The Ebony Pearl: Summer 2010

®

The Ebony The Official Voice of Swing Phi Swing SFI

SPECIAL ISSUE

pearl

OLA Haiti!

Swing Phi Swing’s Haiti Relief still in full stride.

Get the latest info about online trainings and workshops

A Sister gives her insight on running a One Woman Show

National News

ROP News

Faith & Spirit

Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

The Ebony Pearl | Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

On the cover The 2010 National Convention sets a new path for the organization that reveres our future course by looking back to our past. Read the National President’s letter to learn more about the lessons learned and what’s in store for 2011.

See the special section for the 2010 National Convention filled with pictures and highlights starting on page 23.

Living Legacy Founders Series Part II In this edition, we feature interviews with Beverly Dorn-Steele and Ellen Tomlinson-Carter. Who was the militant one? Who dealt with double consciousness when entering the corporate world after college?

DC Metro on the move The DC Metro Graduate Chapter of “Divas” continues to exemplify the bonds of Sisterhood through service and fellowship. Learn how they manage to stay attuned to Swing’s mission and keeping the spirit of Sisterhood alive.

Sister Soldier Sis. Nanshanta Bradford-Davis is a Sister Soldier with a simple wish. Can you guess how we can show her some Ola all the way in Afghanistan?

Also in Letter from the President…………………………….. ……..….4 Editor’s Desk…………...……………………..……….…………6 National News…………………………...………...……..……….7 Regional News……………………………………….….….……14

Chapter News…………………………..…………….………….16 Faith & Spirit.………………..………………………………….22 2010 Convention Special Section……….…....…………………23 BackSwing.………….…….…………….…...…………………..27 2

Back together again!

Swing Phi Swing & Groove Phi Groove

Present

Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort 4021 Lakeview Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 770-879-9900 3

Letter from the National President Greetings my beautiful Swing Sisters!

According to About.com, “Adinkra is a cotton cloth produced in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it. The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures, or concepts uniquely related to abstract shapes. The Adinkra symbol for Sankofa (pictured right), loosely means 'return and fetch it' - emphasizing the importance of learning from the past.

This year's convention theme, Linking Our Heritage to Our Future, further embodied the idiom of Sankofa. Swing Phi Swing must see clearly 'from whence we've come' in order to plot a meaningful course on the road we are yet to travel.

During our 2010 Annual Meeting, we did so with an enhanced appreciation of our history. We marched in with our founders leading the way with our Board of Directors and Executive team following behind together. Last year's 40th Anniversary celebration in WinstonSalem, North Carolina brought new insight in to the life and times of the twelve young women who founded this

organization. The presence of eight of our Founding Mothers at the 2009 Convention and the Clock Tower Vigil on the campus of Winston-Salem State University gave us the opportunity to retrace the steps of those on whose shoulders the House of Swing was built. We looked back to move forward, linking our heritage to our future.

Dr. Dorothy Height states in her memoir Open Wide the Freedom Gates (as she references the acquisition of the National Council of Negro Women's Headquarters at 633 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, DC), “I believe it is the hand of God that led African-American women to establish a center on the corridor of power halfway between the Capitol and the White House on a site hallowed by our enslaved ancestors”.

Dr. Height knew all too well the importance of linking our heritage to our future. Over seven decades of service to mankind and womankind, she never lost sight of the significance of recognizing, recording and learning from our history.

I look forward to fellowshipping with you all again in Stone Mountain, GA as we reconnect with our Brothers of Groove Phi Groove! Check out some of my favorite moments from this year’s convention. Until then, Peace, Blessings & OLA!

Pres. Sharon M. Chandler

In July, Swing Phi Swing came together in Norfolk to commemorate the past, president@swingphiswing.org enjoy the present and plan for the future. Linking Our Heritage to Our Future was not only our convention theme, it is our strategy for continued growth and development.

From left to right: Enjoying the sunset on the beach with my legacy child, Sis. Alycia Wright; Taking a break after the National Prayer Breakfast with Sis. Deborah Hunter; and showing my appreciation to my Executive team during the National Awards and receiving Ola from National Vice President Sis. Brenda Noble (see page 4 to learn more about her accomplishments) in and out of Swing.

4

NCNW Welcomes SWING PHI SWING From the Desk of the National President Back in April of this year, many of you read my heartfelt reflections of my brief yet meaningful encounters with Civil Rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height. In the wake of her death at the age of 98, Dr. Height left an undeniable legacy of strength, courage, and wisdom, and I was deeply affected by her grace and dignity.

Because of our collective respect for and appreciation of Dr. Height and the pillar of African -American history in the form of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), which she led for over fifty years, the Board of Directors of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. set out to join the ranks of NCNW’s affiliate organizations in 2005. Due to numerous setbacks and circumstances beyond the control of Swing Phi Swing's Board of Directors, it took over 5 years for us to achieve our goal. Yet, our motto, Perseverance by Virtue, prevailed.

On July 16th , the very day that the 2010 Annual Meeting of Swing Phi Swing convened in Norfolk, VA, a letter was being drafted at NCNW National Headquarters that reads as follows:

Dear Ms. Chandler: Congratulations! It is my pleasure to welcome The Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. as a new National Affiliate of the National Council of Negro Women. As you know, Mary McLeod Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) as a national organization of national organizations. She had a vision of power - "unity of purpose and unity of action."

In the NCNW Bylaws it is stated that heads of the National Affiliates, by virtue of office, are members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors meets at the Biennial National Convention. Also, the National Affiliates Assembly is held every two years (on the alternate year of the National Convention).

Again, welcome and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely, Barbara L. Shaw National Chair Right after the 2010 National Convention, I received a call from Sister Raquel Rouse excitedly stating that she was in receipt of the letter.

And so, although long overdue, I am hereby pleased to announce that Swing Phi Swing is now an official affiliate of the National Council of Negro Women.

Due in no small part to the diligence of many of our sisters, Swing Phi Swing can relish in our collective accomplishment. Sisters like Raquel 'Roc' Rouse stayed the course by continually corresponding with NCNW leadership; LaDonna Barnes, recently elected as 3rd Vice President of the Raleigh section of NCNW, who urged her fellow officers to reconsider our request for affiliation; Brenda Torrence, who coordinated the volunteer efforts of over 30 Swing sisters who traveled from New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and North Carolina to join with local DC area chapter members to provide volunteer service at the 2006 Black Family Reunion and Congressional Black Caucus conference in DC; and Toni Miles-Maloney, who advocated to NCNW leaders on our behalf to name a few. Kudos to each and every one of you who contributed in any way to this noble effort.

I look forward to proudly representing Swing Phi Swing in this new collaboration and I strongly encourage Swing sisters and chapters to support local NCNW initiatives in your area. This affiliation promises to give Swing newfound collaboration among African-American organizations.

