FALL 2011 a Choice to Change the World

Spelman Commencement 2011 President Beverly Daniel Tatum First Lady Michelle Obama Kristen Jarvis, C’2003, special assistant for scheduling and traveling for the First Lady

THE ALUMNAE MAGAZINE OF SPELMAN COLLEGE VOLUME 122 NUMBER 1 FALL 2011 A Choice to Change the World

SPELMAN Messenger

All submissions should be sent to: EDITOR Spelman Messenger Jo Moore Stewart Office of Alumnae Affairs 350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Box 304 COPY EDITOR Atlanta, GA 30314 Janet M. Barstow OR GRAPHIC DESIGN [email protected] Garon Hart Submission Deadlines: Fall Issue: January 1 – May 31 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Spring Issue: June 1 – December 31 Eloise A. Alexis, C’86 ALUMNAE NOTES Joyce Davis Alumnae Notes is dedicated to the following: Tomika DePriest, C’89 • Education (advanced degree) Kassandra Kimbriel Jolley • Personal (birth of a child or marriage) Sharon E. Owens, C’76 • Professional Please include the date of the event in your WRITERS submission. Denise McFall TAKE NOTE! Lorraine Robertson Take Note! is dedicated to the following Angela Brown Terrell alumnae achievements: • Published PHOTOGRAPHERS • Appearing in films, television, or on stage Bud Smith • Special awards, recognition, and appointments Please include the date of the event in your Julie Yarbrough, C’91 submission.

BOOK NOTES Book Notes is dedicated to alumnae authors. Please submit review copies.

The Spelman Messenger is published twice a IN MEMORIAM year (Fall and Spring) by Spelman College, We honor our Spelman sisters. If you receive 350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia notice of the death of a Spelman sister, please 30314-4399, free of charge for alumnae, contact the Office of Alumnae Affairs at donors, trustees and friends of the College. (404) 270-5048 or Sharon Owens, director of Recipients wishing to change the address to alumnae affairs, at [email protected]. which the Spelman Messenger is sent should For verification purposes, please include a printed notify the editor, giving both old and new program, newspaper acknowledgment or electronic addresses. Third-class postage paid at link with your submission. Atlanta, Georgia. Publication No. 510240

CREDO The Spelman Messenger, founded in 1885, is dedicated to participating in the ongoing education of our readers through enlightening articles designed to promote lifelong learning. The Spelman Messenger is the alumnae magazine of Spelman College and is committed to educating, serving and empowering Black women. Contents Page1 4:58PM 12/12/11 MessText-F11-p_SC 8 26 Messenger N A M L E P S

PHOTO: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91 12 30 26 17 8 2 for the First the for scheduling for Kristen First Beverly President 2011 Commencement ON THE COVER In Memoriam 2011 Reunion Notes Alumnae &Papers Books Voices FALL 2011 122, VOLUME B Judges Alumnae Y Lady D Jarvis, special assistant special Jarvis, ENISE Michelle Lady and traveling aide traveling and NUMBER1 M Daniel Tatum Daniel C Obama F

ALL MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 2

Upon receiving her honorary degree from Spelman College: “I am a Spelman Woman!” First Lady Michelle Obama Commencement Speaker Honorary Degree Recipient, Doctor of Laws

(Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from First Lady Michelle Obama’s keynote Spelman College 124th Commencement Address – May 15, 2011, at the Georgia International Convention Center – to the Spelman women in the Class of 2011.)

et me tell you it is a pleasure and an honor to be with all of you today. And I want to thank President Tatum for her leadership. She is such an inspiration to all of the women who are part of the Spelman family. And I want to give a special shout out to one of my people, one of my staff members, LMs. Kristen Jarvis of the Spelman Class of 2003. Look, ladies, you want to know what Spelman does for you? Kristen is my right-hand woman. She travels with me all across the country and around the world. I don’t know what I would do without her. She has been with me from the very beginning, looking after my girls, taking care of my mom. So I want to thank Spelman for giving me Kristen.

And again, let’s take a moment to thank all of the life of this school and embraced all that it has those beautiful families sitting behind you all to offer. In doing so, you didn’t just write a chap- today and standing behind you every day, the ter in your own life story. You also became part folks who brought you into this world, of the Spelman story – a story that began Voices the folks who showed you, with their 130 years ago. love, that you belong here. They And by now, all of you know the de- pushed you, they believed in you, and tails: about how two white women from they answered calls those late nights, up North – Sophia Packard and Harriet even when you were just calling for Giles – came here to Atlanta to establish money. And of course, most of all, the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary. to the Spelman Class of 2011, Now, we want the world to congratulations! We are so, so know this story. They started proud of you. We’re proud out in a dank church base- of the effort you’ve in- ment loaned to them by a vested and the risks that kindly preacher named you took. We’re proud Father Quarles. And of the bonds that you their first class had forged, the growth that just 11 students, you’ve showed. We’re many of whom were proud of how, for the former slaves. past four years, you’ve Back then, the PHOTOS: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91 immersed yourselves in thought of an African

2 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 3

Honorees Debbie Allen, Michelle Obama, and Former Spelman board chair Yvonne R. Jackson, C’70, (left) Phylicia Rashad applauds Michelle Obama.

American woman learning to read and write was, And ladies, that is now your story. That legacy is “I want to talk to so many, laughable at best, impossible at now your inheritance. And I’ve chosen that word worst. And plenty of people tried to dissuade inheritance very carefully, because it’s not an en- about the Miss Packard and Miss Giles from founding this titlement that you can take for granted. It’s not school. They said the South was too dangerous. a gift with which you can do whatever you obligations that They said that at the ages of 56 and 48, these please. It is a commitment that comes with a cer- women were too old. tain set of obligations, obligations that don’t end come with a But these two ladies were unmoved. As Miss when you march through that arch today. Giles put it – and these are her words – they were And that’s really what I want to talk with you Spelman education determined to lift up “these women and girls about this afternoon. I want to talk about the and how I believe who have never had a chance.” obligations that come with a Spelman education It’s a story that has been told and re-told, en- and how I believe you all might fulfill those you all might fulfill acted and re-enacted, in every generation since obligations going forward. So let’s go back again the day that Spelman first opened its doors. In a to those first 11 women in that church basement those obligations time of black codes and lynching, this school was all those years ago. Their teachers started with training African American women to be leaders nothing but a couple of Bibles, some notebooks going forward.” in education, in the health professions. In a time and some pencils. When it rained, it got so damp of legalized segregation, this school was establish- in that church that grass started growing on the — FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA ing math and biology departments and training a floor. Often, the stove was so smoky and the light generation of Black women scientists. At a time was so poor that students could barely see their when many workplaces were filled with not just teachers. But still, week after week, more women glass ceilings, but brick walls, this school was urg- showed up to enroll. Some walked eight or nine ing Black women to become doctors, lawyers, en- miles each way. Many were older, in their 30s, gineers and ambassadors. 40s and 50s. And often they were ridiculed. But Now, that is the story of Spelman College: they kept coming. that unyielding presumption of promise, that One student, a woman named Mary Ann presumption of brilliance, that presumption that Brooks, simply stated – and these are her words: every woman who enrolls at this school has “I spoke of going to school, and people laughed something infinitely valuable to offer this world. at me and said ‘You go to school? You’re too old!

FALL 2011 3 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 4

somebody had planted a car bomb, she had a chance of being injured rather than killed. But through it all, she continued to represent her clients. She continued to resist unjust laws with every fiber of her being. Then there’s Janet Bragg, Class of 1925, who was determined to be a pilot. When she was barred from flying out of segregated airports, she worked with her flying school classmates and in- structors to build their own airfield. When she was rejected from the Women Airforce Service Pi- lots because of her race, she enrolled in a civilian training program instead. But when she completed her training, an instructor unfairly prevented her from receiving her license, so she picked up and moved to Chicago, passed the exam and became the first African American woman to earn a commercial pilot’s license. Of her experiences, she said: “There were so many things they said women couldn’t do and Blacks couldn’t do. Every defeat to me was a challenge.” And for six generations, that is what Spelman women have done. They have seen every defeat as a challenge. Now, did they have moments of doubt, anxiety and fear? Did they have moments of despair when they thought about giving up, or giving in? Of course they did. We all do. And I am no exception. I mean, some of you may have grown up like me, in neighborhoods where few had the chance to go to college, where being teased for doing well in school was a fact of life, where well-meaning, but misguided folks questioned whether a girl with my background could get into a school like Princeton. Sometimes, I’d save them the trouble and raise the questions myself, in my own head, lying You’re so old you’ll die there.’ But I told them it awake at night, doubting whether I had what it was just as good a place to die in as I ever wanted took to succeed. And the truth is that there will and I knew Miss Packard and Miss Giles would always be folks out there who make assumptions bury me, so I just came right along.” Now, that about others. There will always be folks who try spark, that spirit, that odds-defying tenacity has to raise themselves up by cutting other people defined the alumnae of this school from its very down. That happens to everyone, including me, first graduating class. throughout their lives. But when that happens I mean, think about one of my heroines, Mar- to you all, here’s what I want you to do. I want ian Wright Edelman, Class of 1960, working as a you to just stop a minute. Take a deep breath, young civil rights lawyer down in Mississippi. At- because it’s going to need to be deep and I want torneys in judges’ chambers refused to shake her you to think about all those women who came hand. The sheriff locked the doors against her before you, women like those first 11 students. when she came to visit her clients in jail. She was Think about how they didn’t sit around be- always careful to leave the door open when she moaning their lack of resources and opportuni- started her car in the morning. That way, if ties and affirmation.

4 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 5

I want you to think about women like Marian Then there was Father Wright Edelman and Janet Bragg. They didn’t Quarles, the preacher go around pointing fingers and making excuses who lent them his church for why they couldn’t win a case or soar above basement. He undertook the horizon. They were Spelman women with an arduous journey north the privilege of a Spelman education. And in- to raise money for the stead of focusing on what they didn’t have, they school. And his last words focused on what they did have: their intellect, to the students were: “I am their courage, their determination, their passion. going north for you. I may And with few advantages and long odds, with never return. But remem- doors closed to them and laws stacked against ber, if I die, I die for you them, still they achieved, still they triumphed, and in a good cause.” And still they carved a glorious path for themselves in those words turned out to this world. be prophetic. In the end, the And graduates, every single one of you has an harsh climate was too much, obligation to do the same. You have an obliga- and he got sick and passed tion to see each setback as a challenge and as an away not long after. opportunity to learn and grow. You have an Miss Giles, Miss Packard, obligation to face whatever life throws your way Father Quarles, they weren’t with confidence and with hope. And don’t ever the only ones who believed in let anyone get into your head, especially yourself, these students. In those early because if it’s one thing I can promise you, it’s years, thousands of dollars of this: With a Spelman education, you all have donations poured in from the everything you need, right here and right now, to Black community itself. I mean, be everything you’ve ever wanted to be. these were folks who likely didn’t have a dime to But let’s be clear, the Spelman legacy isn’t just spare, digging deep into their wallets to support about those first 11 women. And it’s not just this school. See, that fierce devotion to the po- about the generations of students and alumnae tential of others, that commitment to give even who came after them. It’s about everyone who when you’re barely getting by yourself, all of that believed in those women, it’s about everyone is your legacy as well. who invested in those women, right from the be- That is your mission now too. Your mission is ginning. I mean, make no mistake about it, Miss to find those 11 women wherever in the world Packard, Miss Giles, they were ambitious for your journey may take you. Find those folks who their students. Even as they started their classes at have so much potential, but so little opportunity, a first-grade level, teaching the alphabet and basic and do for them what Spelman has done for arithmetic, they had big dreams. They were plan- you. Maybe it’s a group of kids in your commu- ning to build a full scale liberal arts college for nity. Maybe it’s a struggling family at your African American women. church. And I’m not just talking about here at I mean, think about that. They could barely home. Maybe it’s folks in a village or an inner city afford to keep their doors open. Their students halfway around the world. Wherever you go, I could barely read or write. But already, they were guarantee you that you will find folks who have planning to build something big, a college. And been discounted or dismissed, but who have in those early years, they actually rejected an offer every bit as much promise as you have. They just to merge with the Atlanta Baptist Seminary, the haven’t had the chance to fulfill it. It is your school that eventually became Morehouse. Yep, obligation to bring Spelman to those folks – to said, “No thank you, brothers!” because this bring that same presumption of value and worth, move would have – may have solved all their fi- to make that same kind of sacrifice, to be as am- nancial problems. But they were afraid that a bitious for them as Spelman has been for you. coed school – their students would be treated as And in so doing, I can promise you that you second-class citizens. And they weren’t going to won’t just enrich their lives, you’ll immeasurably stand for that. No. enrich your own lives as well.

