Southwest Members, National Committees,
Commissions, Task Forces
Jane K. Gates
Membership Services Committee
Burnell Offord
Technology Committee
The Honorable Wanda Stephens Adams
Conventions/Conferences Site/Housing Task
Force
Carolyn Grant
Long Range Planning Task Force
Genine LaTrice Perez
Commission on Arts & Letters
Gwendolyn Ambres
Social Action Commission
Amanda Raquel Grego
Collegiate Member, National Delta Emergency
Response Team (ERT)
The Honorable Lottie H. Shackleford
Social Action Commission
Nikeya Roshun Anderson
Technology Committee
Belinda Marks Griffin
Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Brittany S. Bass Arvie
Investigation Teams Task Force
Shawan R. Hagan
Collegiate Transition Task Force
SW Regional Rep (1999 - 2000)
Charlene D. Ayers
Commission on Arts & Letters
The Honorable Diana E. Bajoie
Social Action Commission
Gayle Colston Barge
Long Range Planning Task Force
Crystal T. Barker
Investigation Teams Task Force
Gloria Bryant-Banks
Honorary Membership Task Force
Past National Secretary, SWRD (1980 – 1984)
Patricia Tate Bivins
Ritual and Ceremonies Commission
Doris Gray Brown
Delta Emergency Response Team (ERT)
Michelle R. Brown
Hazing Prevention Task Force
Sabrina J. Curtis
Collegiate Transition Task Force
Josephine V. Daniels
Honorary Membership Task Force
Delta Foundation (DREF) Board of Directors
Chair, 52nd National Convention 2015
S. Machell Denson
Membership Services Committee
Khristie Dyson
Leadership Academy
Jacqueline Ellis
Social Action Commission
Felicia M. Hamilton
Commission on Arts & Letters
Edwena M. Henderson
Hazing Prevention Task Force
Ashley J. Singleton
Protocol & Traditions Committee
Courtney E. Smith, CPA
Internal Audit Committee
Delores W. Smith
Human Resources Committee
Jacqueline Elaine Stemmons
Heritage and Archives Committee
Erica Stemmons-White
Technology Committee
Ella Goode Johnson
Heritage and Archives Committee
Jennifer C. Stimpson
PP&D Committee
Judge Brenda P. Kennedy
Social Action Commission
Lillian Paige Turner
Information and Communications Cmte.
Thelma A. Kennedy-Malveaux
Strategic Partnership Task Force
Eugenia I. Vance
Conventions/Conferences Site/Housing Task
Force
Treva A. Lee
Institutional Research Task Force
Carolyn E. Lewis
Long Range Planning Task Force
President, DREF Board of Directors
Immediate Past National Treasurer
Welcome to Houston, Texas! It is an honor, privilege and a pleasure to have you in
attendance at the 52nd National Convention in our very own “Blazing” Southwest
Region. Accolades and hats off to each and every one of you for your commitment
and determination in diligently striving to fulfill the mission of our great organization.
I offer my sincere thanks and deep gratitude to you for the exemplary programming
and significant volunteerism conducted during the past year. It is because of your
efforts that many campuses and communities have been greatly impacted in a
positive manner region wide. The Regional, State and Chapter Leadership are to be
commended for providing stellar guidance and direction in planning and
implementing activities that provide the tools and resources to envision and
implement quality programming designed to meet the needs of the community.
Cheryl L. Simpson
Delta Emergency Response Team (ERT)
Beverly Irvin Johnson Jelks
Housing & Properties Committee
New Orleans Alumnae
Myra Ann Kirkwood
Ritual and Ceremonies Commission
Greetings Sorors of the Southwest Region!
Emma Stokes Walker, CPA
Housing & Properties Cmte.
Past National Treasurer (1998-2002)
Roshanda Heath Walker
Investigation Teams Task Force
Cherylann Foster Westerfield
Ritual and Ceremonies Commission
Curtistene Smith McCowan
Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Committee
Y. Jean Whitley
Documents Review and Revision Task Force
Jerinda Lewis McDowell
Leadership Academy
Gloria L. Williams, Ed.D.
Protocol & Traditions Committee
Rachel W. Mercadel
Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Oscar Faye Branch Williams
Housing & Properties Committee
The Southwest Region has embraced the theme for the biennium, Uncompromising Commitment to Communities:
Service, Leadership and Empowerment. Our Regional Leadership Retreat was held in Shreveport, Louisiana, and
prepared us to develop A New Vision to meet the challenges of our ever changing communities. As your regional
leaders, we are so proud of the plans we made to further our journey of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service. The
Statewide meetings were without a doubt outstanding! Meetings were held in Ft. Worth, Texas; Texarkana, Arkansas
and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With record numbers of Sorors in attendance, we left each location better than we found
it. Each community bears an indelible mark of Deltas projects and programs. Service projects held at each State
Meeting included renovating and furnishing a section of a local shelter for victims of domestic violence, providing
needed items to community based agencies and providing assistance to agencies that afforded them the opportunity to
continue their service to the community.
Soror Kristen Wells-Lewis, Regional Representative, has served at the helm of collegiate leadership and provided
outstanding leadership which has gleaned unmatched collegiate participation. Soror-Lewis and I share a Passion for
Service and the promotion of programs that provide educational support. The Collegiate Retreat in League City, Texas,
was well attended by both collegiate and advisors who embraced the theme - “Crowned Crimson - Captivating Renewed
Opportunities for Women’s National Evolution and Development, Using Your Platform to Serve, Lead and Empower.”
Each Soror in attendance at the retreat was bestowed with QUEEN status and departed with a renewed and reenergized
spirit.
The Blazing Southwest Region continues to remain strongly committed to the mission and vision of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. and strives to Serve, Lead and Empower to make a difference in our communities. Thank you Sorors for
embracing the Vision, with Passion and accepting the Call to Serve. Enjoy the 52nd National Convention and leave with
a Renewed sense of commitment to Serve, Lead and Empower!
With Deep Gratitude,
Pamela M. Rogers
Southwest Regional Director
Kristen Wells-Lewis
Southwest Regional Representative
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Summer 2015
Regional Director
Pamela M. Rogers
Regional Chaplain
Sheila McKeithen
Regional MIT Coordinator
Cherylann Foster Westerfield
Regional Representative
Kristen Wells-Lewis
Regional Special Projects Coordinator
Jennifer R. Smith
Regional Reactivation Coordinator
Y. Jean Whitley
Member, National Scholarship & Standards
Committee
Eula Woodberry
Regional Arts and Letters
Charlene Ayers
Regional Rehabilitation Coordinator
Delores Smith
Regional Collegiate Transition Coordinator
Brittany Bass Arvie
Regional Risk Management Co-Coordinator
Crystal Barker
Regional Delta Dear Coordinator
Bobbie Henderson
Regional Risk Management Co-Coordinator
Margaret Turner Carrigan
Regional Delta Emergency Response Team
Mary Stanton
Regional Social Action Coordinator
Rose Roché
Collegiate Member 2015 National
Nominating Committee
Khanay Turner
Collegiate Delta Emergency Response
Nafisat Omotayo
Collegiate Regional Social Action CoCoordinator
Iriel Hampton
Regional Nominating Committee Chair
Nicole Taylor
Regional Heritage and Archives
Gelinda Dailey
Regional Nominating Committee Members
Talemah Jones
Lameka Trahan
Tammica Traylor-Craft
Regional Information and Technology
Co-Chair
Jamita Barnett Machen
Member, National Finance Committee
Juliet Williams, CPA
Member, 2015, National Nominating
Committee
June Perdue Jenkins
Collegiate Member 2015 Regional
Nominating Committee
Raven Alston
Arkansas State Coordinator
Cheryl Powell
Arkansas State Facilitator
Gabrielle Lee
Jamaica State Coordinator
Carol Dexter
Regional Information and Technology
Co-Chair
Laticia Khalif
Regional Institutional Research Coordinator
Treva A. Lee
Regional Investigations
Sharon Barnett Starks
Collegiate Regional Journalist
Mecola Hayes
Collegiate Regional Social Action CoCoordinator
Leah Ndenecho
Regional Volunteer Services
Co- Coordinator
Curtistene McGowan
Regional Volunteer Services Co-Coordinator
Constance Sadler
Southwest Members of the National
Executive Board Members
Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre
Immediate Past National President
Hazing Prevention Task Force
SWRD (1997 – 2001)
Louisiana State Coordinator
Doris Brown
Regional Membership Services
Pearl Barnes Rack
Franklin-Jeanerette Alumnae
Louisiana State Facilitator
Devin Stephens
Collegiate Regional Membership Services
Donielle Curry
Texas/New Mexico State Coordinator
Michelle R. Brown
Regional Photographer
Shirley Jackson
Texas/New Mexico State Facilitator
Kimberlyn Perry
Collegiate Regional Photographer
Krystal L. Equere-White
Dolores A. Sennette (Beaumont)
Co-Chair, Ritual & Ceremonies Commission
Past National Treasurer (1983-88; 97-98)
Regional Secretary
Dorable Dangerfield
Regional Program, Planning and
Development
Tonya Derrick
EX-OFFICIO
Marva J. Davis, Esq.
