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March 2015

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

Inglewood Alumnae Chapter Newsletter The Daily Delta

President's Message...

In this issue...

Financial Fortitude

Workshops

P. 2&3

Social Action

Candidates Meet & Greet

P. 4

Sisterhood Month Activities

P. 5

Arts and Letters

Art, Music, Movies & More

P. 6&7

Summits

P. 9

GEMS Tackle Colorism

P. 10&11

Dearest Sorors of Inglewood Alumnae Chapter,

The 2014/2015 Sorority Year is more than half over, and we are making good on

our September commitments to serve our communities, ourselves and each other

– with our head, our hands and our heart. We have gotten off to a great start –

with thoughtful, well planned and executed activities that are giving us opportuni-

ties to be more socially active, to provide service throughout our diaspora, to im-

prove our health, and get to know each other better. Our youth groups are flour-

ishing, and our scholarship outreach strategies are expanded. New options have

been provided for raising funds that do not require us to ‘give away the bank’.

Lines of communication are improving via beautifully published newsletters and

shared heritage moments – moments that remind us why we came to Delta, and

other significant moments in time.

Sorors, in this election year you have new and exciting opportunities for service –

as chapter officers, as new or returning committee chairs/co-chairs, as committee

members, as activity supporters. Please consider stepping up when called.

As we move forward, let us keep of our beloved Soror Sandra Phillips Johnson,

and each of our sorors who suffered the profound loss of a loved one this year, in

our hearts and minds.

Yours in Delta,

Joyce Jones Guinyard, D.C.

President

Joyce Jones Guinyard. D.C.

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If you missed our first of three Financial Fortitude

Workshops that took place on Saturday, January 17,

2015 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm following the January

Sorority meeting at the Inglewood Library Lecture Hall,

then you missed a treat! The workshop entitled Finan-

cial Fortitude Series I - Debt Management “Change

your Financial Behavior and Change your Life – For-

ever”, was led by Amber Grant, MBA - Financial Advi-

sor from Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., in con-

junction with Women of Vision and the Ameriprise

Community Connections Program.

The workshop

dealt with topics

such as “How did

I get into debt?,”

where the impor-

tance of beginning

a budget with a

vision was cov-

ered. Other topics

d i scussed in-

cluded, “What is Debt Management?”, “How to pay

down your debt”, and lastly, “How do I prevent fu-

ture damage?.”

Ninety-one percent of the workshop participants sur-

veyed said the presenter and presentation was informa-

tive, engaging and shared valuable information in a

light and humorous matter. The workshop concluded

with Q&A followed by workshop participants schedul-

ing a FREE personalized consultation with Amber

Grant. As an added benefit, the Chapter received a

grant from Ameriprise Financial Services through the

Community Connection Program for $1,525 based on

the number of individuals that attended the workshop

and/or took advantage of the

financial services offered by

Ameriprise.

The next Financial Forti-

tude Series II - Financial

Forum will be held on Sat-

urday, March 28, 2015

from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at

the Inglewood Library Lec-

ture Hall. The forum will

include the following finan-

cial workshops: Savings &

Investments, led by Amber

Grant, Financial Advisor

from Ameriprise Financial Services, and Entrepre-

neurship, led by Christopher E. Jackson, Acting Direc-

tor, Inglewood Economic and Community Development

Department. The Forum will feature a panel discussion

by a variety of business owners in and around the City

of Inglewood. Once again, Ameriprise Financial Ser-

vices will make a monetary donation through their

Community Connection Program on behalf of those at-

tending. So please help support the Financial Fortitude

program through your attendance and by inviting your

family, friends and those in the Inglewood community.

Financial Fortitude is the current Economic Develop-

ment Program Initiative of the Sorority. Financial Forti-

tude is a process that will help program participants set

and define goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and

put the plan into action.

Financial Fortitude Workshops Highlight the Importance of

Financial Literacy and Encourages Healthy Financial Habits By Soror Karen Smith Wilson

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Taxable or Not – What You Need to Know about Income

All income is taxable unless the law excludes it. Here are some basic rules you should know to help you file an

accurate tax return:

Taxed income. Taxable income includes money you earn, like wages and tips. It also includes bartering,

an exchange of property or services. The fair market value of property or services received is taxable.

Some types of income are not taxable except under certain conditions, including:

Life insurance. Proceeds paid to you because of the death of the insured person are usually not taxable.

