2020 Souvenir Journal - "Honoring Our Essential Workers"

2020 Souvenir Journal “Honoring Our Essential Workers”

ESSENTIAL es·sen·tial | \ i-ˈsen(t)-shəl \

absolutely necessary; all important; critical; crucial; imperative; indispensable; key; life-and-death; needed; of the utmost importance; vital.

Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. The Charitable & Educational Arm of The Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 5001 Gainesville, Florida 32627 admin@twentypearls.org │twentypearls.org │@twentypearlsgnv

December 13, 2020

Dear Valued Community Partner,

President/CEO Kim Green

The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of the Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We actively create solutions and tackle the problems that our community encounters.

Vice President Tia Stover Secretary Stephanie Seawright

Treasurer Amelia Hall Assistant Treasurer Sandra Cummings Directors Pam Archer Florida Bridgewater-Alford Yvonne Hinson Judith Lightsey-Alford Diyonne McGraw Jerri Richardson

We have diligently worked to address those concerns from ensuring that our female population has the necessary information about preventative breast cancer care; the mental health awareness in underrepresented populations; collecting coats, gloves, blankets and hats for families; to developing hundreds of middle-school and high school students through the nationally recognized mentoring program. In addition, our annual scholarship philanthropy has supported hundreds of academically deserving students since 1979.

Because of the uniqueness of these times, our focus has turned to the Essential Workers in our community who work tirelessly for the people they serve. Dr. Cullen Banks, the first African-American physician with privileges at hospitals in Alachua County, is a perfect example of commitment to community. The theme of our fundraising efforts is “Honoring Our Essential Workers”. They are the true heroes of this moment.

In 2020, normal opportunities to meet the needs of our community have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Yet, we have found ways to do just that. We awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships to eleven deserving high school student and made a $3,000 contribution to the Cullen Banks Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of Florida.

We have also donated more than $5,000 to provide mammograms for underrepresented populations and for breast cancer research.

Because community needs will always exist, the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. will continue to be here to assist every step of the way.

Thank you to our generous donors and supporters for participating in this endeavor. We cannot serve the community without you. A special thank you to the Board of Directors of this great organization for your commitment to serve.

Chapter Liaison Yvonne Rawls

Yours in Service,

Kimberly Green, President & CEO Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc.

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Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Greetings to all Corporate Sponsors, Community Supporters and Golfers!

On behalf of the Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. volunteers, I am overjoyed and grateful to each of you for the success of our 12th Twenty Pearls Foundation Annual Golf Tournament Scramble.

As supporters, we appreciate your donations and applaud your efforts to assist in our worthy cause of raising funds to provide scholarships to deserving high school students and other non-profit organizations. As a well known historian stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world indeed; it is the only thing that ever has”.

We realize you are approached by many other worthy causes, so again, thank you so much for being a part of our golf tournament scramble and assisting us in our efforts to change a portion of this complexed world.

Willing to Serve,

Diyonne L. McGraw Diyonne L. McGraw, President

Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter Officers & Committee Chairs President - Diyonne McGraw Vice-President - Tia Stover Secretary - Stephanie Seawright Asst. Secretary - Breajah Leonard Treasurer - Florida Bridgewater-Alford Financial Secretary - Kutonya Sowell Graduate Advisor - Phyllis Hilliard Asst. Graduate Advisor - Patricia Morand Hostess - Jasmine T. Jones Corresponding Secretary - Sheri Brassfield Doorkeeper - Aurielle McKnight-Hollinger Parliamentarian - Ethel Campbell Chaplain - Meshon Rawls Ivy Leaf Reporter - Taylor Brown Historian - Janice Jackson Membership Chair - Pamela Archer Standards Chair - Meisha Wade

Standards Co-Chair - Patricia Morand Scholarship Chair - Yvonne Hinson Scholarship Co-Chair - Dorothy McKinzie Technology Chair - Taylor Brown Technology Co-Chair - Sheri Brassfield Connections Chair - Stephanie Seawright Sisterly Relations Chair - Faye McKnight Mentor/Mentee Chair - Sha’Leda Mirra Target 1 Chair - Terrie Ellerbe Target 1 - #CAP - Latalyia McKnight Target 2 Chair - Judith Lightsey-Alford Target 3 Chair - Jasmine T. Jones Target 3 Co-Chair - Stephanie Seawright Target 4 Chair - Bridget S. Lee Target 5 Chair - Kutonya Sowell Target 5 Co-Chair - Lisa Swindler

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The Twenty Pearls Foundation was established in July of 2006 after members of the Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority saw an opportunity to transform the Gainesville/Alachua County Community through expanded scholarships, community service and programs. These programs are implemented and executed in partnership with Mu Upsilon Omega and other community partners that share and support the Foundation's goals and purpose. The Foundation is headed by a board of eleven dedicated, established women who are change agents and have proven records of professionalism, and service to the community. They, along with more than 70 additional members of the Mu Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, have pledged their time, commitment and resources as volunteers to the Foundation in order to serve those in most need of assistance.