Co-Chair, Investigation Teams Task Force
Collegiate Regional Program Planning
and Development
Myriah Hampton
Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie,
D. Min.
National Chaplain
Risk Management Co-Coordinator
Margaret Carrigan
Sandra K. Parker
Co-Chair, Documents Review & Revision Task
Force
Regional Secretary
Burnell Offord
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
Co-Chair, Leadership Academy
Eastern RD (1997 – 2001)
National 2nd VP (1977 - 1979)
Maxine R. Cormier
Co-Chair, Housing & Properties Committee
SWRD 1989-1993
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
San Antonio Alumnae Chapter celebrates
May Week
The San Antonio Alumnae Chapter celebrated May Week
beginning the week of May 11th; The celebration placed
great emphasis on National Women's Health. Our focus
was to enhance our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Sorors were encouraged to visit their doctors or make
appointments on Monday for a complete check-up with
their primary care provider, or contact the doctor that
specialized in an area of their need. Our health is
important. We salute the Sorors as they made it a point to
get their appointments.
The week progressed as we highlighted a different activity
each day. On Tuesday, Sorors were asked to “Spring into
a Book: READ". One of our Delta GEMs, Ebony Aiken, has
authored the book, A RAY of HOPE. Tuesday was our
designated day to support her by reading her novel.
Sorors enjoyed the book and initiated discussions on
various portions of the book. Members putt their feet to
the pavement on Wednesday. Sorors decided to
DELTASIZE!! We walked a mile and rested awhile. We
encouraged exercise throughout the week, but
Wednesday was our day to focus on making sure exercise
was a priority. Thursday we worked to send our message
loud and clear to our youth in the community- that a mind
is a terrible thing to waste. We encouraged Sorors to wear
a shirt or insignia from their undergraduate educational
institution on Thursday for our College Appreciation Day.
Our Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony was held
on Friday at a local middle school. Seventy elementary,
middle and high school students and fourteen principals
from all levels were recognized from the San Antonio
Independent School District. In addition ten students
received scholarships and our graduating GEMs were
recognized. Historically, this ceremony has recognized an
individual or individuals who have impacted our
community. This year's honoree was our Soror, Mayor Ivy
Taylor, and the first African American Mayor of our city.
Thirteen Sorors were recognized for their participation in
several areas of the week's activities during sorority
meeting on Saturday. At this meeting all Sorors received a
scroll that contained a handy medical check list for future
reference. Sunday focused on our spiritual health. We
worshipped at Antioch Baptist Church at 7:30 AM and
received our spiritual food for the week. This culminated
Summer 2015
The Journey to Self-Empowerment
our successful week of physical, mental and spiritual
health.
A “Family” Affair
THE WICHITA FALLS ALUMNAE CHAPTER (WFAC) IS AT
WORK, LEADING AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
Monthly meetings are held at the local community center,
Lynwood Community Center, without fee. Whenever the
chapter needed a facility for meetings or functions, the
center was readily available. The owners of the facility
and the neighbors surrounding it have been a delight to
know and work with.
Given the generous support of WFAC, this past
Thanksgiving, it was time for WFAC to give back - without
a fee. The chapter’s hardworking sorors rallied coworkers,
friends and family to collect food to fill Thanksgiving
baskets for this wonderful community. They assembled 5
large baskets filled with turkeys, hams, yams, greens, etc.
The Wichita Falls community includes many elderly
residents that are raising grandchildren. It was a delight
for WFAC to support them and make their holiday a little
easier. The community opened their hearts to Delta
Sigma Theta, Inc. and WFAC blessed us to be included as
their “family.”
The Eta Beta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
partnered with SPIT Knowledge to host a speaking lecture
with Keshia Knight Pulliam on March 25th in the Opal
Johnson Smith Auditorium on the campus of Prairie View
A&M University. The Prairie View A&M University Student
Counseling Services and RSVP Program graciously
sponsored the event. The mistresses of ceremony were
junior mass communications major Sorors Kristen
Williams and Alexa Pete who also introduced the keynote
speaker. Soror Keshia Knight Pulliam talked about life,
love, friendships, and self-empowerment in her
motivational speech. Following her speech was a Q&A
session for students; This gave the students an
opportunity to ask her questions. After the Q&A, the
ladies of Eta Beta presented Soror Pulliam with over $200
worth of school supplies for her non-profit organization;
Kamp Izzie which mentors young girls ages 11-14.
Following the lecture, the Eta Beta chapter held a private
reception with Keshia Knight Pulliam to welcome and
show appreciation to her for sharing her views with the
students at Prairie View A&M University.
Lambda Rho Marching to Change
Pictured above are Mr. & Mrs. Huddleston and WFAC
President Robin Hart. Mr. Huddleston. passed away soon
after the holidays and shortly before his 99th birthday. His
wife expressed her gratitude to the Deltas for making
their holiday special!
In the midst of social strife, police brutality, and the
ongoing fight for equality, the members of the Lambda
Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., chartered
on the campus of Northeast Louisiana University, along
with the members of the Eta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc., organized and led the campus’ first
March on Washington reenactment on January 20, 2015.
The organizations’ members, followed by approximately
40 university students led the reenactment march
through the main thoroughfare of the campus to the
Quad. After the completion of the march, Rev. Martin
Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech was recited and
the student body was given a chance to express their
dreams for the world. The chapter received positive
feedback from the student body for their innovation and
desire to unite the campus as one.
In addition to the March on Washington reenactment, the
chapter members hosted the “Know Your Rights” Seminar
in February. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the
university’s police department informed students about
their rights and the appropriate interaction they should
expect when they have contact with law enforcement.
The Lambda Rho Chapter utilized the current headlines
which note unfortunate fatalities as a catalyst to provide
knowledge and honor those who have lost their lives.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Made a
Big Impact with Small Shopping
The Southwest Dallas County Alumnae’s Economic
Development Committee introduced “Deltas Shopped
Small Today” event. Sorors and their families were asked
to shop at area small businesses to promote economic
growth in our service area. A listing of small business in
the area was distributed so that Sorors could “map out”
their shopping plans. The day after Thanksgiving was
chosen to “shop small” due to the high volume of sales
that are associated with that day. Members of the Small
Business community appreciated the economic impact
and the publicity associated with the event. Sorors
proudly displayed their signs and took pictures in front of
the businesses they supported.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
West Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter
Trailblazing Service with a Purpose
West Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Incorporated celebrated 10 years of service
on April 22, 2015. WMAAC marked this milestone year by
renewing our commitment to service and affirming our
chapter pledge, “Serving with A Purpose: Making Strides
toward Excellence in Service. This was a banner year of
furthering our Founders’ mission of public service with a
primary focus in our community. This sororal year the
goal was to make the biggest impact ever with programs,
activities, and events which made a lasting impression
with huge results.
This year produced many firsts for the chapter. We
hosted a Community Day of Service in January 2015 that
started with College Bound – ACT and Financial Aid
workshops for students in 9th – 12th grades. Certified
teachers helped students prepare for the upcoming ACT
exam. The Financial Aid Director of the Mid-South
Community College presented helpful tips concerning the
financial aid process. This was also an opportunity for
Lynell Thomas, Scholarship Chair, to inform current
graduating seniors about WMAAC’s scholarship
application process. Applications were available in each
school’s Guidance Counselor office for all high school
seniors attending school in Crittenden County, AR.
WMAAC concluded the day of service by hosting “Sounds
of Literature and Jazz” at Afrika Bookstore. Approximately
75-100 guests enjoyed an afternoon of inspiring prose
and poetry featuring local Arkansas authors followed by
silky smooth music provide by Soror Tawana Bulter,
Katrina Avant, and Stephanie Amos Crayton along with
jazz vocalist, Soror Sandra Bray.