However, if you redeem a life insurance policy for cash, any amount that you get that is more than the cost

of the policy is taxable.

Qualified scholarship. In most cases, income from this type of scholarship is not taxable. This means that

amounts you use for certain costs, such as tuition and required books, are not taxable. On the other hand,

amounts you use for room and board are taxable.

State income tax refund. If you got a state or local income tax refund, the amount may be taxable. You

should have received a 2014 Form 1099-G from the agency that made the payment to you. If you didn’t get

it by mail, the agency may have provided the form electronically. Contact them to find out how to get the

form. Report any taxable refund you got even if you did not receive Form 1099-G.

Here are some types of income that are usually not taxable:

Gifts and inheritances

Child support payments

Welfare benefits

Damage awards for physical injury or sickness

Cash rebates from a dealer or manufacturer for an item you buy

Reimbursements for qualified adoption expenses

For more on this topic see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms any-

time.

International Awareness & Involvement

Feminine Hygiene Supply Drive

Benefits I CAN FLY International

The International Awareness Committee is now collect-

ing THIN sanitary napkins for girls at the I CAN FLY

International, orphanage in Kenya, East Africa. Dona-

tions will be collected at the March chapter meeting

(March 21). Thin pads are preferred because larger

pads impact the plumbing system. Founded by Soror

Sha’ Gives, I CAN FLY is a United States based 501c3

non-profit organization that helps children and youth in

Kenya escape child marriage, female genital mutilation,

tribal war, child labor, abandonment, and extreme pov-

erty. The organization offers a wide range of assistance

to children and youth ages 5-18 years old from nine

countries.

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Twice a month on the campus of Monroe Middle School, IAC

members along with our males partners - members of Omega Psi

Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Los Angeles County Fire Department

and others, meet with young men, ages 13-17 to provide inten-

sive, face-to-face, interactive mentoring.

Under the banner of EMBODI, the youth participate in workshops facilitated by

our male partners. Workshop topics have included “The Value of a Life,”

“Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution,” “My Sag is a Part of My Swag,” “Dress

for Success," "The "N" Word," "Manhood 101," and "On Your Honor," Through

the use of videos and interactive activities, the male facilitators have "man-to-

man" discussions with the young men about a variety of subjects. A recent session

titled “Halt Police,” included police officers who instructed the young men on

how to behave when they come in contact with law enforcement. To evoke further

discussion, the young men watched a video clip from the movie “Fruitvale,”

which depicts the true story of a 22-year old African-American male who was

shot by a white police officer.

In another session, the discussion centered around bullying. The young men con-

sidered the question “What is bullying?” and were asked to identify if they were a

bully or had been bullied. Citing recent incidents that resulting in the victim tak-

ing their life, the mentors discussed the harmful effects of bully and engaged the

young men in exercises to create sensitivity and help the participants thwart the

bullying process. Their next session on April 9th will examine goal setting and

career exploration. The participants will learn how to set and track long and short

term goals. They will also learn how to choose a career and how to research pay

scales, education requirements and job duties.

For more information or to join the EMBODI Committee, contact Soror Toya

Mack, Chair, EMBODI Committee.

EMBODI Program Serves as a Motivational

Tool for Teen African-American Males

Social Action

Committee to

Host Candidates

Meet and Greet On April 7, 2015, Inglewood voters will go to the polls to cast their votes to elect Coun-cil Members for District 3 and 4, City Clerk and City Treas-urer. Additionally, four seats on the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Edu-cation are up for general elec-tion.

Our very own, Soror Margaret Evans is running for Board Seat #4. Soror Evans and all candidates slated for election have been invited to participate in a Candidates Meet and Greet, Saturday, March 21, during chapter meeting. Can-didates will briefly introduce themselves and distribute cam-paign literature.

To learn more about Soror Evan's platform or lend your support, contact her directly or visit her website at www.margaret4kids.com.

Margaret Evans

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. INGLEWOOD ALUMNAE

CHAPTER and WOMEN OF VISION

Present

A Financial Forum featuring Savings & Investments - Entrepreneurship

Saturday, March 28, 2015

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ~ Registration

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ~ Financial Forum

(begins promptly @ 9am)

Inglewood Public Library

Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall

101 West Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA

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My Sister’s Church March is Sisterhood Month. As the month draws to a

close, the Membership Committee invites you to attend

the last planned Sisterhood Month activity. On Sunday,

March 22, 2015, the Membership Committee will host

My Sister’s Church at Unity Christian Fellowship located

at 16133 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA. This is Soror

Atiya Myer’s church. Unity Christian Church is de-

scribed as a “spirit-driven, biblically sound and family

oriented church. The Pastor is Bro. Johnny Ray Withers,

Jr. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and the First

Lady is Soror Charlette Withers. So show up in your

BEST red church attire in support of Soror Myers and in

honor of our Lord. Let’s show Unity Christian Fellow-

ship some Christian AND Greek LOVE!!!

