IAC DST Newsletter - March 2015

The March 2015

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Newsletter

Daily Delta

President's Message...

Dearest Sorors of Inglewood Alumnae Chapter,

In this issue...

Financial Fortitude Workshops P. 2&3 Social Action Candidates Meet & Greet P. 4 Sisterhood Month Activities P. 5 Arts and Letters Art, Music, Movies & More P. 6&7 Summits P. 9

The 2014/2015 Sorority Year is more than half over, and we are making good on our September commitments to serve our communities, ourselves and each other – with our head, our hands and our heart. We have gotten off to a great start – with thoughtful, well planned and executed activities that are giving us opportunities to be more socially active, to provide service throughout our diaspora, to improve our health, and get to know each other better. Our youth groups are flourishing, and our scholarship outreach strategies are expanded. New options have been provided for raising funds that do not require us to ‘give away the bank’.

Lines of communication are improving via beautifully published newsletters and shared heritage moments – moments that remind us why we came to Delta, and other significant moments in time.

Sorors, in this election year you have new and exciting opportunities for service – as chapter officers, as new or returning committee chairs/co-chairs, as committee members, as activity supporters. Please consider stepping up when called.

As we move forward, let us keep of our beloved Soror Sandra Phillips Johnson, and each of our sorors who suffered the profound loss of a loved one this year, in our hearts and minds.

Yours in Delta,

Joyce Jones Guinyard. D.C.

Joyce Jones Guinyard, D.C. President

GEMS Tackle Colorism P. 10&11 1

Financial Fortitude Workshops Highlight the Importance of Financial Literacy and Encourages Healthy Financial Habits

By Soror Karen Smith Wilson If you missed our first of three Financial Fortitude Workshops that took place on Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm following the January Sorority meeting at the Inglewood Library Lecture Hall, then you missed a treat! The workshop entitled Financial Fortitude Series I - Debt Management “Change your Financial Behavior and Change your Life – Forever”, was led by Amber Grant, MBA - Financial Advisor from Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., in conjunction with Women of Vision and the Ameriprise Community Connections Program.

and/or took advantage of the financial services offered by Ameriprise.

The next Financial Fortitude Series II - Financial Forum will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Inglewood Library Lecture Hall. The forum will include the following financial workshops: Savings & Investments, led by Amber Grant, Financial Advisor from Ameriprise Financial Services, and Entrepreneurship, led by Christopher E. Jackson, Acting Director, Inglewood Economic and Community Development Department. The Forum will feature a panel discussion by a variety of business owners in and around the City of Inglewood. Once again, Ameriprise Financial Services will make a monetary donation through their Community Connection Program on behalf of those at-

The workshop dealt with topics such as “How did I get into debt?,” where the importance of beginning a budget with a vision was covered. Other topics discussed included, “What is Debt Management?”, “How to pay down your debt”, and lastly, “How do I prevent future damage?.”

Ninety-one percent of the workshop participants surveyed said the presenter and presentation was informative, engaging and shared valuable information in a light and humorous matter. The workshop concluded with Q&A followed by workshop participants scheduling a FREE personalized consultation with Amber Grant. As an added benefit, the Chapter received a grant from Ameriprise Financial Services through the Community Connection Program for $1,525 based on the number of individuals that attended the workshop

tending. So please help support the Financial Fortitude program through your attendance and by inviting your family, friends and those in the Inglewood community.

Financial Fortitude is the current Economic Development Program Initiative of the Sorority. Financial Fortitude is a process that will help program participants set and define goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and put the plan into action.

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Taxable or Not – What You Need to Know about Income All income is taxable unless the law excludes it. Here are some basic rules you should know to help you file an accurate tax return:  Taxed income. Taxable income includes money you earn, like wages and tips. It also includes bartering, an exchange of property or services. The fair market value of property or services received is taxable.

Some types of income are not taxable except under certain conditions, including: 

Life insurance. Proceeds paid to you because of the death of the insured person are usually not taxable.

However, if you redeem a life insurance policy for cash, any amount that you get that is more than the cost of the policy is taxable.