For the first time, WMAAC was recognized as Silver Donor
for the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk-a-Thon.
We reached over 200 people at our Baby Steps to Health
and Fitness Fest. Twenty-two families were provided food
for the Thanksgiving holiday. In our Back to School Bash
program, we added an opportunity for free Internet
Services and information on Bullying. This year we hosted
the only 5K in West Memphis, AR to bring awareness to
Sickle Cell Anemia. This event raised funds for both Saint.
Jude and Sickle Cell Support Services of Arkansas.
We ended the year on a high note; WMAAC was
recognized at the Arkansas State Meeting. The chapter
received the Innovation Award and Community Focused
Award. At the Xi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc. Achievement Banquet we were the recipient of the
2015 Achievement in Community Service Award. In the
coming years, we hope to continue our motto of
impacting the community by “Serving with A Purpose:
Making Strides toward Excellence in Service”.
Ladies on the Bluff Football Clinic
The Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter and Southern
University football coaching staff jointly sponsored its first
annual Ladies on the Bluff Football Clinic on July 28, 2014.
The clinic was held at the Southern University School of
Nursing and A. W. Mumford Football Stadium.
The objective of the clinic was to empower women in the
community by increasing their knowledge about the game
of football. This event generated lots of attention from
the media. Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter and the
Ladies on the Bluff event were covered on the local news
stations. The question posed by many was, "How did we
generate enough interest to get 200 ladies to come to
Southern University campus on a Monday night? Well, the
response is that Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae pulled
resources together to make it happen! Chapter members
were truly excited and grateful for the attendance and
participation of attendees who spent three hours on the
bluff!
Summer 2015
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
Devotes 3rd Saturdays to Arts & Letters
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter’s Art and Letters
Committee held its first Arts & Letters 3rd Saturday event
with great success. The event was extremely fun for all
members and guests who visited the Buffalo Soldiers
National Museum on Saturday, November 18, 2014. The
owner and founder, Captain Paul T. Matthews, treated
the 27+ attendees to a special tour. We engaged in the
sharing of knowledge via a “technology wall” that
displayed early tools taken for granted today – manual
drills, irons that needed to be heated on wood burning
stoves, butter presses, ice boxes, burlap sacks used for
clothes, 8 foot cotton sacks, and hoes that made what we
all know as “hoe cakes”. There was a plethora of artwork,
personal oral histories, and military artifacts spanning the
breadth of the American story – from the American
Revolutionary War to the Iraq War – that we were able to
experience.
Did you know there was a female Buffalo Soldier named
Cathy William who changed her name to William Cathy?
Captain Matthews is a masterful griot. Learning more
about the history of the brave Buffalo Soldiers throughout
our nation’s history – from the 1770’s, when the
Cheyenne first dubbed them the “Wild Buffalo Soldiers”,
through today, when our astronauts and modern-day
soldiers continue to lead the charge to equality – has truly
enlightened us all. The Museum historians and docents
pass on this knowledge to all generations, so that none of
us forget the ways in which our ancestors have positively
shaped our present, and remind us all of how we each
may shape our collective and individual futures.
Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter Hosted
Know Your Rights Seminar
The Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae Chapter’s Social Action
and Political Awareness and Involvement Committee
joined with the National Organization for Black Law
Enforcement (NOBLE), and Lambda Alpha Chapter of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to host an hour and half
interactive and informational seminar entitled “Know
Your Rights”. The eleven person co-ed panel consisted of
law enforcement officers which were also member of
NOBLE. The officers represented State and City Police
Departments, The Attorney General’s Office, a Criminal
Justice Professor, and Senior Officers. The event was
presented to over 80 members of the Southern University
Marching Band and Dancing Dolls. The panel discussion
was led by Attorney Erika L. Green of Baton Rouge Delta
Alumnae Chapter; and addressed the following topics:
community policing, Miranda rights, probable cause v.
reasonable suspicion, encounters with officers, traffic
stop procedures, civic engagement, voting, and handling
officer complaints. The overall goal was to connect
collegiate minorities with law enforcement and inform
collegiate minorities about their legal rights when dealing
with law enforcement as well as the importance of voting
and civic engagement. The event was a one day seminar;
however, to continue the dialogue the committee has set
a date of August 22, 2015 to present a “Black Lives Matter
Symposium”. The symposium will expound upon the
topics of Black Lives and Education, Community
Involvement, Education to Prison Pipeline, and Black
Leaders and Their Role.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Baton Rouge Sigma Chapter Honors
Delta Dears
It was an afternoon of bliss when members of the Baton
Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter hosted their Delta Dears
for the Honoring Extraordinary Women that Make Things
Happen event on Saturday, May 2 at the Baton Rouge
Sigma Life Development Center.
The afternoon for Delta Dears began as they were
escorted by Southern University Law Center students to
the “high tea” adorned in red, white or purple semiformal attire. As they arrived, the Dears had a photo
shoot holding specially made poster signs with sayings
such as “Diva Delta Dear,” “Delta Dear,” and others.
The formal program began with greetings from Chapter
President, Soror Debra Ephrom followed by a creative
comical presentation by Soror Patricia Palmer. Next the
Delta Dears were treated to a liturgical dance by the
religious group “Women with a Vision”. As part of the
program, a memorial candle was lit to recognize our
deceased Delta Dears. The chapters immediate past
president , Soror Blanche P. Smith set the pace for the
event with her rendition of a special tribute which
emphasized their grace, dignity, beauty, integrity, service
to Delta, loyalty to the sisterhood, dedication and most of
all their wisdom. The Dears were treated to dedicatory
music along with a video presentation, “Honoring the
Elderly.”
A highlight of the program was the interactive fashion
show entitled “Models of Love” featuring sorors in their
fashionable attire, wearing hats and displaying gestures of
love to the Dears followed by the Mardi Gras style second
line. All the Delta Dears participated in some form or
fashion, waving their handkerchief.
As dinner came to a close, the program was turned over
to the Delta Dears to give reflections. The group laughed,
cried, and sang as they reminisced on their journey in
Delta and in life. The seasoned sisters enjoyed the time in
the spotlight and are looking forward to future events.
“I had so much fun this afternoon that I don’t know how
I’m going to settle down this evening,” said Soror Lena
Lockhart, a Delta Dear and charter member of the
Chapter.
As the event closed, the chair of Membership Services,
Soror Chi Joseph Franklin, gave remarks and presented
the Dears with framed photographs of themselves from
the earlier photo shoot.
“I’m so thankful we could do this for our Delta Dears.
Certainly they are most deserving and we have and can
continue to learn so much from their service to Delta,”
said Soror Andrea Love, event chairperson.
The day closed with music, dancing and sisterly
fellowship.
Shower for Babies, Shower of Knowledge
Members of
Monroe
Alumnae
Chapter’s
Physical and
Mental Health
Committee
sponsored a
community baby shower. The members solicited the
support of community organizations that promote health
for babies. Co-Sponsors for this event were the March of
Dimes, Children’s Coalition, Families Helping Families,
Families Can Wait, Nurse-Family Partnership, La Lehe
League, Meade-Johnson Pharmaceuticals, St. Francis
Hospital, The Woman’s Clinic- Dr. Tonya Sheppard, and
Neonatology Associates- Dr. Tonya Sheppard, Dr. Sara
Klug, and Neonatology Associates-Dr. Marc Deloser.
The diverse group joined together to hold a successful
event at the St. Francis Hospital Conference Room in
downtown Monroe. While the event was open to the
public, the target population was women in their
reproductive years. Participants had individual booths
where attendees could visit to gain specific information
about resources available to pregnant women in
Northeast Louisiana.
Door prizes and refreshments allowed all attendees to
mingle and have fun. This is the third year the chapter
sponsored this community baby shower. Monroe
Alumnae plans to continue sponsoring future baby
showers in our area. Through this effort, the members
hope to decrease the prevalence of premature births and
infant mortality. Monroe Alumnae’s ultimate goal is to
have healthy moms delivering healthy babies!
