Has National Initiatives Information on that page
May is a month dedicated to commemorating substantial academic milestones that have been years in the making. It is also an occasion to pay tribute to and rejoice in the presence of mothers. I am absolutely thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who will be graduating with advanced degrees. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have led you to this remarkable achievement, and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of you! But our celebrations don't end there! I also want to extend my warmest congratulations to the children, grandchildren, family members, and friends of our sorors who will be graduating from kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, or college. Kudos for being an awesome supporter and cheerleader for your loved ones as they achieve a significant academic milestone, and may you continue to inspire and uplift them as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives!
As Mother's Day approaches, I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing mothers, mother-like figures, and mothers-to-be among us. Your dedication to your families and your unwavering commitment to our sorority is truly appreciated. Your sacrifices and endless juggling act do not go unnoticed. You embody the essence of what it means to be a mother: selflessness, resilience, and unconditional love. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood while actively participating in our sorority is no small feat, yet you do so with grace, fortitude, and love. So, as we celebrate, I want to express my deepest appreciation for all that you do. Thank you for being the incredible mothers, sisters, and role models that you are. You are a blessing to our chapter, and I am forever grateful for you!
With all my love and admiration, Gardenella
Green, PhD PresidentDear Sorors,
As we celebrate the achievements of April, I am thrilled to share the success of our recent activities, each meticulously designed to uphold our sorority's Five Point Programmatic Thrust, enriching both our sisterhood and community.
In collaboration with the American Red Cross, our "Our Blood Saves Lives" blood drive exemplified our dedication to Physical and Mental Health. The W.I.R.E Series Part II, "So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur," ignited our Economic Development thrust, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.
Our partnership with Norfolk Public Schools yielded two new Little Free Library units, echoing our commitment to Educational Development. Furthermore, our efforts in educating our youth groups about the history of Haiti and crafting pillowcase dresses for children in that country underscored our dedication to International Awareness and Involvement.
Program, Planning, and Development remain steadfast in designing programs that engage and support both our chapter members and community. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to shape our future endeavors. Kindly take a moment to complete the brief survey linked via QR Code.
Thank you for your unwavering support and participation. Together, we continue to uplift and empower.
Yours in Sisterhood, Soror Krystal Blue-Brown
To all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures, Happy Mother’s Day Sorors! May it be filled with love, appreciation, and all your favorite things, you deserve it!
We celebrate you and thank you for your unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional love, inspiration, and selflessness. Violets and Sisterly Love, Membership Services
NAC Weekly Prayer Call at 7pm every Sunday. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 832 6678 0913 Passcode: crow6301
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83266780913?pwd=M WMvbU9pQkpnM2tiMUVHZ3ZBbkt4dz09 “Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Alifetimecommitment…Aforeverconnection…MySisters~MySisters-Maywealwaysbeinspiredbythe wordofGodtoupliftandmotivateeachotheraswestrivetoshowloveanddogooddeeds. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 remindsusthat“Twoarebetterthanone,becausetheyhaveagoodreturnfortheirlabor;Ifeitherofthem falls down,onecanhelptheotherup.Weareforeveroursister’skeeper.BeBlessed.
Yvette Dunbar 01
Gloria Pritchett 04
Delynda Wilson 05
Debra Gary 06
Twanya Brown 06
Cynthia Calhoun 08
Ingried Aleksic’ 15
Gertha Cleveland 18
Josie Porter 19
Kenya Wrim Lynn 25
Adrienne Britton 27
Danique Woodhouse 28
Joy Gallop 30
Our April birthday month sorors enjoyed their “Sisters Night Out” dinner. Sorors laughed, loved, and celebrated another year of growth, another year of life, sisterhood, experiences, and memories. Thanks to our April birthday month captain, Alveta Green for coordinating this event.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM, is our Delta Day at Norfolk Public Schools Board. During this event, updates related to programs and activities that affect our public schools will be shared. Please arrive by 6:45 PM and wear your red business attire. The address for the event is 800 E. City Hall Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510. For additional details, you can contact Soror Sonya Smith at 757-348-6469.
