ALUMNAE CHAPTER NEWS

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. “Uncompromising Commitment to Communities: Service, Leadership, Empowerment”

APRIL 2018

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Michelle Simmons President

Marqus Walker-Wilbon 1st Vice President

Janice Satchell 2nd Vice President

Ashely Rankin Recording Secretary

Deon Estes Corresponding Secretary

Carolyn Redding Assist Corresponding Secretary

Melodie Brooks Treasurer

Michele Wortham Wright Assistant Treasurer

Jenna Banks Financial Secretary

Elisabeth Epps Assist Financial Secretary

Linda Bates Leali Assist Financial Secretary

Djuana Harvell, PhD Immediate Past President 1

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

DAC Sorors,

What an incredible month we had! From the Crockpot Social to Delta Day at the State Capitol, I want to thank you all for your efforts in making sure each DAC event is successful. We were blessed to have your support and the support of the community. All of our committee chairs and members work hard at planning and executing our events, and it truly pays off. We are in the last months of this sorority year and it is imperative that we finish strong. The EMBODI Committee has been hard at work engaging young men for an oratorical contest. Please pay attention to the committee report and be prepared to attend. I had an incredible experience in Washington, DC for Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital. Please see the summary in this newsletter.

This month the slate for the next biennium will be presented. If you are interested in running for a chapter office, you will need to be prepared to run from the floor at this month’s meeting. Elections will take place at the May chapter meeting. Nominations for our chapter awards are due on Friday, April 6th. This is an opportunity for us to recognize our Sorors, Women and Community partners.

Let’s finish strong Sorors!

Pearl of Wisdom “I wasn’t concerned about the hardships because I always felt I was doing2 what I had to do, what I wanted to do and what I was destined to do.” – Katherine Dunham

MEETING AGENDA

Ritualistic Opening Saturday, April 7, 2018 Welcome

Approval of the minutes

General Body Meeting Financial Reports 10:00 am Financial secretary Treasurer

Correspondences

Officers Reports President Vice president Secretary

Committee Reports Standing committees: ACT Prep, Arts and Letters, Building Task Force, Courtesy, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, Directory, Economic Development, EMBODI, Evaluations, Heritage and Archives, International Awareness & Involvement, Internal Audit, Leadership, Membership, Pan Hellenic MEETING ATTIRE Council, Physical & Mental Health, PP&D, Scholarship, Step show, Social Action, Technology Business Special committees

Special Orders

Unfinished Business

New Business Announcements

Ritualistic Closing

Denver Alumnae Chapter Meeting Logistics st 1 Saturday of the Month Lowry Conference Center 3

1061 Akron Way Denver, CO 80230

COMMITTEE CORNER

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Economic Development DELTA VIOLETS

Soror Lisa Neal-Graves and all of the Sorors that made the SAT Prep workshop a success The Sisterhood and Hospitality Committees for hosting Please remember to continue to support Black Owned the Crockpot Social Business! Our money has power, so WE need to Sorors Alberteen Ransom and Telaya Purchase for support OUR businesses! Don’t forget to keep coordinating Delta Day at Church and brunch collecting your receipts for the contest. All receipts are Sorors Bobby Holleman-Benson, Shirley Little and the due at the May sorority meeting. 2018 Founders Day committee for a well-executed event. All sorors who attended Delta Day at the State Capitol

Keep Thee in Thy Prayers -Soror Angela Pleasants who has been diagnosed with breast cancer

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Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital “Power in our Voices: Delta, We are the Change” March 10-13, 2018