Lastly, I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Height's most recent literary work, Living With Purpose, is now available. It is a must-read for all who believe in their power to make a difference in the world. Dorothy I. Height brings a century of her experiences and insights to address one of the most pressing questions we all must face—how we can fundamentally connect with our true purpose in life and act upon it.

To learn more about NCNW or to purchase a first edition copy of Living With Purpose visit www.ncnw.org.

5

The Editor‟s Desk

Find me online Facebook.com/Melonee.griggs

Sis. Melonee D. Griggs National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org Audre Lorde once wrote, “And where the words of women are crying to be heard, we must each of us recognize our responsibility to seek those words out, to read them and share them and examine them in their pertinence to our lives.”

As I look back over the year since I took this office, I never thought I would learn so much more about Swing through the eyes and minds of my Sisters. But not just the history, trials, and triumphs of our beloved Sisterhood, but the women themselves. As many of us chant “I am Africa” in our souls, my Sisters, just as well, embody a resounding chant of “I am Swing.” Our stories are living testaments to what lead us to Swing.

As you look through this issue and pour over the articles and pictures, every Sister, familiar or unfamiliar, has a great story.

It is very easy to cast a light that only you

can shine, but we must recognize that Swing is evolving. One of my best memories of the 2010 National Convention was an impromptu Circle of Sisters that lasted for six hours, well into the wee hours of the morning. What I remember the most was how unfamiliar, yet familial, each of those Sisters in the room were to me. Listening to our stories, sharing our talents and truths, our love, our songs, our tears...it still resonates with me to this day on an emotional and spiritual level that only a real Sisterhood could conjure up.

Our challenge over the next year is to find viable ways to hold on to one another when we hear the casted cries of our Sisters. I am committed wholly to that challenge as it is my responsibility to seek, read, share, and examine the words of my Sisters in this struggle. Much of why Swing

@melohello @swingphiswing

still exists is our perseverance against resistance.

In conclusion, I leave you with another pearl of wisdom from Audre Lorde that I will carry in my mind over the next year and I hope you carry its deeper meaning with you as well: We can learn to work and speak when we are afraid in the same we have learned to work and speak when we are tired. For we have been socialized to respect fear more than our needs for language and definition, and while we wait in silence for that final luxury of fearlessness, the weight of that silence will choke us.

Ashe, peace, and Ola into the next year

Melonee D. Griggs Editor-in-Chief

The Ebony Pearl is the official national newsletter for Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® We are always looking for content for the following sections: Letters to the Editor Swing Mommies Swing Phi Book Club Express Yourself - a creative space BackSwing Faith & Spirit Health & Fitness

Blogtalkradio.com/swingphiswing

NEW AD RATES FOR THE EBONY PEARL The Ebony Pearl has established ad rates for all future issues. If your chapter or business would like to advertise in our national newsletter and e-bulletins, please make a note of the following rates and specifications:

   

If you want to receive The Ebony Pearl via email, opt-in to our new service by sending your name and preferred email address to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org with the subject line “Ebony Pearl E-service”.

FASTER. EASIER. DIGITAL.

1/4 page or banner: $10 1/2 page: $20 Whole Page: $35

Graphics must be at least 300 dpi or higher and in jpeg format.

These ad rates are effective as of February 1, 2010.

Please contact Melonee Griggs at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org for more information.

6 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

5 line ad: $5

National

National Vice President shares a „Noble‟ vision in education and Swing

By Sis. Melonee D. Griggs

Sis. Brenda Noble, National VicePresident, was presented with the Cheryl Kornegay Presidential Award during the 2010 Convention. The award recognizes the contributions of a member who has demonstrated exceptional skill and ability in assisting the National President and her Office.

Sis. Brenda Noble, National Vice President of Swing Phi Swing, received the Governor's 2010 Teacher of the Year Award for Maxson Middle School. She and other recognized educators from 16 different districts in New Jersey attended a red carpet evening out and an exclusive breakfast hosted by Gov. Chris Christie at Kean University.

Her achievement is evident in her students who recently participated with Project Citizen, a program of the Center for Civic Education, funded by Congressional appropriation, administered in New Jersey through the New Jersey Center for Civic and Law Related Education with the assistance of Congressional district coordinators for each Congressional district in the state.

The Project Citizen curriculum focuses on the role of the state and local governments. It involves a whole class of middle and high school students in cooperative leaning activities that are guided by their teachers. Students learn how to participate in government reform efforts by gathering and evaluating information on a problem or by identifying a problem in their community that requires a public policy solution.

Noble’s social studies students from Maxson Middle School spoke out about their concern with the literacy level of students throughout Plainfield, NJ, the state, and the nation. After researching the illiteracy problem that plagues the city and nation, the students decided to tackle the problem first hand and come up with a threefold solution that included the recommendation for teachers to get back to the Basics by teaching phonics in the early grades.

“They all learned the value in being civically involved in changing their school community and environment. It is a wonderful learning experience for them as well and when they beat one of the top affluent schools in the state of New Jersey they felt proud and confident but these words cannot express their deep feelings,” states Sis. Noble.

Noble also received the Cheryl Kornegay Presidential Award during the 2010 National Convention in Norfolk, VA. “I was taken off guard and felt valued especially by my Madame President. Working with her is a rewarding experience. We are consistently learning and growing together,” she notes.

New Undergraduate Representative receives outstanding recognition Congratulations to Sis. Sheila Sheridan who was elected into the Undergraduate Representative position during the 2010 National Convention. She is a member of the Groove Undergraduate Chapter and a student at University of North Carolina Greensboro where she majors in English. She is excited about her new undertaking to represent the interests of Swing’s undergraduates.

She was equally ecstatic to receive the “Outstanding Member Award” - a tip of the hat from her beloved chapter Sisters who nominated her for fierce commitment and energy.

See a full listing of this year’s recipients on the next page.

7

2010 Convention

1

2

3

4

National Awards Check out the Sisters & Chapters who were recognized by their own and National Office for their outstanding service, leadership, and Sisterhood.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Sis. La Donna Barnes receives the Tanya D. McKoy Leadership Award, an award that recognizes and applauds the accomplishment of individuals who have demonstrated leadership abilities in the areas of public and community service.

Sis. Vanessa Diggs receives the Wanda D. Clay Education Award, an award that recognizes a Sister who has made outstanding documented contributions in the field of education. She is the president of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter.

Sis. Cheryl Boddie receives the Member Award. She is a member of Central Carolina Graduate Chapter.

Sis. Kim Capers accepts the Chapter Award for Raleigh Graduate Chapter.

She also serves as Chapter President.