We would like to thank the Senator and Delegates for an insightful conversation on Tuesday evening, April 30th. Special thank you to the moderator, Soror Dawn Williams. We are #SocialAction!
Dr. Gardenella Green has worked in higher education (3 universities in Virgina and in the Virgin Islands) in various Administrative Faculty positions for the past 26 years. Dr. Green is currently employed at Norfolk State University in the school of Social Work as a Program Manager.
Ciara Larrimore is currently a music teacher with Portsmouth Public Schools.
Janelle Smith is a Science educator with Norfolk Public Schools and an Adjunct Professor at TCC.
Keela Boose is an English professor at Norfolk State University and has been at the university since 2011. She began her higher teaching career as a graduate fellow at Northern Illinois University in 1982. Currently, she teaches English Composition, African American literature, American Literature, British Literature, World Literature. Additionally, she is a poet and writer.
Cynthia Morris is currently a Special Education Teacher with 34 years of experience. She has many years of experience with Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities.
Dr. Adrienne Britton is currently a K-12 Science educator (Hampton City Schools) and Higher Education Adjunct Assistant Professor (Hampton University-Department of Education).
Dr. Sandra Pierce Mathis is currently a special education teacher for Chesapeake Public Schools and Instructor for Norfolk State University's Teacher Prep and Student Support Services.
Crystal Pearson is currently Norfolk Public Schools elementary educator, 25+ years.
Twanya D. Brown is currently the Department Chair of School Counseling at a high school. She has over 15 years of experience working in K-12 education as a teacher, interventionist, college and career advisor, and now professional school counselor.
Dr. Jessica Dennis is currently works as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at norfolk state university
April Daniels is currently Norfolk Public Schools, School Counselor
Valerie Richardson is a retired special education and education consultant with 30+ years of experience. She taught in the Norfolk Public School District and the District of Lake County in Gurnee, Illinois.
Corenthia R Picou: Worked in 1973-1985 as a Mathematics Teacher, in 1985-1986 as a Mathematics Department Chair, in 1986-1988 as a Professional School Counselor, in 1988-2002 as a Guidance Director, in 2002-2005 as a Professional School Counselor, in 2005-2012 as a Norfolk Public Schools Transcript Analyst. In 2012, she retired after 39 years in education
Phyllis Coley is a retired Assistant Principal from Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Vanessa Hailey is a retired teacher (41 years in the state of Virginia) and currently an Adjunct Professor with TCC, Beach Campus. She's been an Adjunct Professor for 20 years.
Soror Mary Redd Clary, retired as the Director of Navy Voluntary Education (GS-15) in 2013. She is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Old Dominion University. Allison Coveney has 8 years of experience in K-12 education
We are over the moon regarding the success of Give Local 757! Thank you to everyone that supported our Give Local 757 Campaign! We achieved some remarkable milestones this year! We won one prize adding $400.00 to the total amount raised! We placed 3rd place out of hundreds of non-profit organizations, with 560 Donors and ended the fundraiser with $29,346.48! That’s amazing Norfolk Alumnae! The fundraiser officially ended at 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2024, but our supporters have continued to shower us with love, and we have officially exceeded our goal of $30,000.
As of April 28, 2024, We have raised $32,028 with 614 donors. Thank You for your support!
We have been making an impact in the City of Norfolk since 1929 and the funds raised during Give Local 757 will allow us to continue to do great work! More information will be shared soon regarding how we will utilize the funds to continue our impact in the City of Norfolk.
More updates will be shared soon as well regarding recognizing our Top Fundraisers.
Thanks again for your support!
Sincerely, Fundraising Committee
Sunday, April 21, 2024, Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. launched our 95th Anniversary festivities. Special recognition was extended to Soror Alberta Hobson, who is 103 years old and the eldest member of our Chapter and the Sensational South Atlantic Region. Chapter members surprised Soror Hobson by joining her for worship service at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and showered her with gifts of affection.
Soror Hobson received a beautiful shadowbox, personalized sash, and donned a tiara fit for the Queen that she is!
