The Crimson Review - Issue 1 - December 2020

Richland County Alumnae Presents

Issue 1

JULY - DECEMEBER 2020

Richland County Alumnae - Membership Intake Oh to Be a Black Woman Upsilon Chi Chartering Beyond RCA

Table of Contents Message from the President................ 2 Chapter Officers.................................... 3 Inspirational Moment.......................... 4 The Journey to Delta Land................... 5 Soror Spotlight...................................... 6 RCA Presents Upsilon Chi................... 11

Beyond RCA...................................... 12 Our Voice.......................................... 13 Committee Corner........................... 14 Oh to Be a Black Woman.................18 Upcoming Events..............................19

Welcome to 2021!

I am so excited that we have crossed over into a new year the year of faith, trust, and believing in oneself to do new and exciting things!

As we move forward into this year, let us be reminded of how the year 2020 prepared us to be a stronger chapter. This chapter persevered through Membership Intake with RCA and Columbia College in the first year of new leadership; restructured to work in a virtual environment to carry out our programs and and services, and maintained our mental and physical health that withstood daily struggles caused by the pandemic. Through it all, we virtually hugged, prayed together, and said, “I got you, my sister,” as we hoped for a better day.

We had our challenges, but we also had wins and happy memories. It is still nice that we can be superwomen and change clothes (blouses) within minutes for another zoom call.

We accomplished so much this past year with outstanding programs and services where we took RCA to higher heights. The leadership of this chapter is phenomenal, and we strive to make you proud. RCA is continuously working and growing with over 350 members to do the work of Delta. With that being said, no work or contribution is too small.

In closing, I am honored to serve as President of this chapter, and I am thankful that you trust me to continue to lead you through this biennium. We will continue to make RCA the greatest chapter ever!

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Happy New Year!

As we embark on 2021, it is indeed a time for faith, hope, and new beginnings.

The past year was extremely challenging with several pandemics going on at one time (Covid-19, racial tension/injustice, economic downturn, election chaos, etc.) The rollercoaster ride of 2020 affected us mentally, physically, and emotionally.

In particular, Covid-19 has changed life as we know it. Through it all, we have created new opportunities, discovered hidden talents and found new ways to get things done through technology. Delta Sigma Theta has been a shining example of resilience and fortitude.

RCA has accomplished so much the past five months with two membership intake processes, social action mobilization events, community service activities, and a fall fundraiser, just to name a few. Sorors have demonstrated leadership and teamwork to assure our success.

I am humbled to serve as your First Vice President and thank you for your hard work and dedicated service.

Remember to be intentional with your own self-care (health and well-being) as you balance, work, home, school, and family. I look forward to working with you as we strive to reach even newer heights.

Greetings and Happy New Year!

As Second Vice President, I am honored and humbled that you trust and have faith in my leadership skills and ability to serve and represent you and our chapter. As I look back over our past sorority year, we started off with a plan of action and were making progress; then, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt, making us rethink and reimagine how we conduct Delta business. We rallied, regrouped, and pressed on. We were busy planning two intake processes and did both in excellence, albeit on a different timeline than originally planned.

We hit the ground running and conducted grassroots activities to help “Get Out the Vote” campaigns through voter registration drives and informational seminars. Our efforts were not unnoticed in the community, and we established partnerships with other organizations. With the membership intake process, social action activities, and community service projects, we were still able to maintain and conduct our chapter business. Our success was due to our strong founding principles and sisterhood. One of the most endearing compliments we receive is that we are a caring and loving chapter.

My sisters, let's continue with that into the new year. In closing, I am here to serve and help RCA continue to be the BEST chapter that we can be (and are).

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Before proceeding with major decisions, quiet contemplation is necessary to ensure that we make the best choices. Being alone with our own thoughts and ensuring that we choose to move forward instead of feeling forced or required to do so is important. Quiet contemplation is also an ideal time to hear from God. In the quiet moments, we clearly hear the Father speaking to us.

As we move forward into a new year, quiet contemplation will continue to serve as a great benefit.

Seeking advice from others is helpful, but we must make our own decisions. Our contemplation should provide clarity to three questions regardless of the situation.

1) What is God asking of me? 2) What am I able to do? 3) What am I willing to do?

It’s in those quiet moments that we will realize the calling on our lives, what we need to do to be equipped for our journey, and our level of readiness to move forward. Our prayers line up with our desires after we quietly contemplate what we truly desire.