FALL 2011 5 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 6

purpose and possibility. I went to work every day feeling excited because with every young person I inspired, I felt myself becoming inspired. With every community I engaged, I felt more engaged and alive than I’d felt in years. Now, I’m not say- ing that you have to devote your entire career to public service, though I hope that many of you will. The private sector has all kinds of meaningful, satisfying opportunities. And there is nothing wrong with taking home a nice paycheck. And many of you will need that money to help pay off your student loans and support your families. That I know. And it is vitally important that you all rise All of you already know this to the highest ranks of every industry and of pro- from your own experiences here fession. But as you climb those career ladders, just at Spelman. Over the past four remember to reach down and pull others up be- years, you all have been serving hind you. That’s what so many folks have done for your community in every way you all. And now it is your turn to repay the favor. possible: tutoring kids, bringing Now, juggling these obligations for yourself meals to seniors, building and others won’t be easy. And I know that along homes and so much more. And with the pride and joy you’re feeling today, you I can tell you from my own ex- may also be feeling some worry and some anxi- perience just how rewarding it ety. Some of you may be worrying about getting can be to make this kind of a job or getting into grad school. Others may be work the work of your careers. wondering what it will be like to move back Back when I was sitting right home with mom and dad again. And let me tell where you are, I was certain you there are plenty of moms and dads here who that I wanted to be a lawyer. are wondering the same thing. I knew it. So I did every- But today and every day going forward, I thing I was supposed to do. I got my law degree. want you to remember one last legacy that Spel- I got a prestigious job at a fancy law firm. Had a man has left you. It has left you each other. I nice big ol’ paycheck and was finally making a mean, look at all these beautiful, magnificent dent in my student loans. My friends were im- women beside you. It is breathtaking. Think of pressed. My family was proud and relieved. By all the connections that you have and all those all appearances, I was living the dream. But all experiences that you’ve shared – the first time the while, I knew something was missing, be- you set foot on the campus during Spelbound – cause the truth is, I didn’t want to be up in that crying your eyes out together at the parting cer- tall building, alone in an office writing memos. emony, sweating through the night in those un- I wanted to be on the ground, working with the air-conditioned freshman dorms, all those folks I grew up with. I wanted to be mentoring classes, convocations, Christmas concerts – ooh, young people. I wanted to be helping families and the late night conversations about some put food on the table and a roof over their heads. man. You all know you were doing that. You all I wanted to be out there giving folks the same are the keepers of each other’s histories. And the kind of chances that I had. bonds that you’ve formed here will nourish you So, much to the surprise of my family and and sustain you for the rest of your lives. Now, friends, I left that secure, high-paying job and that is sisterhood. eventually became the executive director of a And look at all these magnificent women nonprofit, working to help young people get in- around all of you – the alumnae of this institu- volved in public service. I was making a lot less tion who led you through that arch on Friday, money – a lot – and my office was a lot smaller. cheering you on as you start your journey into But I woke up every morning with a sense of the world. I’m told that back in the depths of the

6 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 7

recession in 2009, when many seniors here KRISTEN JARVIS’S WHITE HOUSE BLOG couldn’t pay their tuition bills, President Tatum Returning to Spelman With First Lady Michelle Obama made an appeal to Spelman alumnae, parents and friends asking for help. And even though Today, Mrs. Obama will address the 2011 graduating class of Spelman Col- times were tough for everyone, enough gifts lege, a historically Black liberal arts college in Atlanta for women who seek poured in to help 100 seniors graduate from to change the world in meaningful and inspirational ways. As a graduate of Spelman that year. That is sisterhood. Spelman and as a member of the Obamas’ staff since 2004, this trip fills me And finally, think back over the years to all with a particularly special sense of pride. those who have made this day possible: Miss When I walked through the gates of Spelman College in 1999, I couldn’t Giles, Miss Packard, Father Quarles and so many have been more excited about the world of possibilities ahead. Four years others. Think about all those anonymous folks later, armed with a spectacular education and a Spelman diploma, I was ready who were just barely getting by themselves, but to tackle the world. However, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that still found a way to support this school. Those I would be returning years later to witness such a magical moment in history: folks never had the chance to get an education the First Lady of the United States giving the commencement address at my themselves – never – but they were determined alma mater. And not just any First Lady, but a woman whom I am honored that other young people would – even if it wasn’t and grateful to work for, a woman I admire and a woman who is a role model their daughters and their granddaughters, because, for young women like me everywhere. see, what you all have to understand is that hope, Spelman College laid the foundation for who I am today. From the pro- that yearning, that wasn’t just about themselves fessors, to campus life, to the everlasting friendships I made, Spelman taught and their own families. It was about a vision for me the true definition of sisterhood and service. I learned so much from being us as a people and as a nation, where every child surrounded by intelligent, goal-oriented, passionate women who have dedi- can develop every last bit of their God-given po- cated their lives to giving back to their communities, and it has put me on the tential. Graduates, you are their dream come true. path I’m on today – serving as Mrs. Obama’s traveling aide and accompany- You are the culmination of their sacrifice, of their ing her on trips across the country and around the world. longing, of their love. You are part of a glorious Traveling with Mrs. Obama has given me the privilege and opportunity sisterhood – past, present and future. You have a to see firsthand her dedication to giving back to our country. I see her living diploma that will take you places you’ve never a life of service. I see her intelligence, her passion, her strength, as she trav- even dreamed of. els from city to city, from state to state, reaching out to girls and women And no matter what obstacles you encounter, from all walks of life. I have witnessed the long hours, the sacrifice and the no matter what hardships you endure, all of you commitment she has for all Americans, and I am humbled that she has cho- have that for life. No one can ever take that away sen to share a magical moment with my Spelman sisters. I have seen the dif- from you. And today, I want to end with some ference she makes and that she does it with such grace, intellect and character. words from Tina McElroy Ansa, Spelman Class Mrs. Obama has an inspirational message to share with the graduating class of 1971. In one of her novels, she wrote, simply: of 2011, and I am confident they, too, will be inspired by her radiance, her “Claim what is yours…. You belong anywhere passion for life, and her never-ending quest to improve the lives of not only on this earth you want to.” Black women, but all women. And graduates, if you go out there and make As Mrs. Obama prepares to come to Spelman, I have a similar level of ex- that claim, if you reach back to help others do citement and anticipation that I did on election the same, then I am confident that you will lead night and inauguration day. And that’s because a lives worthy of your great woman is coming to share a moment with the dreams, and you will Spelman sisterhood. fulfill that precious Spelman graduates, we are one of a kind, and Spelman legacy that is there are no limitations to what we can achieve. I now yours. So congrat- learned that during my time at Spelman, and I live ulations, graduates, on that every day, working with Mrs. Obama. I look all that you have forward to sharing that same feeling with the grad- achieved. I am so proud uates this afternoon. of you, all of you. We are so proud of you. Do big KRISTEN JARVIS is the special assistant for schedul- things. Thank you and ing and traveling aide for the First Lady. She is an God bless. alumna of Spelman College, Class of 2003.

F A L L 2 0 1 1 7 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 8

Book Reviews ANGELA BROWN TERRELL

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett (Penguin-Berkley)

Kathryn Stockett’s novel about white Southern women and Skeeter decides to their Black maids in the turbu- write about the prevail- lent 1960s is fiction, of course, ing attitudes of the but it has struck a chord of white employers and truth that has some people en- how their maids really thralled and others irritated. feel about it. She sells the A day in the life of Black idea to a New York pub- housekeeper Aibileen goes lisher and then embarks something like this: Get up on an unpopular and im- early, feed and get her children Hilly proposes “a bill that re- probable mission. off to school, then trudge off to quires every white home to Since its debut in early Miss Leefolt’s house, clean up have a separate bathroom for 2010, the book has been the re- and pacify the crying baby, the colored help.” cipient of accolades and anger. Mae Mobley, who can’t get her And that’s how the author From its best-seller status, it was mother’s attention, clean the presents the racial dilemma of made into a first-rate, critically bathrooms and the kitchen and Jackson, Miss., and the rest of acclaimed movie starring Viola then, at her white employer’s the South in the Civil Rights Davis as Aibileen, Octavia request, iron her dress, fix some era. The Jim Crow attitudes Spencer as Minny and Emma chicken salad, set the dining reigned supreme, and fear, pain Stone as Skeeter. Many have room table, sort the napkins, and death awaited those who supported the book for disclos- clean the silverware, and pre- went against the grain. ing how white employers and pare to answer the door and Into this mix comes Skeeter, a Black maids “really” dealt with serve the visiting friends who young white woman recently one another: their perceptions come for lunch, cards and the graduated from college, who re- and attitudes. latest gossip. turns home to a mother who On the other hand, critics, While Aibileen tends to her looks forward to her joining the mostly African Americans, have duties, the women talk as if she status quo. And even though she questioned the validity of a is invisible. She overhears them hails from a society that thinks a white Southern writer being bashing her friend Minny, an- Junior League membership and able to give an accurate account other maid who is always losing marriage into the right family is of how Black maids felt when jobs because she dares to the end-all of existence, Skeeter being forced to work in menial “mouth off” to her employers thinks differently about what jobs for low wages and, too about any mistreatment – even women should be doing with often, racist employers. though she’s the best cook in their lives and about racial atti- I had mixed reactions to the town. But the greatest insult tudes as well. She also wants to book. First, I thought Kathryn Aibileen has to bear silently is be a writer. Stockett knows how to tell a when the snobbish Miss Hilly Because she learned racial good story and I enjoyed her won’t use the guest bathroom tolerance from her family writing. On the other hand, my because it is “where the help housekeeper, and she was misgivings arose about the ve- goes.” As a supposed “disease- irritated by the luncheon con- racity of the story set during Books&Papers preventative measure,” Miss versation about maids’ toilets, those volatile times. Would a

8 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 9

book on this subject have been who worked as a maid because ing to “talk back” to her em- racist attitudes. She adds, “It is published in the 1960s, even there were few other opportu- ployer, Mrs. Bolden became a unfair to the filmmaker and by a Northern publisher? nities in the past. They heard staunch advocate for improv- cast (of The Help) to expect a Would it have been available the tales of disrespect, working ing the working conditions of work of fiction to adhere to the in the South? What would long hours and being on call at Black housekeepers. In 1968, standards of authenticity we have been the consequences to the whim of their bosses, and she formed the National Do- would want from a documen- Skeeter and Aibilene and the the aching feet and backs they mestic Workers Union, sup- tary.” She goes on to say that other Black women who par- suffered. And these same porting fair wages, benefits and while The Help is good, it fails ticipated in airing these unsa- maids tolerated these condi- humane treatment, and she in balancing the white per- vory intimate details of tions and abuse in order to brought national attention to spective. A balanced picture of Southern life? feed their kids and send them the value and importance of the Civil Rights era needs to be Certainly, when Skeeter to college so they could have the work. Before she died in told for the benefit of 21st cen- sneaked into the Black neigh- better options. 2005, the organization had re- tury students. borhood to hold clandestine The subject has been writ- ported 13,000 members in 10 Dr. Turner writes, poignantly, interviews with the maids, it ten about before, in novels by cities. Her daughter, Dorothy “I have dim recollections of did not hold true that no one Black women authors includ- Thompson Ingram, C’73, is watching Dr. King in 1963, – white or Black – would have ing Ann Petry in 1946 (The an assistant vice president of with the Black maid who raised noticed. And Black people Street) and Alice Childress in SunTrust Banks, Inc. me – my mother. … My par- would have been afraid of the 1956 (Like One of the Family). In an Atlanta Journal- ents, and the countless other consequences if she had been One of the most famous Constitution article by Rosalind Black Americans who not only discovered there. Everything is supporters of domestic work- Bentley (“Black and White At- endured but thrived within the noticed in small towns; every- ers was Dorothy Bolden of At- lantans Talk About The Help,” limited occupational sphere body’s business is fodder for lanta. A former maid, the Aug. 20, 2011), Beverly Guy- granted them, would have been gossip or worse. Atlanta Magazine in May Sheftall C’66, director of the proud… but they would not Most Black people in the 2006 hailed her as one of “The Women’s Research and Re- have wanted us to whitewash United States can remember 45 greatest Atlantans of the last source Center of Spelman Col- that earlier world.” some family member or friend 45 years.” Once arrested for dar- lege noted that she had no No matter your view of The problem with a white woman Help, it can boast that it has writing from her perspective, stirred valuable conversations but added that a Black woman and opened up explorations would be less likely to “roman- into the relationships of Black ticize the era.” and white people. “It’s a subservient relationship whether the treatment is NOTE: In addition to the humane and includes material books mentioned by Petry and support or not. We’re talking Childress, there are other books about the legacy of slavery and that explore the dynamics of it has to be seen in the context Black maids and white employ- of the Jim Crow South in ers. Here are two more, which which Black women had no offer different perspectives. rights,” Dr. Guy-Sheftall said. To Joy My Freedom: Southern Patricia A. Turner, profes- Black Women’s Lives and Labor sor of African American stud- After the Civil War, by Dr. ies and vice provost for Tera W. Hunter, professor of undergraduate studies at the history, Princeton University. University of California, (Harvard University Press). Davis, warns in a New York Nonfiction. Times op-ed piece (“Danger- ous White Stereotypes,” Aug. Wench, by Dolen Perkins- 28, 2011) about making the Valdez, assistant professor of mistake in thinking that only English, University of Puget one type of white person has Sound. (Amistad). Fiction.