Click here for more photos from the service
The collaborative effort between The Friends of Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Public Schools and NAC resulted in the installation of Little Free Library boxes in the neighborhoods of Ingleside Elementary and Chesterfield Academy. Donated by the Friends of Norfolk Public Library, the boxes were constructed by students at Norfolk Technical Center. The Arts and Letters committee pledges to maintain the boxes and ensure they are stocked, with appointed teachers overseeing them daily. Positioned in areas with low reading scores, these colorful boxes, adorned with designs by a local black artist and painted by NAC members, promote community engagement and literacy. This initiative not only addresses educational needs but also fosters art enrichment and strengthens community bonds.
Click here to view more photos* of the celebration!
Last event of the 2023-2024 program year! Please come and support. Free and open to the public.
Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
The Economic Development Sub-Committee hosted Part 2 of the W.I.R.E Series (Women Interested in Resources for Entrepreneurship) on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Richard A. Tucker Library in Norfolk, Virginia. "So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur" brought together a diverse group eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship. A huge thank you to our guest panelists Nyota Baker of A.C.E. Innovators LLC, Brittany Boyd, CEO of The Energy Equity Group LLC, Cindy R. Earl, President of Proof Please LLC, and Norfolk Alumnae's very own Michele McCoy, Virginia Apex Accelerator Procurement Counselor, for providing valuable information and resources. series, coming this Fall 2024.
In May, adopt a new approach to finances. Delve into the art of tracking spending—it's more than jotting down purchases; it's understanding habits. Regular monitoring spotlights your financial landscape, pinpointing strengths and areas for growth.
Tracking spending has dual benefits. It ensures budget adherence, guiding decisions, and reveals spending patterns. Utilize tailored apps or software for efficiency.
It's not just numbers; it's mindfulness. Reflect on purchases, differentiating needs from wants. Empower yourself to align spending with values and goals.
Embrace the challenge this May. Transform tracking from chore to empowerment. Each penny tracked is a step closer to mastering money.
The Billion Dollar Challenge is a free, interactive online tool designed to help users set a realistic budget or savings plan. If you want to save more, pay off debt or both, BDC can assist. Joining BDC is easy. Just log on to http://www.billiondollarpaydown.com to get started
Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
Fire Safety: Empower Yourself and Your Loved Ones!
Your safety is our top priority. Delta Academy, E.M.B.O.D.I., Delta G.E.M.S. Youth Initiatives, and the Emergency Response Team have joined forces to bring you a vital Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Fire Safety!
This informative resource offers valuable insights, practical advice, and life-saving strategies to help you:
● Prevent fires by identifying common hazards in your home.
● Develop a fire escape plan that your whole family can practice.
● Respond safely in the event of a fire.
By working together, we can spread awareness and create safer communities!
Click the link below to access our fire safety video and share it with your friends and family.
VIEW CAMPAIGN HERE
The Norfolk Alumnae and Epsilon Theta chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. joined forces for a highly successful "Our Blood Saves Lives" event in collaboration with the American Red Cross. Held on April 20, 2024, at the YMCA in Norfolk, this initiative aimed to address health disparities and promote blood donation within the Black community, with a particular focus on raising awareness about Sickle Cell disease.
Surpassing all expectations, the blood drive gathered over 30 units, significantly exceeding the initial target of 18. A remarkable turnout of 44 individuals pledged to donate, with 41 attendees either donating blood or offering their support to the event. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the American Red Cross, CHKD, and all volunteers for their invaluable contributions, which made this event truly exceptional. A special thank you goes out to every soror, volunteer, and donor whose efforts were instrumental in the success of this initiative.
Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
On April 17, 2024, Delta Academy and Delta G.E.M.S. collaborated with International Awareness and Involvement to "Sew Seeds of Hope for Haiti." The facilitators, Tynikia J. and Michelle E., walked the girls through dress-creation using pillowcases. Soror Amy Johnson spoke about Haiti's hardships and history and challenged the youth to research more about the island.