Isaiah 30:15 (KJV) reads “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.”

Let us not be rebellious, like the Israelites who refused to quietly contemplate, but instead seek guidance to walk in confidence as we did when we responded to the call of our beloved sisterhood.

Written and Submitted by Tracey Mobley Chavous, Chaplain Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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I could not have been more proud and honored to be the leader of this sacred process alongside our dynamic Richland County Alumnae (RCA) President, Zenata Donaldson, as we oversaw the initiation of 74 women into our illustrious sisterhood. Beginning in the fall of 2018, RCA undertook discussions and preparation to expand our chapter in the Spring of 2020. On Saturday, January 18, 2020, over 600 women crowded into Brookland Baptist Church located in West Columbia, SC interested in becoming members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. After the formal application process, 74 women rose to the top.

Formal invitations went out to the 74 candidates, chapter preparations began, and all anxiously awaited... then came the COVID-19 shutdown!

All Spring 2020 activities were suspended

by National Headquarters until further notice. After months and months of waiting, finally, in August, the chapter was granted approval to proceed; but, with strict safety precautions and virtual meeting requirements. And so, the journey began with the participation and assistance of the RCA chapter. The virtual membership process was memorable, beautiful, covered entirely in love, and yes, still stress filled.

On October 24, 2020, the 74 Dimensions of DISTinction realized a destiny was fulfilled becoming the fourth line initiated into the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. This line is one of the most diverse in the chapter’s history.

Ranging in age from 22 to 66, these women are leaders in the many varied fields they represent. They have begun the work of Delta, and we envision that their impact on RCA and in Delta will be powerful, dynamic, and distinctive for years to come! The evidence lies in their self-produced, edited, and directed NIP, bringing to life the vision we had for the production.

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Dorothya P. Nero

Each year the Claflin University Office of Alumni Relations recognizes outstanding alumni graduates who are leaders in their professions and communities. Dorothya Nero was recognized as a member of the inaugural Claflin University Outstanding Leaders Under 40 Class of 2020. Dorothya collaborates with the Office of Admissions to recruit students for Claflin University. She serves and continues to mentor former students as they matriculate through Claflin.

She is a 2006 Magna Cum Laude honor graduate of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College at Claflin University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is a 2004 initiate of the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She earned a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University. She is currently employed as Director of School Counseling at Irmo High School.

DeVonne Smalls was honored by being named RCA’s 2020 Delta of the Year. DeVonne, affectionately known as Vonnie, is a charter member of RCA. She was initiated December 2,1983 through the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Benedict College. She is an adjunct instructor at USC and the owner/CEO of Smalls Educational Coaching and Consulting, LLC.

DeVonne Risher Smalls 6

Nikita Pete, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC recently received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of South Carolina in May of 2020. Nikita is a Family Nurse Practitioner who practices in Columbia, SC. She is passionate about caring for others and continues to work hard to break the barriers within healthcare for equality for all, especially African Americans. Nikita was initiated through the Xi Iota City-Wide Chapter at USC Upstate in the Spring of 2011.

Dr. Nikita Pete

Dr. Erica Hart Rice is being honored for 20 years of service with Richland County School District One. Her years of service and dedication include serving as the first Montessori upper elementary teacher at two school sites, curriculum resource teacher, and Montessori coordinator. She is currently employed as a Montessori program consultant.

Dr. Erica Hart Rice 7

The Director’s Award is the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s most prestigious award program and recognizes an employee’s commitment to supporting DHEC’s core values. Etta Linen is the recipient of the 2020 Director’s Award. Etta serves as the Assistant General Counsel for DHEC and received the award for her participation as a member of The Able Response Team.

Etta Linen

Premier Counseling, LLC, just celebrated 4 years in business.

Janay Price celebrates 4 years as the Founder/CEO of Premier Counseling, LLC. She leads her team of clinically licensed therapists and nurse practitioners as they provide mental health counseling and psychotropic prescriptive treatment to senior citizens throughout South Carolina.

Janay Price 8

Jocelyn Jacobs received her Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia College on December 11, 2020. She is currently employed with the Federal Government and was initiated Fall 2020 with RCA.

Jocelyn Jacobs

Salandra Bowman is the 2020-2021 Julia Bumry Jones Scholarship recipient. In her dissertation, she and Black girl stakeholders created Crescent, a series of learning media centering around a revolutionary Black girl from South Carolina. Salandra is a student in Education Foundations at UofSC and Director of Training & Research at SCETV Education.