5

6

Sis. Tai Wilson-Matthews receives the Member Award. She is the Chapter President for Garden State Graduate Chapter.

Sis. Barbara Harvard receives the Member Award. She is a member of DC Metro Graduate Chapter.

Sis. Laverne Wilson, National Treasurer, and Sis. Stephanie Turner, National Special Events Officer, were recognized for their hard work and contributions to the organization.

7

Sis. Tanya McKoy-Sutton is given the Founders Award by Sis. Founder Ellen Tomlinson-Carter for her devotion, love, and commitment to the organization.

8 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

8

ProliPHIc ProPHIles In the spring of this year, several Sisters were recognized for their academic and professional achievements. It would only be fitting that The Ebony Pearl recognize these Sisters who exemplify the mighty Phi.

Sis. Yaminah Ali was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. She is a resident of Baltimore, MD and a speech language pathologist by profession. She is currently working on her doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Walden University; her dissertation focuses on how to develop and implement a training program for teachers who are not prepared to teach in the inner city.

Education is even more important today according to Ali as priorities have shifted over recent years. She states, “Our parents and *our generation+ had a better appreciation for the right to obtain an education.

Instead of thinking ‘I’m going to be a college graduate so that I can be a contributor to social change”, we have students today who think, ‘I just want to get out of school and get a job.”

She concludes, “Education today is like a patient in critical condition or on life support. We know what the problem is but until we are all on one accord our children will just be maintained.”

Sis. Brenda Torrence, National Historian, was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society of Educators. With over 30 years of service as an educator, Sis. Torrence remains committed to teaching our youth.

The induction was a family affair as her daughter Nicole was also inducted during the same ceremony.

Sis. Jasmine Parham was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Golden Key recognizes academic excellence for college students in all disciplines. Parham shares this distinction with the likes of Bill Cosby and The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu.

She graduated this past spring with a degree in sociology from Bowie State University.

Sis. Desiree Israel was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society, an order that provides a closer bond among students of social work and promotes humanitarian goals and ideals. It invites students who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. Yet, Israel reflects on a time when she struggled to maintain high marks.

“We have a powerful

“Being inducted into Phi Alpha was surreal to me since I felt I didn't do my best in undergrad due to so many adversities during my senior year. I truly had to ladybug it! So now, to maintain a 3.6 GPA and being asked to assist my professors with their own research is very humbling,” states Israel.

potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that

Often viewed as a profession that is overlooked, underappreciated and underpaid, Sis. Israel hopes to use her Master’s in Social Work to pursue a doctorate in Human Sexuality. She adds, “I want to design sex education curriculum for Black churches and do pre/post marital counseling to help sustain the Black family.”

9

we may direct their power toward good ends .”

--Mary McLeod Bethune

Online Training Schedule National Office has put together an online training schedule to offer you Risk Management and Rites of Passage Coordinator training, and Convention Workshops through the end of the year. Online Risk Management training will be offered once a month and RPC training offered quarterly. Each session is limited to only 20 sisters, so register now at https://swingphiswing.ticketleap.com. As a reminder, in order to participate in ROP, sisters must be financially active & risk management certified.

Training Type

Date

Time (est)

Host

Host Contact Info

Risk Management Advancing the Swing Brand Risk Management

Thur., Sep. 16 Thurs., Sept. 30

8 pm 8 pm

scadmin@swingphiswing.org mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org

Thur., Oct. 21

8 pm

Jamilya Dartion, Southcentral Melonee D. Griggs, Media Affairs and Public Reltions Officer Brenda Noble, Vice President

Advancing the Swing Brand Risk Management

Thurs., Oct. 28

8 pm

Sat., Nov. 13

RPC/ARPC Risk Management

vicepresident@swingphiswing.org mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org

5 pm

Melonee D. Griggs, Media Affairs and Public Reltions Officer Roseanne Matthew, Mid-Atlantic

Sat. Nov. 13

6:30 pm

Roseanne Matthew, Mid-Atlantic

maadmin@swingphiswing.org

Wed., Dec. 8

8 pm

TBD

TBD

maadmin@swingphiswing.org

Swing Online Document Storage Using Box.net, Swing now has an online document storage where sisters can obtain important documents related to membership. You will find forms, Swing Explosion documentation, contact information, and more. You can even find fillable versions of every ROP form allowing you to complete and submit the forms electronically. This is just the beginning, because soon you will be able to find words & audio of the Swing Songs, videos, national media kit, pictures, and much more. To access the site go to www.box.net and log in using the username forms.box@swingphiswing.org. Contact your chapter president or your regional administrator for the password. I am sure we’ve missed something, so if you have suggestions about what should be added or questions, send them to forms.box@swingphiswing.org.

Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor’s Degree

Dr. Leone Lettsome

Danesha Anderson Sharon Braithwaite Crystal Brandon Valeria Passion Carmichael LaTanya Cole Britney Freeman Mary Gary Crystal Gilmore Terazia Jones

Master’s Degree

Masiira Abdul-Malik Lena Barker Jennifer Black Renata Dukes Melissa Frederick Oluchi Okidegbe Niketa Reed Shenise Soto

Jasmin Parham Tameka Reynolds Danielle Rogers Autumn Rowles Janice Ruiz Alexis Washington Nayonna Wright Stacey Pierre-Louis Noel Webster

10

Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

National

Swing names new Haiti Relief Task Force Coordinator Special to The Ebony Pearl

Swing Phi Swing has been recognized by Yéle Haiti for our generous donations and support after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January. Our commitment does not end there; Haiti is a nation that has to be rebuilt and supported from the ground up and Swing Phi is committed to the movement. The National Office is happy to announce that Sis. La Donna Barnes (pictured left) of the Raleigh Graduate Chapter is the new Haiti Relief Task Force (HRTF) Committee Coordinator for Swing Phi Swing.

Barnes believes that increasing awareness in communities served by Swing will also help Haiti’s quest for empowerment after such a devastating blow. “The Haiti Relief Task Force Committee provides every sister an opportunity to impact your local community. We need to continue to build our partnership with Yele Haiti.”

During the 2010 Convention, Sisters donated over $500 in supplies for the people of Haiti that included batteries, shoes, and sanitary napkins. The National Office of Swing Phi Swing also donated $100 to the Soap For Survivors campaign spearheaded by the Raleigh Graduate Chapter. The HRTF Committee is looking forward to the future and are developing plans for upcoming donation drives for chapters, and workshops for upcoming regional meetings and the 2011 National Convention. If you are committed to the work of uplifting the people of Haiti, contact Sis. La Donna Barnes at donjyz4@yahoo.com.

Above: Madame President Sharon M. Chandler (left) poses with Sis. La Donna Barnes during the 2010 National Meeting. The National Office donated $100 to the Soap for Survivors campaign, a community service project of the Raleigh Graduate chapter.

