atlantic advance - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

ATLANTIC ADVANCE
JULY 2016
HIDDEN
BOOKSHOPS
Arizona Cleaver Stemons
Pearl Anna Neal
Myrtle Tyler Faithful
Viola Tyler Goings
Fannie Pettie Watts
Born 1/30/1898 – Pike County, MO
Died 3/10/80 – Philadelphia, PA
Born 10/10/1900 – Charlotte, NC
Died 1/31/78 – Charlotte, NC
Born 11/7/1901 – Flushing, OH
Died 4/21/93 – Baltimore, MD
Born 8/29/1899 – Flushing, OH
Died 3/9/83 – Springfield, OH
Born 12/20/1899 – Perry, GA
Died 8/22/95 – Brooklyn, NY
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is an international women's organization
that has established itself as the foremost network of socially and politically
conscious activists working to empower disenfranchised communities.
On January 16, 1920, five trailblazers at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
sought to separate from the established organizations and founded a new
sisterhood predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and
Finer Womanhood.
Zeta has been and continues to be the "Sorority of Firsts", creating best-inclass educational programming models like Stork's Nest and Z-HOPE, and a
family of youth and adult auxiliary groups to advance our local communities.
With more than 120,000 members inducted, Zeta has become one of the world's
foremost movements for social justice and civic change. Members of Zeta are
called to a higher purpose of Finer Womanhood. Zeta women are achievers and
leaders in every field in more than 800 communities across the United States,
Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe.
Atlantic Advance
Publisher
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Atlantic Region
Zeta Phi Beta Founders
Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful,
Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts
International President
Mary Breaux Wright
Atlantic Regional Director
Janet Y. Bivins, Esq.
Editor-in-Chief
Denise Marie Snow
A t l a nt i c R e g i on L e a d e rs h i p T e a m
18th International President
Secretary
Vice Secretary
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Parliamentarian
Reg. Rep. to the Nt'l
Nominating Committee
Delaware State Director
Maryland State Director
New Jersey State Director
New York State Director
Pennsylvania State Director
Tri-State Director
13th Atlantic Regional Director
14th Atlantic Regional Director
15th Atlantic Regional Director
Chairman of the
Undergraduate Council
Regional Undergraduate
Coordinator
Dr. Edith V. Francis
Janice M. T. Johnson
Kimberly Faulkner
Andrea P. Jack
Crystal Johnson
Beverly Tatham, Esq.
Oredola Edwards
Martha Sims-Wilson
Danielle R. Green
Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.
Shanell L. Robinson
Barbara A. Cousar
Annette Draper-Moore
Jacqueline Lemon-Denton
Kimberly A. Smith
Jacqueline C. McNair
Ireisha Vaughn
Karima N. Rose
www.atlanticregionzetas.org
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 3
Atlantic Region Appointed Officers
Chief of Staff
DOARS
Healthy Living
Choir Director
Choir Co-Director
Chaplain
Co-Historians
Demographics
Social Action
Social Media
Zeta Doves
Zeta Partnerships
Amicae Affairs
Budget and Finance
Life Members
Necrology
Protocol
Reclamation
Youth Affiliates
Zeta Male Network
IDC Coordinator
Legal Counsel
Public Relations
Standard Operating
Procedures
Roshonda L. Scipio
Patricia Timmons
Camille Titus
Kendra Wilson
Coreen Sims
Rev. Lynette P. McMilan
Myra Witcher, Rita Woods
Kimyatta Pitts
Teraleen Campbell
Natasha Jones
Pauline Gibson
Joanne Yarde
Wanda Cromartie Jones
Charbet Duckett
Charbet Duckett
Monica L. Younger
Dana Moore
Saniah M. Johnson, CPA
Virna Springer
Andrea Puckerine-Braxton
Tamara Harris
Keysha N. Council, Esq.
Stephanie L. Arnold
Charlotte Weston
Rhonda Lawson
Andrea Todman
Maliyka A. Muhammad
Natasha Jones
Nickki Weyant
Yolanda Goodwin-Humphrey
Lisa Turner
Weldina Lewis Conde
Dr. E. Fran Johnson,
Tracey Lafayette
Nt'l Legacy Club Lauwana Martin
Nt'l Constitution and Bylaws Saniah M. Johnson, CPA
March of Dimes
Scholarship
Stork's Nest
Webmistress
Z-HOPE
MIP Review Committee
Photographer
Awards
Nt'l Handbook Committee
Committee
Undergrad Rep. to the
Undergrad Advisor
Committee
Z-NEF
Elder Care
March 4 Babies Ambassador
Rededication
Meeting Planner
Fundraising
St. Jude
Registrar
Vendors
Ireisha Vaughn
Juliet Duggins
Linda Lawrence
Maryanne French
Valerie Villines
Wanda Calvin Claiborne
Eunice Samuels Lewis
Kristal Miller
Ebony McLean
Angela Lewis, Valerie McCoy
National Elected Officers from the Atlantic Region
Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker
National First Anti-Basileus
Jacqueline Lemon-Denton
National Trustee
Ireisha Vaughn
National Undergraduate Rep. to the National Nominating Committee
Nationally Elected Members of the National Educational Foundation
from the Atlantic Region
Sieta Achampong
Roslyn Hannibal-Booker
Building on the Principles of Zeta
While Blazing New Paths
www.atlanticregionzetas.org
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 4
CONTENTS
FEATURES
09 THE FUTURE OF EXCELLENCE:
UNDERGRADUATES
12 MU ETA 40TH ANNIVERSARY
20 NURTURING THE SEEDS OF ZETA'S LEGACY
23 ALPHA ALPHA CHI ZETA CHAPTER
29 IOTA THETA ZETA CHAPTER
ACTION-ORIENTED
SPOTLIGHT
ZETA AMICAE OF BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
NEW JERSEY: BUILDING AN
13 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR YOUTH
TRENDING
15 ELDER CARE INITIATIVE
ATLANTIC REGION CONFERENCE
BAG BROKE THE INTERNET!
