LASB DST Newsletter January 2015

FIVE-POINT PROGRAM THRUST

The Meaning Behind Flagship For nearly half of a century, members of the Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated have delivered programs and services designed to address the unique needs of the South Bay communities of Carson, Gardena, Compton, Wilmington, Lynwood, Long Beach, and South Los Angeles. During that time, we’ve touted the tagline of “Flagship of the Farwest”. Historically, a Flagship was defined as the ship that carries the commander of a fleet or subdivision of a fleet and flies the commander’s flag. However, through time, flagship began to represent the finest, largest, or most

important one of a series, network or chain (ie, the company’s flagship store). Modern day use of the word refers to flagship as a company’s core product or service which is most recognizable by the public and embodies the expertise, values and product line of the business (ie, athletic shoes are the flagship brand for Nike though the company makes other clothing and sports gear). As the 253rd chapter chartered in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae strives all the more earnestly to earn the title of “Flagship of the Farwest Region”. No easy feat, as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has among its ranks, a cadre of

1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2. EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

3. INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

Chartered August 28, 1966 by the 13th National President, Geraldine P. Woods

4. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

5. POLITICAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Volume I, Issue II

Sisters Speak

The Flagship of the Farwest

Continued on pg. 3

Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter

Sisters Speak Volume I Issue II

President’s Pen

As we reflect on the peaks and valleys of 2014, let us not be distracted from our sorority's mission while continuing to uphold our Nine Cardinal Virtues. Despite imperfections, it's our responsibility to remain our sisters’ keeper, maintaining

the Spirit of Service before Self.

In this historic month of our beloved Delta Sigma Theta's founding, let us give thanks for the many bridges created for us to do an impactful work throughout our service areas. However, this cannot be achieved without every soror resolving to give a little more of herself as we all have been granted safe passage into 2015. Therefore, "let us not shrink from any handicaps or obstacles..." recognizing we are stronger together than apart as a sisterhood founded on Christian Principles. With the many pearls of wisdom passed down, we must firmly stand for what's just in our personal and professional lives. So, let us all stop allowing old practices to trump our governing documents which have withstood the test of time. In the words of Soror Lillian Pierce Benbow, 15th National President

“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! With this heart, I cannot reject you

It is to love, My Sister!" As our chapter moves forward, remember we are on assignment and cannot lose perspective of our Founders' vision. Reflect on the day you knew Delta was in your heart. Reflect on the day your membership into the greatest organization was solidified. Reflect asking yourselves are you truly keeping your commitment to Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service. If not, it's never too late as you may hit the reset button by lending your time and talents to our worthy sisterhood. So, may God continue to bless each of you exceedingly and abundantly to fulfill your every expectation in this New Year! Sisterly regards, Aisha K. Childs, President Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Aisha K. Childs, President

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President s Pen

exceptionally talented members across the globe. Then what does it mean to be the Flagship of an entire region, where there are 83 other chapters “Doing the Work of Delta”? It means Los Angeles South Bay embodies the spirit and legacy of its 22 Founders. It is bold and fearless, charting new grounds not typically explored by others; like masterminding our signature fundraiser the ‘Sepia Fashion Revue and Scholarship Luncheon.’ This gala was conceived by sorors who were fashion-forward and innovative. They devised meaningful ways to raise funds for scholarships for our youth, programs, and projects, while tapping into a fun and exciting opportunity for sorors and their family and friends to fellowship, network, and support Black-owned businesses. For 38 years the Sepia Fashion Revue has been a mainstay in the South Bay community. As we continue to grow and expand our reach to serve more deserving youth with college aspirations, we will continue to incorporate Flagship-level innovation in delivering a signature gala that donors will want to continue to support. Flagship also means leading by example.