For more information about regarding Unity Christian

Fellowship, you may contact them at: 310-886-0198;

email: info@unitycf.org or website - www.unitycf.org

With These Hands

With these hands I cannot defile you,

They are to lift you, my Sister.

With these words, I cannot demean you,

They are to encourage and

comfort you, my Sister.

With this strength I cannot destroy you,

It is to defend you, my Sister.

The Words of Past President Lillian P. Benbow (deceased)

Happy Sisterhood Month!

Sisters Bowling in the Bond

Bowling in the Bond was one of several Sisterhood Month activities or-

ganized by the Membership Committee during March to provide an op-

portunity for sorors to fellowship, bond and get to know each other better.

March maybe over soon but the fellowship does not have to end. Desig-

nate at least one day a month as “Sisterhood Day” and plan activities to

strengthen your sisterly bond.

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The Arts and Letters Committee will host an Art & Wine Paint Party on Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Join us at b. collins Studio for a little paint, a little wine, and a whole lot of fun! The b. collins Studio is located at 5066 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. Participants will enjoy step-by-step instruction by an experienced and en-thusiastic local artist. No artistic skills are required. After creating your masterpiece, you will take your work of art home. Everyone will paint the same image - Red Hat, by artist b. Collins. Wine and refreshments will be served. The cost is $35. Only cash will be accepted at the March chapter meeting for those who have reserved their space. www.bcollinsstudio.com

SAVE THE DATE It began as one man's story…became everyone's music…and is now a Broadway's musical. Save the date and plan to attend the group viewing of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. This is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from feather-weight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the ca-reers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! When: May 31, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 Cost: $65 per ticket Final payment is due by Saturday, March 21, 2015. Payments by cash (only) will be accepted at the March chapter.

Arts and Letters Committee Slates Evening of

Artistic Expression and Motown Music

Red Hat

Membership Dues: March 31st is the last day to pay dues for 2015/2016 sorority year without penalty.

Regular Member: National Dues $135 (includes $10 Per Capita Fee) + Local Dues $200 = $335 total.

Golden Life Member: Per Capita Fee $10 + Local Dues $200 = $210 total. Diamond Life Member: Per Capita Fee $10 + Local Dues $200 = $210 total.

Submit the completed dues form (available on the National website - Members Only portal) and your payment to Soror Toya Mack, our Assistant Financial Secretary. Note: Dues sub-mitted to after March 31st will incur a $5.00 Late fee. Dues submitted to after June 30th will incur a $15.00 Reinstatement fee.

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Inglewood and Los Angeles

Alumnae Chapters Co-Host Red

Carpet Event for “SELMA”

On Saturday, January 10, 2015, IAC’s Social Action

Committee and Arts and Letters Committee hosted a

Red Carpet event for the movie “SELMA.” Over 100

sorors, family and friends were on hand for the group

viewing event, which was co-hosted by the Los Ange-

les Alumnae Chapter. If the smiles on the faces of so-

rors were any indication of the success of the event, a

good time was had by all in attendance. Pictured: 1)

Sorors Delores Benson and Desdra Butler; 2) IAC,

LAAC, family and friends; 3) Sorors Karen Smith-

Wilson and Cheryl Gully; 4) Sorors Kiva Dale and

Melody Morris; 5) Members of Inglewood Alumnae

Chapter; and 6) Soror Aresa Rochester and Mary

Baker.

1 2 3

6 4

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Delta Academy: Giving from the Heart to Serve Others During their February meeting, Delta Academy participants prepared toiletry bags as part of their “From Our Hearts to

Yours” Campaign. The Delta Academy Committee is seeking foster homes or a women’s shelter where the Delta Acad-

emy girls can donate the toiletry items.

In the interim, on Saturday, March 7, 2015, Sorors

Barrow, Myers, and Taylor delivered a donation of

thirty toiletry bags to the Legacy Ladies. The Legacy

Ladies mentor girls who attend Dorsey, Crenshaw and

Washington High Schools. Their mentees are called

the “Torchettes.” The Torchettes will use the toiletry

bags during their trip next month to Washington DC.