FALL 2011 9 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 10

SILVER SPARROW minister. Since his arrival in by Tayari Jones 1954, few could miss his smile (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill) and friendly countenance, or his joyful chuckle. For those In this third novel by Tayari many years he has served in Jones, C’91, we are again mag- various capacities from profes- ically transported into a world sor of religion, to college min- of reality, so unlike so-called ister, to dean of the Chapel. reality shows on TV that the He certainly can be deemed word is hardly descriptive. the “Keeper of the Faith” on Silver Sparrow tells a tale of the campus, as he played a family – two families, in fact – prominent role in assuring that exist on parallel levels if that the Chapel was restored not equal ones. James Wither- and preserved during a cam- spoon is a bigamist, with two paign in 2000. wives, two daughters, and two Now Rev. Rates shares his homes in Atlanta. His love for countless memories of campus two women drives him to life from his venue of the marry each and form both a Chapel, the Chapel’s history public and a secret family. trying to understand the and its role in being the center Selfish or not, his indecision whole situation. Adding to her year as a Radcliffe Institute Fel- of campus life. Dedicated in about love causes repercus- confusion is her mother’s low, researching her fourth 1927, the Chapel (named for sions that affect each of the compliance with leading a novel. Her earlier novels include the two Spelman sisters, who families far into the future. hidden life. Leaving Atlanta, about children were the mother, Laura Spel- The story unfolds from the As the tale continues, Jones growing up amid the child man Rockefeller, and aunt, viewpoint of Dana, the daugh- expertly relates the background murders of the 1980s, and The Lucy Maria Spelman, of bene- ter of his “second” wife, who events that led to this situation Untelling, which explores the factor John D. Rockefeller Jr.) learns precipitously even from and its conclusions, while never consequences of family tragedy was built to support the reli- the tender age of five, that she apologizing for any of the char- and keeping secrets. gious life of the campus. has to share her father with his acters’ decisions. Each person’s Now, through an organiza- To this day, the Chapel first wife and other daughter, responsibility for the unfolding tion called Girls Write Now stands – its white Grecian Chaurisse. When she inno- events is illustrated with preci- that matches teen girls with columns gleaming in the sun- cently draws a family picture sion and feeling and attests to writing mentors, Jones is paying light, its broad solid door ready for her kindergarten class, the writer’s perception and skill. back Johnnetta Cole because, to open to all those seeking wis- Dana tells the teacher that the In an interview on NPR’s she understands, mentoring dom, peace and solace inside. five people in the picture are, “All Things Considered,” Jones “changes lives.” In addition to serving stu- “My family. My daddy has two attributed an encounter at dents in weekly services and wifes and two girls.” When her Spelman College with then convocations, it hosts commu- father hears this, he makes sure president Johnnetta Cole with MAY THY DEAR nity events such as musical con- Dana knows that she is the “se- awakening her interest in writ- WALLS REMAIN: certs, the famed Christmas cret” part of his conspiracy, ing. Cole, she said, “had heard Memoirs of a College Carol Concerts, dance recitals never to let on to others who I was a writer. And she said to Minister at and theater productions. There her father is. me, ‘How’s the writing?’ … it The Sisters Chapel at have been visits by internation- From that time on, Dana is was like someone had touched Spelman College ally and nationally prominent drawn to spying on her father’s me with a magic wand. And by Norman M. Rates, D. Min. civil rights activists, performers, other family, comparing then I started taking my writ- (Publishing Associates, Inc.) politicians and theologians, in- lifestyles and wondering if she ing more seriously.” cluding Dr. Howard Thurman, is loved as much by him as he Tayari Jones continued her For some 48 years, anyone Dr. W.E. B. Dubois, Vernon says, or if her half-sister is the education with graduate degrees coming to events at Sisters Johns, Bishop Desmond Tutu, recipient of more. She vies for from the University of Iowa and Chapel on the Spelman Col- Dr. William H. (Bill) Cosby her father’s attention and as- Arizona State University. She is lege campus in Atlanta was and Camille Cosby, Dr. Ben- surance of love, while acting currently at Harvard University sure to encounter the Rev. jamin Mays, the Hon. Andrew out her pain and jealousy in for the 2011–2012 academic Norman Rates, the college Young, Jr. and Dr. Bernice

10 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 11

Book Notes L ORRAINE R OBERTSON

Delores L. McCollum, C’73, published the book, If Bible Stories Were Reported in Today’s Headlines… (RoseDog Books), August 2010. The book is a study guide that cre- atively borrows from contemporary media reporting styles to imagine 21st-century “headlines” for Bible stories and verses. It presents the reader with the opportunity to search for spiritual treasures found within the pages of the Holy Bible and match Bible verses with “headlines” as they might be reported by modern media outlets. Ancient stories are paired with the news information style of 30-second sound bites, headlines, and the “we interrupt” breathlessness that are so familiar …The ensemble is the in today’s world. largest and most acclaimed all-female college jazz band in the country.” There is so much history packed in this memoir, it’s im- Johnson Reagon, C’70, to possible to touch on it all. One name just a few. interesting portion lists the It was in Sisters Chapel memories held by some of the where the slain civil rights alumnae, which vary from leader Dr. Martin Luther King, lighthearted to profound and Jr. would lie in state for 48 reflect the different eras. hours as miles of mourners Rev. Rates and his wife, filed by. And in 1987, the Laura, who raised their two Chapel was included in the daughters on campus, have filming of an episode of “The been as much a part of the de- Cosby Show” as Hillman Col- velopment of Spelman Col- lege. Concerts always attracted lege as any of the other notable Gail C. Johnson, C’95, collaborated with Hester Parks, a full audience to hear the likes souls who have graced this co-owner of their bridal company, Wedding Soiree, to pen of Marian Anderson, Matti- campus. Spanning his tenure the book Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic wilda Dobbs, Wynton Marsalis, from 1954 to his retirement in Bride. Published by their company January 2011, the book Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Ver- 2002, Rev. Rates’ observances gives inspiration for creating flawless weddings, how-to ad- rette, Roland Hayes, Eartha recorded in this volume will vice and insiders’ secrets in an indispensable style manual. Kitt, Sweet Honey in the Rock give readers an inside view that Johnson and Parks take readers step by step, tapping the and Arturo Toscanini, to list a will remain priceless and a tes- absolute best Atlanta vendors and gleaning insights from sampling. Rev. Rates noted, tament to the College’s history. their own experiences. With an eye for making wedding “The Spelman College Jazz design accessible and exciting, the book demystifies the Ensemble was founded by planning process and provides tools for creating weddings Joseph Jennings in 1983, and ANGELA BROWN TERRELL is a that are modern, stylish and chic. it became a nationally ac- writer and editor based in claimed women’s orchestra. Columbia, Md.

F A L L 2 0 1 1 11 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 12

Messenger FEATURE

SPELMAN COLLEGE ALUMNAE JUDGES Making a World of Difference One Case ataTime BY DENISE MCFALL

ady Justice, the universal symbol of the judiciary that graces many of the nation’s courthouses, is portrayed bearing the three cornerstones of the rule of L law: a sword, scales and a blindfold, representing the power, objectivity and im- partiality of the court. At Spelman College, however, “Lady Justice” is also an es- teemed title of honor, distinction and respect, befitting every member of the elite cadre of Spelman alumnae who comprise the majority of the nation’s African Amer- ican female judges. In their own way and in their respective jurisdictions, these illustrious Spelman graduates demonstrate their commitment to justice and equality, one case at a time. Their important work ensures that America, if not the world, continues on its tra- jectory of change and growth to maintain the fundamental liberties that are vital to due process. It is through their judicial rulings that the legal system, society, politics and economics are significantly shaped, with particular regard to the issues of race, gender, and civil and human rights.

HOLDING COURT Among Spelman’s nearly two dozen judicial trail- Judge Murphy is an Atlanta native who has blazers are Harriet Mitchell Murphy, C’49; made Austin, Texas, her home since 1966. After Brenda Hill Cole, C’63; Bernette Joshua John- earning a B.A. in history and government from son, C’64; Alfreda Talton-Harris, C’73; Denise Spelman College, she earned an M.A. from At- S. Hartsfield, C ‘76; Tanya Walton Pratt, C’81; lanta University. In 1969, she was awarded a and Daphne Sykes Scott, C’85. Their pearls of J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law wisdom, knowledge, insight and discernment are where she was the only African American student cast throughout the nation’s judicial system as in her law school graduating class. She later pur- they advance not only the tenets of the U.S. Con- sued further study as a fellow at Columbia stitution, but also Spelman’s longstanding legacy University School of Advanced International Re- of social justice. lations and Johns Hopkins University.

12 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 13

Harriet Mitchell Murphy, C’49 Brenda Hill Cole, C’63 Bernette Joshua Johnson, C’64

In 1973, while serving as head of the government Justice Johnson, who served as a law intern for the department at Huston-Tillotson University, she was United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Di- appointed to the Austin Municipal Court as the first vision, worked for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund African American woman to be appointed to a judge- after graduating from Spelman. She earned a J.D. from ship in the State of Texas. She rose to become presid- Louisiana State University Law Center in 1969 where ing judge of this court where she adjudicated she was among one of the first African American thousands of cases before her retirement in 1993. women to attend the school. Judge Murphy is the recipient of the prestigious Elected to the bench in 1984, she was the first Gertrude E. Rush Award, the Raymond Pace Alexan- woman to serve on the Civil District Court in her der Award, the University of Texas School of Law Pi- hometown of New Orleans. A decade later, she was oneer Award, and the Outstanding Service Award elected to the bench of the Louisiana Supreme Court. awarded by the National Bar Association – the nation’s Justice Johnson, who holds an honorary doctor of laws oldest and largest collective of Black lawyers, judges, degree from Spelman College, is a member of the Na- law professors and law students from around the tional Bar Association Hall of Fame and the Louisiana world. She was inducted into the NAASC Hall of Justice Hall of Fame. She currently presides as an as- Fame in 2003 and the National Bar Association Hall sociate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. of Fame in 2010. Judge Talton-Harris, who earned a B.A. in politi- Judge Cole, a native of Gladewater, Texas, graduated cal science from Spelman, is a law school alumna of from Spelman with a B.A. in English. She went on to American University. Appointed to the bench in 1992, earn a master’s degree in library science from Atlanta she is currently presiding judge at the Juvenile and Do- University before launching her initial career as a li- mestic Relations District Court, 5th Judicial District brarian. She later earned a J.D. from Emory University of Virginia. Prior to being named to the bench, she and pursued a second career in law in West Virginia was a law firm partner and a prosecutor. and Georgia. As the wife of President Emeritus Thomas W. Cole, Jr. of Clark Atlanta University, for many years Before being elected to the bench of the Forsyth she also served as first lady of that institution. County District Court in her hometown of Winston- Appointed to the bench in 1998, Judge Cole was suc- Salem, N.C., Judge Hartsfield served as a judicial law cessfully re-elected to serve three additional four-year clerk, staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of North- terms. Prior to being named to the bench, she served as west North Carolina, and assistant attorney for the assistant attorney general and deputy attorney general for Forsyth County Department of Social Services and the West Virginia Office of the Attorney General, and Child Support. She is also an adjunct professor at her assistant attorney general, senior assistant attorney gen- law school alma mater, Wake Forest University School eral, and deputy attorney general for the State of Geor- of Law, where she earned a J.D. in 1991. gia. A founding member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Judge Cole is currently a sit- A graduate of Howard University School of Law, ting judge for the Georgia State Court of Fulton County. Judge Pratt was elected to the Marion County Superior

FALL 2011 13 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 14

Tanya Walton Pratt, C’81

Alfreda Talton-Harris, C’73 Daphne Sykes Scott, C’85 Denise S. Hartsfield, C ‘76

Court for six-year terms in 1996, 2002 and change based upon the changes in society, both 2008. Before being named to the bench, she was good and bad . . . or one’s view as to which a private practice attorney, a Marion County Su- change is good, or which change is bad.” perior Court public defender, and a master com- missioner, Marion County Superior Court, THE COLOR OF JUSTICE Criminal Division 1. Judge Pratt currently chairs Among legal professionals of color, it is widely of the Standing Committee on Professionalism, acknowledged that Black judges bring to the Indianapolis Bar Association. In 2010, she was legal system a perspective that encompasses the nominated by President Barack Obama to the nuances of race and culture. Although retired, “Make sure you are U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indi- Judge Murphy, who occasionally sits as a visit- strong, ethically and ana, and confirmed unanimously by the United ing judge, still believes that justice has yet to be States Senate. Her new position carries with it a fully realized for ethnic minorities. According to professionally, and lifetime appointment. Judge Murphy: “The current jail population around the country clearly demonstrates that make friends in high Judge Scott, a Compton, Calif., native, is a law people of color get more convictions, less-qualified school graduate of The City University of New lawyers, and more biased juries than our white and low positions. York. She began her legal career in 1990 with the counterparts.” Office of the Los Angeles County District At- That said, Judge Murphy still acknowledges one Even if you do not torney. Judge Scott later joined the Office of the truism: “The U.S. Constitution is a great document. Compton City Attorney as a prosecutor before If there is any fault, it lies in who is appointed by realize your goal as serving as an assistant U.S. attorney, a law firm the president and Congress to interpret it.” a judge, you will be partner, and a private practitioner. In 2007, she Judge Hartsfield asserts that the presence of joined the Office of the Orange County District African American women on the bench is a step a success.” Attorney and in 2010, she was appointed to the in the right direction. “I believe the mere pres- bench of the Orange County Superior Court of ence of an African American female on the bench California by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. is a ray of hope for [Black] women to feel as Judge Brenda Hill Cole, C’63 though there is someone who will hear and un- State Court of Fulton County FAIR AND EQUAL UNDER THE LAW derstand their plight. It is also an inspiration for Atlanta, Ga. Spelman alumnae judges are ever mindful that a young sister to see and witness what can be, in the long arm of the law carries with it the enor- spite of what she may be facing.” mous responsibility to render judicial decisions that are fair, equal, effective and humane. Each MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE of the hundreds of thousands of cases they adju- Spelman alumnae judges are routinely chal- dicate, therefore, carries with it the potential for lenged by a wide range of civil and criminal cases substantive, meaningful and lasting change. ranging from victimless misdemeanors to litiga- However, the task of upholding the law can tion that focuses on voter rights, civil rights, be both challenging and daunting. “The U.S. immigration, access to healthcare, sexual harass- Constitution is a living document that lends it- ment and the establishment of paternity. At the self to contemporary society,” explains Judge Tal- other end of the spectrum are cases that center ton-Harris. “Unfortunately, that means the on drug abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, domes- interpretation and application of the law can tic violence and murder.