17 MARCH OF DIMES
18 REGIONAL SOCIAL ACTION EFFORTS
GAME. SET. MATCH.
ATLANTIC REGION
REPRESENTS AT THE
$250,000 PRESENTATION
TO THE SMITHSONIAN
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN
HISTORY AND CULTURE!
CAUGHT CHEESIN'
MARYLAND STATE DIRECTOR,
DANIELLE R. GREEN, AND
REGIONAL DIRECTOR BIVINS
GREETINGS FROM THE
ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Dear Sorors and Amicae,
Hail to Founders Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful
and Fannie Pettie Watts for their wisdom, vision and courage. Thank you to our International Grand
Basileus Mary Breaux Wright for continuing that vision and wisdom with transparency and
yes…courage.
Thank you to the Sorors, Amicae and Youth because the Atlantic Region is AMAZING! Your chapter
Basileus/auxiliary President has reported your achievements to your State Director. Your State
Director has compiled and reported to me. In my capacity I am blessed to see the complete picture
of the work, the dedication and the love that is produced by the Atlantic Region. You are
AWESOME! Please take time to read my Grand Boulé report received by attendees and your
delegates upon their return from our national convention.
Welcome to all of our new members, new chapters and auxiliaries. Special shout to the FIRST
international Amica Auxiliary – Brussels, Belgium, chartered on May 22, 2016. Welcome to Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Incorporated and to the Atlantic Region!
The Atlantic Advance captures a glimpse of who we are and what we do. Thank you to our Editor,
Soror Denise Marie Snow for bringing her talents to bear by creating another excellent edition. This
issue is an opportunity to highlight the service and scholarship focus of our States and Chapters
within the region. Thank you to all that shared your work with us.
Within these pages, please note the upcoming Atlantic Region Social Action Initiative regarding
Voter Registration. The 15th and 19th Amendments afforded us the Right to Vote. Ancestors
fought and died for our birthright. Let’s do our part to continue the fight to ensure that ALL
CITIZENS exercise that sacred right on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 6
GREETINGS FROM THE
ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
I thank each of you for your labors thus far and your future labor as we handled our business “The
Zeta Way” in Orlando, FL. Congratulations to the 135 Atlantic Region Charter Members of the
Myrtle and Viola Tyler National Legacy Club—85 of which participated in the induction ceremony.
If you were the Seed Legacy, heightened congratulations to you for it is through your example that
other members of your family decided to go “the Zeta Way”, to emulate you and to do the work that
we do. It is because of you that Zeta and your legacy grows. And it is because of you that the
legacy continues… We are thankful to you for your leadership. We are proud, glad and inspired that
you are a member of the Atlantic Region.
As we closed out FY 2015 – 2016, I take this opportunity to salute the six women who first joined
forces around my dining room table in August of 2012—and that have served with me since.
Madame State Directors Martha Sims-Wilson (DE), Danielle R. Green (MD), Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.
(NJ), Shanell L. Robinson (NY); Barbara A. Cousar (PA) and Annette Draper-Moore (Tri)—my team,
your team, our TEAM ATLANTIC. YOU ARE ASTOUNDING! You have led with dignity, grace,
transparency and intelligence and have ensured that the programs of our International Grand
Basileus and all initiatives have been exquisitely executed within your respective states. Thank you!
For all of the above reasons, Sorors and Amicae of the Atlantic Region, you are a testament that
Leadership Lives Here!
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 7
Team Atlantic
Martha Sims-Wilson
Delaware State Director
Danielle R. Green
Maryland State Director
Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.
New Jersey State Director
Shanell L. Robinson
New York State Director
Barbara A. Cousar
Pennsylvania State Director
Annette Draper-Moore
Tri-State Director
NOMADIC
|
24
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 8
The Future of Zeta Excellence
THE YEAR OF THE UNDERGRADUATE
Atlantic Region Zetas show you how service
'
is done on today s college campuses
Pictured
:
Mu Eta Chapter
,
Penn State University
Photograph courtesy of Commonwealth of PA
Facebook page
!
Soror Mildred Young ( Xi Iota Chapter )
@ Montclair State University was
featured in the university ' s newsletter
The Montclarion for her work as a
" one woman chapter " .
Soror Danielle White graduated with her
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.
Soror Chrismine Brun was initiated into the
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society being
the only black female out of 12 initiates
from the senior class handpicked from
faculty. Soror Brun has also won Second
Place in the University of Connecticut ' s
School of Nursing Innovations Conventions
out of over 12 teams. Her and her team
proposed a new modality to promote cost effective and efficient disinfection and
sterilization in order to prevent patients
from acquired hospital - acquired infections.
Soror Brun has also been awarded NPHC
Woman of the Year at the University for her
commitment not only to Zeta but to all the
family members of the Divine Nine.
Psi Pi Chapter
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
The Psi Pi Chapter volunteered at Brookhaven Nursing Home in East Orange, NJ. Some of the
activities held with the residents included painting nails, room visits, and giving out Valentine’s Day
cards. The chapter opens up these trips to all members of the Seton Hall community, hoping that
more students will join in their efforts to support elder care. This was the Psi Pi Chapter’s first time
attending the nursing home and they will continue to volunteer every second Saturday of the month
throughout the semester. Through these monthly visits, the Psi Pi Chapter hopes to uplift the spirits
and build a connection with the residents of the nursing home.