Summer 2015
Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Participates in the 2015 MLK Day of Caring
The Metropolitan Dallas
Alumnae Chapter
participated in the 2015 MLK
Day of Service – Special
Meal Delivery for Meals on
Wheels. The VNA hosted a
wonderful morning with
over 289 routes, equating to
close to 4,000 meals
delivered and over 650
volunteers! The Special
Meal Delivery is a campaign
initiated and sponsored by the Meals On Wheels
Association of America to raise awareness of senior
hunger and to encourage action on the part of local
communities. Hundreds of Senior Nutrition Programs
across the United States, like Meals on Wheels of Dallas
County, are promoting March for Meals through public
events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer
recruitment and fundraising initiatives. MDA sorors spent
their MLK Holiday driving various routes to deliver meals
to Dallas County residents who can’t provide for
themselves due to illness, advanced age or disability.
Hunger is a very real and serious issue for adults over 60.
Over 67% of the MOW clients are women over the age of
60 who live alone and cannot prepare or access proper
nutrition to help them safely maintain their independence
at home. In a recent study regarding households with
seniors, 30% had to choose between food and medical
care and 35% had to choose between food and paying for
heat/utilities. What an incomprehensible decision to be
faced with when both are basic necessities of life.
Volunteering with Meals on Wheels proved to be a
rewarding experience and one that the chapter will
continue for years to come
New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Serves the
Global Community
Embracing the mission of extending an “uncompromising
commitment to communities globally,” the International
Awareness Committee of the New Orleans Alumnae
Chapter reached out to communities in Cherette, Haiti,
and Africa. During the sorority year, projects were
established to aid the children of the Delta Sigma Theta
School-Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Campus in Haiti, as
well as an orphanage in West Africa. In Haiti, the
chapter’s efforts focused on providing clean, safe water
which is vitally important to the health and wellness of all
human beings. The chapter has a special affinity for the
school as it is named for the 24th National President of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and New Orleans
Alumnae member, Soror Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre.
With contributions from the chapter as well as individual
chapter members, more than $1,500 was collected in less
than one hour toward the construction and installation of
a water well on the school’s campus. The water well will
help to transform the community as both the school’s
students and their families will benefit from its presence.
In addition to satisfying some of their most basic physical
needs, the chapter expanded its efforts to support the
educational development needs of the students. School
uniforms were purchased for an entire class of twenty
students with hopes of boosting their self-esteem and
empowering the young people to succeed.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, NOA sought to address the
needs of impoverished children in West Africa through
the Little Dresses for Africa project. With personal
donations from members and Delta supporters, talented
chapter members transformed colorful pillowcases,
fabric, and decorative trimmings into beautiful dresses for
infants, toddlers, and young girls. With a few adjustments
to form the neckline and sleeve opening, standard and
king-sized pillowcases made ideal templates for
sundresses that are conducive to the arid African climate.
In May, Team #NOALittleDressesforAfrica was formed and
by the end of June, more than 50 fine-looking dresses
were stitched together for residents of a West African
orphanage.
The chapter collaborated with the African Methodist
Episcopal Church to transport the dresses from New
Orleans to Africa. Discussions are underway to expand
and
continue
the
project
next
Sorority
year to
include
garments
for girls.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pine Bluff Alumnae Celebrates the Arts
On Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 11 am -2 pm, the
Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter hosted a book signing for
Soror Tawana Butler-Bailey, a Pine Bluff native who now
lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Soror Butler-Bailey is a
member of the Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter and her
passion for writing led to publishing her first piece
entitled “Living Through Poetry: My Life” which was
released October 1, 2014. Three books were purchased
specifically to be given to girls who are a part of our Delta
Academy and Delta GEMS. Forty seven people attended
the event and listened to excerpts from the book.
The Arts & Letters Committee celebrated Black History
Month in a grand fashion by hosting "An Evening of Black
History and Arts" on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 4
pm. The theme was “Rooted in the Past: Growing toward
the Future". The event was held at First Missionary
Baptist Church and talent from all over the city and
surrounding areas participated. Several pastors from the
city joined the chapter members to reenact the Selma
March. The mistress of ceremony for the event was Miss
Deedra Wilson who is an anchor on Good Day Arkansas
on Fox 16 News in Little Rock, AR. Approximately 300
people were in attendance.
The final event of the year was SMART Girls which was
held on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 4 pm at Pine Bluff
High School. SMART Girls was created as an enrichment
program to assist women and girls of all ages in learning
various styles of art. Soror Virginia Hymes, chapter
member and Art teacher at Pine Bluff High School was our
instructor. There were 15 people in attendance for this
hand on art lesson on creative mosaics.
The Arts & Letters Committee of the Pine Bluff Alumnae
Chapter provided a variety of artistic presentations for
people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to foster a love
for the arts and the importance of the Arts in our
community.
Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter Joins Forces to
Keep Citizens Safe
On April 6 and 20, 2015, Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter
conducted two workshops at Everman Joe C. Bean High
School in Everman, Texas, for student members of Men of
Vision and Ladies of Distinction. Over one hundred and
fifty students, school sponsors, teachers and members of
law enforcement, participated in this event. In the wake
of events that have happened locally and nationally,
involving unarmed citizens and the police, the Sorority
partnered with the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement
Officers Association and the National Black Police
Association to reach out to students and provide
information on how to conduct themselves during traffic
stops and criminal investigations. The workshops were
interactive sessions where students and police officers
role played different scenarios. The topics covered were
“How to Keep a Ticket from Becoming a Felony Arrest,”
“Comply, Comply, Comply,” “Who Can I Turn To?
Reporting Bad Cops.” There was also a question and
answer session, with an attorney, who answered
questions regarding searching vehicles, recording traffic
stops/criminal investigations, the use of body cameras by
police, citizen rights and other legal issues.
In addition, students were encouraged to seek out careers
in the legal and law enforcement fields, so that our
communities can have more minority representation in
these areas. The students were challenged to be active
participants in the political and law-making process by
becoming registered voters, voting in each election cycle,
and contacting local, state and national elected officials
about laws that impact the minority community.
Summer 2015
Houston Alumnae Chapter Host College Fair
The GEMS Committee of the Houston Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (HAC) hosted its 2nd
Annual Community College Fair at the
One Delta Plaza Educational Center
(ODPEC) on Old Spanish Trail Road on
Saturday, March 28, 2015. HAC, in
support of the Sorority’s national
initiatives, sponsors three youthrelated programs that attended the
College Fair; Delta Academy (girls ages
11-14), Delta GEMS (girls ages 14-18),
and EMBODI (Empowering Males to
Build Opportunities for Developing
Independence) programs for boys 1318 years of age.
The College Fair co-chair, Forest Smith developed a
winning advertising strategy that contributed to the
success of the program. She targeted the Houston area
middle and high schools, local churches and other service
organizations such as Top Teens and Jack & Jill and
partnered with ODPEC. She also shared the vision with
the Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter and they
brought their GEMS and EMBODI students to the event.
With the help of many educators within our chapter, we
were able to spread the word and had over 150 people
attend the event. It was a packed
house!
Representatives from the military
and 20 colleges and universities from
throughout Texas, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Alabama, Oklahoma,
Mississippi and Virginia were on hand
to discuss their respective universities
and post high school options. During
the College Fair, hundreds of students
from the Houston, Fort Bend, Pasadena, Alvin and Katy
Independent School Districts asked insightful questions of
chapter members and college representatives. College
Fair Co-Chairs, Dr. Forest Smith and Kacie Waiters felt that
providing students with a short career assessment
designed to assist them in learning more about their
specific interests really served as a guide and
reinforcement supporting their career aptitudes. With
that clarity, students were able to secure pertinent
information on the educational opportunities available in
an array of careers which they held interest.
According to GEMS Co-Chairs Dorinda Adams and Ramona
Dalton, “this college fair was well
received by the community and the
Delta Youth Initiative programs. The
colleges and universities represented
were impressive and they were
impressed with the number of students
who attended.” Rachel Smith, an
eighth grade student from Thompson
Intermediate School in the Pasadena
Independent School District said after
the Career Assessment, she has “a
better idea of what to gear her classes
toward in ninth grade.” HAC GEMS
participant, Robin Wesley, reported that, she “received
amazing information that will help [her] tremendously
during [her] college application process.”
The Houston Alumnae Chapter also presents many other
events throughout the year to provide information on
health and wellness, financial independence, civic
involvement, and cultural awareness in the community.
Forrest City Area Alumnae Chapter
Celebrates Distinguished Delta Gentlemen
Forrest City Area Alumnae Chapter in
Forrest City, Arkansas, hosted its 8th
Annual 2015 Distinguished Delta
Gentlemen at a formal banquet and
dinner. The Gentlemen were presented
in casual and formal attire. The
highlight of the night was a ballroom
dance with their mothers and senior
girl escorts in white ballroom dresses.