1414 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 15

There is widespread agreement among the judges COURTING TELEVISION that fighting crime is ineffective without addressing With the proliferation of courtroom reality pro- the social causes of crime. During the 1970s, Justice gramming, the question arises as to whether televised Johnson helped organize household workers to re- hearings enhance or degrade the judicial process. ceive Social Security benefits and a minimum wage. The unanimous consensus among Spelman alumnae Today, she continues her advocacy through her in- judges is that although television judges are por- volvement with the Women-in Prison Project of the trayed as decision makers, their primary role is to en- National Association of Women Judges. tertain. Judge Pratt believes the general public Judge Pratt speaks to the impact her decisions maintains a healthy dose of skepticism about court- have on not only her community and the State of room reality programming. “I would hope that the Indiana, but also on the national judicial landscape. public is aware that television judges are acting – that For example, her recent injunctive relief findings proceedings are embellished and exaggerated so as to prevented Indiana from cutting off funding to entertain viewers and boost ratings.” Planned Parenthood clinics to provide cancer screen- Other judges express concern about the effect ings, family planning, and general health care to low- courtroom television may be having on the profes- income women on Medicaid, establishing an sion. “While judges in the media may be entertain- important legal precedent. ing, they often paint an unfair picture of the Many of the judges feel their greatest challenge is profession that can be harmful to litigants who rep- in adjudicating cases that involve children, such as resent themselves in court,” cautions Judge Scott. child neglect and abuse, custody battles, adoption and “I imagine that there are some personalities on the foster care assignments. They say litigation involving real-life bench who are animated, witty and provoca- juvenile delinquency – the result of desperate eco- tive like those on television, but I prefer to maintain nomic conditions, parental neglect and a lack of edu- a more formal and traditional atmosphere.” cation — is equally challenging, and heart wrenching.

G EORGIA T REND ON J UDGE W ALKER Judge Daphne M. Walker, 39 Chief Magistrate Judge Clayton County Before she became the first African American elected as a Clayton County judge, Daphne Walker began her legal career as a Fulton County domestic violence prosecutor. She still focuses on child prostitution, human trafficking and related issues. Walker chairs the state-wide Judicial Council Task Force on Domestic Violence Courts, which aims to establish Georgia’s first two such courts in Clayton and Dade counties in 2012. Walker has “always worked with girl leadership and development organizations,” currently as a board member with Girls Inc. of Atlanta. She sees her volunteer work as “the op- posite” of her daily job as chief magistrate judge. “Every day I put people in jail who have made some really bad choices,” she says. “So it gives me some balance when I’m able to contribute to young people who want to be active par- ticipants in our society.” – BOBBY L. HICKMAN

FALL 2011 1515 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 16

A PLACE AT THE TABLE A SEAT ON THE BENCH The road to becoming an African American female In its 222-year history an African American judge remains tough, yet not insurmountable. Ac- woman has yet to serve on the highest court in cording to the American Bar Association, in 2010 the land, the United States Supreme Court. Rest women held only 26.3% of the judgeships on assured, however, that throughout the nation’s state courts of last resort, 19.2% of federal district courtrooms – in districts, municipalities, coun- court judgeships, 20.1% of federal appellate ties and states across the country – there is a host judgeships and 33.3% of the seats on the United of Spelman alumnae judges, each of them com- States Supreme Court. petent, compassionate and committed to social Words of counsel for aspiring judges range justice. Individually and collectively, they are from honing one’s skills in reading, writing and dedicating their lives to building on the Spelman public speaking to being diligent, timely, re- legacy by helping America fulfill its promise to spectable and dependable. Judge Murphy’s rec- become a more perfect union with equal protec- ommendation: “Enter the political arena and tion under the law. give back to the community through volunteer service. Both will give you the opportunity to DENISE MCFALL is a contributor to the Spelman network with people who will support you if you Messenger and a national freelance writer of arti- run for a judgeship or emerge as a nominee for cles related to higher education, race and gender, judicial appointment.” politics and the arts.

Spelman College Alumnae Judges Editor’s Note: The following roster of alumnae judges reflects an ongoing Spelman legacy. Al- though this list may not be comprehensive, it is a strong indicator of what Spelman has contributed to the judicial arena that, ultimately, has shaped and will continue to shape our world.

Name Class Year Residence Jurisdiction/Court Romae Turner Powell C’47 Atlanta, Ga. Fulton County Juvenile Court (deceased) Harriet Mitchell Murphy C’49 Austin, Texas. Austin Municipal Court (retired) Brenda Hill Cole C’63 Atlanta, Ga. State Court of Fulton County Bernette Joshua Johnson C’64 New Orleans, La. State of Louisiana Supreme Court Ernestine Steward Gray C’68 New Orleans, La. Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Savannah Potter-Miller C’68 Atlanta, Ga. Administrative Law (former) Alfreda Talton-Harris C’73 Franklin, Va. Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Carole Catlin Smitherman C’73 Birmingham, Ala. Birmingham Municipal and 10th Judicial Court (former) Patrice A. Hinnant C’74 Greensboro, N.C. Guilford County Superior Court Sandra Farragut-Hemphill C’75 Florissant, Mo. St. Louis County Circuit Court Denise S. Hartsfield C’76 Winston-Salem, N.C. Forsyth County District Court Zinora Mitchell-Rankin C’76 Washington, D.C. Superior Court, District of Columbia Jennifer Peters Wilson C’77 Conway, S.C. Myrtle Beach Municipal Court Genece Evette Brinkley C’78 Philadelphia, Pa. Court of Common Pleas, 1st Judicial District Denise Marshall C’78 Albany, Ga. Albany-Dougherty County Superior Court Tanya Walton Pratt C’81 Indianapolis, Ind. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana Daphne Sykes Scott C’85 Lake Forest, Calif. Orange County Superior Court Melynee Leftridge C’88 Atlanta, Ga. State Court of Fulton County Geronda Vertasha Carter C’93 Jonesboro, Ga. Clayton County Superior Court Daphne Melinda Walker C’94 Fayetteville, Ga. Magistrate Court of Clayton County Laurel Anne Beatty C’96 Columbus, Ohio Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

16 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 17

Change. Means. Action.

The Campaign for Spelman College FALL 2011

Reaching $100M… Action By the Goals G lobal engagement The Campaign for Spelman Pushes Toward Goal Three students participated in the Creative Minds program at the Thanks to the commitment and generosity tional advancement. “To produce forward- prestigious Cannes Film Festival in of donors to Spelman, the College has thinking, socially conscious change France in May. passed the $100 million mark in The Cam- agents, we need the continued investment O pportunities for internships paign for Spelman College and is off to a of each and every member of the Spelman In 2010–2011, the first 11 Catholic great start in securing the remaining $50 community, including alumnae, parents million. The funds raised support faculty and friends.” Healthcare West Scholars for and academic programs, campus environ- Along with supporting scholarships, Healthcare received support in the ment, the College’s annual fund, and there are numerous other ways that gifts form of scholarships, internships, scholarships. from contributors during the campaign international service trips, and With more than 80 percent of our stu- have allowed Spelman to uphold its repu- research and conference dents meeting federal guidelines for finan- tation as a leading national liberal arts opportunities. cial aid and nearly 50 percent being college for women. More students have A lumnae connections Pell-grant eligible (with an average house- been able to travel abroad; faculty and Students gained valuable perspective hold income below $40,000), contributions students have had more research oppor- from alumnae who are luminaries in to scholarship funding are critical. Just tunities; important campus initiatives such the art industry in Alumnae Success ask Sequoia Boone, C’2013. as the endowment for the Women’s Re- Stories, a panel produced in October by The first in her family to attend college, search and Resource Center and support the department of art and art history. Boone was able to complete her first year for the Spelman College Museum of Fine at Spelman because of several scholar- Art have flourished; and the institution L eadership development ships she received was able to break Alexandria Phillips, C’2012, served as from her high school ground on the reno- a Haiti Team intern at the Clinton foundation and soror- vation of Laura Foundation this summer and as a ities. “I always wanted Spelman Rocke- Clinton Global Initiative intern and to come to Spelman. feller Hall, which Whisper Room logistics assistant But my mom and dad will meet the LEED responsible for event operations at couldn’t afford to national sustainabil- the 2011 CGI Annual Meeting in send me,” said the ity standard. September. chemistry/pre-med These achieve- S ervice learning major from Baltimore who plans a career ments are even more important because Over the past year, seven Bonner as a neonatal nurse. “My second year here they were attained in great part through Scholars mentored 200 children was very stressful – working two jobs on the increase in alumnae participation, campus to try to stay in school. When I which has nearly doubled from 21 percent about sustainability at several went home on Christmas break, I didn’t to 41 percent since the 2004 campaign elementary schools through a think I was coming back.” launch. This participation supports the partnership with Greening Youth Boone is the recipient of scholarship campaign goals, which are aligned with Foundation, an environmental assistance from the President’s Safety Net Spelman’s 2015 strategic plan. Campaign organization owned by Angelou Fund, created in 2008 to assist students priorities include providing access to a Ezelio, C’92. who were impacted by the credit crunch global education for every deserving young precipitated by the economic downturn. woman as well as the financial means to For more information about “Our vision for the campaign is to en- support their journey. Other primary objec- The Campaign for Spelman College, hance the educational opportunity for tives are to attract and retain exceptional please visit www.changemeansaction.com every Spelman student scholar, and we’ve students, foster leadership, expand under- or contact the Office of Development at made significant progress toward our goal graduate research and career-related in- (866) 512-1690. of raising $150 million,” said Kassandra ternships, enhance the College’s alumnae Kimbriel Jolley, vice president, institu- connections, and increase service learning. MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 18

Mellon Grant Strengthens Faculty Challenge Grants Fund Development Leadership Goals Nearly $4 million has been secured in gifts and pledges toward the $9 million that will Spelman has received support from several result in a $3 million Mellon Foundation organizations in the form of challenge grants, grant. The grant, as well as the funds from which enable the College to maintain the 3:1 matching gift component, will leadership through the goals of the Strategic provide budgetary support for six current Plan for 2015 in the areas of sustainability, Women’s Center Leads in Diversity faculty positions in the computer science diversity and faculty development. The Women’s Research and Resource department. Center is the preeminent center for Black With approximately one-third of Spelman Kresge Foundation Supports feminist thought leadership. The develop- students majoring in science, technology, Sustainability ment of the center, known for its diverse engineering and/or mathematics (STEM), A $500,000 challenge grant from The Kresge scholarship and programs, is supported by Spelman is consistently recognized as the Foundation moves Spelman College closer a $1 million Ford Foundation Endowment to its goal of turning Laura Spelman Rocke- leading producer of African American Challenge grant. With nearly $650,000 al- feller Hall, one of the oldest buildings on women who go on to earn doctoral degrees ready raised, the Women’s Center board campus, into an energy-efficient green building. Creating community excitement to members have been actively involved in spur growth of the College’s donor base, fund-raising, hosting events at their this grant helps stimulate efforts to secure homes, embarking on specific campaigns the remaining $1.7 million needed to com- tied to affinity groups. S plete the total $9.9 million Laura Spelman Gifts toward the Ford challenge grant renovations. directly support the Women’s Center’s ground-breaking academic research and programs around diverse topics and populations. In March 2011, the center celebrated the 11th anniversary of the student-organized Toni Cade Bambara Conference, and in April 2011, under the auspices of Digital Moving Image Salon, it hosted the Seventh Annual Student in mathematics and/or the sciences. Car- Documentary Showcase. During the men Sidbury, Ph.D., recently named as the Spelman was the only organization to upcoming academic years (2011–12 and associate provost for research and re- receive a challenge grant for a capital pro- 2012–13), the center will partner with the sources, is responsible for developing ject this year from Kresge. The grant re- Teaching Resource and Research Center multidisciplinary collaborations and se- flects the foundation’s Education Program to launch two new faculty development curing opportunities and resources to sup- to strengthen institutions. seminars, one on gender and the other on port research initiatives for faculty and “This grant will enable us to attract sexuality in Black communities. students in the STEM programs, including other donors to support the intellectual The Audre Lorde Black Lesbian Feminist the department of computer science. and co-curricular activity that takes place Project, funded by the Arcus Foundation, “The Mellon Challenge grant, when in our living-learning communities at is particularly important for the Women’s matched for CIS, will ensure that we can Spelman,” said Kassandra Kimbriel Jolley, Center as this four-year project culminated retain our best faculty and have opportuni- vice president for Institutional Advance- with a historic summit in April 2011 that ties for future growth,” said Johnnella ment at Spelman. focused on “Facilitating Campus Climates Butler, provost and vice president for aca- The renovation of Laura Spelman is de- of Pluralism, Inclusivity and Progressive demic affairs. “Strong, well-supported signed to achieve the national sustainabil- Change at HBCUs.” The event was the first faculty are the wellspring of student suc- ity standard LEED Silver Certification, time that historically Black colleges and cess, and Mellon and matching donors are including a more comfortable residential universities have convened in a national providing a tremendous opportunity for space with ethernet/Wi-Fi access. While symposium to discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual, Spelman to ensure that success.” the 24-hour study commons exclusively for transgender and queer issues on any The Mellon match will also provide Spelman students has been named the HBCU campus. budgetary support for three faculty posi- Yvonne R. Jackson Academic Resource “We are committed to facilitating cli- tions in the African Diaspora and the Center in honor of Spelman’s former board mates of institutional change at HBCUs World program. During the 2010–11 acad- chair, there are numerous other naming that acknowledge, value and respect differ- emic year, the College hired an endowed opportunities for spaces, such as the grand ence,” said Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, the full-time, tenure-track faculty member to foyer, study and lounge areas, an exercise WRRC founding director and the Anna Julia teach ADW. room and a psychology lab, as well as a Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies. technology conference room. 2 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 19