The Psi Pi Chapter also hosted “The Royal Revue” at Seton Hall University which aimed to raise
money for the March of Dimes March for Babies. At this event, there were a number of performances
from students attending Seton Hall University and from various schools in the North Jersey area
including spoken word, singing, and dancing. Numerous Greek and non-Greek vendors were
present and guests enjoyed a catered dinner and raffled items that were donated from local South
Orange businesses. The special guest performer, Miles Hodges, who is a poet from The Strivers Row,
performed three spoken word pieces and gave special commendations about how much he admires
the brotherhood and sisterhood of black Greek-lettered organizations on college campuses. He
acknowledged the importance of our organizations, especially considering the social injustices that
are occurring within our communities. The night was filled with fun and inspiration and through this
event Psi Pi was able to raise over $500 to be donated to the March of Dimes and to send a delegate
to the 2016 Boule.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 11
Mu Eta
Chapter
40th
Anniversary
PRESERVING THE
LEGACY
This year, the "Mighty" Mu Eta Chapter gathered together at
The Pennsylvania State University for a celebration of forty
and fabulous years of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and
Finer Womanhood. Mu Eta has a long history of doing
programs on the University Park campus to raise money for
the lupus foundation as well as establishing a pageant
called “Mr. Black Penn State” which is a yearly scholarship
contest that is held for the men of color on campus, as well
as a benefit concert to raise money for The March of Dimes;
just to name a few.
During the weekend, a banquet was held at Toftrees Hotel
and Resort where Sorors reminisced on memories, old and
new. New Members were presented after the banquet
highlighting two new members to the chapter. A
Rededication ceremony was followed by brunch
and inspirational service. The chapter donated items to the
Women’s Resource Center in State College as a community
service project. Community Service is a huge part of being a
Zeta and chapter members always strive to find
opportunities to give back in some way. The entire weekend
was filled with Sorors reconnecting with each other,
rededicating ourselves to Zeta, and reminiscing on the hard
work, and the fun times that Mu Eta has accomplished thus
far and the many years of hard work, and fun times that
have yet to come.
New Jersey
Building an
Infrastructure for Change
Under the leadership of state director, Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., NJ chapters of the sorority got engaged
with bringing Text, Talk, Act to over 200 local schools and over 50 community partners and faith-based groups
and reached thousands via social media, Upward Bound youth workshops, MLK Days of Service, body image,
bullying and domestic violence mental health discussions, healthy living symposiums, eldercare youth and
senior mentoring programs, emergency preparedness activities and more! They have built a national network
of families that are engaged in community conscious and action-oriented conversations via local driven
initiatives and leadership training for girls that centers around mental health. Chapters are also the proud
recipients of all three of the Atlantic region's #ZetasGetEngaged #SOcialACTion awards and thrilled to have
received Text, Talk, Act, Youth Service Alliance and other grants to leverage their youth and civic engagement
around mental health. These awards also included youth book donations all valued at over $8,000.
Technology via Text, Talk, Act provided an easy, interactive and fun way to help our youth auxiliary girls
address the stigma around mental health and develop action plans for on-going related community service
including meeting with political leaders and spearheading state capitol conversations with school districts
that exposed more than 2,000 students to not only the social-emotional learning from Text, Talk, Act, but also
the impact of the lack of emergency preparedness can have on pregnant women, elders and the disabled.
Members of our sorority and Amicae friends of Zeta auxiliary went to different classrooms and lead
discussions on 9/11 and how terrorism impacts mental health, pulled out their family plan cell phones to do
the Text, Talk, Act exercises with their own children, placed chapter youth into small groups and walked them
through the informative steps of Text, Talk, Act, while also addressing violence in our communities. Zetas
shared mental health data and related legislation with parents and the larger social media community, met
with Senator Booker and Senator Menendez in DC to gather additional resources on disaster related mental
health issues, poverty, school mentoring to increase youth well-being and more! By integrating an additional
community service element in September the Text, Talk, Act Zeta youth also put together emergency
preparedness month kits and donated them in October to those fighting breast cancer. Trenton, New Jersey
area members of the social action chapter of the year, Epsilon Xi Zeta, hosted Zeta's NJ Day at the State House
where Sister Greek Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman presented Zeta a New Jersey proclamation and
In addition, Zeta member Congresswoman Donna Edwards, a Center for Women in American Politics
Lipman Chair and violence prevention advocate, nationally congratulated the Camden, New Jersey
Gamma Nu Zeta chapter youth for their dedication to mental health and community service and
encouraged all Zetas to continue the conversation around wellness. Text, Talk, Act also helped position
New Jersey Zetas to emergency preparedness certify their youth and Amicae auxiliary and sorority
members in an effort to help save lives and address some related mental health needs.
Text, Talk, Act helps Zeta communities spread awareness on key mental health issues, promoting voter
registration and mobilization around healthcare advocacy, building relationships with elected officials
and teaching girls the importance of leadership and being action-oriented. Zeta women are integral to
communities around the world. They are mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters; they are also
leaders, advocates and change agents committed to keeping neighborhoods safe and families healthy.
Zeta members and their amicae and youth auxiliaries also recognize the responsibility they have to
bring our communities together for collective action, which includes mental health awareness.
Your limitations are only as big as you make them. Everyone has the opportunity to be a zealous
catalyst for change and the finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. empowers our youth to be the
change they wish to see in the world! Visit www.ZPhiBNJ.org to learn more about our
#ZetasGetEngaged and related youth and mental health programming opportunities. The #OurGirls
initiative empowers New Jersey Zetas to better support the mental health of our local youth." Dr.