Five seniors competed in the
competition to receive college scholarships. Participants
from left to right are Jamal Turner, Braxton Williams, IV,
second place, Kellum Blanchett, winner, crowned 2015
Distinguished Delta Gentlemen, Issac Wilburn, IV, first
place winner, and Bryan Allen. All participant received a
certificate and gift cards. The top three participants
received scholarships and trophies. Forrest City Area
Alumnae Chapter has given away over $65,000.00 in
scholarships and awards to black male seniors who
participated in the annual scholarship drive.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Summer 2015
Gamma Alpha Chapter Raises the Red Flag
Lafayette (LA) Alumnae Leaping into Literacy
backpack filled with school supplies.
Lafayette
Alumnae
Chapter's Delta
Academy & GEMS
offered measures
of support
through the
reading initiative
"Leaping into
Literacy" on
November 22,
2014, by
preparing a book donation to be delivered to Alice
Boucher Elementary School The "Leaping into Literacy"
program was created by Lafayette Parish School System
and adopted by Alice Bouchere Elementary School in an
effort to increase reading across the curriculum. Lafayette
Alumnae Chapter's Social Action Committee later
partnered with the elementary school to bring awareness
to the cause. The participants were also highlighted in the
Daily Advertiser for their service endeavors. On this day,
the Program Planning & Development Committee (PPD)
also hosted an etiquette workshop for the members of
Delta Academy & GEMS. Soror Renee Ventroy facilitated
the workshop. The members were able to gain insightful
information on etiquette and manners at a table setting.
The participants will be able to apply the principles they
learned during the workshop at the program's Power
Breakfast, which was held on May 2, 2015.
The PPD Committee, chaired by Sorors Carlos Boudreaux
and Jade Calais, received positive feedback from the
parents and participants.
Lafayette Alumnae Chapter's PPD committee also
facilitated an Educational Boot camp for the Delta
Academy & GEMS participant. The purpose of the session
was to prepare the participants for the state testing that
will be administered in March 2015. Throughout the
seminar, students were given pertinent resources to aid
and strengthen their overall academic development. The
topics covered during the session included: Test taking
strategies, time management, the role of a counselor, and
college planning. Door prizes were distributed that
included the Kaplan's ACT Test Prep, gift cards to Barnes
and Nobles, and a
Brazos Valley Area Alumnae Supports
Sisterhood and Scholarship
The Brazos Valley Area Alumnae (BVAA) Chapter
celebrated, “A Room Full of Sisters” Founders Day
Celebration on February 28, 2015. Events started with a
Rededication Ceremony and concluded with a Sisterhood
Dinner at Café Capri in downtown Bryan, Texas. Sorors
renewed their commitment to the Sisterhood during the
Founders Day events and prepared to continue the
business of Delta. In preparation for travel to National
Convention in Houston, attendees were given BVAA
luggage tags as a gift. Sorors Jessica Pierce and Kecia
Williams Smith served as Founders Day Committee CoChairs.
The chapter hosted their Harlem Renaissance theme
Jabberwock Gala on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Brazos
Expo Center in Bryan, Texas. The talented Soror Ashley
Jones served as choreographer and Sorors D. Lenea Banks
and Jessica Pierce co-chaired this enchanting event. The
nine participants and their dedicated escorts spent
several months participating in rehearsals, attending
various workshops, and completing community service
hours. The participants also attended cultural events,
including the Black Violins concert. The evening was filled
with various displays of talent including dancing, singing,
prose recitation, and the playing of classical musical
instruments. The highlight of the evening was the
crowning of Miss Brianna Gooden as Miss Jabberwock
2015.
The BVAA chapter is under the leadership of Soror
Kristiana Hamilton.
The spring
semester was
highlighted by
extraordinary
programs
sponsored by the
Gamma Alpha
Chapter at Xavier
University of
Louisiana. First, a 3 part series on money management
discussing saving, loans, and credit from a college
student’s perspective. Next, the annual Walk-It-Out
community service walk raised money to donate to a local
non-profit organization. This year the chapter donated
over $500 to the Rain Tree House, a house for abused
teens from ages 10-17. The most impressive program
addressed domestic violence in a two-part presentation.
The Sick and Tired forum on domestic violence was
followed by The Red Flag Campaign, a demonstration to
increase awareness about domestic violence.
Overall the program was effective as many students were
educated and are better prepared to avoid domestic
violence situations.
The XU student body selected the Sick and Tired
forum and the Red Flag Campaign as the best program
presented by a student organization. Its purpose was to
raise awareness as well as give information to students
about domestic violence and abusive relationships. This is
important since domestic violence can and often does
occur on college campuses. The program had the highest
attendance of all programs presented on campus. The
forum was led by a woman who is a licensed professional
counselor and a faculty member of Xavier University. The
counselor gave copious information to the audience
about what domestic violence looks like, warning signs of
domestic violence, what to do if you’re in that situation,
and who to contact. The faculty member gave her
personal experience from being in a domestic violence
situation and furthermore the consequences of her
situation and how it affected her emotionally, mentally,
and physically.
The Symposium featured two speakers. Noted author,
Evangelist Joyce Rodgers, founder and CEO of Primary
Purpose Ministries, Inc. prepared the symposium
attendees spiritually as she presented “Fountain of Faith
Plaza”. This session encouraged the symposium attendees
to prepare themselves for an entrepreneurial journey.
She admonished the audience to be confident in their
capabilities and trust in God who will cause you to
succeed and triumph in all endeavors.
The Red Flag Campaign was a follow up to the
forum. This program was to spread awareness about
domestic violence to all of the campus. Students were
given red flags and asked to write warning signs or “red
flags” of domestic violence or words of encouragement
for people in domestic violence situation. The students
then posted the flags near the front of the University
Center where they remained for about a week.
Denton County Alumnae Chapter holds its
16th Annual Women’s Symposium
Denton County Alumnae Chapter hosted its 16th Annual
Women’s Symposium at the Holiday Inn & Suites in
Denton, Texas. One hundred and twenty women
attended the event which included 25 Denton County
Chapter members. Women’s Symposium is a one day
comprehensive event designed to empower women
through seminars and information sessions. The purpose
of Women’s Symposium is to provide educational
information for personal and community development.
Each year Denton County highlights one aspect of the Five
Point programmatic thrust. This year the Symposium
focused on economic development through
entrepreneurship.
Denton County Alumnae used this event to encourage
and solicit members of the community to enter the
Women-Owned Business Plan Competition sponsored by
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Denton County was
afforded the opportunity to submit four female
entrepreneurs into the national competition from this
event.
Denton County Alumnae partnered with Southeast
Denton Neighborhood Association (SEDNA) in an effort to
bring this event to the community. The city of Denton
provided a $10k grant to ensure all funding required to
make this event informative and successful were met. A
symposium ticket included breakfast and lunch. Each
participant received a registration bag and “The Roadmap
to Entrepreneurial Success: The Journey to Success”
workbook. The Symposium highlighted 8 women owned
businesses as vendors at the event.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
New Iberia Alumnae Chapter’s Social Action,
Voter Education and Mobilization Initiatives
The Social Action Committee developed a two prong, two
phase approach for the November 2014-15 election cycle.
An effort to educate and mobilize the voters in response
to local and state elections was carried out. In the first
phase of the initiative the goal was increasing voters’
understanding of the critical issues and the candidates’
positions. The second goal focused on during phase two
was increasing voter turnout and participation during
both early voting and on Election Day.
BAHA Salutes Scholars
The Bay Area Houston Alumnae Chapter hosted its annual
luncheon to culminate and celebrate another successful
sorority year! This year’s banquet took place at the
beautiful and scenic Golfcrest Country Club in
Pearland, TX.
Questions focused on topics such as healthcare, Medicare
funding, racial profiling, stand your ground law, Medicare
and disparity in sentencing for minorities. The response
by the candidates and the public were encouraging. All
candidates on the local ballot participated and the public
participation exceeded 300 individuals.
The Souls to the Polls Initiative was central to the second
goal of increasing voter participation and turnout. As a
result of voter registration efforts, collaboration with local
churches and civic organizations, along with an ongoing
media blitz by the chapter, the second phase proceeded
with great success. This effort contributed to
approximately 40% of the registered voters participating
in the November 4th election.
Monroe Alumnae Promotes Economic
Development with Adopt-A-Spot
with the City of Monroe is to create a clean, green,
physically enhanced community where citizens exhibit a
strong sense of pride and concern about their
environment. We are Monroe “Delta” Proud.