Web: www.twentypearls.org Email: philanthropy@twentypearls.org 5

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HBCU for Life: A Call to Action

TARGET I

The goal of the HBCU for Life initiative is to promote and market Historically Black Colleges and Universities and encourage students to attend HBCUs as a sustainability measure. Activities will include researching and publishing information regarding prominent Alpha Kappa Alpha women and other notable individuals who attended HBCUs. Recognizing that HBCU funding is one of the primary obstacles that threaten the longterm growth and survival of HBCUs, members will be encouraged to financially support HBCUs. Alpha Kappa Alpha will implement an AKA HBCU Endowment Initiative, in partnership with EAF, in which an endowed scholarship will be established at each accredited four-year HBCU. The goal is to stamp the Alpha Kappa Alpha brand of financial support on each HBCU campus to help students remain in school, complete their course of study, and receive their college degrees.

Signature Program: #CAPSM Alpha Kappa Alpha will assist students as they seek admission to college by providing guidance and support in completing the application and enrollment process through the 20182022 Signature Program, #CAPSM, which is short for College Admissions Process. Too many African American high school students lack the basic support needed to navigate through the college admissions process. Through #CAPSM, chapters will partner with local high schools and youth groups to bridge the gap between high school and college by demystifying the college application and enrollment process.

This educational initiative will extend to all colleges and universities, both HBCUs and non-HBCUs. #CAPSM is a stepby-step approach to facilitate college admissions from researching various institutions and submitting applications through completion of the enrollment process. Chapters will assist students in completing college applications, preparing for the ACT and SAT, writing compelling personal statements, identifying scholarships and other financial aid, and compiling a portfolio to track college admissions results. Through #CAPSM, Alpha Kappa Alpha will improve the trajectory of the lives of talented young people by increasing their potential for success and laying the foundation for positive, productive and fulfilling lives.

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Women’s Healthcare and Wellness

TARGET II

Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue to raise community awareness of critical health issues impacting African American women. The primary focuses will be breast cancer awareness and prevention, heart health, nutrition and wellness, and care for the caregivers. Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention will focus specifically on early detection through mammograms to improve the survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Alpha Kappa Alpha will own a digital AKA Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Unit that will travel to various locations and provide mammogram screening. Chapters will partner with local clinics, rural health centers, and hospitals to emphasize the need for African American women to receive regular mammograms.

Heart Health remains a focus as the sorority enhances its commitment to healthy hearts through fitness activities and walking. Chapters will be encouraged to form walking clubs and to invite the community to join the walking initiatives.

Nutrition and Wellness will emphasize healthy lifestyles including prenatal, childhood, adult, and senior nutrition programs. The focus will be on structured nutrition initiatives, and chapters will partner with local nutritionists and dietitians to design healthy eating plans and safe diets for longer, healthier living. Care for the Caregivers places emphasis on taking care of those who take care of others. Chapters will emphasize the need for caregivers to practice preventive healthcare as well as self-care behavior to eliminate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the stress of caregiving.

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Building Your Economic Legacy

TARGET III

Alpha Kappa Alpha will emphasize financial planning, asset accumulation, and wealth building including savings and investment, managing debt, and improving credit. Personal Financial Planning and Asset Accumulation. Financial Freedom Legacy Workshops will be conducted in partnership with local certified financial planners who will share information on saving, investing, and retirement planning. Chapters will train community residents on ways to perform financial assessments to achieve their financial goals. Credit Repair and Monitoring. This initiative will focus on ways to repair credit and improve credit scores; including how to check for inaccurate or outdated information, and how to protect against both identity theft and unauthorized credit history use.

Entrepreneurship and The Black Dollar 365. This initiative will highlight and promote successful African-American owned businesses with an aim toward spawning new entrepreneurial ventures in our communities by encouraging intentional support and leveraging the power of the black dollar 365 days a year. Operation AKA Assist.

This initiative will focus on implementing programs to assist those in need in various communities by directing attention to the plight of the homeless, including homeless children and homeless veterans. Chapters will partner with or adopt a shelter, transitional home, or organization that provides assistance to these needy populations.

The Arts!