Approximately 1200 Sorors from around the world, including representatives from the International Chapters, were present to discuss current legislative matters and increase our organizations involvement in the nation’s policy making process to ensure the interest of our communities are represented. Saturday began with the Best Practices workshop which allowed chapters to share what social action initiatives they have implemented and the impact they have been able to have in their communities. Some of the things that are happening in other chapters include: working with boy scouts to earn badges for voter registration, offering graduation tassels to those in high school who register to vote, expungement clinics, and using church vans to help voters get to the polls. The charge for the conference was given to us by our 22nd National President, Reverend Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd. The charge was as follows: We’ve got a lot of work to do; Be strong and courageous; we can’t settle for what is safe; before you open your mouth, know what you are talking about; be consistent (politics are local and we need to show up for all meetings as they are less likely to make reckless decisions in our presence); we’ve got to run for office; don’t get sidetracked by the tricks of the enemy; register and get them there; live for the applause of His nail scarred hand. The first of a two part fireside chat began with Joyce Ladner, Ph.D who reiterated that local level voting matters and that each generation must find its mission and fulfill it. The second fireside chat focused on how we as black women must stay focused and come together. We were reminded that we must all play by the rules until we can get them changed. We were also encouraged to contribute any dollar amount to organizations/campaigns that represent our interest. No amount is too small. The final panel for the day focused on Black Girl Magic: Women Winning Elections. The take away from this panel was that no elected office is minor, we must be good partners with our local officials and don’t be afraid to have conversations in the “lion’s den” by writing to your local papers, online and in the news media. Sunday began with the Omega Omega service for the 14th National President. It was incredible. Please see me if you would like to look at the program. We transitioned into the Ecumenical Worship Service where Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivered the sermon, “You can do it, God can help” ~Mark 8:27-32. Sunday concluded with a variety of workshops and town halls. I attended a workshop entitled “Protection of our Women-Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Policy” facilitated by Ujima Inc.: The National Resource Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community. I also attended Education-Criminalization of Black Children School Discipline/Expulsion facilitated by DREF. Check out both of their websites to see what they are doing in our community. The day concluded with a town hall facilitated by the Honorable Alexis M. Herman. The goal of the first panel was to have a strategical plan to have opinions and views from all political parties discussed. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez was in attendance, Ronna Romney McDaniel of the Republican National Committee did not attend. Issues were discussed from federal judges to voter suppression. He apologized on behalf of the DNC for taking loyal constituents for granted during the last election cycle. The party no longer acknowledges “off years” and will work to keep the base continuously engaged. Darryl Moch of the Green Party and Arvin Vohra of the Libertarian National Committee also got to share their party’s beliefs on a wide range of issues including gun control laws and the media. On Monday it was the Eighth Annual Stephanie Tubbs Jones Social Justice Institute Forum, “Forging Our Way in Health and Education”. Several questions were posed including, “If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?” Bishop Murphy McKenzie reminded us that God desires for us to prosper and be in good health. Get your physicals, know your numbers, volunteer for research studies so that we are represented and can get the care that we deserve. The Social Action Luncheon included a message from the Honorable Cory Booker and a keynote address from Reverend Dr. William J. Barber. He said, “If you don’t lead, you deny your Founders”. He went on to discuss the work of his Poor Peoples Campaign and Moral Mondays. He encouraged us to address the policy and not the tweets. He also pointed out that we have fewer rights today then we did in 1965 with the ending of section 5 of the voting rights act. Sorors, we have work to do! YID

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Heritage and Archives Arts and Letters

The Arts and Letters Committee of the Denver Alumnae Chapter is chaired by Soror Yasmaine Ford. The purpose of the committee, as it aligns with National Arts and Letters Commission, is to promote the contributions of African Americans in the Arts – past and present. The committee is responsible for promoting a positive image of African Americans and providing artistic and cultural outlets for chapter members and our local community through the mediums of music, dance, drama, literature and poetry. One of our Founders, Soror Osceola McCarthy Adams, a distinguished actress, was one of the first Black actresses on Broadway. She was the Director of the Harlem School of the Arts and directed theatrical debuts of Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. Since then, so many other Deltas have been and will continue to be leaders within the Arts; such as Sorors Leontyne Price, Nikki Giovanni, Ruby Dee Davis, Judith Jamison and Angela Bassett, just to name a few. The National Arts and Letters Commission was established under the leadership of our 15th National President, Soror Lillian Benbow in 1973. The Denver Alumnae Chapter and the Arts and Letters Committee has hosted and/or sponsored events such as Red Carpet events, book signings and show productions. Last year, the chapter hosted the National Delta Authors on Tour, which was chaired by Sorors Ford and Marqus Walker-Wilbon. For the monthly trivia question: Can you name another event that the Denver Alumnae Chapter hosted or sponsored since the year 2000? Submit your answer to [email protected]. Good Luck!

DAC Scholarship News

Do you remember the Scholarship skit from last year that featured a young lady named Kameisha, titled Kameisha goes to College? Kameisha will make an apperance at the April chapter meeting to share how her first year of college has gone with the support of a DAC mentor and DAC scholarship.