Leads the Way

Steve and Marjorie Harvey How do you envision your gift helping Strong Student/Faculty Establish $1M Endowed Spelman students? Connections Build Legacies The purpose of this scholarship is to help a Scholarship young woman to be able to finish one of The connection between a Spelman student the most important milestones in her life. and a dedicated professor can produce a A conversation that Steve and Marjorie Education is so paramount to success. We ripple effect that allows other students to Harvey had with a special Spelman stu- believe that financial assistance is pivotal. experience the College’s educational ex- dent led them to establish a $1 million en- We want students to be able to focus on cellence. The relationship between Dr. dowed scholarship at attaining a wonderful education and not Kyendria Banks, C’95, and Dr. Jann Patrice the College in May of worry about the massive amount of debt Primus, C’81, an associate professor of bi- 2010. The scholarship they are incurring for trying to better their ology, led Dr. Banks to fi- provides financial as- futures. nancially support the sistance for juniors and Jann Patrice Primus Scholarship. seniors who are strug- What is the impact of such a contribution “Dr. Primus had such gling to pay tuition and on your own lives? an impact on my educa- related educational ex- One of our greatest joys was receiving tion, both at Spelman penses due to depleted “thank you” letters from the recipients of College and during my financial resources. our scholarship the first year that it was Steve and Marjorie Harvey Marjorie Harvey shares first two years in medical Dr. Kyendria put in place. The young women were so Banks, C’95 school,” said Dr. Banks how the Spelman expe- overjoyed that they could continue to be of Dr. rience of her daughter, Morgan Townsend, students at this amazing institution. Primus, whose named scholarship C’2009, inspired the couple’s generous Helping those young ladies make it to supports juniors and seniors majoring in support: graduation day is the ultimate gift for us. biology, biochemistry or those interested in biological research. “She was a magnifi- What was it about Spelman that made you cent teacher who inspired greatness from choose this institution to launch the Steve her students. Dr Primus taught with pas- and Marjorie Harvey Endowed Scholarship? NEWS BRIEFS sion for the subject matter and about in- My daughter Morgan attended Spelman spiring young African American women to College and received an amazing educa- Novo Nordisk Supports Health be scientists and physicians.” tion. She made lasting relationships and Careers and Diabetes Education The daughter of parents who attended historically Black colleges, Dr. Banks un- friendships, and we have all seen the posi- Thanks to a $25,000 gift derstands the importance of giving back. tive impact that it has had on her as a from Novo Nordisk, a “My parents stressed the importance of young woman, both personally and in her focused healthcare making financial contributions to the blossoming professional career. company and world schools we attended. My time at Spelman leader in diabetes care, College had a profound effect on my life. How did your personal connection to Spelman was able to I believe it’s important to give back with Spelman affect your decision to make such host a town hall dis- my time and my wallet,” said Dr. Banks, a a gift to the College? cussion about diabetes. pediatrician in Griffin, Ga., who wants to While she was a student at Spelman, Featuring doctors, stu- share with others the inspiration Dr. Primus Morgan noticed that there were many girls dent health leaders, and diabetes educators gave her. who started school with her that could not and innovators, the event informed the audi- “I complete their education due to a lack of ence about diabetes in the African American hope the recipients of the Jann personal funding. To not be able to obtain community and empowered them to lead Patrice Primus Scholarship will continue a degree from this institution when you more healthy lives. “Novo Nordisk, Inc. was the legacy of being an African American are putting in the hard work, only because honored to partner and participate in the Di- woman in the science field and that they of a lack of personal funding, is heart- abetes Town Hall held at Spelman College,” will become so inspired by attending wrenching. And my husband and I felt that said Albert Vicario, the company’s the re- Spelman College that they, too, will inspire it was our responsibility to do our part in gional business director. “This event pro- other women to reach greatness.” not only helping our own children to vided a way for students from Clark Atlanta, succeed, but also to help someone else in Morehouse and Spelman, as well as people Correction our “village” to fulfill their dream of from the Atlanta Metropolitan area to be in- Dr. Nicole LaBeach, C’93, was inaccu- graduating from Spelman College as well. volved and address the disparity of diabetes rately identified in a photo in the We decided that creating a scholarship for that exists among African Americans.” Spring 2011 issue. We regret any students in this predicament was the confusion the misidentification may necessary thing to do. have caused.

3 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 20

Giving Opportunities – Scholarships Goal by Priority Spelman is producing leaders, from students who are creating award-winning iPhone Goal: $150 Million apps to those documenting human rights and social justice movements on film. Many Total Raised: $104.5 Million of these gifted young women are among the nearly 50 percent who are Pell Grant eligible, meaning they typically have a family income of less than $40,000. Because Spelman for the most part can meet only 25 percent of all student financial needs, our young women often must take on debt to finance their education. Continuing credit restrictions keeping doors of opportunity shuttered are forcing many students to drop out or postpone their education. Spelman’s ability to continue to attract and retain the most talented young women is directly related to our ability to compete with other top liberal arts institutions in providing scholarships and financial assistance. Our capacity to meet students’ financial needs over the course of their undergraduate careers is of paramount importance. Giving opportunities include: Scholarships • Named endowed funds start at $50,000 $80 Million (53%) - Total Raised: $37.9 Million • Named current use/annual scholarships start at $5,000 (minimum three-year funding Faculty and Academic Programs commitment preferred) $40 Million (27%) - Total Raised: $36 Million • Gifts to the President’s Safety Net Fund, an opportunity to directly support sophomores, juniors and seniors in need, encouraged at $1,000 and above Campus Environment • General scholarship gifts encouraged at $1,000 and above (five-year commitment $10 Million (7%) - Total Raised: $9.5 Million preferred) Annual Fund For more information about The Campaign for Spelman College, please visit $20 Million (13%) - Total Raised: $20 Million www.changemeansaction.com or contact the Office of Development at (866) 512-1690. Data as of October 31, 2011

The Campaign for Spelman College Donor List www.changemeansaction.com

Spelman College gratefully Chase General Motors Joy San Walker Brown, C’52 Nicole Yvonne Venable, C’91 Lockheed Martin Aeronautical System acknowledges the following contributors Pfizer Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Georgia Power Company, Inc. Bush Foundation Alice M. Walker, C’65 Adrienne Lance Lucas, C’90 for providing a solid foundation of Southern Education Foundation, Inc. Goldman, Sachs & Company Cambridge Academic Group Josie Latimer Williams, C’47 (dec.) Traci Hartfield McKie, C’89 support for The Campaign for Spelman Jon Stryker Google, Inc. Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Inc. Susan A. McLaughlin College. Recognition period, July 1, The Kresge Foundation Honeywell, Inc. Kaye Foster-Cheek $25,000—$49,999 Merchants National Properties, Inc. 2004 through June 30, 2011. The Riversville Foundation IBM International Foundation/IBM Ruby Handspike Clay, C’54 American Family Mutual Insurance Charles E. Merrill, Jr. Eleanor Williams Traylor Corporation Alice Gaston Combs, C’53 and Julius V. Company Microsoft Corporation $20,000,000 and above Institute for Higher Education Policy Combs Annexstad Family Foundation National Association for Equal Ronda E. Stryker and William Johnston $250,000—$499,999 Rose Harris Johnson, C’57 and Robert Pauline E. Drake, C’58 Gena Hudgins Ashe, C’83 Opportunity in Higher Education AT&T Foundation/AT&T, Inc. Johnson Electronic Arts, Inc. Claire Lewis “Yum” Arnold Northern New Jersey Chapter, NAASC $5,000,000—$9,999,999 Ruth Etta Baines, C’57 Terry L. and Marcella Jones Energy Systems Group Sandra Baccus Novo Nordisk, Inc. Theodore and Barbara Aronson Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. Merck Partnership for Giving Estate of Maude Gaines Ernestein Walker Baylor, C’49 (dec.) PGA of America Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation David, Helen & Marian Woodward Fund Merrill Lynch & Company Foundation, Fuller E. Callaway Foundation J. Veronica Williams Biggins, C’68 Panasonic Corporation of North America United Negro College Fund, Inc./UNCF Robert Holland, Jr. and Barbara Holland Inc./Merrill Lynch Fund for Southern Communities Juel Pate Borders-Benson, C’54 Willie Mae Pearson-Butler, C’49 Special Programs Corporation John K. Hurley National Alumnae Association of General Electric Company Carrie Buggs, C’56 Sarah Peter Yvonne R. Jackson, C’70 Spelman College Georgia-Pacific Foundation/Georgia- A. Toy Caldwell-Colbert, C’73 (dec.) Pitney Bowes, Inc. $1,000,000—$4,999,999 Lilly Endowment, Inc. Gwendolyn and Peter Norton Pacific Corporation Bonnie S. Carter, C’89 Anna Katheryn Ponder, C’86 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Morgan Stanley & Company PepsiCo Foundation, Inc. Marcelite Jordan Harris, C’64 Janice Chappelle, C’65 (dec.) Helen Smith Price, C’79 Anonymous Vicki R. Palmer Publix Supermarkets Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. Laura and Richard Chasin Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Bank of New York Mellon Beverly Daniel Tatum and Travis T. R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation, Inc. John and Rosemary Brown Family Chick-Fil-A, Inc. Atlanta University Center Catholic Healthcare West Tatum SunTrust Bank Foundation and Trustee Foundation ConocoPhillips Jacqueline Jones Royster , C’70 Jerri L. DeVard, C’79 The David Geffen Foundation Foundations LaTanya Richardson Jackson, C’74 Camille O. Cosby Lovette Twyman Russell, C’83 ExxonMobil Foundation/ExxonMobil The Starr Foundation Florence & Harry English Memorial Darnita R. Killian, C’79 William H. Cosby, Jr. ScholarshipAmerica Corporation Tull Charitable Foundation Fund Bernice A. King, C’85 Angela Birch Cox, C’81 Donna M. Stafford, C’86 Ford Foundation United Parcel Service/UPS Foundation, Harriet McDaniel Marshall Trust Theodora Rochelle Lee, C’84 Mary Lynne Diggs, C’77 David N. Sundwall Marjorie and Steve Harvey/Harvey Family Inc. The Falcon Fund Limited Brands Foundation Lisa Egbuonu-Davis SunTrust Bank Foundation Walmart Foundation/Walmart The Hearst Foundations, Inc. Winnie & Henry Loftin Trust Danyale Price Dumas, C’91 Target Stores Howard Hughes Medical Institute George T. Wein The Home Depot Foundation Lorraine Thomas Trust Estate of Loyce Bynum Kathleen Mavis Tait, C’88 Lehman Brothers, Inc. Xerox Corporation/Xerox Foundation The Isambard Kingdom Brunel Society of Macy’s Estate of Charles Hicks The Chrysler Foundation Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc. North America Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation Estate of Dianne H. McDonald, C’33 The Liman Foundation New York Chapter, National Alumnae $100,000—$249,999 The Rich Foundation, Inc. Rick and Anna Mills Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Theobald Foundation Association of Spelman College Anonymous (2) The Vasser Wolley Foundation, Inc. David and Joyce Price Johnnie Hunter Foxworth, C’43 Andrea Abrams Turner Paula Caruthers Renfro, C’74 Abrams Foundation, Inc. The Thomas J. Watson Foundation Procter & Gamble Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc. Kathy N. Waller Bradley Sheares and Adrienne Simmons Associated Colleges of the South (new) Eleanor Williams Traylor, C’55 Prudential Financial/The Prudential Jean McArthur Grant, C’53 Celeste Watkins-Hayes, C’96 The Coca-Cola Foundation/The Coca- Arthur Vining Davis Foundations Isabella McIntyre Tobin, C’45 (dec.) Foundation Nina Echols Greenwood, C’85 Valerie Rockefeller Wayne Cola Company/ Atlanta Journal and Constitution UBS Financial Services, Inc./UBS Anne Roosevelt June Gary Hopps, C’60 Trojanell B. Wilson, C’74 and Brent Coca-Cola Refreshments Jacqueline A. and Clarence Avant Investment Bank Rosenthal & Company LLC Edith Jackmon-Hunter, C’63 Wilson BMW of North America, Inc. Verizon Foundation/Verizon San Antonia Area Foundation Cynthia E. Jackson, C’81 Yum! Brands Foundation $500,000—$999,999 Jean Beard Grace McKivey Scipio, C’46 Kelly-Ann Iola Henry Anonymous Bernard Osher Foundation $50,000—$99,999 Jonathan Smith and Sherrill Blalock Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Trust Arcus Foundation Boeing Company Eloise Abernathy Alexis, C’86 Colleen Janessa Taylor, C’90 John Wieland Homes, Inc. Giving levels reflect Campaign gift Atlantic Philanthropies Rosalind Gates Brewer, C’84 AGL Resources, Inc. The Community Foundation For Greater Edgar J. Johnson commitments received during the period Anne Cox Chambers Cummins Foundation /Cummins, Inc. Anne Ashmore-Hudson, C’63 Atlanta, Inc. Ralph L. and Davida Johnson July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2011. Kimberly Browne Davis, C’81 Emory University Atlanta Symphony Orchestra The Getty Foundation Virginia Harris Johnson, C’58 Delta Air Lines Foundation/ Delta Air Empire Office, Inc Bank of America Foundation/Bank of The Kendeda Fund Kassandra Kimbriel Jolley Lines, Inc. Velda Givens Erie America The Henry Luce Foundation Key Foundation Estate of Cherie Stawasz Estate of Jennie Marshall Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, The Philanthropic Collaborative, Inc. KeyBank Foundation/KeyBank George Link, Jr. Foundation, Inc. Estate of Ida Peterson, C’46 Inc. The Teagle Foundation Kimberly Clark Corporation JP Morgan Chase Foundation/JP Morgan Federated Corporate Services, Inc. Janine Brown Jesse and Cheryl Tyson Martin Luther King, III US Bank National Association esetF1pS 1/21 45 MPage17 4:58PM 12/12/11 MessText-F11-p_SC 1 1 0 2 L L A F Alumnae Notes do Do – person M OTHER it not alone, to T wait ERESA person.

for leaders;