Salandra Bowman 9

In August 2020, Crystal Tart was selected to participate in Dominion Energy’s Emerging Leaders Program. The Emerging Leaders Program recognizes leaders within the Dominion Energy.

With over 80 interested applicants, Crystal was one of twenty-four selected for this program, and one of two selected to represent Dominion Energy South Carolina. This program provides additional leadership training in areas such as: strategic mindset, selfdevelopment, nimble learning, valuing differences and alignment with Dominion Energy's values. The intensive eight month program began September 2020 and concludes in April 2021.

Crystal Pee Tart

In 2020 Tacara LaStacia Carpenter launched 20XXtheMagazine (www.20xxthemagazine.com), a National publication and premiere source for today's Black woman. Though she was fortunate to interview heavy hitters such as CeeLo Green, Jazzy Pha, Coach Dawn Staley, and Chef Dorian Hunter to name a few, Tacara repeatedly states that 20XXtheMagazine is not about providing another stage for celebrities but more so shining a spotlight on the movers and shakers in our communities.

Tacara Carpenter 10

Upsilon Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On October 09, 2020, in Columbia, South Carolina on the campus of Columbia College (SC) seven women chartered the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Under the leadership of past South Atlantic Regional Director, Juanita B. Massenburg, Upsilon Chi was incepted while the chapter was chartered under the direction of South Atlantic Regional Director, Dr. Patricia Johnson. Upsilon Chi became the fourth collegiate chapter in the Columbia Metropolitan area and the 1056th chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

The Chosen 7 of G.E.N.E.S.I.S (Greatness Effect Now Eternal Sisterhood In Service) had the opportunity of a lifetime to charter the collegiate chapter Upsilon Chi. Many were presented with the occasion, but only a few were chosen.

Upsilon Chi had the chance to experience sisterly love and grace as the Richland County Alumnae Chapter guided them through the Membership Intake Process. The Upsilon Chi Advisory team, Donna Tillis Fyall, Marie Jackson, Amber White, and Dantz Woodberry were among the members of the Richland County Alumnae chapter to welcome the charter members of Upsilon Chi into our illustrious Sorority.

Stay tuned! The charter members are excited to embark upon this journey within Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. while placing its stamp on the Columbia College community.

CHAPTER OFFICERS

President Kaylah Strother-Jackson Vice President Ayanah Howard

Recording Secretary Tehraja Owens

Financial Secretary Chaneidria Adams

Historian Chaneidria Adams

Chair of Internal Audit Amanda Bowens

Treasurer Jada Speights

Corresponding Secretary Talia Pugh

Chaplain Ayanah Howard

Parliamentarian Tehraja Owens

Sergeant-At-Arms Jada Speights

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Therese Griffin serves on the National Protocol & Traditions Committee. She was appointed by Delta Sigma Theta's National President & CEO, Beverly E. Smith in 2017. The committee's responsibilities include advising the National President, protocol during National Conventions and Regional Conferences (including VIP rooms, processionals, dais and reserved seating, etc.), updating and training on the Protocol & Traditions Manual.

Candice Haigler had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural class of the Delta P.E.A.R.L.s (Preparing, Emerging, and Aspiring Regional Leaders) program. Candice, along with 21 others from the South Atlantic Region were chosen to participate in this regional leadership program that consisted of 10 monthly sessions. The various topics addressed ranged from “Emotional Intelligence” to “Accountability in the Workplace."

Yolanda Kennedy serves as the SC State Secretary/Compliance Specialist. Her responsibilities include updating and maintaining the state directory, sending email notifications/communications to chapters, assisting in planning monthly Chapter Presidents meetings, taking attendance and minutes at all meetings, and assisting chapters with meeting compliance requirements.

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“RCA Is Who We Are; Social Action Is What We Do." ”The Richland County Alumnae Chapter (RCA) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Social Action Committee, put its motto into action on Saturday, August 8, 2020, when we opened our Delta Year with the More Than A Count SC 2020 Census Campaign Virtual Day Party. The Party aired on Facebook live from 11 AM to 1 PM and was filled with music and vital information about the 2020 Census.

The party was made possible by a Community Group Census mini-grant from the SC Grantmaker’s Network and the United Way Association of South Carolina.

The Fortitude Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the RCA Social Action Committee, was awarded $1,000.