Qualified scholarship. In most cases, income from this type of scholarship is not taxable. This means that amounts you use for certain costs, such as tuition and required books, are not taxable. On the other hand, amounts you use for room and board are taxable.

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State income tax refund. If you got a state or local income tax refund, the amount may be taxable. You should have received a 2014 Form 1099-G from the agency that made the payment to you. If you didn’t get it by mail, the agency may have provided the form electronically. Contact them to find out how to get the form. Report any taxable refund you got even if you did not receive Form 1099-G.

Here are some types of income that are usually not taxable: 

Gifts and inheritances



Child support payments



Welfare benefits



Damage awards for physical injury or sickness



Cash rebates from a dealer or manufacturer for an item you buy



Reimbursements for qualified adoption expenses

For more on this topic see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms anytime.

International Awareness & Involvement

Feminine Hygiene Supply Drive Benefits I CAN FLY International The International Awareness Committee is now collecting THIN sanitary napkins for girls at the I CAN FLY International, orphanage in Kenya, East Africa. Donations will be collected at the March chapter meeting (March 21). Thin pads are preferred because larger pads impact the plumbing system. Founded by Soror Sha’ Gives, I CAN FLY is a United States based 501c3 non-profit organization that helps children and youth in Kenya escape child marriage, female genital mutilation, tribal war, child labor, abandonment, and extreme poverty. The organization offers a wide range of assistance to children and youth ages 5-18 years old from nine countries.

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EMBODI Program Serves as a Motivational Tool for Teen African-American Males Twice a month on the campus of Monroe Middle School, IAC members along with our males partners - members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Los Angeles County Fire Department and others, meet with young men, ages 13-17 to provide intensive, face-to-face, interactive mentoring.

Under the banner of EMBODI, the youth participate in workshops facilitated by our male partners. Workshop topics have included “The Value of a Life,” “Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution,” “My Sag is a Part of My Swag,” “Dress for Success," "The "N" Word," "Manhood 101," and "On Your Honor," Through the use of videos and interactive activities, the male facilitators have "man-toman" discussions with the young men about a variety of subjects. A recent session titled “Halt Police,” included police officers who instructed the young men on how to behave when they come in contact with law enforcement. To evoke further discussion, the young men watched a video clip from the movie “Fruitvale,” which depicts the true story of a 22-year old African-American male who was shot by a white police officer.

In another session, the discussion centered around bullying. The young men considered the question “What is bullying?” and were asked to identify if they were a bully or had been bullied. Citing recent incidents that resulting in the victim taking their life, the mentors discussed the harmful effects of bully and engaged the young men in exercises to create sensitivity and help the participants thwart the bullying process. Their next session on April 9th will examine goal setting and career exploration. The participants will learn how to set and track long and short term goals. They will also learn how to choose a career and how to research pay scales, education requirements and job duties.

For more information or to join the EMBODI Committee, contact Soror Toya Mack, Chair, EMBODI Committee.

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. INGLEWOOD ALUMNAE CHAPTER and WOMEN OF VISION Present

A Financial Forum featuring Savings & Investments - Entrepreneurship Saturday, March 28, 2015 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ~ Registration 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ~ Financial Forum (begins promptly @ 9am) Inglewood Public Library Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall 101 West Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA

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Margaret Evans

Social Action Committee to Host Candidates Meet and Greet On April 7, 2015, Inglewood voters will go to the polls to cast their votes to elect Council Members for District 3 and 4, City Clerk and City Treasurer. Additionally, four seats on the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Education are up for general election.

Our very own, Soror Margaret Evans is running for Board Seat #4. Soror Evans and all candidates slated for election have been invited to participate in a Candidates Meet and Greet, Saturday, March 21, during chapter meeting. Candidates will briefly introduce themselves and distribute campaign literature.

To learn more about Soror Evan's platform or lend your support, contact her directly or visit her website at www.margaret4kids.com.

Happy Sisterhood Month!