Denalerie Johnson-Faniel, NJ Social Action and Partnerships Coordinator.
Overall, bullying, gun violence and suicide are real and one of the most important things we can do for
any of our youth is to model pro–social and pro–community behavior. Communication and compassion
is key and following are some helpful tips for connecting with girls in respectful ways to help build an
understanding of mental health awareness and cultivate self care:
• Listen to girls, hear what they say without judging, assigning motivation, feeling the need to agree or
disagree with them, or questioning authenticity.
"
Let girls know you care about them, even when they make mistakes and demonstrate poor decision
making—remind them that we all make mistakes.
•
•
Acknowledge their strengths and skills—help them to use these in pro–social ways.
•
Acknowledge and praise their efforts and the good things they do no matter how small.
Don’t buy into the resistance—oftentimes when girls are acting “tough” and as if they don’t care, this is
a smoke screen for fear, confusion, and feelings of hurt and shame.
•
•
Don’t take what they say and do personally.
•
Let them know you have faith in them and provide encouragement every step of the way.
Be respectful and “real” with girls; don’t withhold important information to “protect” them. Ask them
what they need and what is in their best interest and be an active and engaged listener that tries to
reduce personal bias and harsh judgement.
•
Mentor and show all youth how to be allies and self sufficient advocates that use civic engagement,
community organizing and advocacy as a tool for #OurGirls empowerment because #WeAreMore and
mental health matters!
•
Serving Our Elders
Eta Pi Zeta Chapter is a known provider of services for seniors in the
Montgomery County community. Eta Pi Zeta initially provided services
at Arcola Towers, its adopted senior living facility in Silver Spring.
Recognizing needs elsewhere, the Chapter branched out to the
Sunrise Senior Center facility in Silver Spring. Eta Pi Zeta provided
cookie-bake sessions, decorated holiday ornaments, and provided
holiday cards to bring a little joy to the seniors. The Chapter also
provided a pre-summer party at Arcola to celebrate senior citizen’s
month in Montgomery County.
Eta Pi Zeta hosted several educational seminars focusing on healthy
living; fraud and abuse; financial literacy and care for caregivers. Eta Pi
Zeta hosted a “Stretch It Out” fitness day to emphasize healthy habits
and to educate seniors on proper exercise and stretching while
enhancing their mind, body and spirit. Eta Pi Zeta provided a financial
literacy educational seminar, “Money Smarts for Seniors”, in
collaboration with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office to
educate seniors on the prevention and detection of financial fraud and
abuse affecting seniors every day. The Chapter also provided a
seminar for caregivers, “Taking Care of Your Legacy”, to emphasize
advanced planning and legal issues that arise in taking care of our
senior loved ones.
Given the rise of fraud, abuse and neglect in senior center facilities
today, Eta Pi Zeta decided to address this need by collaborating with
the Montgomery County Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud
Unit to provide an educational seminar entitled “Protecting Seniors
From Abuse and Neglect”. The Chapter also hosted a public forum
concerning elder abuse issues that included a panel discussion of the
Elder Justice Act and the role of the Elder Justice Coalition. The panel
consisted of representatives from the Montgomery County Family
Justice Center; the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and
the Elder Justice Coalition. Eta Pi Zeta Chapter is dedicated to
educating its senior population in Montgomery County.
Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter
(Norristown, PA) held ongoing
activities through the sorority year
at Towne Manor East facility for
seniors. The chapter organized
bingo and game days, provided
fresh fruit and healthy snacks for
residents, and wrote Christmas
cards to over 100 seniors to
spread cheer during the holidays.
Tau Delta Zeta Chapter
Committed to the Cause
The eyes of the senior residents light up when cheerful women in
royal blue and white show up to the Arbor Terrace Senior Living
Residence in Greenbelt, Maryland. Every month, their lives are
touched in some way by the Zetas. As part of Zeta's Elder Care Adopt a Senior Center Initiative, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority Inc.’s Tau Delta Zeta Chapter have adopted this senior
facility to serve and encourage its residents.
Whether it’s receiving cards and sentiments to celebrate various
holidays, receiving useful gifts, or playing fun and competitive
games of bingo, time shared with the residents of Arbor Terrace
have left both mutually blessed.
To the delight of the chapter, we discovered that one of the Arbor
Terrace residents is a Zeta! Soror Barbara Moten Johnson
proudly explained that she was initiated through what is now
known as the University of the District of Columbia. The one
request that Soror Moten Johnson made was for a Zeta t-shirt.
Chapter members decided to outfit their new-found Soror with
some Zeta paraphernalia.
MARCH FOR BABIES NEWS
AROUND THE REGION
Rho Sigma Zeta Erie, PA
Rho Sigma Zeta Sorors raised more
than $500 for the March for Babies
this year in addition to participating
in the local community walk.
HISTORY MAKING DISCOURSE
Gamma Xi Zeta Westchester, NY
Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter organized a lively
visit to the office of the Westchester
County Executive, Mr. Robert Astorino.
Attracting new businesses into
Westchester is a primary goal for the
County Executive,while providing jobs and
affordable housing are issues the sorority
members focused upon. This "crash
course" in county goals for the
foreseeable future was arranged by
Carrie Mobley -Johnson, Senior Advisor
for Faith based Partnership Initiatives.
