Message from the National Convention Co

Table of Contents
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Message from the Southern Regional Director and
Southern Regional Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Message from the National Convention Co-Coordinators . . . . . . . . . 3
Message from the Office of the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Convention Tentative Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Accommodations and Hotel Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Official Convention Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Housing Procedures and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Orlando/Orange County Convention Center Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Performers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Diversity Job Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Souvenir Journal Ad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Bass Fishing Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Family Activities and Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Airport and Ground Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rental Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Be Sure to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
President’s Message
M
y Sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., ALL of you—collegiates, alumnae, newly initiated Deltas, and Delta Dears, you
are hereby called to assemble in Orlando, Fla. July 24-30, 2008 for
our 49th National Convention. You are called from the North and the
South, the East and the West; from the more than 900 chapters in the
seven regions of our glorious sisterhood; from the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda,
England, the Republic of South Korea, Japan, Tokyo and Okinawa, Jamaica, Germany, and
the Virgin Islands of our global membership. Come to Orlando, Florida so that we can
conduct the business of our grand Sorority, as well as establish the agenda to continue
the awesome mission of empowering communities through committed service. The need
has never been greater as our country suffers the impact of a declining economy and the
ravaging effects the cost of the war has had on housing, health and education budgets.
As National President of Delta Sigma Theta, I am honored and privileged to issue
this clarion call, officially summoning you to our 49th National Convention, and assure
you that the Executive Board, National Headquarters Staff, and host sorors are working
tirelessly to ensure that you will participate in one of the most exciting, enlightening, and
exhilarating conventions in our history.
Louise A. Rice, Ph.D.
Orlando, also known as “O-Town” and “The City Beautiful,” will be even more beautiful when we arrive by the tens of thousands, wearing our crimson and cream, ready to
further warm the city with our Delta love and sisterhood.
We will begin our 49th National Convention experience with the ease and efficiency of completing convention and hotel
registration online as we have done for our last three cycles of regional and national meetings. From the moment we arrive
until the day we depart, we will experience that “good ole Delta spirit” as we greet and meet our sisters.
Sorors, the emotions generated by the conventions are always diverse but positive. You will be inspired and invigorated
during the plenary sessions, seminars, and workshops. You will be educated, motivated, and mesmerized. You will be heard
through your voice and your votes. You will be celebrated and entertained. You will have moments to remember and memories to treasure forever.
While you are in business sessions, your families and friends will be engaged in a variety of activities, including tours,
cards, and a golf tournament. ‘O-Town’ is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world with more
theme parks and entertainment attractions (such as The Magic Kingdom, Disney World, and Sea World) than anywhere else.
It also has one of the largest single-story malls in the USA with 250 stores. There will be something for everyone to enjoy,
and the host chapters have gone beyond the call of duty in planning activities, especially for the men in our families and
friendship circles. Incidentally, Orlando is located within six miles of the suburb Eatonville, Florida, the first all-black town to
be incorporated in the United States.
As for hotel accommodations, we have enough rooms for everybody, and, again sorors, we urge you to use the rooms
that we have reserved to accommodate our members. When you book your rooms outside of the ones we have blocked
exclusively for our membership and the Sorority does not use all the rooms reserved, it results in our paying a tremendous
penalty. If you have already made a reservation outside of Delta’s block, please consider re-booking your room within Delta’s
exclusive room allocation and canceling your outside reservation so that we don’t have to continue to justify our existence
when we negotiate hotel rates. I know that I can rely on your sisterly spirit of cooperation, and, for this, I am very grateful.
My sorors, answer the Call to Convention and gather in Orlando by the tens of thousands. Come with your commitment,
your creativity, and your conviviality. Leave encouraged, exhilarated, and energized by the experiences of the 49th National
Convention.
I look forward to seeing you in Orlando.
Sisterly and sincerely,
Louise A. Rice, Ph.D.
49th National Convention
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Message from the
Southern Regional Director and
Southern Regional Representative
Greetings Sorors!
T
he warmth of the Florida sunshine awaits, as the sorors of
the Greater Orlando chapters prepare for the 49th National
Convention, July 24-30, 2008. As we thrust open the golden gates
of the City Beautiful, we unfold all of the wonders Orlando and Florida
have to offer. We have encapsulated the fantasies of one of the most
magical places on earth, just for you.
The sorors of the 207 chapters of the Dynamic Southern Region are
anticipating your arrival with excitement, exuberance, and exhilaration. We
are committed to making the 49th National Convention the most fulfilling and
memorable event that can be envisioned.
We applaud the work of the Greater Orlando Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta
with approbation. Sorors, we, the sisters of the Dynamic Southern Region, are
ready for you!