17 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 18

ALUMNAE NOTES

1942 Sheron C. Patterson Jacqueline Jenkins Leah Taylor Georgia Dickens Professional: Preached at the Sisters Professional: Named as one of The Married: Anthony C. Taylor on Professional: Honored for her years of Chapel Worship Service on March 27, Network Journal’s “25 Influential Black December 31, 2010, at the Texas State dedicated service to the citizens of Ful- 2011, cosponsored by the National Women in Business 2011.” Capitol in Austin. ton County by the High Museum of Alumnae Association of Spelman Col- Art and the Fulton County Board of lege, Atlanta Chapter. Alonia Jernigan Chrystal Williams Commissioners at a tribute on July 2, Professional: Served as the keynote Professional: Promoted to vice presi- 2011, at the High Museum of Art in 1982 speaker for Women’s Day at Greater dent, IP Strategy, at American Express Atlanta. Arita R. Edwards Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Atlanta, in New York in May 2011. She will Professional: Sworn in as an officer of on May 22, 2011. The day before, May help develop strategies to commercialize 1948 the court and court appointed special 21, she presented her own live DVD and license American Express intellec- Christine King Farris advocate (CASA) to represent the best recording at the Burgess Peterson Acad- tual property as well as support the Professional: Spoke at the Women’s interests of abused and neglected chil- emy in Atlanta. launch and operation of the company’s Division Celebration at Antioch Baptist dren in the Santa Barbara County new Intellectual Property Zone through Church North on March 27, 2011, in Juvenile Court in California on June 9, 1990 marketing, business development and Atlanta. 2011. Tonya Austin-Braxton relationship management. Married: A. Thomas Austin-Braxton 1956 Natasha Rowland on October 9, 2010, at the Pristine 1995 Alexine Clement Jackson Professional: Received commendation Chapel in Atlanta. Loren Compton-Williams Professional: Recognized at the Gala from the Secretary of the U.S. Depart- Professional: Director at Kuramo Capi- Benefit Dinner Honoring 21 Leaders ment of Health and Human Services, Mary Brown tal Management in New York City; an for 21st Century 2011 in May 2011, at Kathleen Sebelius, in recognition of Professional: Joined the Richmond investment fund which focuses on pri- the Jumeirah Essex House in New York dedication, professionalism and initiative Metropolitan Convention and Visitors vate equity growth opportunities in City. in furthering the goals of the HITECH Bureau’s Sales and Service team in July Sub-Saharan Africa. Act through the expeditious award of 2011. 1969 contracts and the issuance of regulations 1996 Carolynne Williams to benefit our health care system in June Sabrina Finney Jill Kelly Professional: Participated in the 2010. Professional: Promoted to associate Education: Received her doctor of Annual Seven Women at the Cross program director of family medicine medicine degree from The David Gef- Lenten Worship Service on April 20, 1983 program at Meharry Medical College in fen School of Medicine at UCLA on 2011, in Sisters Chapel. Shawnee Daniels-Sykes Nashville, Tenn., on June 1, 2011. June 3, 2011. She is continuing with Professional: Elected to the faculty her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospi- 1971 executive board at Mount Mary Col- Adrienne Lance Lucas tal in Baltimore, Md. Beverly Brown Shaw lege; and selected as an external reviewer Professional: Participated in Voorhees Professional: Named transitional pastor for the Institute for Catholic Bioethics College Annual Honors Day Convoca- Binta Robinson for Emmanuel Lutheran Church effec- at Saint Joseph University, Philadelphia. tion on March 31, 2011 in Denmark, Education: Passed the Washington tive December 1, 2010. She is the first S.C. D.C. Bar and the New Jersey Bar in female to lead the congregation. Michelle Fielder 2011. Professional: Presented with the Girls 1991 1975 Scouts Heart of New Jersey Outstand- Rita Sinkfield Belin Talitha Washington Deborah Prothrow-Stith ing Volunteer Award on May 23, 2011, Professional: Promoted to counsel at Professional: Featured at The Depart- Professional: Participated in More- in Watchung, N.J. the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, ment of Mathematics Seventh Annual house College’s Founders Day Week. Meagher & Flom LLP, in New York Etta Z. Falconer Mathematics Lecture: On February 18, 2011, she took part in 1985 City, in May 2011. “Axioms for Success, a Spelman the 3rd Annual Black Male Summit Brenna DeLaine Woman’s Mathematical Journey” on that examined the theme “Boys to Men: Education: Received her master’s Tayari Jones April 19, 2011, in the Science Center Interrogating Assumptions About Black degree in business administration from Professional: Held a series of readings NASA Auditorium at Spelman College. Male Development.” the University of Massachusetts at and signings for her novel, Silver Spar- Amherst in May 2010. row, in Atlanta and Decatur, Ga, June 1997 1979 8–12, 2011. Christina Bennett Cassandra Aline Jones 1987 Married: Todd Amato on November Professional: Served as guest professor Ann-Maria Rice 1992 13, 2010 in Orlando, Fla. at two theological seminaries in Wen- Professional: Named #1 Sales Person in Hillary Gaskins zhou and Yiwu, China, in May 2011, National Fast Break Contest: Time Professional: Completed a fellowship Tasha Deen-Pettaway through the organization “Theologians Warner Cable, in 2010. in integrative medicine under Dr. Birth: Son, Nicholas Edward Pettaway, Without Borders.” Since graduating Andrew Weil at the University of Ari- born on April 17, 2011. from Spelman she has traveled and 1988 zona – Tucson, in June 2011. served in educational missions in 56 Mia Fuse Chidebelu-Eze Leah Gray countries around the world. Education: Received her master’s Francesca (Toni) Herron Professional: Opened an optometry degree in business administration from Married: Mark Savage on October 30, practice, Visions Family Eye Care & 1980 Ashford University in November 2010. 2010, in Chicago. Optical Boutique, in the Raleigh area of Wendie Ann Willis Memphis, Tenn., in November 2010. Education: Received her doctor of Melvina Lloyd 1993 philosophy in higher education admin- Professional: Promoted to vice president, Elyce Strong 1998 istration from the College and Graduate housing investments, JPMorgan Capital Married: Seith Mann, Morehouse Stephanie Cunningham School of Education, Health and Corporation, on January 21, 2011. C’95, on April 3, 2010, in Atlanta. Birth: Son, Logan Alexander Cunning- Human Services of Kent State Univer- ham, born on May 27, 2010. sity on December 16, 2010, in Kent, Subriana Pierce Maricia Woodham Ohio. Professional: Named as one of The Professional: Promoted to administra- 1999 Network Journal’s “25 Influential Black tive law judge with the Equal Jennifer Haile 1981 Women in Business 2011.” Employment Opportunity Commission Education: Graduated from University Ramona Hill on January 3, 2011. of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys Professional: Named vice president for 1989 School of Law in Memphis, Tenn., in enrollment management at Spring Hill Terri Davis 1994 May 2011. College in Mobile, Ala. She is responsi- Professional: Appointed executive Watechia Lawless ble for admissions, financial aid and director of Rutgers Business School – Professional: Minority Business Coor- Kelly Morgan student success initiatives and will con- Newark and New Brunswick’s Scholars dinator of the Year; INROADS Birth: Daughter, Malia Noelani, born tinue her management responsibilities Training and Enrichment Program, Alumnus of the Year and 2011 Teacher on January 21, 2011. for graduate and continuing studies. announced in April 2011. of the Year in Nashville, Tenn.

18 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 19

Take Note! Several alumnae participated in First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to Spel- man when she served as the 2011 Commencement speaker. Trustees Jerri DeVard, C’79, Cynthia Spence, C’78, and Kimberly Davis, C’81, were in attendance along with Cathy Daniels, C’83, Heather Hawes, C’89, Tomika DePriest, C’89, Jeanne Meadows, C’64, DaNita McClain, C’2003, Andrea Lawrence, C’68, Geneva Baxter, C’77, Jane Smith, C’68, Alexine Clement Jackson, C’56, Christine King Farris, C’48, Bernice King, C’85, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, C’74.

Authors Pearl Cleage, C’71, and Tayari Jones, C’91, were both featured in Essence magazine, May 2011, in the “News & Culture” section for their latest literary contributions. Both books, Cleage’s Just Wanna Testify and Jones’ Sil- ver Sparrow, were chosen as Patrik’s Picks. Jones also participated in the 2011 Essence Music Festival; and Cleage penned the forward for the Essence magazine October 2011 cover story on First Lady Michelle Obama.

Jane Smith, C’68, with Phylicia Rashad Actresses Jasmine Guy and Debbie Allen with Christine King Farris, and Alexine Clement Jackson, C’56 LaTanya Richardson C’48, and Bernice King, C’85 Jackson, C’74, at Commencement brunch

Tomika DePriest, C’89, the executive director of the Office of Communica- tions at Spelman wrote the cover story on First Lady Michelle Obama for the September/October 2011 issue of Up- scale magazine. In the piece, “National Treasure,” she shares some moments from the First Lady’s visit to Spelman as the 2011 Commencement speaker. Tomika DePriest, C’89, with the First Lady PHOTOS: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91

F A L L 2 0 1 1 19 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 20

Take Note!

On April 15, 2011, President Beverly Daniel Tatum, the Board

of Trustees of PHOTO: BUD SMITH Spelman College, Retiring board chair Yvonne Jackson, C’70, and several (center) is shown with new board chair, Rosalind members of the Gates Brewer, C’84, (left) and President Beverly Daniel Tatum at Jackson’s last board meeting. faculty and staff surprised Yvonne R. Jackson, C’70, with a reception honoring her upon her retirement as chair of the On the front porch of Reynolds Cottage, President Beverly Daniel board. The event was held in Tatum celebrates 2011 Founders Day with Sheri Yarbrough, the lower level of Laura C’83, Muriel Ruth Ketchum Yarbrough, C’49, and Deirdra Spelman Hall in a space that Yarbrough, C’77. Mrs. Yarbrough and her daughters are the is undergoing renovations to fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of The Reverend Frank become the Yvonne R. Quarles, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church where the College

Jackson Academic Resource PHOTO: BUD SMITH began on April 11, 1881. Center. Jackson first joined the Spelman College board of trustees as an alumna trustee in 1996. She then moved on to become a regular trustee and in 2004 was elected chair. She is During the 2011 Founders Day the third alumna chair, preceded by Marian Wright Edelman, celebration, “The Sustaining C’60, and Dr. June Gary Hopps, C’60. The gathering also Vision: 130 Years and Leading,” recognized Research Day 2011, “Sustainable Spelman: From the College paid tribute to Personal to Global Perspectives.” Varnette P. Honeywood, C’72, through music and dance. Under the title “A Celebration Author and Publisher Tina in 16-Sustaining Colors,” the McElroy Ansa, C’71, re- Honeywood painting, “Greens ceived an honorary degree for Money, Peas for Luck,” was from the College during brought to life by dancers of Founders Day Convocation The Color Assemble — Lilia on April 7, 2011. Ansa has Howard, C’2014, Cristina penned five novels; Baby of Ruffins, C’2014, and Whitney the Family, Ugly Ways, The Woods, C’2013. Hand I Fan With, You Know Better and her most recent, Taking After Mudear, the se- Spelman College Board Trustee, quel to her bestselling Ugly Jerri L. DeVard, C’79, was featured Ways. Taking After Mudear is in the Spring 2011 issue of Savoy the lead title of her indepen- magazine for her recent appoint- dent publishing company, ment as the executive vice president DownSouth Press. A few and chief marketing officer of days earlier, on March 31, Nokia. Her announcement has ap- Ansa paid tribute to her peared in several print, television classmate and friend, the late Varnette Honeywood, C’72. Ansa and online media outlets. recalled dreaming that Honeywood would one day create the book jackets for her novels, which she did for all five. “Dreams are like that,” she shared, “too far-fetched to be tangible, yet too perfect to be abandoned.”