Continued from pg. 1 Flagship Delta makes clear its expectations:

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. requires that its members exemplify

and encourage high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards and

that their actions exemplify the public and personal behaviors that

reflect the ideas and principles espoused by the Sisterhood”

To that end, members of Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter remain ever vigilant in proudly representing our organization publicly and among our circles of friends and family. Our goal is to lead by example, even when no one is looking. That doesn’t mean we are perfect. It means we strive to treat every soror with the dignity and respect she is entitled. We try to define Sisterhood by being Sisterly – in word and in action. A Flagship chapter does more than talk the talk. It walks the walk. As we approach our 50th year of service, Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. takes on the challenge of doing better to empower our membership, our chapter, our community, and our illustrious sisterhood. We will work diligently at living up to the expectations of being a Flagship chapter in the most illustrious organization in existence today.

AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS 51st National Convention

Washington, D.C.

1ST Place Winner Project 13

National & Regional 2ND Place Winner International Awareness Quality of Life

2nd Place Winner

Economic Development Nonprofit Management Training 40th Regional Conference

Long Beach, CA

1ST Place Winner Membership Services

Sisterhood Award

2nd Place Honorable Mention National Membership Services Certificate

National Heritage & Archives

Celebration Certificate

Regional Director’s Social Action Collaboration Award

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Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 38th year hosting the fabulous Sepia Fashion Revue, our signature fundraising gala in support of scholarships, programs and projects. Over 600 were in attendance, including the honorable Mayor Jim Dear, other special guests, dignitaries and vendors. Mistress of Ceremony was KJLH’s radio host Tammi Mac who did an amazing job paying homage to the fabulous women of DST! We supported small business owners, with more than 13 vendors filling the foyer, offering their products and wares from luxurious furs to “Black Don’t Crack” t-shirts! The models did an impressive twirl or two, Ms. Fannie, always a favorite among the crowd; but nothing topped the sorors of LASB as they strut their stuff like only true Reds can do down the runway! The members of Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter would like to give a heart-filled “Thank You!” to all of those in attendance whose contribution goes to support scholarships to college-bound youth and services to the South Bay community. Cynthia Giddens-Hunter, Sepia Chair Brenda Fountain, Ways & Means Co-Chair

Sepia Fashion Revue!

Volume I Issue II Sisters Speak

LA South Bay’s 38th Annual

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In 2013, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. took a definitive stand against atrocities against African NGO, Delta is called upon and charged with the responsibility to monitor the status of women and supported as they exercise their human rights” Standing in solidarity with US Senators and

empowerment of women and girls is inextricably linked to the potential of countries to generate access to educational resources, economies flourish, families strengthen and societies move

again, breaking for another family who has lost a son who did nothing other than exercise his Americans, who are susceptible to misinterpreting the law, to take the lives of innocent children

Your Ground’ laws across the country because such laws allow citizens to become judge, jury

As Dr. Walker, National President, encouraged us to take a stand, protect the rights , and work to prevent the and answered the call. Lead by our Social Action Committee, LA South Bay partnered with

Pain Teen Summit” whose purpose was to educate, empower, uplift and provide youth with facts

“Stop the Pain” of Youth Violence


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Thank you for the photos, they are great!

THANK YOU AND YOUR SORORS for

showing up, and showing out!!! You all were

amazing and MORE than a BLESSING!

I am thankful, grateful and deeply

appreciative of all the work the Delta Sigma

Theta Inc., Los Angeles South Bay Alumni

Chapter contributed to making our 4th

Annual Teen Summit an excellent success!

Kandee Lewis Executive Director The Positive Results Corporation

and Abuse! Teen Conference

American youth around the world. Delta spoke out against the young girls abducted in Africa. “As an and children in the world. We must ensure that our daughters of the Diaspora are being protected their Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Abduction of School Girls in Nigeria, which states, “The economic growth, sustainable democracy and inclusive security. When women and men have equal forward.” And then again, at the senseless slaying of an African American male “Our hearts are, once rights as a teenager in America.” “‘Stand Your Ground” laws make it much easier for average and other individuals. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will continue to advocate for the repeal of ‘Stand and executioner on America’s streets” senseless killings such innocent African-American youth, Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae heard, with The Positive Results Corporation, Saturday November 15, to host it’s 4th Annual “the Stop the Pain and resources to “Stop the Pain” of Dating Violence, Sex Trafficking and Bullying.