Mark your calendar for the Scholarship and Awards and Reception: May 20, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton Street, Denver, CO 80247. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, executive director of the Department of Higher Education. The theme is: “Making a Difference in These Changing Times. Wakanda!”

If you would like a friend or family member to receive an invitation to the Scholarship and Awards Reception, send your list to JoAnn Pegues by April 8, 2018. ([email protected])

The 2018 Scholarships will include DAC Undergraduate scholarships for young women who aspire to attend a four year college/university. The Gloria Travis Tanner Scholarships (awarded by the Unbreakable XXVII), will be awarded to young ladies who plan to seek a certificate/technical or 2 year associate degree.

Please help support additional recipients by making a $100 donation to the Scholarship Fund. All sorors who reach the goal of donating $100 by May 5, 2018 will have their name entered in a special drawing for a wonderful prize. Donation envelopes are available at chapter meetings. Checks should be made payable to DREF with Denver Alumnae Chapter on the Purpose/Memo line.

Sons and daughters of Sorority Members who will be graduating will receive recognition at the Scholarship and Awards Reception. Please submit the graduate’s name and school and submit the information to the scholarship committee or send to [email protected] by April 7, 2018.

Committee Meeting: April 8, 2018, 1:30 p.m. – Eloise May Library (Florida Ave. & Parker Road)

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GENERAL The Executive Board Meeting is moving to The Dahlia Center for Health and Wellbeing located at 3401 Eudora CHAPTER St Denver, CO 80207. The meetings will continue to be on the 3rd Friday beginning at 6pm. REMINDERS

FINANCIAL INFORMATION CORNER

Contact Information The Annual Membership Dues for FY 2018-2019 are as follows: Please note that all information changes Regular Member Life Member including email, phone, address or Delta National: $205.00 (includes $10.00 per National: $10.00 (per resume are now made directly on the capita fee + $5 late fee) capita fee) national website Sisters Only section Local: $150.00 Local: $150.00 at https://members.dstonline.org/ . Sign on Total = $355.00 Total = $160.00 is required. Timing of Payments · If you have not been financial for two or more years, ADD $25.00 If you need assistance signing on, please see Reinstatement Fee to the total. the Financial Secretary Jenna · Life members do not pay a late fee. However, if you have not been Banks, [email protected], financial for two or more years, ADD $25.00 reinstatement fee. 720.988.6388 or a member of the · Technology Committee. Pay dues online today! Visit Denverdeltas.org, then

For more information contact Jenna Banks or stop by before/after sorority meeting.

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WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON? FEEL LIKE YOU’RE MISSING OUT?

April 16, 2018 EMBODI Oratorical Contest MLK April 23, 2018 EMBODI Oratorical Contest MLK

May 20, 2018 Scholarship & Awards Reception Rising Star Baptist Church, 2:30pm

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Denver Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. General Body Chapter Meeting Saturday, March 3, 2018 Lowry Conference Center

Call to Order: 10:03am Meditation: Deborah Washington Welcome of Visitors: Marqus Walker  Angela Austin, Kappa Zi  Le’kendria Moore, Eta Beta  Kirstin Glenn, Beta Lambda

Approval of minutes with corrections: Internal Audit can be removed from the agenda. Financial Reports  Financial Secretary, Jenna Banks – Total cash receipts YTD: 81,353.37  Treasurer, Melodie Brooks – Available cash balance: 34,055.45

Correspondence: Deon Estes, Corresponding Secretary Thank you from Soror Bruton Brown and family in loss of father, Thank you from Sarah Seabourne for donation to Scott United Methodist food bank, Thank you from Barbara Daniels (Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club), Thank you from family of Soror Rosalie Martin, Thank you from Lynette Murray in passing of father, Thank you from Alecia Brown and family for flowers, Valentine’s Day card Soror Fannie Fidmont, Mile High Ministries Holding 2 events: Immigration in Colorado event on May 31 11a-1pm, Face of the Homeless in Denver event in June 28 11:30-1pm