My Sister’s Church

With These Hands

March is Sisterhood Month. As the month draws to a close, the Membership Committee invites you to attend the last planned Sisterhood Month activity. On Sunday, March 22, 2015, the Membership Committee will host My Sister’s Church at Unity Christian Fellowship located at 16133 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA. This is Soror Atiya Myer’s church. Unity Christian Church is described as a “spirit-driven, biblically sound and family oriented church. The Pastor is Bro. Johnny Ray Withers, Jr. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and the First Lady is Soror Charlette Withers. So show up in your BEST red church attire in support of Soror Myers and in honor of our Lord. Let’s show Unity Christian Fellowship some Christian AND Greek LOVE!!!

With these hands I cannot defile you, They are to lift you, my Sister.

With these words, I cannot demean you, They are to encourage and comfort you, my Sister.

With this strength I cannot destroy you,

For more information about regarding Unity Christian Fellowship, you may contact them at: 310-886-0198; email: info@unitycf.org or website - www.unitycf.org

It is to defend you, my Sister.

The Words of Past President Lillian P. Benbow (deceased)

Sisters Bowling in the Bond

Bowling in the Bond was one of several Sisterhood Month activities organized by the Membership Committee during March to provide an opportunity for sorors to fellowship, bond and get to know each other better.

March maybe over soon but the fellowship does not have to end. Designate at least one day a month as “Sisterhood Day” and plan activities to strengthen your sisterly bond.

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Arts and Letters Committee Slates Evening of Artistic Expression and Motown Music The Arts and Letters Committee will host an Art & Wine Paint Party on Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Join us at b. collins Studio for a little paint, a little wine, and a whole lot of fun! The b. collins Studio is located at 5066 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. Participants will enjoy step-by-step instruction by an experienced and enthusiastic local artist. No artistic skills are required. After creating your masterpiece, you will take your work of art home. Everyone will paint the same image - Red Hat, by artist b. Collins.

Wine and refreshments will be served. The cost is $35. Only cash will be accepted at the March chapter meeting for those who have reserved their space. www.bcollinsstudio.com

Red Hat

SAVE THE DATE It began as one man's story…became everyone's music…and is now a Broadway's musical. Save the date and plan to attend the group viewing of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. This is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more.

Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! When: Where: Cost:

May 31, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028 $65 per ticket Final payment is due by Saturday, March 21, 2015.

Payments by cash (only) will be accepted at the March chapter.

Membership Dues: March 31st is the last day to pay dues for 2015/2016 sorority year without penalty.  Regular Member: National Dues $135 (includes $10 Per Capita Fee) + Local Dues $200 = $335 total.  Golden Life Member: Per Capita Fee $10 + Local Dues $200 = $210 total.  Diamond Life Member: Per Capita Fee $10 + Local Dues $200 = $210 total.

Submit the completed dues form (available on the National website - Members Only portal) and your payment to Soror Toya Mack, our Assistant Financial Secretary. Note: Dues submitted to after March 31st will incur a $5.00 Late fee. Dues submitted to after June 30th will incur a $15.00 Reinstatement fee.

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Inglewood and Los Angeles Alumnae Chapters Co-Host Red Carpet Event for “SELMA” 6

On Saturday, January 10, 2015, IAC’s Social Action Committee and Arts and Letters Committee hosted a Red Carpet event for the movie “SELMA.” Over 100 sorors, family and friends were on hand for the group viewing event, which was co-hosted by the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter. If the smiles on the faces of sorors were any indication of the success of the event, a good time was had by all in attendance. Pictured: 1) Sorors Delores Benson and Desdra Butler; 2) IAC, LAAC, family and friends; 3) Sorors Karen SmithWilson and Cheryl Gully; 4) Sorors Kiva Dale and Melody Morris; 5) Members of Inglewood Alumnae Chapter; and 6) Soror Aresa Rochester and Mary Baker.

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Delta Academy: Giving from the Heart to Serve Others During their February meeting, Delta Academy participants prepared toiletry bags as part of their “From Our Hearts to Yours” Campaign. The Delta Academy Committee is seeking foster homes or a women’s shelter where the Delta Academy girls can donate the toiletry items.