Left: Sisters Raquel “Roc” Rouse and Kim Capers of the Raleigh Graduate Chapter take a moment to make a generous donation to the Haiti Relief Task Force supply drive during the 2010 National Convention.

Facts about Haiti:  



Haiti, originally known as Ayiti which means land of high mountains in Haitian Creole, was named for the mountains on the islands western side.

On January 1, 1804, Haiti gains independence from France. It becomes the first independent Black nation in the Americas. Haiti is the second oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere after the U.S. Before the earthquake, of the 15,200 primary schools, 90% are private which created a socieconomic disparity in the education of the country’s poor. 80% of the population live in poverty.

11

Learn more about Yéle Haiti’s mission and projects at www.yele.org

Part II: Ellen Tomlinson-Carter & Beverly Dorn-Steele

By Sis. Melonee D. Griggs “I was reared in the middle of the Jim Crow Era which was changing and I never was one to conform. That was then and that is NOW,” proclaims Ellen TomlinsonCarter, one of the twelve founders of Swing Phi Swing. Self described as militant, Tomlinson-Carter looks back at time when Blacks were separated and subjugated to the racist whims of the Jim Crow South. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), she joined the ranks of other Black students across the nation during the Black Power Movement to redefine Black power, unity, beauty, and expression.

She credits her time at WSSU for teaching her independence and self-sufficiency but her love and commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is what really guided her. “I raised my daughters by example and they are far better women than I ever was. They are self sufficient, humble, caring, giving, loving young women and I am very proud. They say it was my ‘tough love’

Then and now. Sister Founder Ellen Tomlinson-Carter considers herself to be militant, just as she was 41 years ago when Swing was founded. and the life I led in front of them,” she says.

If you’ve ever seen Tomlinson-Carter at a national meeting or event, she is never one to steal the scene. Always reserved and watchful of Sisters around her, she often beams with pride that women like her are continuing to hold up the Swing Phi banner.

“It fills me with awe, amazement, joy, and humility. The greatest change I have seen is the willingness of Sisters to give of them-

In the Spring 2010 issue, The Ebony Pearl launched the Living Legacy series, a year long look into the lives of the living founders of Swing Phi Swing. In this issue, we look into the wisdom and humility of two Sister Founders who are actively involved in the philanthropic growth of our beloved Sisterhood.

selves unconditionally.”

Never one to focus on the negative, she does not buy into seeing a generational gap within the Sisterhood but sees it as growth.

“We must realize *what+ Swing is...a vehicle to be different. We should not expect undergrads to move in the same direction as graduates. Our experiences should be different or there will be no growth,” she notes. The undergraduate ranks’ desire for cultural identity harkens back to a time when that was what she and her line sisters were seeking. She adds: “As an undergraduate at WSSU, I along with others were looking for cultural identification, thus the birth of Swing. We matured and grew and the philanthropic efforts.

It is called growth.”

One founder who has been instrumental in the philanthropic growth of Swing is Sister Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele, who just recently helped her daughter Danielle move onto Winston-Salem State’s campus as an incoming freshman. She was instrumental in forming and rebranding the organization’s non-profit foundation, formerly known as the Swing Foundation, the SHE Foundation (Supporting Health and Education Initiatives). This plan was unveiled during the 2010 National Convention in Norfolk. But despite her contributions to the philanthropic ends of Swing, she remains humble and bolsters those who have lead the organization. “I’m truly amazed that we have always had great leadership. *We+ just keep on pushing upward,” she says.

Dorn-Steele entered WSSU at the innocent age of 15. “Remember that song ‘That is girl is poison’? Entering WSSU at *that age+, I was often referred to as jail bait,” she jokingly remembers. With the challenge of being objectified despite being an intelligent, confident Black woman, DornSteele excelled and went on to receive a degree in business. But after graduation, 12

Sister Founders Ellen Tomlinson-Carter and Beverly Dorn-Steele were students at Winston -Salem State University in 1969 and, along with 10 bold Black women, started a revolution in the women‟s social movement with the creation of Swing Phi Swing. “From then to now, the Civil Rights Era is the catalyst that changed the experience of being Black,” says Tomlinson Carter. she had to leave behind the Black empowered sanctum of WSSU and into the real world, complete with glass ceilings and a more sophisticated system of discrimination. After landing a job with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, her mother quietly advised her to press out her afro. She explains: “I felt like I had to leave part of the real me at home every day when I went to (Continued on page 13)

National (Continued from page 12)

work in this Corporate America. Not a lot has changed...All this talk about diversity and social capital, I’m often still only a ‘token’ Black female.”

To Tomlinson-Carter, being Black is selfactualized: “I am exactly what GOD meant me to be. I am proud, free (physically and spiritually). I am ME...From then to now, the Civil Rights Era is the catalyst that changed the experience of being Black.”

Never one to hold back when its necessary to speak, these Sister Founders are proud to see Sisters from Generation X and Y come into the ranks, yet they implore Sisters, spicy and seasoned, to simply listen to each other as we evolve as a Sisterhood.

“Most Sisters seem unable to tolerate the paradoxical idea that they can have differing, but equally valid perspectives on many

issues. It is often difficult to listen to other perspectives and consider them to have real value. Many of us fear it will diminish our capacity to have our own voice,” says DornSteele. She continues: “The fear of losing our own initiative and identity is one of the factors that prevents us from being productive. It keeps us locked in polarized thinking.”

Evolving as a Sisterhood takes hard work and sense of purpose and dedication.

Tomlinson-Carter thinks all Sisters could embrace the teachings of I Peter 5:5-8. “To me, that says it all,” she says.

To the point (verse 5), “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

--Look for more pearls of wisdom from Sister Founders Ellen Tomlinson-Carter and Beverly Dorn Steele on Facebook & Twitter.

Sister Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele entered Winston-Salem State University at the age of 15. Despite her young age, she excelled and graduated with a business degree.

Swing Phi Swing is entering a new phase of transformation as we continue to promote, advocate, and participate in the continual empowerment of the causes and the communities we support and serve with a refined focus.

Our Anniversary Logo represents that evolution.

Our Egyptian Phi signifies intellectual, energetic, and artistic transformation & movement.

Swing Phi Swing believes in transformative power, an energy that nurtures and lends it's knowledge and leadership in order to inspire others to lead.

“Evolution births transformation through perseverance”

13

Unifying to Serve in the Southeast Region

By Sis. Anita M. Johnson, Southeastern Region Secretary Remember the 2009 National Health Fair Community Service Event during our 40th Anniversary in Winston-Salem?