Officer Reports President, Michelle Simmons  National/Regional - Central Region Conference will be held August 2-5, 2018 in Overland Park, Kansas, learn more here, Local - Dues must be paid by March 31 to avoid late fee (pay online at DenverDeltas.org and login to the Members Only Section) and checks must be received by March 17; Delta Day at the State Capitol March 28, 2018 8a-3p Register at http://denverdeltas.org/deltadays/ 1st Vice, Marqus Walker  Center for African American Health seeking volunteers for its 16th Annual Collaborative Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 10, 2018 8:30am-3:00pm at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel – 3801 Quebec Street, Community Awards deadline Friday April 6 at 5pm; Community Awards for: Woman of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, and Torch of Excellence deadline is Friday April 6 2nd Vice, Janice Satchell  March of Dimes - March of Dimes Walk is April 21, 2018 at the City Park. The goal is to have at least 10 people on the team. Currently 8 have signed up. Another goal is to raise $250. The March of Dimes Silver Elephant collected $17.86 so far. April meeting is the last chance to donate. Keep the donations coming! Program Planning and Development - Communication was received by the Regional Program Planning and Development Committee to inform us that the National Administration will not institute new initiatives. The focus will be on the current ones. The National President will soon provide a document on this issue. Meanwhile, there was a request to submit our chapter’s key initiatives, which were submitted to the Regional Chair. Regional Conference - Awards - Deadline to submit for regional awards is May 4. Currently preparing to submit for several awards. Bus to Overland Park - Quote from Denver Coach Company of $2800 each way, which means $5600 Round Trip. Estimates: If 40 Sorors ride the bus, $140/person. If 20, then $280/person. Flights from Denver to Kansas City currently no less than $311. Committee Reports ACT Prep - Deon Estes  Wrap up session on March 25 and 32 students have completed all testing sessions. 9 Arts and Letters - Yasmine Ford

A Wrinkle in Time- 20 tickets available on March 5 7pm contact Yasmine (720) 301-6452 or [email protected]  Courtesy - Carrie Carter Young Courtesies Extended: o Soror Michelle Bruton Brown lost father, Mr. Bertram Bruton o Soror Sarah Seaborn’s husband, Mr. James Seaborn passed o Soror Janell Lindsey’s grandmother, Soror Valda Mcafee passed o Soror GG Sellers hospitalized o Soror Dr. Faye Rison’s brother, Mr. Alton Earl Rison passed o Soror Sandra Kaye Agnew-Young underwent foot surgery o Soror Lynette Melissa Murray’s father, Mr. Anthony Stanley Murray passed o Soror Mella Dee Warren was hospitalized with heart problems o Soror Barbara Batey’s brother, Mr. William Jackson passed Pending Courtesies: o Soror Joann Burl had back surgery and may be re-hospitalized o Soror Frances Jefferson hospitalized several days o Soror Pamela Cotton’s mother passed away in Oklahoma Delta Academy - Alberteen Ransom  Next meeting is February 10 at Young Americans Bank - Campus, meeting will consist of a financial workshop and Black history lesson. On March 3 - Girls and Science Fair at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Delta Day at Church - Alberteen Ransom & Telaya Purchase  Delta Day at Church - True Light Baptist Church in March 18, 2018 11am (check-in time 10:20 am), one group donation will be collected, Group photo after service, Brunch at Outback Steakhouse at Gateway Park. Attire is red with violets. Delta GEMS - Lily’okalani Hafoka  Etiquette workshop on March 24 12-2p Cancelled: visit to State Capitol that was scheduled for the end of March.

Economic – Virginia Payne  Reminded chapter to utilize envelopes, requested sorors collect receipts from black businesses from now through May. Soror with the most receipts collected will receive a prize. EMBODI - Djuana Harvell  Currently received 10 HS and 2 middle school applications, committee will grade essays on March 8 Essay/Oratorical Contest for 11th and 12th grade males on the following dates:  February 5, 2018 - Prep Workshop (7 students in attendance)  April 16 (middle school) - Theme: 1st Amendment, to Kneel or Not to Kneel 10 apps  April 23 (high school) - Theme: How Does Social Media Affect Leadership? Founders Day - Shirley Little & Bobby Holleman-Benson  Attire: white with violets and pearls. Founders Day Details: March 17, 2018 at 10:00am at Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel, 3801 Quebec St Denver 80207. Keynote Speaker: Tishaura Jones, Treasurer, City of St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $65 (individual), $600 (table of 10, one payment). Tickets can be purchased online at www.denverdeltas.org/foundersday, or at sorority meeting. Heritage and Archives - Janice Satchell  Shared PowerPoint which highlighted quotes and pictures of DAC charter members. Leadership - Djuana Harvell  Next meeting on March 20 at the Denver Police District 2 (3921 Holly St Denver, CO 80207). Additional details forthcoming. Nominating - Bobby Holleman-Benson  Upcoming election for DAC 2018-2020 Biennium. Positions: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, two assistant Financial Secretaries, Treasurer, and assistant Treasurer. Also: chair of the Internal Audit Committee, chair of the Nominating Committee and six (6) members of the Nominating Committee. Nominations from the floor will be accepted during the April Sorority Meeting. Nomination form available on website and submissions must be postmarked by March 17 and mailed to chapter P.O. Box. Committee members: o Bobby Holleman-Benson: [email protected] 10