The 57 Pearls of L.O.V.E. celebrated their first Deltaversary (4/22) and the first anniversary of the passing of their line sister (4/24), Nicole Keaton Gregory. We love NAC and cherish our membership and look forward to continuing our work in Delta! #FOREVER57
Congratulations Soror Shantoya Ward!
Shantoya has been promoted to Program Manager III in the Site
Reliability Engineering (SRE)
Product Area at Google. Norfolk Alumnae Chapter send praise and worship as you step into your new position.
Congratulations to our April V.I.O.L.ET. Award member, Pamela Riddick. She currently serves as our Chaplain with passion, and grace. She served as Mistress of Ceremonies for our Founders Day Prayer Breakfast on January 13, 2024, and set the tone for the day by blessing us with her humble spirit and high energy. She is a mighty prayer warrior who shows unwavering compassion for our chapter members and their families. Pam consistently leads our chapter in our weekly prayer calls on Sunday. She begins with a scripture and breaks down the meaning of how we can apply it to our lives. Pam is a virtuous women of God who displays optimism in trying times that lifts our spirits.
Black Maternal Health Week, held annually in April
Janelle Smith
Ashley Brown
Dr. Jessica Dennis
Randal C. Pearson, Crystal’s son, was initiated into the Nu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on March 9, 2024. His probate was March 23, 2024. He is #10, the "Tail Dawg".
THE FORTITUDE GAZETTE Publication Information
The NAC newsletter is a communication tool for the membership. Please adhere to the following submission guidelines:
● All submissions are due to Soror Jessica Dennis by the 20th through the NAC Communications Form
● Articles submitted must be limited to 200-250 words
● All submissions should answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, and follow the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Writing Style Guide (found in the Red Zone).
● Up to two photos per submission. Professional photos must include the photographer’s name/credit.
● Please do not text or email submissions or photos.
For further information email: nacjournalist29@gmail.com
Arts & Letters
Jabberwock
Fundraising
Health Task Force/Project 13
Hospitality
Heritage and Archives
Internal Audit
May Week
Communications and Public Relations
Nominating
Policies and Procedures
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute
EMBODI
Scholarship
Amy Johnson
nacartsandletters@gmail.com
Nicole Bailey nacjabberwock@gmail.com
Brittany Ross nacfundraisingcommittee@gmail.com
Nicole Edwards nachealthytaskforce@gmail.com
Shantel Barringer nachospitalitycommittee@gmail.com
Sandra Patterson Jackson nacheritageandarchives@gmail.com
Rana Parham NACAUDITCOMMITTEE@gmail.com
Renee Grant/ Lesha Harold nacmayweek@gmail.com
Jessica Dennis nacjournalist29@gmail.com
Charlette Covington NACNOMINATING@gmail.com
Vida Hawkins nacpolicies.procedures1929@gmail.com
Janelle Smith deltaacademy.nac@gmail.com
Jaliya Wilson NacdeltaGEMS@gmail.com
Caitlyn Stokes nacdstembodi1913@gmail.com
Michele McCoy nacmdpscholarship@gmail.com
Social Vicki Williams nacdstsc@gmail.com
Social Action
Technology Task Force
Emergency Response Team
PanHellenic Reps
Protocol and Traditions
Treasurer
Risk Management
Corresponding Secretary
Sonya Smith norfolkdst1929socialaction@gmail.com
Twanya Brown/ Shantoya Ward nactechtaskforce@gmail.com
Glynis Mason nacemergencyrt@gmail.com
Adrienne James/ Hope Parham/ Corenthia Picou nacpanhellreps@gmail.com
Teresa Washington/ Turkessa Owens nacprotocolsandtraditions@gmail.com
Daphne Meeks/ Jennifer Allen nactreasurer29@gmail.com
Lauretta Williams nacriskmanagement@gmail.com
Yolanda Solomon/ Vickie Madison naccorresponding@gmail.com
Recording Secretary Devin Pugh Thomas NACRecordingSecretary1929@gmail.com
Financial Secretary
Parliamentarian
Crystal Rawls Pearson/ Shauna Barringer nacfinancialsecretary@gmail.com
Alicia Smith nacparliamentarian@gmail.com
