RAC Pass the Torch 2023-2024 by RichmondAlumnaeChapterDST

Chapter History 1937 ~ 1942 ~ 1958

The Richmond Alumnae Chapter traces its history back to December 4, 1937, when formal meeting of the Beta Epsilon Chapter was held at the home of Grace Hughes chapter engaged in many community projects and sponsored its first Jabberwock 1938.

On November 15, 1941, members voted in favor of the Regional Director’s decision t separate graduate and undergraduate chapters. In 1942, the chapter was officially into the Beta Epsilon, the undergraduate chapter, and Beta Theta Sigma, the gradu chapter. In 1958, the graduate chapter's name was changed to Richmond Alumnae to comply with the Grand Chapter ruling.

Richmond Alumnae Chapter is a part of Delta Sigma Theta’s Sorority, Inc., South Atlantic Region.

Charter Members:

Virginia Asbury

Annie Brown

Leola Cephas

Aldena Davis

Grace Hughes

Alice Jackson

Clara Jackson

Helen Jackson

Lois Jackson

Theresa Jackson

Sylvia Jennings

Mary Elisabeth Johnson

Pearl Juette Johnson

Edith Lattimore

Ruth McGuinn

Beluah Milton

Alice Reid

Theresa Sublett

Helena Walker

Phila White

Hilda Yates

Zemoria Wood

OMEGAOMEGA CHAPTER

Past Chapter Presidents

LAVERNESPURLOCK 1958-1960

HATTIEM.MORTON 1960-1962

RUBYMITCHELL 1962-1964

JOANBARNESMONTGOMERY 1964-1965

CAROLYNMOSBY 1965-1968

JACQUELYNTHOMAS 1968-1972

KATIED.WATKINS 1972-1976

PHYLLISBOOTH 1976-1978

MARGARETDUNGEE 1978-1980

THELMAPETTIS 1980-1983

ANNETTEWARD 1983-1986

IRISKING 1986-1988

FRANCINEYOUN 1988-1990

THELMAPETTI 1990-1994

MAMIEBROWN 1994-1998

PHYLLISBOOTH 1998-2000

ESTELLARANDOLPH 2000-2004

GALEJONES 2004-2008

MILDREDBARDEN 2008-2012

ANNAGEE 2012-2016

CONNIECUFFEE 2016-2020

VANESSAEVANS 2020-2024

Sisterly Connection

President’s Message

My Dear Sorors,

As I end my 4-year term as President of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. it is with a mix of emotions as I reflect on the invaluable experiences and personal growth I have gained with this remarkable chapter and organization.

I started my administration with P A S S I O N and I leave with the knowledge that we have exemplified the Purpose, Actions, Service, Skills, Innovation, Ownership of our Membership and every NEXT STEP will be the progress that we have made through the hills and valleys Through Covid we were #RACDST Virtually Unstoppable and coming through the storm we were #Unstoppable – Mission Possible This last sorority year I asked you again to Follow your PASSION because it will lead you to your PURPOSE

Sorors, your hard work and dedication showed as you diligently strived to deliver programs and activities that are impactful, changing lives, and influencing behaviors You also made sure that Richmond Alumnae chapter hosted the most MOST MEMORABLE CONFERENCE EVER in 2022!!

As our new leadership begins, I pray you give them the same loving support as you did for me and the Executive Committee. I look forward to the higher heights that they will take our chapter and the many accomplishments to come.

Before I sign off on my final Presidents message, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Board. You ladies made me work harder because I wanted to be the best representation of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter and always wanted to make Richmond Alumnae chapter members proud to say “that’s my Chapter President”.