o Jouanna Crossland-Wells: [email protected] o Gloria Tanner: [email protected] o Virginia Payne: [email protected] o Michelle Ruffin: [email protected] Pan - Glynis Williams Thompson  Pan will host a Restaurant Week, details forthcoming Physical and Mental Health - Carolyn Redding & Jenna Banks  DAC will participate in Bonfils Blood Drive during May Week 2018, thanked sorors who participated in the Forest Street nursing home. Jenna Banks shared details regarding stopbullying.gov curriculum that the Anti Bullying committee plans to implement in local schools. Scholarship – Janice Napper Reminders: Checks must be made out to DREF with Denver Alumnae Chapter listed in the memo line. Donation envelopes are available at chapter meetings. The committee will provide awards to graduating sons/daughters of DAC members.  Important Dates  April 1- Applications for DAC Undergraduate and Gloria Travis Tanner scholarship are due  April 8 - Review of applications at the Eloise May Library 1:30 pm  April 15 - Interviews at the Eloise May Library 1:30 pm  May 19 - Parent/student orientation at Rising Star at 11:00 am (refreshments will be set up in the gym at same time)  May 20 - Scholarship and Awards Reception at Rising Star 2:30pm  Each member asked to donate 100.00 (25.00/month). Those who make 100.00 donation will have name entered in drawing for a prize.  1 hour massage - Essence of Life (Diana Whye)  Makeover (Rhoda Designs)  Skin Gift Set - AR Naturals (Ashley Rankin) purchased by Yvette Hunt  Filettas Couture Boutique (Jaketa Rowe) Sisterhood – Willie Mae Little  Next Meeting: February 5 at 7pm  Reminded sorors that today is the ‘creative crockpot’ meal. Encouraged sorors to eat with someone new. March 31 “Delta Family Reunion” Social Action – Cleo Breeze  Colorado’s Democratic and Republican parties will hold precinct caucus meetings March 6 in advance of the June 26 Primary Election - read more at https://www.arapahoegov.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2028, Colorado Black Roundtable on April 21 10am -12n having meet and greet with those running for Governor at Hiawatha Davis, Soror Rachel B. Noel Visiting Professorship March 11-13 agenda at https://msudenver.edu/noel/ Tau Lambda - Whitney Pleasants & Jennifer Johnson  Proceeding with intake, keep eye out for email updates from Soror Michelle Tucker Zeta Pi - Michelle Bruton Brown & Anika Phason McCrady  Acknowledged team and thanked Mary Matthews for creation of new ceremonial banner for Zeta Pi Special Orders: NA Unfinished Business: NA New Business: Recommendation from the Executive Board: For DAC to purchase 200.00 ad to support the Alpha Phi Alpha Regional Conference which will be held in Denver (purchased); for DAC to host May Week 2018 May 14- 20, 2018. Soror President motioned that DAC host a May Week 2018. Motion carried. Lily Hafoka will serve as chair for May Week.

Announcements: Deltarettes will be practicing at 6:30pm on March 5th and 12th at New Hope in preparation for the Founders Day program. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Delta Fellows accepting applications due March 21, President Simmons will attend Delta Day at Nation's capitol in DC, Soror Linda Bates Leali shared that New Hope has agreed to participate in the Safe Haven program (to provide comfort/conversation after violence has occurred in community) and is seeking volunteers to fill this role. Questions? [email protected] or 918-409-3030. Soror Djuana Harvell - Clark Alumni Association will help sponsor Career Fair on March 23 11 Closing: 11:32 am Ashley Rankin, Recording Secretary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SORORS!

Articles of interest are welcome and encouraged. Please send all newsletter items to [email protected] Next newsletter submission deadline is April 27, 2018

The editor and/or Executive Board reserves the right to edit all material received.

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC DENVER ALUMNAE CHAPTER PO BOX 7432 DENVER, CO 80207

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