20 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 21

2000 Dionne Griffiths 2004 Jasmine Phillips Kearstin Piper Brown Professional: Received the Lillian Yea- Jessica Davenport Education: Earned her doctor of medi- Birth: Son, Miles James Warren, born ger Service Award in October 2010 and Professional: Preached at the Sisters cine degree from the University of South on July 1, 2011 the Kentucky Foundation for Women Chapel Worship Service on February 13, Alabama in Mobile on May 14, 2011. Art Meets Activism grant for 2011. She received the Student National Med- Shani Croom-Muriithi 2010–2011; she also created the pro- ical Association Leadership Award and Birth: Son, Koome Khary Muriithi, gram, “Rediscovering My True Self: Shakira Fardan will continue her clinical training in born on March 3, 2011. Black Women; Body Image and Dance.” Married: Brooks Pollard on October 9, internal medicine with the University of She was the Kentucky Foundation for 2010. Mississippi Hospital System in Jackson, Raena Harwell Women Artist Enrichment grant recipi- Miss. Education: Received her Ph.D. in ent for 2010–2011 and performed a Jon’a Fogle African American Studies from Temple dance solo as part of the class of 2001 Married: Taurean Joiner, Morehouse 2008 University on May 12, 2011. ten-year Spelman College reunion con- College, on October 30, 2010, in Afeishia Julien vocation program in Atlanta in May Louisville, Ky. Education: Earned her master’s degree Joslyn Chandler Jackson 2011. in social work from Columbia Univer- Professional: Launched her company, Ashanti Hollingsworth sity School of Social Work in New York Miss Fitbliss and Fitbliss Organics, in Tamaria Kai Perry Education: Earned her master’s degree on May 18, 2011. April 2010. The company began as a Married: Dr. Jimmy Davis on May 27, in public administration from The City blog, www.missfitbliss.com, and has 2011, in Rose Hall, Jamaica. Name College of New York on June 2, 2011. Jaunice Sills recently begun selling her personal eco- change: Tamaria Kai Davis. Professional: Participated in The Black friendly products to Whole Foods Professional: Selected as Spelman’s Alia Smith Women Film Festival, June 17–19, Market and other retailers. secretary of the College, effective Octo- Education: Attending Columbia Busi- 2011, in Atlanta. ber 3, 2011. ness School in the fall 2011 as a Kraytina Lawrence Feldberg Fellow. She’s the first African 2009 Professional: Promoted to catastrophe 2002 American to be awarded CBS’s “most Tanell Allen claim support service supervisor with Tameka Cooksey prestigious award.” Professional: Hosted the 2nd Mocha in State Farm Insurance Companies in Married: Curtis Horton on October 10, My Coffee, Inc. women empowerment Jacksonville, Fla., on January 10, 2011. 2010, on the shores of Punta Cana, 2005 conference, “Pregnant with Expectations,” Dominican Republic. Sheena Cochran-Marzo on March 19, 2011, in Atlanta. The con- Kia-Jacquelyn Omotalade Birth: Daughter, Mya Marzo, born on ference was an empowering luncheon Professional: Accepted the position of Shannon Rector Council December 3, 2010. designed to challenge women by raising program manager of California Pacific Birth: Sons, Eric and Kaden Council, their level of expectation to manifest their Public Health Training Center at Uni- born May 8, 2011, in Atlanta. Ashli Herbert hidden, yet God-given purpose. versity of California – Berkeley, in Birth: Son, Hyon Min Herbert II, born www.mochainmycoffee.com. partnership with the University of Alyson Shumpert Dorsey on October 17, 2010. Hawaii and University of California – Birth: Son, Kamari Kyon Dorsey, born Stacy Marks Davis programs in public health and the July 12, 2011, in Mableton, Ga. Erica Snell Married: Joshua Zant on August 21, Central Valley Health Policy Institute at Professional: Promoted to vice presi- 2010, at the Solid Rock Pentecostal California State University, Fresno. Kafia Haile dent, Hotspot FX Sales in August 2010. Church & Primrose Cottage in Roswell, Professional: Held a sold-out reading of Ga. Kenique Penn her play, “Pickin’ Up Strays,” at the 2006 Professional: Promoted to annual giving D.C. Black Theatre Festival and a sec- Erin Barksdale Brittany Shavers officer at Spelman College in March 2011. ond reading immediately following at Professional: Awarded News Leaders for Birth: Daughter, Mackenzie Shavers, Married: George Thomas Freeman, Jr., the Theatre Alliance’s Hothouse on H New Schools – Cohort 10 and was a born on March 2, 2010. Morehouse College, C’2000, on April Reading Series in Washington, D.C., on Person Foundation Fellow in 2010. 16, 2011 at The Atrium in Atlanta City June 21, 2011. She was also interviewed Zaneta Smith Hall. by Diana Veiga, C’2003, for her blog, Rheaclare Fraser Education: Earned her master’s degree www.aworknprogress.com. Professional: Spoke at Spelman College in social work from Jane Addams School Erika Stallworth MBRS-RISE Program’s “Straight Talk of Social Work, University of Illinois at Professional: Participated in the Law Leah Jackson About Life as a Scientist in Research and Chicago, in May 2011. Day celebration sponsored by the La Professional: Participated in the Annual Academic Careers,” on April 14, 2011, Porte County Bar Association and Seven Women at the Cross Lenten Wor- in Tapley. Tiffany Tellis League of Women Voters of La Porte ship Service on April 20, 2011, in Sisters Married: Robert Blakemore on October County on May 6, 2011. Stallworth was Chapel. Jenise Fletcher McKinney 10, 2010, in Alpharetta, Ga. mentioned in an article about the event Birth: Son, Mason James McKinney, in The News Dispatch, Michigan City, Amishi McMorris born on September 23, 2010. Ashley Thomas Indiana on April 30, 2011. She was also Birth: Daughter, Alyn Jean McMorris, Professional: Participated in the Annual quoted in The News Dispatch article, born on February 13, 2011. Lauren Sullivan-Larke Seven Women at the Cross Lenten Wor- “Ghosts of Trials Past,” on May 7, 2011. Education: Earned her doctor of medi- ship Service on April 20, 2011, in Sisters 2003 cine degree from Meharry Medical Chapel. 2001 Asha Daniels College in Nashville, Tenn., on May 21, Trichita Chestnut Education: Graduated with a master’s 2011. She was inducted into Alpha 2010 Professional: Featured in the Spelman degree in fragrance and cosmetics mar- Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Courtney King College history department lecture keting and management from the Society in 2011. Education: Earned a nonprofit certifi- “When Gender Didn’t Matter: The Fashion Institute of Technology in New cate from the George Bush School of Lynching of Women in the United York. Her team’s final Capstone presen- Kamille Williams Government and Public Service through States, 1837–1946,”on March 17, 2011, tation was covered in Women’s Wear Professional: Participated in the Annual Texas A&M University in July 2011. in Quarles Library, Giles. Daily. Seven Women at the Cross Lenten Wor- Professional: Co-founded Team ship Service on April 20, 2011 in Sisters SHIFT, Inc, an educational nonprofit Erikka Dzirasa Natane Eaddy Chapel. organization. Their mission is to identify Education: Graduated from residency in Education: Received her juris doctor and train aspiring young adult urban lead- psychiatry/child psychiatry from Duke degree from Northeastern University 2007 ers in order to build local social inclusion University Medical Center in June School of Law in May 2011. Chantel Monique Bryant and business ingenuity and to share meth- 2011. Professional: Mental Health Court ods and ideas for economic renovation. Vera Musgrove monitor, January 2011. She also launched the new website Stevie Gray Professional: Traveled with the show www.naturalhairisgoodhair.com, a journey Birth: Daughter, Nyla Gabrielle Gray, DRUMLine Live! From August 2010 to Alicia Lane to beauty and loving yourself. born on February 19, 2011 in Rich- March 2011 as a dancer and dance cap- Professional: Awarded the W.K. Kel- mond, Calif. tain. logg Foundation’s Woodrow Wilson Kimberly Scott Married: Kenan Woods at Liberty Bap- Michigan Teaching Fellowship in 2011. Professional: Participated in the Annual tist Church in Atlanta on January 1, Seven Women at the Cross Lenten Wor- 2011. ship Service on April 20, 2011, in Sisters Chapel.

FALL 2011 21 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 22

Take Note! Brigitte F. Daniel, C’99, received the 2011 40 Under 40 Award On June 9, 2011 Kathleen Jackson from the Philadelphia Business Journal. Her profile was published in Bertrand, C’73, celebrated the release of the Journal, along with profiles of the other awardees, on May 13, her latest CD, KATHARSIS, at a perfor- 2011. Daniel is an executive vice president at Wilco Electronic Systems mance at Loews Hotel Atlanta. Bertrand Inc. in Fort Washington, Pa., a minority-owned provider of cable, has recently performed at several events around Atlanta, including telecommunication, remote surveillance and security systems to the Jazz Journeys at the Georgia Aquarium on June 3, 2011, and Jazz Delaware Valley. in the Spring, a series of jazz events at Morehouse College on April 8, 2011, on the Eugene Mitchell Performance Lawn of the Editorial director of the popular Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. In September 2011, site, HelloBeautiful.com, Leigh Bertrand hit No.1 on Gary Lee’s www.uksoulchart.com in the A. Davenport, C’2005, posted United Kingdom, which charts a weekly list of Top 30 songs by the site’s feature, “30 Under 30: current well-known and lesser-known independent artists. Her Women to Watch” on June 30, songs “All the Love You Need” and “Date Night” had been rising 2011. Included on the list were in previous weeks from No. 27 up to the top spot. Kristen E. Jarvis, C’2003, Kimberly D. Hogg, C’2008, On June 24, 2011, President Barack Obama Kelli Coleman, C’2006, Na- announced his intent to nominate several indi- talie D. Crawford, C’2004, viduals to key administration posts including and Lyanna Newborn, Adrienne O’Neal, C’76, to serve as ambas- C’2005. sador to the Republic of Cape Verde, Depart- ment of State. O’Neal is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and currently serves Several members from the as the director of the Senior Level Division of National Alumnae Associa- Career Development and Assignments in Human Resources at tion, Baton Rouge Chapter, the Department of State. As the ambassador designate, she made were pictured in the “Scenes a statement to the Senate Foreign Relations committee on Octo- From Around Town” sec- ber 5, 2011. tion in The Advocate on May 8, 2011, when they Composer-arranger Lena celebrated Spelman’s Johnson McLin, C’51, was Founders Day at the Greater New Guide Baptist Church on April celebrated for her work on 10. Leslie A. Brown-Vincent, C’84, Rochelle L. Williams, March 27, 2011, at Emmanuel C’2003, Jacqueline Stewart Campbell, C’71, Dorothy Myers Baptist Church in Chicago. Stepteau, C’63, Mildred Wynn Penson, C’51, Tanya F. Penson, The event was previewed in the C’82, and Gloria Whiten, C’75, were among those present. March 25th issue of “On the Town” in the Chicago Tribune.

Erikka Searles Mitchell, C’2000, was granted her wed- LaShanda B. Holmes, ding wish by Wish Upon a C’2006, the Coast Guard’s Wedding Atlanta, on March first Black female chopper 30, 2011. Mitchell and her pilot, was featured in the husband, Omoro, received the NBC Nightly News series, wedding of their dreams after “The Grios’ 100,” profiling learning of his chronic heart African Americans who are failure diagnosis a year earlier. making history every day. The couple’s story was chroni- The piece aired on cled on AtlantaBridal.com and February 3, 2011. was featured on the WXIA-TV 11Alive Atlanta Evening News Eloise A. Alexis, C’86, vice president for college relations at on May 2, 2011. The couple wel- Spelman, was profiled in the August 2011 BriefCASE, the on- comed a son, Aquinas Jasper line publication for Council for Advancement and Support of Mitchell, born on June 3, 2011. Education (CASE).

22 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 23

Take Note!

Annette Jones White, Rev. Bernice Albertine King, C’85, C’64, was recognized by was pictured in the June 6, 2011, issue Albany State University of Jet magazine. “Honoring Coretta (ASU) for her civil rights King” highlighted the dedication of the contributions. In 1961, Coretta Scott King Memorial Gar- five months from gradu- den at Sojourner Douglass College ation, she lost a in Edgewater, Md. She was also scholarship and the title pictured in the May 2, 2011, “Miss Albany State” when issue where she poses with she was expelled from the Kathy Taylor, associate vice then Albany State College for president of community de- participating in the Albany velopment for Road Civil Rights Movement. In the summer of 2010, she was notified Scholar/Elderhostel, after that ASU planned to invite her back and to apologize to the stu- signing a copy of her father’s dent civil rights activists it had suspended or expelled 49 years book, Where Do We Go From earlier. The University designed a year-long celebration recogniz- Here: Chaos or Community? ing the students. Ms. White was featured in two issues of the ASU alumni magazine, Aspire; her “Miss Albany State” title was restored and she was re-crowned and sashed by the current Miss Albany State University, and she delivered the keynote address at the Homecoming convocation in October 2010. She also Yaa Walker Stanley, C’ 2002, and her hus- recently contributed to the October 2010-released civil rights band, Quincy, are part of a small team that history book, Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by created the Positively Perfect line of baby Women in SNCC; she participated in Georgia State University’s dolls available online at Walmart.com. The “22nd Annual National African American Read-In,” on February initial dolls, Adorable Angela for ages 0+ 10, 2011, as one of three guest speakers; and she received a and Beautiful Brianna for ages 3+, are proclamation on March 21, 2011, from the Atlanta City Council dressed in attire adorned with positive mes- (along with 10 other women, including Dr.Bernice Johnson sages to help instill pride including, “I am Reagon, C’ 70) “for making a difference in this country by smart,” “I am proud,” and “I can do it!” protesting civil rights injustices and working towards a social rev- olution with SNCC… and for an invaluable contribution to racial equality.”

Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Georgia State Representative C’93, was featured in the article Alisha Thomas Morgan, “Museum’s Teenage Ambition: C’2000, gave greetings at the Director Andrea Barnwell General Session during the Brownlee Pushes Boundaries as 2011 National Charter The Institution Turns 15,” in Schools Conference on Creative Loafing on September June 22, 2011, in Atlanta; 8, 2011. Highlighting the while founder and presi- museum’s anniversary, dent of the Children’s De- accomplishments and vision, fense Fund, Marian the piece states, “It would be Wright Edelman, C’60, putting it lightly to say the provided a riveting keynote Spelman College Museum of address for the event. Mor- Fine Art’s mission, ‘to gan was also featured in The emphasize works by and about women of the African Diaspora,’ Crisis Magazine’s centennial is unique. ‘There’s no other place like this in the nation,’ is how issue in the article, “NAACP museum director Andrea Barnwell Brownlee explains it.” The Honors 40 Under 40.” museum’s anniversary and current exhibition were also featured in the “Culture Notes” section of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, September 2, 2011.

SPRING 2011 23 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 24

Take Note! Angela Farris Watkins’, C’86, book, My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart was a Jet selection for “Editors’ Picks of the Week” in the February 7, 2011, issue.

Brooke Jackson Edmond, C’91, was pictured in Jet magazine, July 4, 2011, in the “Jetsetters” section for Jackmont Hospitality Inc.’s recent donation of $250,000 to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Ed- mond is the senior vice president of Jackmont Hospitality and daughter of the late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Singer, songwriter Kimberly Tanya Amy Moore, C’95, N. Johnson, C’2005, also was featured in the article known as KimberlyNichole “Women in STEM: was featured in the Decem- Though Small in Number, Philanthropist and ber 2010 issue of Vogue mag- These Women Blaze Trails Spelman College board azine. Andre Leon Talley in the Science and Technol- trustee, Lovette Russell, gave her a rave review calling ogy Fields,” in the March C’83, was featured on her “music fresh” and her 2011 issue of Black Enter- the cover of Southern “performance magnetic.” prise magazine. Seasons magazine, late spring 2011 issue, with Tanika Ray, C’94, is hosting the Swan House Ball co- television series, “HGTV’d.” chair, Jack Sawyer. Each episode of the new series Russell is featured and pictured throughout the magazine features an HGTV star surprising for her leadership and charitable work in the Atlanta community. a viewer with a makeover. The Also pictured in this issue is Tina McElroy Ansa, C’71, at the show debuted June 6, 2011, and Dining Out for Life event on April 27, 2011. airs Monday nights.