It went so well that the community wanted Swing Phi Swing® to come back and do it again. Recognizing that health disparities most often plague the Black community negatively, and understanding the need to get our community screened and educated, the sisters of the Southeast Region decided to answer the call. We took on the challenge of hosting another Community Health Fair as a regional service project for 2010.

On April 17, 2010, we made our way back to Winston-Salem and invited several community agencies to assist us in providing screenings and valuable safety and health information for area residents. Participants in the health fair could receive diabetes screening and blood pressure checks (two major health screenings that Blacks must have on a regular basis to prevent or best manage related chronic diseases). Adult and child CPR training were provided to give the basics of how to potentially save a life in the event of an emergency. Sisters were made aware of the devastating effects and prevention methods of SIDS

(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), the number one cause of death in infants one month to one year of age. According to the Children’s National Medical Center, “African-Americans at all socioeconomic levels experience SIDS at 2 to 3 times the rate of the general population” with Black male infants affected the most. Knowledge is power so we need to know and share what we know!

Local firefighters, dental hygienists and family service agencies were also available to provide additional information and resources.

Charlotte Grad, The Golden Bull Chapter (Johnson C. Smith University), The Groove Chapter (WSSU/A&T University/ UNC-G); Harambee Grad, Raleigh Grad, and RUBU Grad Chapters coming together with a unified effort and represent the Southeast Region well!

With all the work that is to be done in our communities, we have to make it our business to work together and show the unity that fueled the birth of our organization. One of our goals as a region is to continue to equip people with knowledge and the resources necessary Three founders of Swing Phi Swing, to promote safe and healthy communiAnita Chase Watson, Ellen Tomlinson ties through annual localized health Carter and Lorraine Watkins Phillips, fairs. were on hand to serve. On behalf of Swing Phi Swing, they proudly received The day ended with Swing songs, laughthe Community Partner Award pre- ter, and fellowship. As we bid each sented by Ben Piggot, Director of the other farewell, it is not hard to imagine Carl Russell Recreational Center. He that we left each other knowing that the spoke glowingly about the community’s strength of our region and the strength appreciation for the continued commit- of our organization, depends upon the ment to service that Swing Phi Swing® strength of our commitment to each has provided to the Winston-Salem other and to the communities we serve. community. Our Founders accepted the award in front of sisters from chapters The 2010 Southeast Regional Meeting across the Southeast Region. It was will be held November 13 in Atlanta, truly a beautiful sight to see sisters from GA. Details coming soon!

Sisters of the Southeast Region facilitated the Community Health Fair at the Carl Russell Recreational Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Founders (front row, center) Anita Chase-Watson, Lorraine Watkins-Phillips, and Ellen Tomlinson-Carter accepted the Community Partner Award for Swing Phi Swing.

14 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

Regional

Northeast Region participates in the New York AIDS Walk

By Sis. Tai Matthews

On May 16, 2010, the Garden State Graduate Chapter, in conjunction with the Northeast Region, participated in the New York AIDS Walk in Central Park.

Some Sisters walked the 10 kilometers while others volunteered by handing out snacks and beverages, cheering on walkers and runners, and working the registration tables.

Standing (back row, l-r) Guest and Tanesha Dobson; Standing (middle row l-r) Markytha Ernest, Seponono Motloenya, Tanesha Dobson, Jiel Lattimer, Shana Greene, Sandy Cayo, Brenda Noble, Carolyn Jackson, Roslyn Major, and Tawanna Johnson; Kneeling (l-r) Guest, Tai Wilson, Angelina Huggins.

With an estimated 45,000 walkers and a total of $5.7 million raised at the event, team Swing Phi Swing SFI registered over 40 walkers, and raised approximately $1,280 towards the cause! As an annual community service event, the AIDS Walk enables sisters from the Tri-State area to come together and raise money and awareness for a worthy cause!

Engaged. Supportive. Vocal.

Active membership is just the first step.

Benefits to membership

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DUES



It‟s not too late to pay your national dues!



Undergraduate—$100 Graduate—$150 Lifetime—$100 Lifetime Enrollment—$1,000



Mail your dues to the following:



NATIONAL TREASURER SWING PHI SWING S.F.I. POST OFFICE BOX 723 OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857



15

Subscription to The Ebony Pearl Discount on National Events Ebony Pearl Scholarship program Opportunities for professional development on national communities ranging from policy development, fundraising, grant writing, publishing, marketing, and finance A network of Sisters and Brothers committed to promoting Black cultural awareness and the evolution of Sisterhood And much more in the making!

Penn Relays Weekend brings Sisters & Brothers together

By Sis. Shanisa Joyner The Philadelphia Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing and Groove Phi Groove held their annual Penn Relays Cabaret in April 2010, but this year they gave a little something extra.

Native Philadelphian singer Jaguar Wright gave a live performance for the White & Black family. Swings & Grooves were dressed in their best and danced late into the morning.

Penn Relays weekend was also during the Mid Atlantic Regional Meeting for Swing and Groove Phi Groove’s Conclave, so it was a great time for Sisters and Brothers to fellowship for a weekend jam packed with other events like the charity fashion show, Run the Runway.

Before Sisters parted, Philly Grad hosted a successful citywide Expresso. We enjoyed the festivities and want to remind all Grooves and Swings to Keep Working, Keep Giving, Keep Interest.

Check out some of the highlights from our Penn Relays weekend with the White and Black family.

Above: Sisters and Brothers get their groove and swing on at the Penn Relays Cabaret; Left and right: Grooves and Swings take over the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in true fellowship.

Left: It’s not a party until there’s a twostep!

Right: Alumni of Groove’s Mighty Quaker Undergraduate Chapter of U Penn reunite during Penn Relays weekend.

16 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

Chapter

The Raleigh Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing SFI Supports College Tour

By Sis. Franchelle Evans GPA? SAT? ACT? These are acronyms you may or may not have heard before.

Scholarships, honors, tuition, full ride are words the majority of us are familiar with. It has been debated as to when is the right time to introduce these words and acronyms to children. Swing Society, the mentoring program established by the Raleigh Graduate Chapter, feels that it is never too early to plan for the future.

On March 31st, 2010, The Swing Society Mentor Program hosted their first annual college tour. Nine girls from ages 11 to 17 embarked on a journey that changed their level of thinking about college. The students recognized that college is not just a thought, it is a possibility. After visiting Bennett College for Women, Winston Salem State University, North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University (NCA&T), and University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) within two days, the young girls and chaperones were tired, knowledgeable, and eagerly awaiting next year’s trip.

about going on a college trip in the 5th grade, I said, ‘I’m too young.’ Then I thought it’s never too early to plan for your future.”

Tamara Hinton a junior in honors classes at Garner High Achool stated, “The trip was an extraordinary experience and it gave me a chance to meet some remarkable people”.