Heart to Heart with Bayou LaFourche
Bayou LaFourche Area Alumnae Chapter hosted a Heart
to Heart Event Project 13 at the Assumption Parish Library
on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Dr. Garland Green,
cardiologist and native of Assumption Parish, was the
presenter. Dr. Green currently works with the
Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Baton Rouge.
The highlight of the luncheon is the scholarship awards.
Students from area high schools are invited to apply for
one of several BAHA scholarships. Recipients are invited
to join the chapter at the luncheon, where their academic
efforts are celebrated!
The purpose of the event was to promote awareness
among women on heart disease. The audience members
were challenged during the presentation to recognize
their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their
personal risk. The tools needed to lead a heart healthy
lifestyle were given by Cardiologist Dr. Garland Green.
The New Iberia Alumnae Chapter and Franklin-Jeanerette
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in conjunction
with Rho Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Iota Eta
Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Eta Chi Omega
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Knights of St. Peter Claver
Teche Central District III, New Iberia Chapter of
N.A.A.C.P., New Iberia Chapter of National Association of
University Women, and the Sugarland Optimist Club of
New Iberia in conjunction with the St Edward Catholic
Church facilitated a Meet the Candidates Forum.
This collaboration was an effort to maximize the
participation of an informed electorate in the November
4th election. The election included the opportunity to
elect 4 judges. One city judge and 3 district judges. Two of
the judgeships were in the 16th Judicial District’s minority
district races. Also, included in this election were the
races for U.S. state senator, state representative, and city
marshal.
Summer 2015
Two students, Monea Howard and Jasmine Syes, received
$250.00 each as a book stipend. Caleb Taylor was
awarded a $250.00 scholarship for his participation in our
national initiative, EMBODI. The chapter granted two
academic scholarships in the amount of $250 to Amaara
Harris and Prince Ibe. Two $500 Rising Star awards went
to Jealyn Jackson and Carlos Torres. The top award, the
BAHA Scholar, was bestowed upon Cory Moses. Cory
received $1,000 toward his college tuition!
BAHA also honored sorors for their dedication
participation and implementation of national and chapter
initiatives and programs. Every year during the end-ofyear feast, BAHA announces the winner of the chapter’s
most prestigious award, the Dorothy I. Height Award. The
newest member to join the “Dorothy Club” is Soror Tracey
Brass! Soror Brass serves as a shining example of
fortitude, dedication, service, and sisterhood.
BAHA would like to congratulate all sorors on another
successful sorority year and encourages everyone to
enjoy their summer and have a great time at the National
Convention, where we are a host chapter, Rest now and
get ready to work for the 2015-2016 year!
Members of Monroe Alumnae Chapter Economic
Development Committee partnered with the City of
Monroe Beautification Division to promote economic
development. The mission for this project is for groups to
take a greater responsibility for improving their
community environments. This project not only
encourages residents and businesses in the City of
Monroe to initiate beautification initiatives but also
encourages litter prevention projects in communities to
ensure a better quality of life. This partnership allowed
Monroe Alumnae Chapter to be assigned a two block area
of land on each side of a busy street located on the
Southside of Monroe near several shopping centers.
Traffic on this street is very active and trash is thrown
from vehicles frequently. Once the site was selected and
the signs erected designating this location as the
chapter’s adopt-a-spot; monthly clean-up began.
Members of the committee and sorors began monthly
meetings on the third Saturday of each month for eight
months to collect trash thrown on both sides of the two
block location. Sorors used equipment for trash pick-up;
bagged trash, and then deposited trash in the nearest
trash receptacle or the bagged trash was left in a location
for the City of Monroe trash collectors to pick up. Sorors
were present each month during warm, cold, and/or rainy
weather. On several occasions, sorors were joined by
parents and youth from our Delta GEMS and/or EMBODI
for the clean-up. This is a three year commitment
between the City of Monroe and Monroe Alumnae
Chapter. May, 2015 ends the first year. Our vision along
Pictured L to R Robin Thompson, Kim Fobbs, Allisha
Thomas, Dr. Garland Green, Angela Alexander, Wanda
August, and Dympha Landry.
Hammond
(LA) Area
Alumnae
Marks its
40th
Anniversary
The Hammond (LA) Area Alumnae Chapter recently
celebrated 40 years of service with a Hattitude Luncheon
on May 23, 2015. Sorors and guests donned their Best
Hats/Headwear for a Fabulous Afternoon of Food, Fun, &
Fellowship. The guest speaker for the event was Soror
Carolyn E. Lewis, Immediate Past
National Treasurer and Member
of the New Orleans Alumnae
Chapter. Other special guests
included, Soror Sheila Lewis,
Cluster IV Chair and member
of the Baton Rouge Sigma
Chapter.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Diamonds & Pearls, A Red Carpet Affair
Journey to Entrepreneurship
The Dallas Alumnae Chapter in partnership with Dodd
Education & Support, Inc. presented the event of the
season, “Miss Jabberwock 2015: Diamonds & Pearls, A
Red Carpet Affair” Scholarship Pageant on Sunday, May 3,
2015 at the Doubletree Hotel Campbell Center in Dallas,
Texas. This year, eight young scholars participated in
activities and events to enhance their cultural, social,
professional, and leadership development. Activities
included “Your Best You” workshop, Painting with a Twist,
North Texas Food Bank community service activity,
Mother/Daughter Tea, church fellowship, and the
chapter’s annual Teen Town Hall community event. After
several months of hard work, parental support,
fundraising efforts, time, dedication, and commitment,
the Dallas Alumnae Chapter awarded over $28,000 in
scholarships at the event towards higher education. The
following young scholars were recognized;
The Louisiana Tri-Parish
Alumnae conducted a workshop
entitled “Journey to
Entrepreneurship”. This
workshop was developed for
women that currently own businesses or those that are
interested in becoming business owners. It spotlighted
women entrepreneurs who own health care practices and
a birthday spa. These business owners shared their
visions to encourage the women to follow their dreams
and become a business owner.
Miss Azani Creeks
“Miss Jabberwock 2015”
Miss Leah Levels
“Miss Distinguished Scholar Teen 2015”
Miss Tori Hickman
“Most Talented 2015” and “Miss Congeniality 2015”
Additionally, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter awards a
$10,000 college scholarship each year in honor of our
beloved Founder, Frederica Chase Dodd (Dallas Alumnae
charter member). Miss Renishaw Jimmerson is the
recipient of the 2015 Frederica Chase Dodd scholarship.
The keynote speaker was the Director of the Louisiana
Small Business Development Center who answered
questions regarding financing, taxes, starting up business
and business plans. Other women entrepreneurs in
attendance included an owner of a trucking company,
pharmacy and beauty salon. The event served to inspire
and encourage women to become successful and
productive entrepreneurs.
River Parishes Alumnae Pumps Up the Red
The River Parishes
Alumnae Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated focused
their Journey to Wellness
event on the physical
movement of the sorors
that was measured by various tracking devices. The
strategy was to promote heart healthy choices along with
improved lifestyle changes.
On Friday, February 6, 2015, the sorority hosted their
mid-year event, PUMP UP THE RED. Participants received
Heart Heathy Booklets and wore red dress lapel pins from
the American Heart Association. The Zumba instructor
from the St John Parish Recreation Department led the
group in really pumping up the hearts.
River Parishes Alumnae Chapter ‘s winners of our Journey
to Wellness Program for the 2014-2015 sorority year are
RPAC Delta S.I.Z.E.D. Challenge (Highest Step Count /
757miles) Dina Perkins, RPAC Heart Healthy Bingo
Challenge Sandra Horne, and RPAC Best Journey.
Summer 2015
North Harris County Alumnae Chapter Holds
its Lovin’ Me Summit
those who came before us, from slavery to now and of
realizing your own self-worth.
Brandon Ball, Esq., presented a session addressing the
current issues of injustice and racial profiling from the
legal perspective. He explained their rights and the laws
that are designed to protect them. The students divided
into groups and performed skits highlighting various legal
situations that they could be faced with at school, at
home and in cars. This session brought to the forefront
overwhelming emotion with the EMBODI participants.
Many of the young men had encountered or had friends
who had been in situations that could have cost them
their lives. Their spirits were renewed and filled with hope
as Attorney Ball shared with them the right things to do
legally to not only avoid a humiliating situation but also
help them live through it.