Heritage Moment: Lillian Pierce Benbow

“With these Hands.” Those powerful words (see page 5) on sisterhood were written by Soror Lillian Pierce Benbow. Soror Benbow, the 15th Na-tional President of Delta Sigma Theta (1971-1975), was a graduate of Le-moyne Owen College and studied at the University of Michigan and the DetroitCollege of Law. She served as the Assistant Director of Housing programs for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

Soror Benbow was a strong advocate of art and culture: during her presi-dential tenure, both the Commission for Arts and Letters and DST Commu-nications were established. Both were aimed at advocating for and creating art that projected the African American experience. Soror Benbow also im-plemented Right to Read, one of the first nationally coordinated efforts to help the functionally illiterate.

Another momentous occasion during the Benbow administration was the 1972 move to its current national headquarters at 1707 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC. President Benbow encouraged all members of Delta Sigma Theta to aid, encourage, and uplift one another

and our communities. She is truly an awesome example of SISTERHOOD. Lillian Pierce Benbow

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On January 31, 2015, sorors gathered in the name of health

and safety for a self-defense class at Kingi’s Kajukenbo Self

Defense Institute located in Inglewood. One of several physi-

cal and mental health activities organized by the Summits

Committee this sorority year, the self defense class provided

sorors an opportunity to learn real and practical techniques to

defend themselves in virtually any situation. Additionally, it

provided a total body workout helping to improve stamina,

muscle tone, flexibility, balance and strength.

Kajukeno is a martial art that combines karate, judo, kenpo,

Chinese boxing and kung fu. Kingi’s Kajukenbo is located at

1212 N. La Brea Ave. (just north of Centinela Ave.).

Kajukenbo Class Offers Workout for the Mind and Body

Soror Scott-Mason lends support during 2014 Good-

will Donation Drive held at Rogers Park.

Goodwill Donation Drive

Helps Funds Scholarship

If you’ve been planning to clean out your closet, garage or

basement to get rid of items you no longer use or just make

room for something new...the time to do it is now! On Sat-

urday, March 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fundrais-

ing Committee with Women of Vision will host a Goodwill

Donation Drive at 123 W. Manchester Blvd. (the parking lot

adjacent to the Library Lecture Hall parking lot). By donat-

ing your gently used clothing, small appliances, accessories,

small household items and more, you will help raise funds

for chapter scholarships. Give to give! It’s the ultimate win

-win.

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Colorism: A form of

prejudice or discrimina-

tion in which human be-

ings are treated differently

based on the social mean-

ings attached to skin

color.

IAC's current class of

GEMS were not even born

when the 1988 musical

School Daze debuted on

the big screen and sparked renewed conversations about

issues of real and perceived racism related to skin tone

bias and hair texture within the African-American com-

munity. Yet, during their recent GEMS session, held

March 14, 2015, colorism was a hot topic amongst the

young ladies.

Facilitated by Soror Naeemah Campbell, the teens dis-

cussed the definition of colorism and then shared per-

sonal experiences of incidents that have happened to

them or someone they know. Following this discussion,

Soror Campbell shared our rich history as queens by tell-

ing them the stories of Queen Amina, Nefertiti, Yaa As-

antewah, and others. One of the highlights of the day was

hearing from a panel of beautiful African-American

women of various skin tones - from "light-skinned" to

"dark-skinned." The panelists shared their experiences

and encouraged the GEMS to own their individual beauty

and greatness.

GEMS Tackle Subject of Colorism During Women's History Month

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The Delta GEMS program honors the 12th National

President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr.

Jeanne L. Noble. Dr. Noble was a legendary pioneer in

the field of education and social action. The Delta

GEMS Program, officially renamed The Dr. Jeanne L.

Noble Delta GEMS Institute, continues to spotlight

teenage girls between the ages of 14‐18 in grades 9

through 12.

During her tenure as National President, the sorority-

shaped its purpose and identity as a public service or-

ganization. Dr Noble stressed the need for women to

become increasingly less social and more social action

oriented.

Highly respected as a master teacher, lecturer, research

scholar, writer and consultant, Dr. Noble held the dis-

tinction of being the first black woman to move

through a tenured track from assistant to full professor

at a predominately white university, New York Uni-

versity. She was appointed by United States Presidents

Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford to

serve on National Commissions.