Alpha Kappa Alpha will expose students to arts enrichment and culture by focusing on visual and performing arts and by showcasing talent through the exploration of writers, entertainers and various other artists.

Salute to the Harlem Renaissance will be launched to celebrate the contributions of African American artists during the Harlem Renaissance through student research and chapter sponsorship of student talent showcases. This initiative will be correlated with HBCUs and African American culture and will include colleges with art collections.

TARGET IV

The Salute to the Black Arts Movement will be unveiled and will focus on student research and celebration of African American artists during the Black Arts Movement. Chapters will champion activities that express the movement’s message and highlight members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who served as leaders and participants. Activities will include art events, poetry slams, dancing, painting and performing arts.

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Global Impact

TARGET V

Alpha Kappa Alpha will engage in programming designed to enhance the international footprint of the sorority. National Global Impact Day. Chapters will engage in a community service project that has an international impact and will partner with organizations that make a difference worldwide. Global Assistance Activities. Chapters will engage in global partnerships that provide assistance to the underserved in international areas populated with people of color.

These partnerships include the following: Soles 4 Souls. Chapters will collect gently-worn shoes and transport the shoes to specified locations. Soles 4 Souls, a non-profit organization, will process and ship the shoes to destinations around the world that are populated with people of color. Lions Club International. Chapters will participate in an eyeglass initiative designed to prevent blindness, help

restore eyesight, and improve eye health and eye care for millions of people around the world by donating used eyeglasses in partnership with local Lions Clubs. Pillowcase Project. Chapters will continue to use pillowcases to make dresses for little girls and will expand the sorority’s efforts to include shirts for little boys. The pillowcase dresses and shirts will be sent to Haiti to provide clothing for children in need. Refugees in America Assistance Program (RAAP). Chapters will focus on refugees of color in the United States by partnering with organizations engaged in support activities that assist refugees and their families to integrate into American life. This includes literacy classes, educational training, and other necessary transitional support.

COMMUNITY IMPACT DAYS          

AKA International Day of Prayer Observance National HBCU Week AKA HBCU Day Observance Breast Cancer Awareness Day AKA Caregivers’ Day Observance Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Founders’ Day AKA Reactivation Day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Day of Service Pink Goes Red Day for Heart Health AKA Global Impact Day Observance 10

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IN HONORARIUM

Recognizing the contributions of Dr. Cullen W. Banks for his commitment and dedication to the community, the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. dedicated the charitable golf scramble in his honor. During the 1950s, Dr. Banks became the first black physician to have full privileges in the county hospital, Alachua General, in Gainesville. Dr. Banks received the 1996 Certificate of Merit, the highest state medical honor awarded by the Florida Medical Association. In 1988, the Rotary Club of Gainesville honored and presented Dr. Banks with the organization’s annual “Service Above Self” award.

Dr. Banks passed away on April 23, 2013 in Gainesville. In August 2013, the City of Gainesville renamed a portion of Southeast 11th Avenue in honor of the late Dr. Cullen W. Banks. He was an avid golfer who integrated several courses in Alachua County and surrounding communities. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mrs. LaKay Banks and their children, Colleen, Garry, Barry and Maritza.

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“Honoring Our Essential Workers”

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310 NE 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609 Phone: (866) 210-0416

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Best Wishes to the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. —Soror Barbara Smith 25

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to all the

Essential Workers !!

Especially Healthcare Jassmine Green Octavia Mosley Alachua County School Board Carletta Mosley-White Crystal Mosley

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The George Family Eddie George Sr. Faye George Parker 38

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Soror Pam Archer Emergency Room/Oncology Social Worker UF Health Shands 40

Alachua County Fire Rescue (Station 23) Angela DeZayas Bitar Brain Restoration Clinic Charleson, SC VA Medical Center Food Lion Grocery Store Fred Drummond Gainesville Regional Transit HarborChase of Gainesville (Senior Living) Harris Teeter (Towne Centre) Home Deport Juan Rodriguez Kappitola Williams Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Monrovia Cemetery NCFL Regional Medical Center Patuxent River Health and Rehabilitation Center Pierre Saint YI Post Office (mailboxes and more) Publix Super Market (Springhill Commons) Publix Super Market (Butler Plaza West) Publix Super Market (Newberry Square) Publix Super Market (Paradise of Summerville) Publix Super Market (Steeplechase) Sam's Warehouse Club Stephanie Baldwin The Windsor Of Gainesville (Senior Living) Thomas Williams W.M. Smith-McNeal Funeral Home

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Soror Maxine Cohen And Bernard R. Cohen, Sr. Congratulate Our Mother Soror Cherrestene Cohen And the Magnificent Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

To Our Essential Workers

Thank you for your courage, skill, knowledge and dedication —————————-

Linda Y. Jackson 55

Congratulations to the ladies of the Magnificent Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc on yet another successful year.