Sisterly, Vanessa

Elected Officers & Appointed Positions

2023-2024

(All

First Row: Renee Johnson, Connie Cuffee, Vanessa Evans, Bernita Williams, Kimberly Dabney, and Karla Peters

Second Row: Sidney Edwards, Kimberly Elliott, Kendra Pugh, and Tonza Exum

Third Row: Brenda Long, Katrina Riddick Cheatham, and Tia Murphy

Fourth Row: Brittany Blanks, Kimberlyn Robinson, Lisa Woody, Kaya Washington, and Kysha Banks

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTER

President

Vanessa Evans

First Vice President, Scholarship

Bernita Williams

Second Vice President, Membership Services

Anita Roane

Third Vice President, Program Planning & Development

Kimberly Dabney

Recording Secretary

Brenda Long

Assistant Recording Secretary

Beverly Walker

Corresponding Secretary

Stephanie Shepard

Assistant Corresponding Secretary

Tamara Temoney

Treasurer

Katrina Riddick Cheatham

Assistant Treasurer

Kimberly Elliott

Financial Secretary

Tia Murphy

Assistant Financial Secretary

Tonza Exum & Sidney Edwards

Chair, Internal Audit

Thalia Edmonds

Members, Internal Audit

Carolyn Ashaye, Kysha Banks, Tonia Churchwell & Melody Reives

Member, Finance a Gwendolyn D

Kendra P

Chair, Nominating

Danielle Stokes

Member, Nominating Committee

Nikki Deveaux, V. Denise Harrington, Terri Pollard & Satara Woodson

Chaplain

Takeisha Brown

Assistant Chaplain

Carla Jackson

Parliamentarian

Valerie Jones

Sergeant-At-Arms

Barrhonda White

Custodian

Dunhree Davis

Historian

Yolanda Taylor

Journalists

Audrey Berry & Carolyn Chambers

Risk Management Coordinator

Renee Fleming-Mills

Immediate Past President

Connie Cuffee

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTE

Economic Development

Monica Davis

Educational Development

Dionne Ward & Decardra Jackson

International Awareness and Involvement

Lanett Brailey

Physical and Mental Health

Renata HedringtonJones

Social Action

Valena Dixon & Liz Hayes-Mackey

Adopt -A-Street

Sandee Smith

Art and Letters

Antoinette Rogers & Leslie Lewis

Delta Academy

Shayla Brown-Holman

Delta GEMS

Shiron Haskins

Delta Pearls

Dana Dargon

Elections

Jacinda Alston

Emergency Response Team

Karla Peters

Finance & Budget

Kysha Banks

Heritage & Archives

Beverly Walker

Hospitality

Cynthia Simpson

Jabberwock

Bernita Williams

Leadership Development

Mildred Barden

May Month

Tranelle Pollard

Membership Services

Renee Johnson

Minerva

Taylor Roane

Policies and Procedures

Carolyn Johnson

RICHMOND ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Program Planning and Development

Kimberly Dabney

Protocol and Traditions

Stephanie Miller

Chartrice Thorne

Public Relations

Audrey Berry

Carolyn Chambers

Risk Management

Renee Fleming Mills

Technology

Patrice Wilson

Ritual and Cere Constance Thom Scholarsh

Bernita Williams

Step Team

Courtney Rice

Strategic Planning

Toyce Small

Collegiate Advisor

RHO RHO

Stephanie Shepard

Sisterhood Retreat 2023

Richmond Alumnae Chapter

Economic Development

April is Financial Fortitude Month!

April is designated Financial Literacy Month, or as we say in Delta, Financial Fortitude Month. During this time, financial institutions, nonprofits, and human service agencies increase their focus on the importance of financial literacy through events, programs, and counseling. In honor of Financial Fortitude Month, International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes has shared a wonderful video message to encourage all of us to do something in April towards our financial freedom and promote Financial Fortitude Across the Lifespan.

Crossroads to a New Biennium

Educational Development

Project ACT (Advocate for College Now

In partnership with the University of Richmond

On October 3, 2023, thirty-nine sensational seniors f High school had a powerful opportunity to visit the U Richmond. The Educational Development Committee cosponsored a campus trip to the University of Richmond with the Friends of Boatwright Library. The purpose of the campus visit was to expose the students to another university in our city, to inspire and encourage them, and to foster an optimistic feeling about furthering their schooling after high school. The visit also highlighted important concepts about the application and financial aid process, and to learn more about possible majors and careers.

Educational Development

Project ACT (Advocate for College Now) In partnership with the University of Richmond

On October 3, 2023, 39 sensational seniors from Open High school had a powerful opportunity to visit the University of Richmond. The Educational Development Committee co-sponsored a campus trip to the University of Richmond with the Friends of Boatwright Library. The purpose of the campus visit was to expose the students to another university in our city, to inspire and encourage them, and to foster an optimistic feeling about furthering their schooling after high school. The visit also highlighted important concepts about the application and financial aid process, and to learn more about possible majors and careers.