Chelsi Brower, a freshman at Southeast Raleigh High School expressed, “I learned a lot more about college than I knew before. Thank you so much for allowing me to partake in this experience.”

The Raleigh Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing would like to thank the following people for their support with the college tour: David and David Jr. of DCD transportation; our Sister chaperones Cheryl Kornegay, Donna Pinder, Jewel Antacia Bell, a 5th grader at Bugg Ele- Dunn, Anita Johnson, and Franchelle Evmentary stated, “When I first thought ans. A special thanks to the Groove Chap-

Mid South Grad‟s Black Book Drive supports local ministry

By Sis. Melonee Griggs

Rev. Debby Gaskins, Assistant Pastor of St. Andrew AME, enjoys the grand opening of Reading Works Community Library.

Photo courtesy of Mark Weber/Commercial Appeal

ter of Swing Phi Swing SFI for giving a great tour at UNCG. Last but not least a big thank you to the parents who instilled the value of education in their children.

If you would like to learn more about The Swing Society and how you can support our efforts, please visit our website at raleighgrad.locdladie.com.

After four years, the Mid South Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing continues with their Black Book Drive & Outreach. Sisters made a contribution of over 200 books to the Reading Works Library, a community enterprise through St. Andrew AME Church. Sis. Melonee Griggs serves on the library committee.

The library was the brain-child of Rev. Marilynn Robinson, Co-Pastor.

She remembers her days of growing up in the Bronx and discovering a whole new world in books. She wanted to bring that same passion to the community St. Andrew serves in South Memphis. Reading Works is just one of many community projects St. Andrew heads as part of the South Memphis Revitalization Action Plan which is supported by the South Memphis Renaissance Collaborative (SMRC), a joint venture of The Works Inc., St. Andrew AME Church, the University of Memphis, The Hyde Family Foundations, Self Tucker Architects, and the Memphis Regional Design Center.

It is Mid South Grad’s plan to continue supporting Reading Works and communities that can find their future in a book.

For more information on how you can continue supporting MSG’s Black Book Drive & Outreach Project, please contact Melonee Griggs at swingbigphi@yahoo.com.

17

DC Metro Shines a light for Haiti

By Sis. Brenda Torrence

In May 2010, the student leaders of the MentorCares Program at Northwestern High School hosted their Shine the Light of Hope on Haiti benefit event on the grounds of the Hyattsville high school's campus.

This worthwhile event gave visibility to the ongoing plight of the earthquake ravaged country while raising much needed donations of flashlights and batteries to send to Haitians who are still, for the most part, living in tents and without electricity. “The comfort of battery-operated lighting to illuminate the dark nights will mean so much to tent city residents”, says Haitian native Toniane Kersaint.

The event commenced at 7:00pm with the playing of Caribbean music including the Haitian Relief theme song 'Everybody Hurts', followed by words of gratitude and encouragement from LeadershipCares Foundation Founder Mr. Ron Yudd, Rosa Parks Elementary School Principal Ms. Tracey Adesegun, Northwestern High School Principal Mr. Jerome Thomas, and Haitian natives and advocates Ms. Toniane Kersaint and Pastor Arbentz Pierre Antoine.

and worked for several weeks to make the event a success.

They spent many after school hours decorating donation boxes, designing t-shirts and creating commemorative ribbons to distribute as they enthusiastically greeted their guests and solicited donations from passers by. Thus far, over 1,500 flashlights and batteries have been collected.

The event was attended by over sixty children, teens, teachers, adult mentors and community supporters, including members of the DCMetro Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. and their family members and friends. Chapter President Mary Johnson commented that she is extremely proud of the students for their hard work and dedication.

The chapter has served as mentors and supporters of the MentorCares Program for the past two years.

A wonderful buffet of Haitian cuisine was prepared by Ms. Kersaint, who also serves as the group's conduit to deliver donated items to their destination. Ms. Kersaint, who recently returned to the US following a visit to her homeland, is very apMentorCares students planned preciative of the heartfelt sup18

Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

port offered by the student and adult leaders of MentorCares.

As the sun began to set, attendees participated in a vigil by lighting flashlights and marching on to the school's tennis court while singing 'This Little Light of Mine'. A rousing message delivered by students Shane James and Ingrid Turcios reminded the crowd how important their efforts were and that they must continue to give to those affected by this and other disasters.

LeadershipCares is a non-profit organization committed to building a worldwide network of care, by developing one young leader at a time. They teach teenagers and young adults the leadership and life skills vital to their success and encourage the use of these skills in service to others through outreach programs in youth-toyouth mentoring, literacy training and hunger relief.

For more updates on Swing Phi Swing’s Haiti Relef efforts, check out the September issue of The Ola Report.

Chapter

DC Metro embraces the promise of Sisterhood during annual retreat

By Sisters Kia Kent and Anna Sanders On April 9, 2010 Sisters of the DC Metro Graduate Chapter went on a three day spiritual retreat at Sandy Cove Ministries, Northeast, MD to bond, reconnect and explore how to move the Chapter to another level. The setting was a beautiful, quaint resort that sat off the Susquehanna River, which gave Sisters an opportunity to focus on themselves; there was sharing, bonding, recommitting and reconnecting. In addition, Sisters were able to focus on the organization and no matter which religious denomination one practices, all agree that the weekend was very enlightening as they witnessed God move through our Chapter.

ment of how strong, like-minded women can come together for a common purpose and reach a glorious goal! Sisters had good fellowship while walking along the water and taking pictures overlooking the The weekend was a true testa- bay. Min. Karen Dickens, Associate

Minister at St. Stephen Baptist Church, Temple Hills, MD gave members an empowering lecture about the tools to “infect” the Chapter with Commitment, Retention, Recruitment and Forgiveness. She gave points from a birds-eye-view looking into the chapter as to how to implement growth: 1.

Commitment - The 4 faces of commitment – reliable, available, teachable and accountable; 2. Retention - How to hold the interest; 3.

Recruitment - Find the right kind of people; and 4. Forgiveness - Let go of the past.

DC Metro Sisters left not only as Sister With Interest Never Gone and Supporting Women In Need Of Growth but also “Sealed With Intimate Never-ending Grace.”

19

Sisters Support Young Mothers In Need

By Sis. Joan Pearson

The D.C. Metro Graduate Chapter recently became a supporter of the Forestville Teen Pregnancy Center in Marlow Heights, Maryland. The Center provides medical and educational assistance to young women who find themselves in a difficult situation with little or no resources. Hundreds of young women each year from teenagers to young adults are encouraged and taught to live productive lives with the aid of the Center’s staff.