The Delta GEMS Institute is a continuum of services

that address the needs of young African American

women in grades 9 through 12 with a framework for

the participants to discover and understand their indi-

vidual brilliance by embracing the AIMS of the

GEMS theme: Growing Myself Successfully and Em-

powering Myself Successfully.

The GOALS for Delta GEMS are to instill the need to

excel academically; to provide tools that enable girls

to sharpen and enhance their skill to achieve high lev-

els of academic success; to assist girls in proper goal

setting and planning for their futures in high school

and beyond, to create compassionate, caring, and com-

munity minded young women and actively involve

them in service advocacy and community service op-

portunities.

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble

Delta GEMS Institute

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Teen Summit at LMU Collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, (IAC, Tau Delta, and Delta GEMS), and Kappa Alpha Psi (SBILB, Beta Omega, and Kappa League)

Delta GEMS and Kappa League

IAC GEMS Committee and Volunteers

Participants discuss Social Media

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, (IAC and Tau Delta), and Kappa Alpha Psi (SBILB and Beta Omega, and Kappa League)

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Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President…..................Joyce Jones Guinyard

Vice President...............Elizabeth McLemore

Recording Secretary..................Deidre Jones

Corresponding Secretary..........Desdra Butler

Financial Secretary.........................Kiva Dale

Asst. Financial Secretary.............Toya Mack

Treasurer...............................Delores Benson

Chaplain...................Raquel Brigham-Brown

Custodian...............................Beverly Jacobs

Sergeant-at-Arms.......................Paris Brown

Historian.....................Diane Delaney-Talton

Parliamentarian.............Karen Smith-Wilson

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Arts & Letters...............................Mary Baker

Audit…….……....................Lucretia Bridges

Computer Management…...Jacqui Hernandez

Delta Academy....................Kimberly Barrow

Delta GEMS...........................Kimberly Davis

EMBODI.......................................Toya Mack

Financial Fortitude...................Sharon Dupree

Fundraising.............................Margaret Evans

Hospitality...........................Antoinette Morris

International Awareness

& Involvement.........…….....Aresa Rochester

Journalist/Public Relations…..Sabrina Barnes

LEAD Mentor Program…....….Desdra Butler

Membership............................Kisha Williams

Nominating………….…...…….Cheryl Gully

Program Planning

and Development.......…Elizabeth McLemore

Project 21…..…………...…LaShea ElKouby

Scholarship...................................Shaunte Fitt

September Breakfast...................Trene Turner

Social Action..............................Cheryl Gully

The Summits...................Jacqui Hernandez &

Judith Hernandez

Webmistress.................................Shaunte Fitt

The A-List Announcements, Accolades, Anniversaries and Acknowledgments

Congratulations to Soror Deidre Jones for being selected by the

Delta Research and Education Campaign (DREF) to participate in the

Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign (DTEC). Soror Jones wrote a pro-

posal on behalf of Phi Kappa Delta, the national education sorority,

and was selected to conduct a Town Hall Advocacy Session to stimu-

late dialogue and support teacher effectiveness through enhanced effi-

cacy. The Town Hall Session is scheduled to take place in October.

Please continue to pray for Soror Sandra Phillips Johnson and our

other Sorors who have recently suffered a loss, are ill, recovering from

surgery or have been under the weather, or are facing one of life's

many challenges.

Sisterly reminders and save the date announcements:

Please bring with you to chapter meeting

Donations - thin sanitary napkins for International Awareness

and Involvement AND Goodwill Drive items.

Payments for Sisterhood Pins and Drawstring Bags (items are

$2.00 each), and Art & Wine activity ($35) and Motown The

Musical ($65).

Financial Fortitude Forum on Savings & Investments and En-

trepreneurship, Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Ingle-

wood Library Lecture Hall.

Delta Days In Sacramento, April 25-27, 2015, Sheraton Grand

Hotel, Sacramento, CA Alumnae: $100.00. Collegiate: $50.00.

Registration postmarked after April 6, 2015 will increase by

$25.00

CONTACT US

Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

P.O. Box 881855

Los Angeles, CA 90009

(310)861-1913

The Delta Daily newsletter is produced quarterly, in December,

March, June and September. Sorors wishing to submit stories or other

information for the newsletter may do so via email at pr@iacdst.org.

All submissions are due by the 25th of the month prior to publication.

November 25

February 25

May 25

August 25