Educational Development

Recognizing that reading is one of the doorways to incalculable proficiencies and possibilities and understanding that it positions children on the track to a life of success and discovery, the READ ACROSS AMERICA the committee continues to be proud to support this program annually

RAC DELTAS READ INITIATIVE Educational Development

Students from Richmond Community High School and Franklin Military Academy learned much about Black History the many contributions individuals made to American histor through carefully designed book club meetings. They also learned enslavement to the present, the Black story is one of the stories of t States and that Richmond is one of the most important Gateways to that story. A culminating tour of Richmond included visits to the home of Maggie Walker, the Black History Museum, Brown’s Island, Jackson Ward, and Capitol Square. Stops were made at several monuments, statutes, and memorials including Bojangles, Arthur Ashe, Henry “Box” Brown, Emancipation and Freedom, the Headman, and Rumors of War.

RAC DELTAS READ INITIATIV Educational Development

Students from Richmond Community High School and F Military Academy learned much about Black History and the contributions individuals made to American history thr carefully designed book club meetings. They also learned th enslavement to the present, the Black story is one of the stori United States and that Richmond is one of the most impor Gateways to that story. A culminating tour of Richmond included visits to the home of Maggie Walker, the Black History Museum, Brown’s Island, Jackson Ward, and Capitol Square. Stops were made at several monuments, statutes, and memorials including Bojangles, Arthur Ashe, Henry “Box” Brown, Emancipation and Freedom, the Headman, and Rumors of War.

Recognizing and supporting selected high school seniors with items needed to be successful in college

COLLEGE SHOWER

Educational Development

The Educational Development Committee received a grant from DREF (Delta Research and Educational Foundation) to promote wellness and healthier outcomes in today’s youth.

BIRTHING KITS

BIRTHING KIT DONATIONS

Physical & Mental Health

Charlene Hinton-Watts

Dr. Renata Hedrington-Jones

GO RED LUNCHEON Physical & Mental Health

Honorary Member Daphne Maxwell Reid seen here with RAC Sorors.

September 17, 2023

DELTA DAYS AT THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT CELEBRATION WITH BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4TH GRADERS

Political Awareness & Involvement

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

CELEBRATION

WITH BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

4TH GRADERS

Crossroads to a New Biennium

DR.DOROTHY I.HEIGHT

CELEBRATIONWITH BLACKWELLELEMENTARYSCHOOL

4THGRADERS

Crossroads to a New Biennium

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

CELEBRATION WITH BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOO 4TH GRADERS

Political Awareness & Involvement

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

CELEBRATION WITH BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

4TH GRADERS

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT CELEBRATION CONTINUED AT THE HULL STREET LIBRARY AND THE HISTORICAL MARKERS

Political Awareness & Involvement

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT CELEBRATION CONTINUED AT THE HULL STREET LIBRARY AND THE HISTORICAL MARKERS

Political Awareness & Involvement

DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT CELEBRATION CONTINUED AT THE HULL STREET LIBRARY AND THE HISTORICAL MARKERS

GOTV EFFORTS TOOK COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO BASKETBALL CAMPS, A GILPIN COURT HALLOWEEN EVENT, 2ND STREET FESTIVAL, RPS HIGH SCHOOLS, CAHN HEALTH CENTERS, HULL ST LIBRARY, ORATORICAL CONTEST & MORE!!

Richmond Alumnae Chap

The Adopt-A-Street Committee contributes to the City Clean Street Commission on the second Saturday of each month. We meet in front of the Black History Museum and clean a five block area around the museum.

RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVAL

Pictures

Emergency Response Team

RICHMOND ALUMNAE & RICHMOND POLI

JOIN FORCES FOR BLOOD DRI

The Richmond Police Department needed don sign up for a blood drive The slots were not fil fast enough They called for and received back the RAC Emergency Response Team! Before th y it, all of the slots for donors were filled and the Red Cross had to turn some away the day of the blood drive. According to RPD Major Adrienne Gardner, “We collected 37 units (our goal was 22, so we crushed it!) and we had 43 of 44 appointments booked.”