Gamma Xi Zeta has made history! The
chapter is the only Greek Letter
Organization ever granted such an
opportunity with the County Executive.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ
ZETAS SHOW THEIR "SUPER
POWERS" FOR BABIES
Zetas, Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, family and
friends of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter of
Gloucester County, New Jersey came out to the March
of Dimes March for Babies. The walk was held at
Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The
chapter was a checkpoint sponsor. The thirty-one
participants either walked or stood at the checkpoint
booth cheering the walkers on; providing water and
healthy snacks of raisins, bananas and apples.
Each year the chapter participates in the March of
Dimes checkpoint theme contest. This year the
chapter’s theme was Healthy Babies Become Super
Heroes. Everyone wore royal blue, light blue or navy
blue capes and masks to show the super powers of
Zeta. The booth was decorated with life size posters
of super heroes and walkers could listen to the theme
song from Superman and Batman. For the last 4
years the chapter has won for best checkpoint theme.
Last year, the chapter won first place in the county for
organizational team donations. The event chair, Soror
Michelle Baynes said, she looks forward to once again
winning the checkpoint theme award and being one
of the top teams in the county with $1,550 in
donations.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 17
REGIONAL SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVE
Submitted by:
Soror Teraleen R. Campbell
Atlantic Region Social Action Coordinator
Chapters and Auxiliaries within the Atlantic Region are asked to participate in the
region's Social Action Initiative. We are well aware that the upcoming general election is
very important to our nation. With this in mind it is critical that Zeta chapters and
auxiliaries are actively engaged and ensuring that members of our communities are
involved in voter registration and get out the vote efforts.
National Voter Registration Day is September 27, 2016. Understanding that this date
falls on a weekday, chapters and auxiliaries are encouraged to be visible within our
communities conducting voter registration on the weekends of September 24, 2016 or
October 1, 2016. Additionally, chapters with social media pages are asked to change
their profile pictures to the official National Voter Registration Day graphic and post
photos of members conducting voter registration.
As an action-oriented organization, the goal is to be visible within the community and on
social media registering new voters. Additional information and resources for hosting
successful voter registration drives can be found at
http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 18
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
"Membership is the key to setting ZETA on FIRE for the 21st Century and Beyond!"
GROWING "AWESOME" ZETAS IN THE REGION
RHO SIGMA ZETA
ERIE, PA
DELTA BETA ZETA
QUEENS, NY
GAMMA OMICRON ZETA
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ
ETA PI ZETA
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD
Year of the Zeta Legacy
GROOMING YOUNG WOMEN FOR THE WORK OF ZETA
The Atlantic Region is proud to see the amazing number of
Zeta legacies who came into this Sisterhood this year
!
The Legacy Effect:
Nurturing Seeds
for the Future
The “Awesome” Atlantic Region has seen an incredible rise in the number of
Zeta legacies. Our Atlantic Regional Director, Janet Y. Bivins, Esq. comes from
an extraordinary Zeta lineage. She understands intimately how becoming
active in Zeta youth auxiliaries can transform young girls into Zeta women.
Soror Bivins was an Archonette in the Midwestern Region. She was voted
President at a regional conference and even presided over a regional meeting
in 1978.
Soror Bivins credits her mother, Soror Sarah Bivins, as being a “Zeta light”
before the Archonette group was created. Her mom is a past National Trustee
and Missouri State Director. Her sister, Soror Cheryl Christie, is a past Ohio
State Director, who along with Jan integrated their schools as young girls.
Soror Bivins says that she feels blessed because her mom’s activity in Zeta
helped her build leadership skills and embrace the tenets of the Sorority. The
Archonettes provided an opportunity for Black girls to participate in fashion
shows, talent shows, Stork’s Nest, volunteer at senior citizen homes, and be
around other girls like her.
Because of the tremendous impact of the Archonettes on her journey through
Zeta, Soror Bivins is an advocate of keeping Archonettes connected once they
get to college. She encourages chapters to connect young women with
undergraduate chapters on college campuses, and support the connection
the girls have to the blue and white family. Soror Bivins, her mother, and sister,
were all initiated into Theta Beta Chapter at Tuskegee University. In addition to
her aunt, cousin and second cousin, the most recent addition to their legacy
as of April 2010, is her niece, Soror Angela M. Christie.
Written by Soror Wanda Cromatie Jones
Regional Amicae Coordinator
Zeta Amicae
Accomplishments
from MD to PA
The Prince George County, MD Amicae attended the National Amicae Retreat that held in
Washington, DC. With the assistance of sponsoring chapter, Delta Zeta Zeta, workshops were
conducted for new members to share information on policy, procedures, protocol, by-laws, etc.
Prince George County Amicae were represented at the Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference in
Philadelphia, PA. The auxiliary participated in the Wigs for Awareness Z-Hope Program and donated
eight new wigs. Amicae also celebrated with Delta Zeta Zeta Chapter on the 5th Anniversary of their
Stork’s Nest where they donated new baby items. For Thanksgiving, the Amicae donated nonperishable food and grocery store gift cards to a family in need. For Christmas, gifts were
purchased for one of the families at Maryland State's Adopted School – Choptank Elementary School.
Four members attended the 2016 Maryland State Leadership Conference in Hunt Valley, MD. Also,
in March in celebration of Finer Womanhood, in a joint effort with our sponsoring chapter, we held a
prayer breakfast. The theme was “Zeta and Amicae Together Striving for Finer Service, Finer
Scholarship, Finer Sisterhood, Finer Womanhood and a Finer Relationship.”Two book awards were
presented to two graduating seniors. Congratulations to members of Delta Zeta Zeta and Amica
LaVerne Lowery for walking in the March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies.
The Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries of Pennsylvania have been very busy this year! The Amicae has
participated in various Z-HOPE initiatives to include Prematurity Awareness, Adopt a School and
March of Dimes. In April the Amicae held their State meeting at the Chubbs Hotel and Conference
Center. During the luncheon all of the Amicae Auxiliaries in PA were recognized for their Z-HOPE
participation! Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Philadelphia won first place for an auxiliary with 5-25 members,
Zeta Amicae of Chester won 2nd place for the same category. For the category of 1-4 members Zeta
Amicae of Harrisburg won 1st place, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh won 2nd place and Zeta Amicae of
Norristown won 3rd place. Congratulations to all the Amicae auxiliaries for all their hard work.
Also during the state meeting the Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries held elections for state officers. The new
state officers are: President Amica Gail Black, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh; Vice President Amica Gloria
Sharpe, Zeta Amicae of Philadelphia; Financial Secretary Amica Denise Bolden, Zeta Amicae of
Chester and Chaplain Amica Tamara Clark, Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh. Congratulations to the new
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Amicae Executive Board.
Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta
Chapter Personifies Working
"For the Love of Zeta"
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 23
Since their chartering in July 2015, the ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta have been on Fire for Zeta. Their zeal has
been demonstrated through their love and dedication to the chapter and one another. The chapter hosted their
1st “Great 18” Bowling Meet and Greet event that drew over 100 people out to support and welcome them to
Monmouth County. Attendees including Sorors and Frat from North and South Jersey and several members of
Monmouth County’s Pan-hel. Sisterly love continued to flourish at their second sisterly outing in honor of Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, the event was hosted at Uncorked Wine Inspired, Asbury Park, NJ. There, they had
the opportunity to test their artistic ability by drawing and painting a Finer Woman and incorporating pink as a
part of the art piece in order to show continuous support in “Making Strides for Breast Cancer.” This year the
“Making Strides for Breast Cancer” walk had a new meaning for AAXZ as they honored and walked on behalf
of their charter Soror Tracey Davidson-Durham. Tracey has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. since
Spring 2007. She is a wife, mother of four and a SURVIVOR! AAXZ believes in building an unbreakable bond
and are grateful for all of its members especially their Zeta Dove, Patricia K. Thomas. Miss Pat, as she is
affectionately known, became a member at Phi Chapter on December 10, 1960 at Virginia State College,
Petersburg, Virginia. After graduating and relocating, she did not become affiliated with another chapter until
she was reclaimed as a charter member of AAXZ chapter.
AAXZ puts their faith in making a difference to work by providing service in their service area of Neptune, NJ at
Neptune Day. The chapter collected funds for Making Strides against Breast Cancer, registered people to vote,
made contact with key community partners and informed the public about the Sorority. AAXZ works continued
as they volunteered at the literacy and recreation fair sponsored by the North Jersey Shore Chapter of
Continental Societies Inc. on February 27, 2016 at Shark River Hills Elementary School in Neptune. This event
encouraged children to read more and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Chapter members participated in this event
by helping with registrations and getting children and their parents to different break out groups during the fair.
On that same day members also participated in the 13th Annual Neptune Township Black History Month
Celebration: Rise of the Queen. The ladies interacted and discussed the history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
with local politicians, community organizations, students and other residents of Neptune Township. Many local
African American women were honored at this event for their outstanding contributions to the Neptune
Township community, through scholarship and service.
The dedicated ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter didn’t stop
there. The chapter partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of
Monmouth County and sponsored a Domestic & Dating Violence
Program for Teens. A presentation was given by a local
organization, 180 Turning Lives Around. 180 Turning Lives Around is
a private non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and
sexual violence in the community. They have served individuals and
families who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence
since 1976. This program provided the teens with valuable
information on the many signs of domestic dating violence. The
teens were encouraged to call the 2NDFLOOR Youth Hotline if
they need help with any problems. Chapter members interacted
with the teens and together they were able to depict signs of
healthy and unhealthy relationships. AAXZ got the eye of the tiger,
you’re gonna hear them roar!
Several Sorors from the Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter attended
the Eastern Region Candidates Forum sponsored by the brothers
of the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. The forum
was held at the Neptune Township Municipal Building and was
hosted by the Iota Chi Sigma Chapter (Monmouth County). The
forum allowed candidates within their region present to the
Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma their goals of what they hope to
accomplish if elected. Soror McDonald spoke during the forum and
brought greetings on behalf of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 25
Belgium Zetas
Chapter hosts its first
Mardi Gras event with
rave reviews!
President
Rhonda Lawson
and Vice
President
Meaghan
Bicklein-Davis
run in the Sexual
Assault Take
Back the NIght
5K at SHAPE,
Belgium.
Journey Through Education
Gamma Omicron Zeta Honors
HBCUs in Scholarship Brunch
The Zetas and Amicae of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter in Gloucester County, New Jersey
also chose to take a Journey. On April 16, 2016, the chapter’s Scholarship Award Brunch
took a Journey thru Education with a Tribute to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU’s).The Scholarship Awards Brunch is the chapter’s event to present the chapter’s
scholarship recipients to the public. The commitment to scholarship has allowed the chapter
to award over $100,000 in scholarships since it chartering in 1993.