In the interim, on Saturday, March 7, 2015, Sorors Barrow, Myers, and Taylor delivered a donation of thirty toiletry bags to the Legacy Ladies. The Legacy Ladies mentor girls who attend Dorsey, Crenshaw and Washington High Schools. Their mentees are called the “Torchettes.” The Torchettes will use the toiletry bags during their trip next month to Washington DC.

Heritage Moment: Lillian Pierce Benbow “With these Hands.” Those powerful words (see page 5) on sisterhood were written by Soror Lillian Pierce Benbow. Soror Benbow, the 15th National President of Delta Sigma Theta (1971-1975), was a graduate of Lemoyne Owen College and studied at the University of Michigan and the DetroitCollege of Law. She served as the Assistant Director of Housing programs for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

Soror Benbow was a strong advocate of art and culture: during her presidential tenure, both the Commission for Arts and Letters and DST Communications were established. Both were aimed at advocating for and creating art that projected the African American experience. Soror Benbow also implemented Right to Read, one of the first nationally coordinated efforts to help the functionally illiterate.

Lillian Pierce Benbow

Another momentous occasion during the Benbow administration was the 1972 move to its current national headquarters at 1707 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC. President Benbow encouraged all members of Delta Sigma Theta to aid, encourage, and uplift one another and our communities. She is truly an awesome example of SISTERHOOD.

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Kajukenbo Class Offers Workout for the Mind and Body On January 31, 2015, sorors gathered in the name of health and safety for a self-defense class at Kingi’s Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute located in Inglewood. One of several physical and mental health activities organized by the Summits Committee this sorority year, the self defense class provided sorors an opportunity to learn real and practical techniques to defend themselves in virtually any situation. Additionally, it provided a total body workout helping to improve stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and strength.

Kajukeno is a martial art that combines karate, judo, kenpo, Chinese boxing and kung fu. Kingi’s Kajukenbo is located at 1212 N. La Brea Ave. (just north of Centinela Ave.).

Goodwill Donation Drive Helps Funds Scholarship If you’ve been planning to clean out your closet, garage or basement to get rid of items you no longer use or just make room for something new...the time to do it is now! On Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fundraising Committee with Women of Vision will host a Goodwill Donation Drive at 123 W. Manchester Blvd. (the parking lot adjacent to the Library Lecture Hall parking lot). By donating your gently used clothing, small appliances, accessories, small household items and more, you will help raise funds for chapter scholarships. Give to give! It’s the ultimate win -win.

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Soror Scott-Mason lends support during 2014 Goodwill Donation Drive held at Rogers Park.

GEMS Tackle Subject of Colorism During Women's History Month Colorism: A form of prejudice or discrimination in which human beings are treated differently based on the social meanings attached to skin color.

Soror Campbell shared our rich history as queens by telling them the stories of Queen Amina, Nefertiti, Yaa Asantewah, and others. One of the highlights of the day was hearing from a panel of beautiful African-American women of various skin tones - from "light-skinned" to "dark-skinned." The panelists shared their experiences and encouraged the GEMS to own their individual beauty IAC's current class of and greatness.

GEMS were not even born when the 1988 musical School Daze debuted on the big screen and sparked renewed conversations about issues of real and perceived racism related to skin tone bias and hair texture within the African-American community. Yet, during their recent GEMS session, held March 14, 2015, colorism was a hot topic amongst the young ladies.

Facilitated by Soror Naeemah Campbell, the teens discussed the definition of colorism and then shared personal experiences of incidents that have happened to them or someone they know. Following this discussion,

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Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Teen Summit at LMU Collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, (IAC, Tau Delta, and Delta GEMS), and Kappa Alpha Psi (SBILB, Beta Omega, and Kappa League)

The Delta GEMS program honors the 12th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Jeanne L. Noble. Dr. Noble was a legendary pioneer in the field of education and social action. The Delta GEMS Program, officially renamed The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute, continues to spotlight teenage girls between the ages of 14�18 in grades 9 through 12.

During her tenure as National President, the sororityshaped its purpose and identity as a public service organization. Dr Noble stressed the need for women to become increasingly less social and more social action oriented.