We appreciate all the work and support you give this community!

Dr. Donald Reed

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

DR. JOHN C. RAWLS Known to his Alpha Brothers as Life Member #21

Wife, Sister Yvonne C. Rawls, AKA

Daughter, Sister Valencia Rawls Gore, AKA Granddaughter, Sister Alejandra Y. Rawls AKA SONS Bro. John C. Rawls, Jr., A Phi A

Bro. Gerard R. Rawls, A Phi A

Bro. Cedric W. Rawls, A Phi A

******** Much Success to Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter and Twenty Pearls Foundation “2020 Honoring Our Essential Workers”

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In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Mother Dora Moore Brown Father George Brown & Brother George Brown Jr.  Congratulations Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter Of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. For your “Service to All Mankind”  Ralph Brown and Vivian Brown Ware Thomasville/Bainbridge, Georgia 61

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In Loving Memory of

George Brown, Jr. Congratulations Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. & Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. And thank you for the Service You Provide to All People Wife Johnnie Hollis Brown Son Anthony Brown Daughter Monica Brown Little Son George Rodney Brown Daughter Sandi Brown 67

Congratulations to Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter Of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For Your Many Years of Service

AKA Ruby Baker

Best Wishes to the Twenty Pearls Foundation —Soror Barbara Smith 68

Congratulations to ESSENTIAL WORKER

Linda Saulet Night -Shift Supervisor, Registered Medical Technologist Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. —————Life Member Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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My Love and Best to Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. And Twenty Pearls Foundation!

The Honorable Shirley Green Brown Alachua City Commissioner P.O. Box 9 Alachua, FL 32616

Congratulations Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. 

Blessings from Pastor John Brown & Shirley Brown St. Paul AME Church 95 NE 132nd Terrace Gainesville, FL 32641 70

Congratulations to

ESSENTIAL WORKER Dr. Joyce Cosby, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Dental Director Fulton County Jail, Atlanta Life member and Charter Member of Mu Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “Caring for those who are Incarcerated in these trying times”

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Nelson’s Lawn Services Owner “Kenny Nelson” For Quotes Call: (352) 262-4604 No Job too BIG or too small 72

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Essential Workers during COVID19 One day we awakened from everyday norms To find in our midst, an enemy has formed; An enemy called COVID19 Moves to and fro, like none we have seen.

This elusive enemy with its deceptive symptoms, Masquerading as the flu, it eludes our wisdom.

It has sickened many and stolen too many lives.

In hospital beds a many have died.

Friends and mothers and fathers and sons; From China to Italy and still not done.

From New York to Michigan and so many others Lay in hospital beds, our daughters and brothers.

Yet, amidst all of this chaos and mass confusion Essential workers fight to combat the illusion.

They are direct care workers, police, doctors and nurses Who risk their lives as they continue to serve us.

They are restaurant workers and those who stock shelves, Who report to work every day, risking themselves.

They are pharmacists and bankers still working the clock.

Amidst COVID19, not all work has stopped!

There are so many others working behind the scenes, Who work but aren’t necessarily seen.

They, too, are at risk of contracting this thing; This elusive virus, called COVID19.

So, for those of us who are working from home or not working at all, Let us not forget those who are answering the call; Those who leave their homes to serve or protect…

Let us not forget to show them some respect.

Be patient as they serve you and kind as they work For it is us they are called to serve, so please don’t be a jerk.

Be sure to mind your manners and it won’t hurt to wear a smile.

Be appreciative of essential workers, as they go the extra mile.

And if you pray, say a special prayer for every one of them For their continued work gives us a bit of ‘normal’ amidst all of this mayhem.

And just remember, any act of kindness will go a very long way And could be the one thing to make an essential worker’s day.

Yes, this is a tough time for all of us. It is! It is indeed; With the closure of businesses, ‘Social Distancing’ and ‘Stay at Home’ pleads.

As we wear masks and gloves while remaining 6 feet apart, Know that this is not the cure, this is just a start.

Remember, we are all links in this fence of life but together we are strong, As we work together towards the day, when COVID19 is gone.

Yes, we are in this fight together; some up front, some behind the scenes.

Let’s give some elbow shakes, fist daps, thank yous and hand claps

~Bettie Cunningham~4/12/2020~ Disabilities Advocate, The Arc NW 74