For your enjoyment and enrichment and that of your families and friends,
many activities and adventures are being planned. The sky is the limit as you
choose from the best amusement parks, golf courses, sightseeing tours, shopping
excursions, historical venues, and cultural events in the world.
The ceremonies, plenary sessions, workshops, and subscription events of the
49th National Convention are unparalleled with any other. The luncheons, dinners,
and banquets are unrivaled. The hotel accommodations and transportation
network are unmatched.
In the words of a nostalgic song, “When you wish upon a star, makes no
difference who you are...” The stars are cast in the Florida sky just for you, sorors
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Make a wish…dare to dream. Read
more about the convention in the pages that follow and make your plans now to
register and attend. Gather by the thousands in Orlando, July 24-30, 2008. For
when Deltas are together this summer at the 49th National Convention, you will
find that your dreams have come true.
Christine M. Nixon
Eagerly awaiting your arrival,
Christine M. Nixon
Nailah R. Tillman
Christine M. Nixon
Southern Regional Director
Nailah R.Tillman
Nailah R. Tillman
Southern Regional Representative
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CALL TO CONVENTION 2008
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Message from the
National Convention Co-Coordinators
Greetings Sorors:
t has been over ten years since our National Convention took place
in Orlando, Florida, affectionately called “The City Beautiful.” Who
could ever forget the enchantment of thousands of Sorors from all over
the world who graced this land of make believe? The memories of that
39th National Convention lingered in the city long after the closing prayer.
Those memories will grow larger than life as the 49th National Convention
draws near and reaches a crescendo on July 25, 2008.
Orlando continues to be a favorite family destination worldwide. It was built
for memories that last a lifetime. And, there are many offerings and opportunities
to create lasting memories of your own during the 49th National Convention with
theme parks, shopping, museums, world-class restaurants, arts and entertainment.
Once we have taken care of business, it’s time to get out, have fun and
fellowship with other Sorors. For those who enjoy retail therapy, we have over 52
million square feet and over 1200 retail shops. Golf enthusiasts will find hundreds of
challenging golf courses.
Orlando is also home to many world famous chefs who have opened restaurants
in the area, including Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Roy Yamaguchi. AfricanAmerican restaurants are also represented. Johnson’s Diner is one of the oldest soul
food establishments along with Queen Bees, owned by Soror Eloise Reddick, and
Mama ‘Nems another fine soul food restaurant.
Our cultural heritage is teeming here in Central Florida. Visit Eatonville, Florida,
the nation’s oldest incorporated African-American municipality, home of renown
author Zora Neale Hurston and the Zora Neale Festival. A tour of the Wells Built
Museum of African-American History is also in order.
The Sorors from the four host chapters—Orange County Alumnae, Orlando
Alumnae, Sanford Alumnae and Mu Iota Chapter—are excited and committed to
making the 49th National Convention the best ever. With our vision, faith, and
dedication, we will meet this challenge.
Just picture the more than 15,000 beautiful women of color, with all that talent,
solidarity and strength gathered in the Orlando Convention Center on July 25, 2008.
What we do in 2008 will long be remembered. This will be the catalyst for our
growth, our future and our legacy. Let’s make it our finest hour.
I
Avis “Monica” Bolden Riley
Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury
Yours in Delta,
Avis “Monica” Bolden Riley
Avis “Monica” Bolden Riley
National Convention Co-Coordinator
Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury
Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury
National Convention Co-Coordinator
49th National Convention
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Message from the
Office of the Executive Director
Dear Sorors,
W
e hope that you are
making plans to experience Orlando, Florida,
the “City Beautiful”—site of
the 49th National Convention.
The National Headquarters staff is a key
member of this team which is chaired by
the National President and includes the
Executive Board, National Committees,
Task Forces and Convention Coordinators.
We are committed to providing support
and ensuring that every aspect of this
convention meets the Delta standard of
excellence.
This team is involved in carefully
designing every aspect of the Convention;
from the selection of the convention bag
to logistics and everything in between.
We are confident, as we work with the
Orlando/Orange County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, that Orlando possesses
the most successful ingredients for our
Convention. As we carefully attend to
every detail, you, the membership are
foremost in our thoughts.
As you make preparations to carry
out the very important business of Delta
at this convention, please use this CALL
as a resource and guide.
Let’s all pray for a successful and
memorable 49th National Convention in
the “City Beautiful.” We’ll see you there!!!
Directors (1ST ROW, L TO R) Deborah Somerville, Interim Director, Information
Systems; Roseline McKinney, Executive Director; Ella McNair, Director Programs
and Public Relations. (2ND ROW, L TO R) Gwendolyn K. Dailey, Director, Finance;
Deirdre Shoulars, Director, Membership.
Sincerely,
Roseline McKinney
Roseline McKinney
Executive Director
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CALL TO CONVENTION 2008
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