This year, the Zetas awarded two $1,000 scholarships and the Amicae awarded 3 Amica
Evelyn Cullins Book Scholarships of $500 each. Of the five scholarship recipients, three will
be attending HBCU’s. In addition to the individual scholarships the Zetas and the Amicae
gave an additional one thousand dollars to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Mr. Gregory L. Lyles, the UNCF Area Development Director from the Philadelphia Regional
office was invited to accept the generous donation. Mr. Lyles told the audience that the
UNCF is the nation's largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support
to African American students and a leading advocate of college readiness; preparing
students for college success from pre-school through high school. Since its founding in
1944, UNCF has raised more than $4.5 billion to help more than 400,000 students receive
college degrees. Lastly he said “Remember a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a
wonderful thing to invest in.” He thanked the chapter for the donation and commended the
chapter on its commitment to scholarship endeavors.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 27
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS
OMEGA MU ZETA CHAPTER
Zeta Delta
Zeta Chapter
Visionary Sorors Getting Results
Omega Mu Zeta Chapter (Serving Middle and Southern
Middlesex County of New Jersey) was chartered in May 2012.
As we perform Next Level quality service to the Middle and
Southern Middlesex county New Jersey community, we are
inspiring and encouraging inactive Sorors to return
home. OMZ is home to 52 Sorors and is largest chapter in the
state of New Jersey. The chapter has accomplished quite a
number achievements since chartering, including Reclamation
and ZHOPE awards on the State, Regional and National levels.
The ladies of Zeta Delta Zeta chapter
have a long rich history of working
and sharing within our southern
New Jersey community. Serving
Burlington County since 1959, we
believe it is not only our privilege, but
also our obligation to continue to
ensure a strong presence as we
work with all our constituents while
as Zetas Helping Other People Excel.
ALL FOR THE LOVE OF ZETA!
Soror Denise Davis-Smith, continues to lead the chapter
upward, focusing on the sorority principles and preparing for
Centennial. In unison with our Centennial enthusiasm and
commitment, our chapter has purchased a Centennial Stamp
and have opened a Bronze Visionary account.
Utilizing our ZHOPE spirit, we were proud to donate a pallet of
water to Flint, MI for their water initiative this sorority year.
We have other programs such as a shoe drive, blessing bags
and our donations to MOD and Breast Cancer that always
exemplify our belief in Helping Other People Excel. In addition
to ZHOPE, our Scholarship commitment is strong. Annually,
we raise upwards of $10,000 for scholarship with our SOLD
OUT All White Day Party which all proceeds go to deserving
college bound students.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 28
PROFILE
CONTINUING TO BUILD ON
THE LEGACY OF GREATNESS
by Soror Ashley Noble
Rho Sigma Zeta
Chartering Ceremony
with Atlantic Regional
Director Bivins and PA
State Director Cousar
As women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, we desire to exemplify the high standards and principles
of our beloved organization in our hearts and in our actions every single day. Scholarship, Service, Sisterly
Love, and Finer Womanhood were all highlighted on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, at the Iota Theta Zeta chapter’s
thirty-seventh anniversary celebration finer womanhood brunch. Soror Julliahann Washington, Iota Theta
Zeta Basileus and Life Member opened the stage with her warm greetings as she stated, “While society tends
to highlight areas where we as a nation can improve conditions, ITZ remains steadfast in honoring and
celebrating those who have gone out of their way to seek a remedy to those conditions by being pillars of
hope, while fostering the advancement of women leaders”. Iota Theta Zeta was also very proud to receive
greetings from and have in attendance, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, National First Anti-Basileus,
Soror Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker and Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman, Soror Dorothy L.
Goosby. The Mistress of Ceremony, Soror Georgia Grange-Simmons carried the event with such class as she
introduced the keynote speaker, Soror Gigi Gillard, who precisely left a strong impact on the room as she
told us her life’s story and showed us each how to realize whether we had positive or negative mindsets
based on if we had the ability to see that “opportunity is now here”.
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 29
It was certainly one of those, you had to be there to get it, moments. The ladies of ITZ recognized five distinguished
women for all their work within the Nassau County community with beautifully engraved blue glass plaques. The
notable honorees were Mrs. Tina Hodge Bowles, Ms. Shantay Carter, Mrs. Deidre Helberg, Mrs. Barbara Jordan,
and Mrs. Cynthia Roberts. Each time an honoree took her stand at the podium, the humility and modesty of these
remarkable and outstanding women, amazed me. Each woman brought tears to my eyes as they spoke to the
audience so openly about their education, their backgrounds, their families, their journeys, and their desire
continue to do more with their lives. Being in that room, made me feel blessed just to have the honor to hear their
stories. On top of that, I was happy to know that there were young men and women present to hear these wise
words as well. A young Zuri Milliner of the Gloria Eve Dance Company powered through a tap dance selection even
through the technical difficulties with her musical accompaniment. Also, the amazing young voices of the
Hempstead High School Chorale delivered two beautifully sung pieces under the direction of Choir Leader Ms.
Rachel Blackburn. The Iota Theta Zeta Finer Womanhood Brunch honored five woman as distinguished women of
excellence dedicated to serving the community and fulfilling destiny, however, I felt that my destiny was fulfilled by
being a witness of this wonderful event. To close the event, ITZ kept to our Sisterly Love traditions and honored the
Iota Theta Zeta Chapter Doves, Sorors Loree Jeanmarie and Dorothy McGuire.
Iota Theta Zeta Chapter was chartered on January 27th, 1979 when seven women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Incorporated organized in Rockville Centre, New York. The charter members were Sorors Elgivia Ball, Francis
Edmonston, Ann France, Linette Mott, Loree Jeanmarie, Joyce Robinson, and Inez Spear. Soror Jan Thompson
joined them shortly afterward. These ladies were convinced that the community, composed of many universities
and colleges, needed a chapter. Under their guidance, undergraduate chapters were founded at Long Island
University: C.W. Post Campus (Zeta Kappa), SUNY at Old Westbury (Eta Kappa), SUNY at Stonybrook (Theta
Kappa), and Adelphi University (Alpha Lambda). Iota Theta Zeta is very proud to continue building on our very
strong legacy of greatness!