Tai Monique Beauchamp, C’2000, is hosting a new web series for Black- Enterprise.com called “High Life.” It showcases and profiles luxury living including popular people, places, art, entertainment, culture, travel, philan- Harlem-based writer Penny D. thropy and style. Beauchamp also ap- Wrenn, C’99, penned the piece, peared on The Style Network’s “How “Your Best Summer Ever!: Looking Do I Look?” on May 7, 2011, where for What’s Hot in Music, Film and she lent her expertise to a makeover. TV This Season? Look No Further,” in the “News & Culture” section of Essence magazine, July 2011.

24 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 25

Take Note!

Kelly S. Beaty, C’2002, was highlighted in Black Enter- prise’s May 2011 issue in the “Work, On the Move” section for her new position as vice president of marketing and communi- cations for Dress for Suc- cess Worldwide.

Dana M. Gills’, C’2001, production company, Brown Paper Dolls, along with actor Idris Elba is producing the TV series “Milk + Honey,” a dramedy that follows the spiritual, professional and romantic journeys of four young, ambitious African- American women Board Trustee Kimberly Davis, C’81, was featured in the navigating through the October 2011 issue of Essence Magazine. Listed in the Work & lights, smoke and mirrors Wealth Power List, Davis is one of the Advocates and shares her of Hollywood. The show power secret: “Bring your authentic self to everything you do and is looking to get picked up success will follow.” by a TV network and is in the process of acquiring the one million trailer Simone Sarter, C’2011, graduated from Spelman College in views needed. www.milka- May 2011, representing the 4th generation from the lineage of ndhoneyseries.com. the Josephine Dobbs Clement, C’37, family. Ms. Sarter’s legacy includes great-grandmother Josephine Dobbs Clement, C’37, grandmother Alexine Clement Jack- Jet magazine featured Denise N. White, son, C’56, aunt Emily Jackson, C’84, C’98, also known as AVERY*Sunshine, and mother Seila Jackson Sarter, in their “Who’s Got Next: Artist to (former student, 1977–78). The Watch” feature in the June 20/27, Dobbs family holds the record with 2011, issue. She was featured in the the highest number to graduate from a gospel category along with Tim Bow- core family, including her great-grand- man, Jr. and Colandra McDowell. mother Josephine and her five sisters.

Actress and life stylist A.J. Johnson, C’ 85, founder Television personality of THE AJ ZONE, a Shaun Robinson, global healthy living com- C’84, was featured in pany, performed in the Ebony magazine’s July 2011 Founders Day pro- 2011 issue. The article, gram segment called “The “Summer Soiree with Charge.” She connected this past Shaun Robinson: Access Hollywood’s spring with the campus community Popular Host Gives Us Her Recipe for a in support of students participating Fun and Relaxed Afternoon Party,” pro- in the “Active for Life: Campus vides a personal peek into her entertain- Style!” challenge. Later, she led the ing style. Robinson was also featured on the cover of Ambassador campus in a hula hoop contest on magazine’s 5th Anniversary issue (June/July) where she dishes on Founders Day 2011. film, fitness and high fashion, and she was pictured in the March 14, 2011, issue of Jet with Sherri Shepherd of “The View” and Miami Heat star, Dwyane Wade.

F A L L 2 0 1 1 25 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 26

Revive school spirit…

PHOTOS: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91

26 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 27

Reconnect with one another…

FALL 2011 27 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 28

Golden Girl Class of 1961

Reminisce with your sisters…

…Wise Women who embrace the youthfulness of Golden Girls

28 SPELMAN MESSENGER MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 29

Symphonic drums directed by Omelika Kuumba, C’81

Mistress of Ceremonies Keshia Knight Pulliam, C’2011 Reflect on good times… Blue Note Theatre

Sharon Owens, C’76 Director of Alumnae Affairs

Consistent donor Cynthia Jackson, C'81, converses with President Beverly Daniel Tatum during the Blue Note Reunion dinner.

The Beauty of Giving performed by the Spelman Alumnae Quartet (left to right): Eloise Alexis, C’86; Catherine Fletcher Rollins, C’90; Asha L. Parker, C’2004; Jennifer Freeman, C’89. Remember Spelman.

F A L L 2 0 1 1 29 esetF1pS 1/21 45 MPage30 4:58PM 12/12/11 MessText-F11-p_SC 30 In Memoriam supporter of her beloved alma mater, Spelman, mater, alma beloved her of supporter was a also She NAACP. the the careers most important to her to important most careers the band, managing Ch home extension agent in incredibly loving mother and dedicated wife. lanta with her four youngest children At- to moved Christine 1968, in husband her she honed her entrepreneurial skills to Jacksonville, Fla., in couple had eight children. The tion she had held since leaving Spelman. The a was she and Church A.M.E. Moriah Mt. of pastor the was He Ga. Swainsboro, in lived Rockdale the second of10children. was She Ga. County, Mitchell in 1922, Dorothy Carothers Robinson and the late Aurelia William late the of union the to born Christine Geneva Robinson Sinclair was June 21,1922–17,2011 Sinclair, R. Christine C’46 gree in home economics and economics home in gree received a she where College Spelman attended She 1942. in System, until her retirement in March 2000. March in retirement her until System, ber of 1970s, 1970s, where she continued her career in career teaching her continuing Ga., Moultrie, in teacher school elementary an became later ba Sme Sinclair, Samuel Abram teaching certificate,graduatingin1946. county home demonstration agent, demonstration home county Fitzgerald and e cre icue tnr asa tenure included career Her Christine n 90 Crsie are te Rev. the married Christine 1950, In h wasa She urch, the SCLC and a SCLC the urch, and the faculty Walden21, June on Robinson Camilla, in School High a later family-owned store with her hus- her with store family-owned received ebr f rnt A.M.E. Trinity of member to Ocilla, Ga. After Tampa, Fla. while managing of the Atlanta Public School bachelor of arts de- arts of bachelor her diploma from diploma her the mid 1950s, where Thomasville, Ga. She D.D., lifetime member of member lifetime longtime financial longtime f a amily moved n they and lifetime the – by in Ga., being an being as a as a death jointly the early county posi- mem- of R E G N E S S E M N A M L E P S and of the peaceful movement that is the Mar- the is that movement peaceful the of and year book, she was described by her classmates her by described was she book, year tin Luther A as, Trinity real Spelmanite, sotrue totradition Her services were held “ Hardworking, loyal, sincere in addition, in sincere loyal, Hardworking, hrhin Church A.M.E. King, Jr. Center. on In Atlanta. June 24, 2011, at the 1946 Spelman .”

MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 31

Willie Juliet Dobbs Blackburn, C’31 January 12, 1910 – July 17, 2011

Willie Juliet Dobbs Blackburn was born into the family of John and Irene Dobbs in Atlanta, Ga., on January 12, 1910. She and her only older sister, Irene, C’29, would be followed by the others of the six Dobbs daughters, Millicent, C’33, Josephine, C’37, Mattiwilda, C’46, and June, C’48. They grew up in the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, where she learned Psalm 23 which became her mantra in her last years. In spite of the vicissitudes of life at that time for Black Americans, Willie’s and her sisters’ lives and education pro- gressed under the able watch of determined parents. Her mom was a devoted homemaker and John Wesley was one of the first Negro employees of the Federal Railway Mail Ser- vice. Upon retirement, he continued his leadership of the Georgia Prince Hall Masons – most notably organizing all U.S. Prince Hall Masons in seminal financial support of the NAACP school integration victory in 1957. Willie followed his example – dedicating her life to family and the education of others. The Dobbs educated all six daughters through Spelman College and their master’s degrees. Willie attended Houston Walker and William Ferris, who served as chair of the Street Elementary School, entered eighth grade at Spelman, National Endowment for the Humanities. She represented completed the Latin curriculum and graduated from the the university often at public and school affairs, delivering College as valedictorian of her class in 1931. honors to presidents and other visiting dignitaries. After a year of teaching at Arkansas State, she returned Through the secretary of the Mississippi State (Black) home to earn her master of arts in English with a scholar- Teachers Association, W.W. Blackburn, she had met and ship from Atlanta University in 1934, second only in that married Benjamin Allan Blackburn, Jr., Morehouse, C’28, class to her good friend, Hugh Gloster. Sixty-two years later, her husband of 41 years. The couple had two children, Juliet she returned to Clark Atlanta when her daughter, Juliet, re- Dobbs and Benjamin Allan, II, both of Atlanta. ceived her terminal degree. Her own further study was done Most of all, educating young people was her passion – in summer sessions at Columbia and Harvard Universities. from student drama productions and proms to publishing Her career resumed after the Great Depression when she the Blue and White Flash and producing the Delta Jabber- was hired by B.B. Dansby to teach at Jackson College, then wok. In these same years she co-founded the Jackson a church school, later taken over by the state and renamed Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, was co- twice, and finally becoming Jackson State University. As developer and first president of the Opera/South Guild, and associate professor and chair of the division of language arts, founding member and president of Jackson Chapter, Links, Willie organized and produced a week-long literary confer- Inc. She joined with her husband at Farish Street Baptist ence presenting Black literary artists including Langston church, Jackson, Miss. Upon retiring, she returned to Atlanta Hughes, Arna Bontemps, Thomas Hayden, and Sterling in 1977. She, her daughter, Juliet, and son-in-law, Lafayette Brown. She taught English literature and chaired the depart- Beamon, affiliated with Friendship Baptist Church, joining ment of language arts for 40 years. Among numerous awards her nephew, Maynard H. Jackson, Jr., and his family at the and honors she was named Professor Emeritus by the State church where their father, Maynard H. Jackson, Sr., had of Mississippi, 1974, and is honored by the naming of the once been pastor. She was active with Quality Living Services Willie Dobbs Blackburn Hall of Language Arts on the cam- and a senior citizen literary program of Emory University. pus. Renowned members of her faculty included Her services were held on July 28, 2011, at Friendship prize-winning authors Margaret Walker Alexander, Alice Baptist Church in Atlanta.

FALL 2011 31 MessText-F11-p_SC 12/12/11 4:58 PM Page 32

In Memoriam

Sadie Sims Allen, C’41 High School 1929 Mildred Clark In Memoriam July 25, 1920 – January 26, 2011 Educator Letter of Apology Died: April 28, 2011 April 18, 2011 After a long life deeply connected to Spelman College, Services: May 5, 2011, Mount Sadie Sims Allen passed away on January 26, 2011. She Zion First Baptist Church, Dear Alumna, was 90 years old. In 1983 she retired as Dean of Stu- Baton Rouge, Louisiana On behalf of the Office of dents after more than two decades of service to the Col- Alumnae Affairs of Spelman lege as a faculty member and administrator. A Class of 1947 College, we would like to extend our heartfelt apologies 1941 graduate of Spelman, Dean Allen had been inti- Myrtle Mark Kelly Died: June 23, 2011 to Mrs. Gwendolyn Kenner- mately associated with Services: June 29, 2011, Zion Johnson, C’63, for the Spelman since she was a Hill Baptist Church, Atlanta egregious error of reporting small child growing up her death in the “In Memo- riam” section of the Spelman near the campus. 1968 Sadie Jeanette Sims Messenger, Spring 2011. The Sandra Holliday death of Mrs. Kenner-John- was born on July 25, Died: June 16, 2011 son’s husband was incorrectly 1920, to Joseph and Sadi Services: June 23, 2001, recorded as her own. We real- Sims. The family lived on Elizabeth Baptist Church, At- ize that an error of this Henry Street where Dean lanta magnitude has caused undue Sage Hall is now located. pain, stress and strain on Mrs. 1989 Kenner-Johnson, her class- Here elementary and sec- mates and friends that can ondary education took Lisa Hackett Died: May 6, 2011 never be recovered, and for place in schools that were associated with Spelman or At- this we are very sorry. We are Services: May 7, 2011, Benta’s thankful that Mrs. Kenner- lanta University and were on or adjacent to the Spelman Funeral Home, Inc., Johnson, an active member of campus, where she sometimes played as a child. After New York. high school, she entered Spelman and earned a bache- the Chicago NAASC chapter, is well and continues to give lor’s degree in biology. Upon graduating she married her time, talents and treasures Robert L. Allen and briefly settled into married life. to Spelman College. However, she was soon offered a position teaching biol- Although we have a pro- ogy at Spelman which she accepted and greatly enjoyed. tocol in place to acknowledge The position was temporary. Although she had her alumnae deaths, there was a breach in this process. We are hands full raising four children, she worked at Atlanta committed to strengthening University in business services. A call from Spelman this protocol to ensure that brought her back to the campus, first as a biology teacher an incident of this nature and later as an administrator. Over the subsequent does not occur again. decades she served as director of freshman advisory services, registrar, and dean of student affairs. She also Respectfully, Sharon Owens, C’76 made her only educational foray away from the Spelman Director of Alumnae Affairs campus when she earned a master’s degree in student personnel administration in higher education at Co- Jo Moore Stewart lumbia University. During her long career at Spelman, Director of Publications Dean Allen was highly respected by her colleagues and Editor, Spelman Messenger beloved by generations of students. She retired in 1983. In 2002 Sadie Allen was selected to be one of 85 outstanding American woman featured in a book of pho- tographs titled, Wise Women: A Celebration of Their Insights, Courage and Beauty, by the well-known pho- tographer Joyce Tenneson. PHOTO: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91

32 SPELMAN MESSENGER “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

—Michelle Obama, J.D. First Lady of the United States of America Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, Georgia Permit No. 1569 350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314 www.spelman.edu

Every Woman…Every Year!

Visit www.everywomaneveryyear.org to make a gift or for more information. A Choice to Change the World