The North Harris County Alumnae Chapter has embraced
its growth in membership by offering increased services
to residents of Cypress, spring, Humble, Jersey Village and
Tomball. We are “A Strong Sisterhood with an Unyielding
Commitment to Service” and we have focused our efforts
of meeting the needs of our communities and providing
outreach and education to both our membership and the
community.
NHCAC’s Annual Lovin’ Me Summit was held on February
7, 2015, in partnership with the Delta Academy, Delta
GEMS, and EMBODI programs. The Social Action
committee presented SOS – Save Our Selves – Black Lives
Matter with over 70 youth in attendance.
The main target and focus was on racial profiling. The
youth initiative participants were charged with inviting
classmates and friends to attend this seminar. Parents
were encouraged to attend the seminar so they could be
aware of the topics and the information which was
shared. The seminar focused on Why Black Lives Matter
and the legal aspect of knowing your rights and how to
respond correctly in different and difficult situations.
Terrence Campbell, Change, Inc., began the session with a
presentation from a historical perspective of why Black
Lives Matter. He spoke about the value and self-pride of
This was a day that had a powerful emotional and
educational impact for all attendees. The session allowed
everyone to leave better informed and equipped with
knowledge and understanding of what we need to know
and what we need to do to ensure that indeed, “Our Black
Lives Matter”
Monroe Alumnae Chapter Heightens
Political Awareness and Involvement and
Social Action
On Saturday, October 18, 2014, the Monroe Alumnae
Chapter partnered with The Family Justice Center and The
Wellspring of Ouachita Parish to host a Domestic Violence
Awareness Month Commemorative Event- A Walk In Her
Shoes. This was the inaugural partnership for Monroe
Alumnae partnered with these community organizations.
Each October, citizens and organizations throughout the
nation take a public stand against abuse while observing
Domestic Violence Month. In its latest review of domestic
homicides in the U.S., the Violence Policy Center's (VPC)
2011 report showed Louisiana with the ninth highest rate
of domestic homicides — dropping from its No. 4 spot in a
2010 report. This two hour commemorative event was
interactive and informative.
Just a few days later, the Monroe Alumnae Chapter also
collaborated with Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
to hold a political candidates forum at Carroll High
School. The candidates were given an opportunity to
present their platforms and take questions from the
audience.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Collin County Alumnae Chapter Holds Taboo
Talk: Health Platform for Teens
Collin County Alumnae Chapter – presented “Taboo Talk”
– health platform for teens to discuss health issues. Delta
GEMS, EMBODI, and our Cotillion participants all consider
this a favorite event. This year’s theme was S.N.A.P. Chat
– S (Sharing Stories of racial profiling), N (New
Attitudes…Mental Health), A (Awareness…Domestic
violence) and P (Physical Health). The students had the
opportunity to share frank, open, and honest
commentary with experts in a variety of fields within law
enforcement and mental and physical health.
CCAC hosted 50 students, including 10 young men. There
were also over 20 sorors in attendance. The students
were fully engaged, candid, and truly concerned about
the world they live in. The young men and young ladies
were in separate groups. Each group enjoyed a diverse
slate of panelists from the fields of medicine, physical
therapy, obstetrics/gynecology, psychology, social work,
and law enforcement. The participants posed a variety of
questions concerning sensitive and intimate issues
including: unhealthy relationships, domestic violence,
premarital sex, implications of statutory rape, and
frustration with racial profiling, distrust for police officers,
and feeling sad, depressed, or alone. They also asked
general health questions about chronic pain, unresolved
strains, pelvic pain, hair loss due to braids and weaves,
fear of doctors as well as several thought-provoking
questions on current events.
The questions asked gave significant insight that young
people
deal with lots of issues and sometimes don't know where
they can get help. We worked hard to provide them with
adequate resources they can access and share.
This is the 5th year for the event and the 2nd year the
event included young men.
Natchitoches Deltas Host Annual Prayer
Breakfast
Natchitoches
Alumnae
Chapter of
Delta Sigma
Theta
Sorority,
Incorporated
hosted its
Annual Prayer
Breakfast on
Saturday May
30 at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Hall. The event
which is used to express appreciation to the community
for their support of its activities during the year attracted
over 80 citizens from throughout the area.
Natchitoches Chapter sponsors a number of programs
including Betty Shabazz/GEMS (programs for girls) and
EMBODI and Beautillion (programs for boys), Delta Doll
Project and Toys for Tots along with the Delta Book
Project that encourages a love for reading in young
students. Each year scholarships are awarded to area
graduating high school seniors. Open to all high school
students, applications for these scholarships are
distributed early in the year and actual scholarships are
awarded at appropriate graduation ceremonies. Special
presentations are made to area families during the
Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Presiding over the 2015 Prayer Breakfast was Soror
Brittany Blackwell, while Chapter president Brenda F.
Milner extended greetings and explained the purpose or
goal of the event which is to recognize and reward
citizens of the community for their support of the chapter
and its activities throughout the year.
A special highlight of the annual Prayer Breakfast was the
presentation of the Outstanding Business Award which
was presented to Derek Payne, owner of Payne’s Lawn
Service LLC for their contributions to the economic
growth of the community and the area through the
employment of many individuals throughout the years.
Other chapter members who served as program
participants were Edwina Lewis and Sarah Lacaze. Also
present were Yvonne Wade, Markita Hamilton, Dora
Combest, and visiting Soror Crystal Combest,
granddaughter of Dora Combest.
Summer 2015
SHFBAC Deltas Rally for Juneteenth Parade
For the first time, the Suburban Houston-Fort Bend
Alumnae Chapter (SHFBAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Inc. rallied its membership for the annual Missouri City
Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (MCJCF) Parade on
Saturday, June 20, 2015. The MCJCF’s purpose is to bring
positive attention to African-Americans, while celebrating
the Emancipation Proclamation as it relates to the state of
Texas and the long-awaited announcement of freedom
for the slave population confined within its territory
known as Juneteenth.
The “One Mile of Smiles” was the parade theme for 2015.
SHFBAC incorporated the parade theme into its float
design centered on the sorority’s national five point
programmatic thrust. In furtherance of the chapter’s
effort to promote the programmatic thrust, various
chapter committees walked behind the float representing
each facet of the five point thrust. The Program Planning
and Development Committee, which services the youth in
our community, represented Education along with some
of the youth from our Delta Academy, Delta GEMS and
EMBODI programs. The Healthy Lifestyles Committee
stressed the importance of physical health and distributed
fans to raise awareness of breast cancer. The Social Action
Committee represented Political Involvement while
raising awareness of child abuse by distributing fans
labeled “Stop Child Abuse”. Other chapter participants
included the chapter Executive Committee, Executive
Board, Past
Presidents and Delta
Dears. The Dears
were easy to
recognize as they
motivated the crowd
by shaking their
purple pompoms and
fans.
The SHFBAC MCJCF
Parade Committee
was rewarded for its
efforts by bringing
home the Best
Parade Theme trophy
for its beautiful float.
Fun was had by all
who attended and SHFBAC helped to highlight the
positive works done within its community by those ladies
in crimson and cream known as “The Deltas””!
Marianna Area Alumnae Encourages
Community to Love Our Babies to Life
There is nothing sadder
than the death of a
child. It is even sadder
when the cause of
death is unknown
and/or unexplainable.
In Arkansas, 274 infants
died from SIDS
between 2008 and
2012. Regardless of
cause, African
Americans are twice
more likely to die in
infancy than Whites.
1Soror Barbara Hightower, campaign project
Marianna Area
director, demonstrates the "back to sleep"
method to Lee County Health Consortium
Alumnae Chapter
Health Fair participants.
(MAAC) was delighted
to be one of 28 Arkansas organizations who were minigrant recipients from The Eunice Kennedy Shriver
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD), of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH). The grant awards were given as part of NICHD’s
Safe to Sleep® campaign’s outreach to support efforts to
reduce the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
and other sleep-related infant deaths in the state.
MAAC utilized grant funds and in-kind donations to
support their community campaign entitled “Loving Our
Babies to Life.” The campaign endeavored to debunk
myths and some outdated traditional child rearing
methods that may unwittingly cause us to “love our
babies to death.” MAAC reached over 125 community
members through a series of presentations, community
baby showers and safe sleep demonstrations for parents,
caretakers, high school students and the community atlarge.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Shreveport Alumnae Celebrates
Achievement
The Leadership Academy of Shreveport Alumnae Chapter
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its spring
commencement exercise for the Leadership, Excellence,
Achievement, and Development (LEAD) Mentoring
Program. The Commencement Address was given by Dr.