One year ago, the Pregnancy Center lost one of its sites due to a gas explosion in the area. Many items were de-

stroyed and the Center had to combine all of its resources to one site.

The D.C. Metro Grad Chapter offered to lend a hand. On May 1, 2010, during our monthly chapter meeting and a few days before Mother’s Day, Sisters opened their hearts and brought many lovely items for the infants to enjoy.

Ms. Sharon Patterson, the Community Developer from the Teen Pregnancy Center, gave a presentation to the Chapter which focused on the Center, its vision for the future and how we could assist them with their mission. In addition to all of the lovely gifts, plastic baby bottles provided by the center, were filled with monetary donations and given to the center.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend!

For more information on how you can help us support the Forestville Teen Pregnancy center, please visit our website at www.swingphiswingdcmetro.org.

Supporting our Sister Soldier

By Sis. Melonee Griggs

Nanshanta Bradford-Davis crossed into Swing in Spring 2000 at Hampton University. She leaves her loving husband, John Davis, and a 5 year-old son, Caleb in the states while she serves our country in Afghanistan.

There are just some things we take advantage of on a daily basis, but there’s nothing like a soldier’s story that puts life into perspective. I came across

Nanshanta Bradford-Davis (Shana) through the Facebook Fan page for Swing and was happy to know she was stationed near St. Louis, MO at Ft. Leonard Wood. In the process of setting up a meet and greet with the Sisters in Memphis, TN, our Sister was shipped off to Afghanistan until May 2011.

Our Sister soldier’s wish list is simple and endearing. In an email exchange, Sis. Davis let me know that salad dressing is a luxury. “It means enough that you care and are thinking about me,” she wrote.

I would like to encourage all chapters in Swing to send our Sister Soldier a care package and she humbly requests the following items:  Salad dressing  Coffee  Cream  Travel Mug 20

Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG



Feel free to add natural hair products and some Ola! Send care packages to the following: Nanshanta Davis KAIA/IJC/J3/CJOC APO AE 09354 If you know of any Sisters and Brothers who are serving overseas, drop us a line at ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org.

--We are happy to report that Sis. Jacquelynn Coles, past National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer, made it safely back from her tour in Afghanistan in May 2010. Check her out on BackSwing.

Chapter

Charlotte Grad lends a hand in “Extreme Apartment Makeover” Submitted by Sis. Beverly Dorn-Steele Members of the Charlotte Graduate Chapter teamed up with a local deserving family to re-do their apartment. During the one-day event, Sisters provided fresh paint, pictures, blinds, bedroom furniture, a donated leather sofa, and much more. The mother of four young girls was extremely excited to finally have beds with clean sheets to sleep in. They had previously slept on mattresses on the floor. One of the daughters took a four hour nap during the ordeal. Dorn-Steele notes, “Our goal was to lift this family up, help them feel special, and let them know they are loved." Charlotte Sisters will continue to work with the family and mentor the young daughters ages 11 and 14 over the next year.

Founder honored by UNCF and Maya Angelou Special to The Ebony Pearl

In June, our very own Sister Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele (pictured below) was honored by living legend Maya Angelou (pictured left) during the 8th Annual United Negro College Fund Women Who Lead Luncheon. She was recognized as one of the Outstanding Women in Media/Television and for her work in the Charlotte, NC area.

Photo of Maya Angelou courtesy of The Charlotte Post.

21

Faith

Spirit

How to Run a One-Sister Show and Keep Your Sanity!

by Sis. Lindafaye Scott

Sanity . . . what is that? Well it’s not even the operative word here. The operative word in this title is the conjunction “and.” Is it feasible to do one effectively while being successful at the other? There is so much work to be done and we have so many little “Sisters In Need of Growth!”

I am new to this Sisterhood (Fall 09), but mentoring, encouraging and affirming every little Sister who crosses my path has been my mission in life for the past 33 years.

Since becoming a SWING, I have very proudly carried out community service projects as a lone SWING in my resident city, Richmond, Virginia. When I learned about SWING and its mission, I decided that I must become a part of this organization. I had (in my mind) a choice of three chapters to join: The Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter (Sis. Rose Lockhart is a member and my neighbor), the Mid-South Graduate Chapter (born and raised in Memphis, and yes I was willing to travel several times a year, but I realized, “Girl, you don’t have a job!”), and then there was the DC Metro Graduate Chapter.

When DC Metro learned I wanted to become a SWING, my search was over and the decision was made . . . but not by me. When Sis. Brenda Torrence learned of my existence and my desire, I got a phone

call and she very tastefully and artfully let me know that my search was over: “What is your address? You will get an invitation to an Interest meeting in a few days!” She is now my SWING Mom and we share the #3 line position!

The morning after becoming a SWING and while driving back to Richmond, I realized that this is a new beginning, and my heart and my soul became very happy! My first thought was that I wanted to shadow my Sisters by performing the DC projects in Richmond, and then, again, I thought. “Girl, wait a minute, it’s just you, yourself and you!” Later that evening, I shared with my fiancé my urgent desire to get started with my community service! I wanted to start “now!” In his infinite wisdom he encouraged me to slow it down a little. He said, “I promise, your projects will find you.”

Making this story short, this past February, I walked into the Richmond East End Public Library, for the first time, to pick up a book on making jewelry. The Librarian asked me if I knew how to make jewelry and I said, well not yet, I’m teaching myself.

She asked me if I would please come the next Monday to join the Branch’s Advisory Board. She asked for my email address so she could email me to remind me of the meeting, and then she remembered, “Oh, what is your name?” Serving on the Advisory Board has made me aware of the great need within this community, which is the historic Churchill community where many prominent, and accomplished African Americans have lived: Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Admiral Samuel Gravely, the first African American U.S. Navy Admiral, L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected African American governor and Maggie L. Walker, the first African American and woman bank president, just to name a few.

Shortly after attending the first Advisory Board meeting, I approached the Librarian about starting sewing classes. I got a yes answer before I could finish the sentence!

She said that this is an answer to one of her prayers for the girls who come in every day 22

Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

after school and sometimes for a very good part of the day during the summer.

So, my One-Sister Show includes being a member of the Richmond East End Public Library Advisory Board and the Annual Fund Drive Committee, conducting the weekly Sewing At East End classes, raising money for the library, pursuing a career as a vocalist with the Central Virginia Jazz Orchestra, establishing a fashion design career, and traveling to D.C. as often as I can for meetings and events. In addition, I hope to have up and running by the summer three new projects: Saturday Games, A Reading Theater, and a Jazz Appreciation workshop for youth. I know I can't do it all by myself, so it would be great to have some additional SWING Sister Power.

I am at a wonderful place in my life -where I am blessed to enjoy every facet of my life, and I am blessed to love doing everything I do. I especially love this Sisterhood with its socially aware, dedicated, likeminded Sisters who are daring to make a difference in this world.