The award was used to encourage people living in undercounted areas to complete the 2020 Census.

The Social Action Committee and the Fortitude Foundation had three (3) goals for the use of the grant award: 1) to inform the communities about the 2020 Census, 2) to help families to complete the Census online, and 3) to dispel myths and fears about the Census. We targeted two low-count populations: children under the age of five, and households with no computer or limited internet access, living in the West Columbia, South Carolina neighborhoods situated in the 29169-zip code. Due to the COVID-19 13

Pandemic, a strategic plan was devised to provide an innovative way to use the grant award, thus the birth of the virtual day party idea. During the Census Party, the RCA Social Action Committee and the Fortitude Foundation partied with a purpose. The party was hosted by Tonisha Jacobs, also known as Shejay T.O., who provided the infotainment, by deejaying and enthusiastically encouraging viewers to complete the Census. Shejay T.O. shared vital Census information, conveyed the importance of the Census, dispelled myths, gave the three ways to complete the Census.

Pertinent information was shared all while viewers were able to clap their hands, dance, and enjoy good music in the comfort and safety of their homes.

Overall, the party was a success and only a foreshadowing of the great things to come from the Committee in this Delta Year.

Arts & Letters

The Richland County Alumnae Chapter shared the winning moment for the Arts & Letters award with our sister chapter Columbia (SC) Alumnae during our 29th Sensational South Atlantic Regional Conference.

The award-winning Oratorical Contest is an annual event, which provides middle school students in the service area the opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills, promote self-confidence, aid in educational enrichment, and facilitate character building.

The National Commission on Arts and Letters was established in 1973 by then National President Lillian Benbow. The mission of the Arts and Letters Committee is directly aligned with that of the National Commission on Arts and Letters. We strive to promote a positive image of African Americans and other minorities in our community through the medium of music, dance, drama, and poetry. The committee promotes worthwhile cultural endeavors and artists through activities and events such as Delta Red Carpet/theatre outings, concerts, plays, book clubs, painting, and artists’ showcases.Other signature Initiatives of the National Commission on Arts and Letters include Delta Red Carpet (films produced and performed by African-Americans featuring positive stories); Deltas See Television (DSTv) which supports African-American network and cable television shows and movies; Music Ministry (a database of professional musicians); Delta Authors on Tour (DAOT); and Pride in our Heritage.

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Program Planning and Development For the 2020-2021 sorority year, Program Planning and Development is focusing all programming and projects around five overarching themes. These themes reflect Richland County Alumnae’s (RCA) alignment with the Delta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts and data collected from our 2020 Community Feedback Survey. See our fall programs below, and we look forward to exciting opportunities for engagement in Spring 2021!

RCA Outreach Programs 21 Days Trek to Thanksgiving Walk for Life Walk to End Domestic Violence World AIDS Day Diabetes Awareness Month Delta GEMS Hot Chocolate Holiday Holiday Helpings & Hope Red Envelope Project

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Physical & Mental Health This Fall, Physical & Mental Health highlighted a wealth of total health initiatives. The 21-Day Trek to Thanksgiving initiative included members walking for over 672 miles and reported numerous positive physical and mental health outcomes. In addition to internal engagement, the Physical & Mental Health Committee also organized several virtual walking groups in support of local organizations and initiatives with common commitments.

In October, RCA participated in the Walk for Life for Breast Cancer and the Walk to End Domestic Violence. In November, the chapter participated in the World Diabetes Day awareness campaign on social media and encouraged those in our service area to sweeten our dispositions, not our diets. As we entered the holiday season, the committee encouraged everyone to keep moving, drink lots of water, and give thanks.

Community Service Outreach & Delta Gems RCA Spreads Holiday Joy During these unprecedented and uncertain times, RCA, powered by the Community Service Outreach Committee and Delta GEMS, spread joy to families and young people in our service area. In collaboration with the Prisma Health Holiday Helping and Hope initiative, RCA shared in the joy of giving for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Because of the generosity of chapter members, RCA was able to spread even more joy to families in need. The chapter also had a great time celebrating a Hot Chocolate Holiday with our Delta GEMS. The virtual celebration included lots of exciting activities, opportunities to build relationships, and reflections on the lessons of 2020. Our 2020-2021 GEMS are simply brilliant! We thank their parents for sharing them with us and look forward to the spring.