ATLANTIC ADVANCE | 30
LAGUNA
BEACH
Bringing the Blessings!
Delta Mu Zeta Chapter - Manhattan, NY
CATCH SOME WAVES IN
Holding fast to the principle of service, the Delta Mu Zeta (DMZ) Chapter has proudly served within the
Borough of Manhattan since it was chartered on June 30, 1950. This year we have continued our efforts
to deliver outreach service programs that support local area residents and foster collaborative
partnerships with community based organizations. DMZ has successfully delivered “Blessing Bags” and
“Blankets of Love” to the homeless and impoverished members of our community. The chapter has
conducted workshops to educate local residents on how to implement personal and home-safety
procedures; we’ve also spent quality time with seniors through our Elder Care initiative.
Delta Mu Zeta Chapter held their 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway. The senior class at the Frederick
Douglass Academy was able to “shop” for their prom dresses. 27 young ladies walked in and said yes to
the dress! The event turned out to be a success as the young ladies appreciated the opportunity to be
able to obtain a dress.
Delta Mu Zeta Chapter of New York held its 2016 Gospel Brunch at Bethel Gospel Assembly celebrating
life and spiritual awareness with over 200 guests in attendance. DMZ’s chapter choice awards (also called
the “Zemmy’s”) were given out during the event, and the deserving winners of the principle awards this
year were:
Soror Patrice Shelby – The 2016 Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood Awards
B y Chrystine
J o y c e WJohnson
r i g h t – The 2016 Scholarship Award
Soror
P h oLatricia
t o g r aWarren
p h s b y– The
M a r2016
k H aService
l b e r g Award
Soror
There was also the distinguished 2016 “Gloria Ortiz Presidential Award” presented by DMZ’s chapter
president Ebony McLean to Soror Oredola Edwards.The day was filled with love and gratefulness as
everyone continued to enjoy great gospel music and dance performances. Delta Mu Zeta Chapter was
honored to be able to host such a blessed event and looks forward to hosting it again in 2017.
Delta Beta Zeta Chapter
Queens, NY Zetas
Meeting the Needs of the Community
The members of the Delta Beta Zeta Chapter (Queens, NY) have put words into action and have blazed new paths of
service to the Southeast Queens community.The sorority year began with the Adopt-A-School committee organizing and
collecting donations of school and classroom supplies to benefit the students of two Queens County schools. Through
Adopt
C A-AT- School,
C H SDelta
O M Beta
E WZeta
A V(DBZ
E S) Chapter
I N has been able to sponsor a library titled “Lena’s Library” within the
School of Law Enforcement and Public Safety in Queens. A workshop title “Zeta Stays Finer 101” was held in
collaboration with Macy’s. Funds raised from this event went to our Z-HOPE breast cancer initiative. DBZ, in collaboration
with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Zeta Lambda chapter, served the seniors of the Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center
in Cambria Heights. DBZ, in addition to the other organizations was recognized in the local Queens paper for their
participation and partnership.
Delta Beta Zeta Sorors joined forces with the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Rho Sigma chapter and
the Mason of Lebanon Lodge 54 once again on Christmas day. Lebanon Lodge 54 opened their doors to the community
by providing clothing, hot food and toys. DBZ also adopted three families within the local women’s shelter for Christmas.
These families were provided home supplies as well as toys for the children. Soror Vanessa Dumont-Cole and Soror
Wilhelmine Herard-James, Z-HOPE Coordinators for the chapter coordinated this activity. The chapter celebrated its
96th Anniversary this year, and inducted 6 new members into the sisterhood. Sorors Velma Jones, Janise Loreto,
Sharlene Minus, Diann Pierre, Koren Robinson and Alicia White. In celebration of Martin Luther King, DBZ hosted a “I
Have A Dream” essay contest at our local women’s shelter, providing the children an opportunity to talk about the
dreams they have for their families.
DBZ hosted an intimate dialog with the CEO of Dress for Success, Joi Gordon at York College, where Gordon expressed
how she managed her multitude of hats. This event was recognized in the local Queens paper. We entered the month of
March by attending the Women's Academy of Excellence 5th Annual P.E.A.R.L.S Award. The event honors women who
have contributed to their community, country and world. Among the honorees was our very own International Grand
Basileus, Mary Breaux Wright. She received the P.E.A.R.L.S Trinity award for International Leadership.
By Joyce Wright
o t okicked
g r a poff
h sitsb5th
yM
a r k cycle
H a l bwith
e r gover 12 participants registered in the beginning of May and was awarded
StorkP’shNest
spring
a grant to continue our great work! Kudos to Soror Andrea Scott. DBZ also hosted its 5th Annual Tea at Zora’s – A
Celebration of our Youth, where 2 high school seniors were honored. Ending the month of May and the sorority year,
DBZ hosted its annual Legal Seminar in observance of Violette Anderson Day, educating our seniors on the importance
of elder care planning, wills, trusts and immigration laws, just to name a few. Soror Donna Anderson,
Esq, spearheaded this event. DBZ also hosted a pamper day at the local women’s shelter. The event allowed the
residents to have a day of relaxation. Delta Beta Zeta is a chapter that is constantly on the move with the times.
Stay Tuned...
56TH ARLC
FINER
PICTURE
WOMEN IN
HIGHLIGHTS
ATLANTIC
SHOWING
REGION
YOU HOW
ZETAS
IT'S DONE!
HIGH
FASHION