So, how do you run a One-Sister Show and Keep your Sanity? First do it for love and second, ask for help. Since I do this for the Love of Swing Phi, and I’ve got the love part down . . . then O.K., here it is : [ahem] H E L P!!! Calling All Sisters in the Virginia Area!!! We have a one-Sister show in need of growth! If any of you have friends, relatives, or Swing Sisters who are in the VCU, VSU, Hampton University, Norfolk State, Richmond, Petersburg & surrounding areas, please let them know that their Time is NOW and we are waiting to hear from them Today!

For more information contact one of the following Sisters: Sis. L i n d a fa y e : 80 4 - 9 7 2 - 1 9 4 3 (lindafaaye@verizon.net) Sis. Brenda Torrence: 571-245-7909 (olateachr@yahoo.com) Sis. Rose Lockhart: 804-310-7320 (rose.lockhart@verizon.net)

2010 National Convention Pictorial Highlights Norfolk, VA July 14-17, 2010

One of the highlights of the Opening Ceremony was the Youth Positive Summit participants who brought their youthful energy to the National Convention site. Pictured above is one of the college-bound scholarship recipients Devante Holmes (middle) pictured with his proud parents. Holmes received a $500 book scholarship.

The gathering grounds for Sisters and Brothers arriving for the National Convention and the Groove Mid Atlantic Regional Meeting was the Hospitality Suite. With an international cuisine for each night and a host of activities and great house music, it provided ample leisure and fellowship opportunities. The Hospitality Committee (pictured above), Tena Hamilton, Shanisa Joyner, and Ebony Turner (not pictured - Renee Joyner), provided service with a smile.

23

Midnight Boat Ride The White and Black family took a fantastic voyage on the Spirit of Norfolk for a midnight boat ride that included great food, music, and fun.

National Meeting Chapters from across the Swing Nation gathered in Norfolk, Virginia for the 2010 National Meeting to hear the business of the organization and represent on behalf of their chapter’s interests. Founders, Executive Officers, & Board Members marched in before Sisters at the start of the meeting.

The National Convention would not be possible without the hard work and dedication to Sis. Stephanie Turner (pictured right), National Special Events Officer.

Sis. Sherri Angel Jennings offered a raffle on her collection of dress hats to raise money for Swing’s Hats for Haiti Silent Auction during the National Meeting.

24 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

Beach Party & Crab Feast The Beach Party and Crab Feast took place on a quiet cool evening on the beach in Norfolk. Sisters and Brothers grooved to New Jack Swing while enjoying the best crab Virginia’s coast has to offer.

The evening ended with a beautiful sunset and walks along the dock. It was the perfect setting for a quaint cookout with the Phamily.

25

National Prayer Breakfast Swing Phi Swing hosted another successful prayer breakfast at this year’s convention and Sisters came out with their best church hats. For the first time, Swing put together a National Choir that sang to the mind and spirits of the audience.

See more pictures on our Facebook page &

The Mighty Phi 26 Summer 2010 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG

Sis. Jacquelynn Coles (pictured left) recently returned to the states after a tour in Afghanistan. Sis. Coles went over with the Obirin Chapter at Grambling University and has served as the National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer.

While in Afghanistan, she requested that Sisters send toys for the military’s diplomatic efforts and the Sisters of the Mid-South Graduate Chapter answered the call by sending over a shipment of personalized Swing pandas (pictured right). Welcome back Sister! Ola!

Sisters of Garden State Grad (pictured left) participated in the Memorial Day Parade in East Orange, NJ on May 31, 2010.

Pictured (l-r) FL. Josh Harris, FL. LaShuan Johnson, Todd Parham, Chanir Durand II, FL. A. Nasir al Maliki, & FL. T.C. "BamBam" Caldwell Graduate Chapter On June 5th, the Fellowmen of Groove PHI Groove Philadelphia Graduate Chapter and Temple Owl Chapter participated in a community service event to improve and repair Conestoga Playground, located in the West Philadelphia section of the city. The event was spearheaded by City-Year Greater Philadelphia in conjunction with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Mastery Charter School - Shoemaker Campus, and "Stop The Madness, Stop The Violence", whose President and Founder is Fellowman A. Nasir al Maliki of the Philadelphia Graduate Chapter.

Sis. Tamika E. Walker and Adam J. Kelly (pictured right)were married May 8, 2010 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Fayetteville, NC. The ceremony was officiated by Fr. Thomas Malloy. The reception was held at The Metropolitan Room in the center of Downtown Fayetteville. The bride is the President of the Harambee Graduate Chapter. They were so happy to share this day with all of their family and friends, especially Swing and Groove!

Photo Credit: Ball-n-Chain Photography

Fl. Jameel Q. Matthews, New Jersey Graduate Chapter, and Sis. Tai D. Wilson (pictured left), President Of Garden State Graduate Chapter, were wed in May of this year. Long-time friends, the pair initially met in 2003 at the Miami Conclave. She is a middle school special education teacher in Paterson, NJ and he is a juvenile detention officer in Newark, NJ. The couple wed on May 26, 2010 in Newark, NJ. They currently reside in Paterson, NJ.

27

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. P.O. Box 50371 Washington, D.C. 20091-0371

In the

The Ebony Pearl

T HE E BONY P EARL N EWSLETTER STAFF

Melonee Griggs Editor-In-Chief Chapter PR Officers Phyllis Arnette-Schuler Pat Chalmers Beverly DaRocha Renata Dukes Jazzlyn Farrell Niketa Reed Tena Hamilton Sheila Harrison Brenda Hubbard Deborah Hunter Shanisa Joyner Katina Mattocks Wilda McKham Stacy Pierre-Louis JoAnn Smoak

Part III of Living Legacy: The Founding Chronicle of Swing Phi Swing Leaning on the Shield: Swing & the Economy The Ebony Pearl is published quarterly and serves as the official news publication for Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.速. All articles will be subject to editing and revision, which may alter the length of a submitted article. The Ebony Pearl staff will retain the spirit of each article submitted but will uphold the integrity and quality of the newsletter.

All articles must be submitted by the following deadlines to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org in order to ensure publishing in the upcoming edition.

Issue

Article Deadline

Fall 2010

September 9, 2010

Winter 2011

December 9, 2010

For more information about working with The Ebony Pearl, and receiving press releases, media kits, brochures, e-newsletters, and marketing related issues, please contact the National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer, Sis. Melonee Griggs at mediaaffairs@swingphiswing.org.

28

Send your story ideas and bulletins to ebonypearl@swingphiswing.org. of every month!

Check out the Ola Report in your Email on the 12th of every month!