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Program Planning & Development World AIDS DayWorld AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st. This year RCA’s Delta GEMS and Physical & Mental Health collaborated with Rock the Red Ribbon to promote awareness of the global pandemic. Delta GEMS had the opportunity to discuss the pandemic from the vantage point of societal norms, transmission data, and impact data with Toya Murph, Ph.D.; in addition to the importance of positive wellness decisions with Rose Hutson. After the session, the groups worked to create PSAs. The PSA’s can be found on RCA’s social media pages: Facebook (Richland County Alumnae Chapter) and Instagram (richlandcountydeltas). Like and share!

Social Action

Richland County Alumnae Chapter (RCA) is a sisterhood rooted in social action, and the Social Action Committee provided many opportunities for outreach during the past six months. The Social Action Committee was able to shed light on social justice with the virtual forum entitled Let’s Talk About R.A.C.E. – Relationship, Attitude, Cultural Diversity, and Engagement: Bridging Gaps between Law Enforcement and the Community. We partied with a purpose with the When We All Vote Virtual Voter Registration Couch Party. Additionally, RCA partnered with The Fortitude Foundation and was awarded a $5000.00 grant for the Black Voters Matter: Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative.

Radio ads, videos, water, and snacks were purchased with the funds. The State of the Black Woman initiative, a three-part series on domestic violence, began in October 2020. Lastly, the committee introduced the 5 Calls App to the chapter. This app aided RCA members in using our voices to contact elected officials for “Callto-Action” legislative concerns.

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In 1913, our Founders set out on a mission to enact change. During a time when it appeared that our society wasn’t ready to hear a woman’s voice, 22 women spoke loudly and proudly. Fast forward to 2020 and now 2021, black women continue to use their voices to make history and exact change. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made history as the 60th mayor of Atlanta and the only mayor in the city’s history to have served in all three branches of government; serving as a judge, city council member, and now mayor.

In 2020, Mayor Bottoms began the enactment of change with the establishment of Atlanta’s first fully-staffed Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Continuing her work in one of the most pivotal presidential elections of this lifetime, Mayor Bottoms partnered with another trailblazing black woman, Stacey Abrams, and together they worked to turn the historically Republican dominated state of Georgia blue.

Though Stacey Abrams lost her own race for the gubernatorial seat in Georgia, she remained diligent and steadfast in her determination to continue to use her voice to inspire change. The combined efforts of Mayor Bottoms, Stacey Abrams and countless other black women led to yet another mark in history; the first black woman elected to the office of Vice President of the United States of America. Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris will make history when she is sworn into office, but also thanks to the historic “blue color change” in the state of Georgia, she will hold the power to ultimately cast the deciding vote for congressional decisions.

As a nation, we have gone through some of the most turbulent times in our illustrious history, but right now, in this moment, with an overwhelming sense of pride, let us proclaim loudly, "Oh, to be a Black Woman in the year of 2021!"

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February Scholarship Applications Available Date: Monday, February, 1, 2021 Community Service Donation Distribution Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021 | Time: 11:00 AM

March Black Women & Girls Conference Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 | Time: 10:00 AM

May Scholarship & May Week Banquet Date: Saturday, May 6, 2021 | Time: 6:00 PM

June Virtual Red Diamond Gala Date: Friday, June 4 , 2021

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President - ZeNata Donaldson​ First Vice President Lavell Thornton

Assistant Financial Secretary Chaplain Cheryl Canty​ Tracey Mobley Chavous

​Second Vice President Cynthia Bennett

Recording Secretary Keri McQueen

Custodian Asia Conyers​

​Treasurer Jaton Smith

Corresponding Secretary Chrishonda Gaither​

Historian Mary Haile​

Financial Secretary Candice Haigler Immediate Past President Sharon Parker

Sergeant-at-Arms Toya Murph

Parliamentarian Wanda Russ-Kenscoff

Protocol Advisor DeVonne Risher Smalls

Information, Comunications & Technology Crystal Tart - Chair, Information & Communications Jada Hubbard - Co-Chair Vyce Johnson - Chair, Technology Subcommittee Danielle Cooper - Co-Chair Newsletter Subcommittee: Greta Avery, Tacara Carpenter, Ashley Davis, Jenaya Lee, Andrea Oates Social Media

Mailing Address P.O. Box 777 Columbia, South Carolina 29202

@richlandcountydeltas

richlandcountyalumnae@gmail.com 20