Delta GEMS and Kappa League

Highly respected as a master teacher, lecturer, research scholar, writer and consultant, Dr. Noble held the distinction of being the first black woman to move through a tenured track from assistant to full professor at a predominately white university, New York University. She was appointed by United States Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford to serve on National Commissions.

ers d Volunte n a e te it S Comm IAC GEM

The Delta GEMS Institute is a continuum of services that address the needs of young African American women in grades 9 through 12 with a framework for the participants to discover and understand their individual brilliance by embracing the AIMS of the GEMS theme: Growing Myself Successfully and Empowering Myself Successfully.

Delta Sigma Th et Delta), and Kap a Sorority, Inc, (IAC and Tau pa Alpha Ps Omega, and Kap i (SBILB and Beta pa League)

The GOALS for Delta GEMS are to instill the need to excel academically; to provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skill to achieve high levels of academic success; to assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond, to create compassionate, caring, and community minded young women and actively involve them in service advocacy and community service opportunities.

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Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

The A-List Announcements, Accolades, Anniversaries and Acknowledgments Congratulations to Soror Deidre Jones for being selected by the Delta Research and Education Campaign (DREF) to participate in the Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign (DTEC). Soror Jones wrote a proposal on behalf of Phi Kappa Delta, the national education sorority, and was selected to conduct a Town Hall Advocacy Session to stimulate dialogue and support teacher effectiveness through enhanced efficacy. The Town Hall Session is scheduled to take place in October.

EXECUTIVE BOARD President…..................Joyce Jones Guinyard Vice President...............Elizabeth McLemore Recording Secretary..................Deidre Jones Corresponding Secretary..........Desdra Butler Financial Secretary.........................Kiva Dale Asst. Financial Secretary.............Toya Mack Treasurer...............................Delores Benson Chaplain...................Raquel Brigham-Brown Custodian...............................Beverly Jacobs Sergeant-at-Arms.......................Paris Brown Historian.....................Diane Delaney-Talton Parliamentarian.............Karen Smith-Wilson

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Arts & Letters...............................Mary Baker Audit…….……....................Lucretia Bridges Computer Management…...Jacqui Hernandez Delta Academy....................Kimberly Barrow Delta GEMS...........................Kimberly Davis EMBODI.......................................Toya Mack Financial Fortitude...................Sharon Dupree Fundraising.............................Margaret Evans Hospitality...........................Antoinette Morris International Awareness & Involvement.........…….....Aresa Rochester Journalist/Public Relations…..Sabrina Barnes LEAD Mentor Program…....….Desdra Butler Membership............................Kisha Williams Nominating………….…...…….Cheryl Gully Program Planning and Development.......…Elizabeth McLemore Project 21…..…………...…LaShea ElKouby Scholarship...................................Shaunte Fitt September Breakfast...................Trene Turner Social Action..............................Cheryl Gully The Summits...................Jacqui Hernandez & Judith Hernandez Webmistress.................................Shaunte Fitt

Please continue to pray for Soror Sandra Phillips Johnson and our other Sorors who have recently suffered a loss, are ill, recovering from surgery or have been under the weather, or are facing one of life's many challenges.

Sisterly reminders and save the date announcements: Please bring with you to chapter meeting  Donations - thin sanitary napkins for International Awareness and Involvement AND Goodwill Drive items.  Payments for Sisterhood Pins and Drawstring Bags (items are $2.00 each), and Art & Wine activity ($35) and Motown The Musical ($65).  Financial Fortitude Forum on Savings & Investments and Entrepreneurship, Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Inglewood Library Lecture Hall.  Delta Days In Sacramento, April 25-27, 2015, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, CA Alumnae: $100.00. Collegiate: $50.00.

Registration postmarked after April 6, 2015 will increase by $25.00 CONTACT US Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated P.O. Box 881855 Los Angeles, CA 90009 (310)861-1913 The Delta Daily newsletter is produced quarterly, in December, March, June and September. Sorors wishing to submit stories or other information for the newsletter may do so via email at pr@iacdst.org.

All submissions are due by the 25th of the month prior to publication.

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