump was a senior buyer for Martin-Marietta, and later she held contract managerial roles at Howard University, Unisys Corporation and then AT&T Government Solutions, where she negotiated contracts valued in the millions of dollars. Soror Crump returned to Denver in 2014 to care for her late mother. She joined New Hope Baptist Church and served on the pastoral courtesies committee. She joined Epsilon Nu Omega in Denver. In 2016, Soror Crump was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. She is survived by her husband, James Crump, Jr., her son Sean Peterson (Stacy), sisters and nieces.
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Sisterly Relations
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED Psi Chi Omega Chapter Reactivation Day Membership & Sisterly Relations Committees Founders’ Day Sip and Greet For the January 15, 2019 Founders’ Day, Psi Chi Omega commemorated its inaugural Reactivation Day, acknowledging the sorority’s efforts to reacquaint inactive sorors with the sorority and reactivate their membership. Psi Chi Omega chapter held a Founders’ Day Sip and Greet with a taste of the James Arthur Vineyard at the From Nebraska Gift Shop in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket. Eleven chapter members welcomed two inactive sorors and mingled with each other as they tasted the vineyard’s varying wines. The two inactive sorors received a document with current chapter members’ contact information along with upcoming chapter programming activities. Fun was had by all! Report Submitted by Soror Candiss O. Williams, Membership Chair Soror Morgan Chenevert, Sisterly Relations Chair
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KC Pearls Step Team 2018
LOOKING AHEAD & Itinerary February 2 89th Regional Conference Planning meeting – KCMO Attended 100TH Birthday Party for Diamond Soror Garnett Wilson 3 Family and Super Bowl 4 Morning Prayer Call In Directorate Conference Call Meeting 5 Basilei Conference call 5 Graduate Advisor Conference Call 6 89th Regional Conference Committee calls 9 Kansas City Area Chapters Founders Day Dedication – Ethel Jones - Mowbry 12 Attended - Colorado AKA Day at the Capitol 14 Attended – Iowa AKA Day at the Capitol 14 89th Regional Conference Executive Committee Meeting 15 Speaker Founders Day Iota Zeta Omega, Des Moines, Iowa 18-25 89th Regional Conference Planning 27-28 Attended Directorate Meeting – Chicago Illinois March 1-2 Attended Directorate Meeting – Chicago Illinois 1-9 89th Regional Conference Planning 10-17 89th Mid-Western Regional Conference Week 21-24 Attended Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Raleigh SC 27 AKA Day at Nebraska Capitol was held 28-31 Attended Central Regional Conference, Indianapolis, IN April 2 -4 Attended Oklahoma AKA Day at the Capitol 7 Speaker, Kappa Chi Omega Chapter, Columbia Mo. New Members Luncheon 8 Review of Graduate Bylaws with Regional Parliamentarian 11- 14Attended South Atlantic Regional Conference 16 90th Regional Conference Executive Committee Conference Call
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17-21 Attending Great Lakes Regional Conference 21 Easter Sunday Praise the Lord 23 Missouri AKA Day at The Capitol May 7 Basilei Conference Call Graduate Advisor Conference Call 12 15
Mother’s Day Leadership Fellows
June 24-29 Leadership Conference, Nashville, TN. September 6 Undergraduate RoundUp hosted by Delta Chapter, Lawrence, KS October 5 Cluster A Meeting - Colorado Springs, Co 12 Cluster D & E Meeting – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 26 Cluster B Meeting – Des Moines, Iowa
Twyla Woods-Buford P.O. Box 16748 Kansas City, Missouri 64133 Twbuford@AKA1908.com
visit aka1908.com/midwestern 37