SPECIAL ISSUE - Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.

®
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
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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.®. 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!