Kenna Franklin, a member of the sorority. Pictured are
Graduates, Deans, Provost and Vice Provost of the
Shreveport Leadership Academy. The leaders of the LEAD
committee are Martha W. Henderson, and Karen C.
Barnes respectively. Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
The Shreveport Alumnae Chapter also hosted its first
annual STEM Workshop for the participants of its Delta
Academy and Delta GEMS. Members of the Sorority and
other community leaders provided powerful
presentations on the importance of careers in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math for our African
American females. Ms. Shirley Roberson, Director of the
Office of Multicultural Affairs at LSU Shreveport School of
Medicine, served as a special guest presenter. Booths
were set up to display all areas of STEM to allow
participants to gain "hands on" knowledge of each area.
Kudos to Sorors Tara Hart and Sherri Barber who served
as the activity chairpersons.
Soror Marvalyn Jones serves as the chapter president
along with Soror Leslie Scott, 1st Vice-President, and
Soror Sharon Penson, 2nd Vice-President.
A Journey to Wellness: Getting Healthy, Fit
& Lean in 2015
The Slidell Alumnae Chapter sponsored the Lose to Win,
Delta SIZED Challenge, a program designed to meet the
Healthy Life Styles campaign focusing on healthy
nutrition, physical activity and weight management. The
program served participants from 19-56+ years of age and
involved kicking off a campaign within the Slidell
community to lose weight doing the 10-Day Green
Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith, 2015 NAACP Image Award
nominee, national best-selling author, nutritionist and
certified weight loss expert. The program culminated
with a VIP meet and greet with Ms. Smith and having her
as the guest speaker at our Founders Day luncheon.
Approximately 20 people in attended the 10-Day Green
Smoothie Cleanse (GSC) kick-off. The participants were
provided information on the Cleanse and were able to ask
questions, sample smoothies and snacks, and received
door prizes to assist in completing the Cleanse. As a
result of the kick-off, publicizing the Cleanse on the
chapter’s Facebook and local newspapers and passing out
flyers in chapter members churches, work, etc., 64
participants signed up to do the Cleanse. The chapter
created a GroupMe texting group to serve as a tool to
motivate participants daily during the Cleanse. For each
day, a chapter member was responsible for sending out
the motivational message. The text group also was used
for participants to ask questions and report on how their
day went. At the end of the 10 days, a total weight loss of
approximately 305 pounds was achieved from 37 of the
participants who reported their loss. Participants also
reported non-scale victories such as increased energy,
clearer skin, reduced swelling, lower blood pressure,
lower cholesterol, and clothes fitting looser!
Summer 2015
SOUTHWEST REGION Public Service Event
DELTAS S.H.I.N.E.
(Serving & Helping Individuals in Need of Empowerment)
Louisiana of the “Blazing” Southwest Region underwent a
incredible Statewide Summit under the leadership of Soror
Doris G. Brown, Louisiana Statewide Coordinator on March
26 -28, 2015 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The service project
entitled, Deltas S.H.I.N.E. (Serving and Helping Individuals in
Need of Empowerment) was just one of the weekend filled
events hosted by Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae and Baton
Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapters. Deltas S.H.I.N.E. held true
to Delta Sigma Theta’s tenacity, making an immense impact
in the Capital City. Deltas shined in the Capital City by
standing up against the violence that brings our nation
countless tears and perpetuates many fears. This terrifying
epidemic has regrettably placed a significant amount of
people in an undesired darkness.
Heartfelt, Louisiana has traveled down undesirable dark
roads, such as ranking 2nd in the nation for homicides
related to domestic abuse; the highest gun-homicide rate
among children ages 0–19; and last and surely not least,
Baton Rouge being identified as one of the top 5 cities for
sex trafficking. Steadfast and unstoppable, Louisiana Deltas
marched down the road of excellence to brighten and
revitalize the lives of those who have been victimized and/or
traumatized through violence by focusing on three agencies
to assist of which assiduously service those of which depicts
this epidemic. Those three agencies, were:
• The Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center serves
abused children in East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Pointe
Coupee, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. The BRCAC
protects children who have been sexually and/ or physically
abused and helps prevent further abuse, provides
therapeutic counseling during the time of disclosure and
thereafter, maintains and reconstitutes a healthy family by
healing the scars of abuse, enhances community safety by
preventing the perpetration of sexual/physical abuse and
coordinates the prosecution of the criminal cases;
• Betty’s Hope, a child bereavement program, was founded
by former NFL star and Catholic High School graduate
Warrick Dunn in honor of his mother, Cpl. Betty Smothers.
• The Iris Domestic Violence Center empowers survivors,
prevent relationship violence, and promote justice for
victims of domestic and dating violence, their children, and
our communities. The Iris Domestic Violence provides
support to survivors of family violence and their children.
The Deltas S.H.I.N.E. Service Project blazed as Louisiana
Deltas assembled at the Louisiana Statewide Summit’s
registration table, contributions poured in from individual
donations to huge chapter baskets filled with suggested
items according to their cluster. As usual, Delta Women
shined their lights bright, more than 1,000 in-kind items
were donated which included diapers, baby wipes, twin
sheets, slippers, personal care products, books for kids and
teens, towels, washcloths, 100% fruit juice, garbage bags,
paper towels, school supplies, children’s belts, underwear &
socks for women & kids, stuffed animals, locker locks,
Scarves, hats, cleaning supplies, gloves, umbrellas as well as
over $2000 in monetary donations. Items were distributed
to the individual agencies according to their necessity.
In addition, community partners and contributors were
initiated to assist with the Iris Domestic Violence Center’s
Family Room Beautification Project. This project allowed us
to alleviate the dark, grime look of the room, transforming it
to a more inviting, empowering and homey appearance.
Prior to March 26, 2015, the host chapters ignited the
project by shopping for the necessary items in preparation of
redecorating the Iris Domestic Violence Center Family Room.
Furthermore, one of the community partners, the Nubian
Kruzers Motorcycle Club, Baton Rouge, prepped the room by
scrapping off the old paint and giving the room a beautiful
fresh soothing look of lavender with an accent of light gray.
On Da Spot Upholstery Cleaning Service soared right in,
giving the sofas and chairs a fresh new look.
Hence, on Friday, March 26th at 8am – until, Twenty
Louisiana Deltas march into the Iris Domestic Violence
Center. They were energized with a continental breakfast
and thereafter, expeditiously went to work cleaning the
family room, moving furniture, redecorating and artistically
painting canvases. Residents and staff cheered as the Deltas
transformed a dim grimness to a vibrant brightness. Leaving
them with bright beautiful pillows, window treatments, area
rugs, wall decor, flat screen television, bookshelves,
centerpieces and a children’s reading area filled with kids
and teen books. Moreover, the Iris Domestic Center loved
the color of the room so much that they decided to
transform all the rooms that color. The Deltas S.H.I. N. E.
Service Project did not end there. Representatives from each
of the three agencies participated in the Ecumenical Service
held on March 28, 2015. At the conclusion of the service,
each of the three agencies were honored and presented
with monetary awards.
The Blaze – Newsletter of the Southwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
52nd National Convention
Houston, Texas
Southwest Regional Sisterhood Luncheon
Blazing, Boots & Bling:
A Southwest Salute to Sisters Across Generations
Sunday, July 26, 2015
George R. Brown Convention Center
Summer 2015
The Louisiana Jazzy Dancing Delta Dears
Lunch is Served
Regional Events
The Arkansas Delta Dolls
Presentation of Awards
Collegiate
Delta Dear
Delta Dear Honorees
Heritage and Archives
Processional
Welcome
Membership Services
Pamela M. Rogers
Program, Planning and Development
Southwest Regional Director
Invocation and Blessing of Food
Introduction of the Dais
Shelia McKeithen
Social Action
Regional Chaplain
Volunteerism
Burnell Offord
Regional Secretary
Greetings
Regional Initiatives
The Texas/ New Mexico Delta Divas
Regional Conference 2016
City of San Antonio
Kristen Wells-Lewis
Cassandra Carter, President
Southwest Regional Representative
Alice Faye Hammond
Honorary Member
Cynthia M. A. Butler McIntyre
24th National President
Mayor Ivy Taylor
San Antonio Alumnae
Announcements
Closing Prayer
Recessional