Volume I Issue II Sisters Speak Sisters Speak Volume I Issue II

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The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Arts and Letters Commission has laid out a robust and intentional plan for the Sorority to support African American movies, plays, events, and entertainers through its Red Carpet initiative. Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter’s Arts & Letters Committee has met the call by hosting Red Carpet Events and supporting numerous performing arts events. On August 1, 2014, the committee hosted its first event featuring Chadwick Boseman in the 2014 biographical film “Get On Up!” the story of the God Father of Music, Mr. James Brown. The cast included other African American notables Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis.

Sorors attended the November 2nd show of “A Trip to Bountiful” featuring legendary Cicely Tyson at the Ahmanson Theater (Music Center) in Downtown Los Angeles. After a 30-year absence from the stage, Soror Tyson, Honorary Member, reprises her 2013 Tony Award winning Broadway perfor-mance, taking the stage by storm in the critically

Arts & Letters Committee Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae

Presents

Th e R ed Carp e t Ex p lo s i on!

acclaimed revival of Pulitzer Prize winner Horton Foote’s American masterpiece. On December 19th, sorors attended a private, opening night screening of "Annie!” at the Arclight Cinemas-Beach Cities. From producers Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith comes a reboot of the 80's classic; starring Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Quvenzhane' Wallis. “Beyond the Lights”, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle) and Nate Parker was a Delta Red Carpet movie also promoted by our Arts & Letters committee.

On Saturday, January 10, 2015, sorors filled the AMC theater at Del Amo mall to see the Golden Globe award nominated movie for Best Motion Picture, “SELMA” depicting the epic march from Selma to Montgomery in the fight for suffrage, with an all-star cast featuring David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, and Carmen Ejogo. On January 17th, Angela Bassett, Honorary Soror, made her directorial debut with the Lifetime original “Whitney Houston,” with Suzzanne Douglas, Honorary Soror, playing Cissy Houston.

Upcoming, “Motown the Musical” at the Pantages Theater.

The Arts & Letters Committee would like to thank the members of Los Angeles South Bay for its continued support.

See You on the Red Carpet!

Vickie Plummer, Chair Kendra Fountain, Co-Chair Arts & Letters Committee


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Conflict Resolution: Learning to Work With Others, Not Against Them"

“Conflict is easily resolved when sorors keep their focus

on what’s important: ‘Service to Community’”

Much time in our Sorority is spent in conflict and dealing with the consequences of conflict because organizations today due to different outlooks and skill sets; new leadership and visions can make sorors feel disoriented and uncertain about the future; and more commonly, personal agendas. If not managed properly, these issues can become breeding ground for personal stress, resentment, hostility and interpersonal conflict. Although conflict may occur whenever two or more people work together, it is not necessarily to be avoided. It can be either an impediment to constructive results or a positive source of energy and creativity. The key is for the members to learn to deal with conflict effectively by becoming familiar with and assimilating a process for resolving interpersonal friction. At the base of many interpersonal conflicts are flawed assumptions we make about sorors and situations. The best way to reduce conflict is to go into a situation with the best intentions, instead of negative ones.

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For issues that lay outside DST’s purview here are some suggestions on how to manage conflict effectively: One very effective way to clarify our assumptions is to learn to listen to others better. • When was the last time that you

felt really heard? • Did the listener hear you out

until you were completely finished speaking?

• Did she let you know that she had heard you by checking back with you concerning what she had understood?

• Did she get the facts right and did she sense how you felt about what you were telling her?

• Or, as is more common, did she respond by correcting or advising or comforting you?

• Did she shift the conversation away from your account to a similar experience or complaint of her own?

• Did she interrupt you and implore you to get to the point?

Active listening, when learned and practiced, can be very rewarding in that it helps us prevent as well as to resolve conflicts, both in our personal and in our business lives. Being an empathetic listener isn't the same as agreeing with what another person has to say, however. Its main message is that we care enough to want to understand the other person and to gain an appreciation of the person's point of view no matter how different from our own it may be.

Our assumptions are often not founded on factual information regarding the actions and motivations of those involved in an issue. When we target others with unfounded assumptions, we usually get very negative reactions from them. We can get at the root causes of conflict by examining our assumptions about others and checking them out through direct communication. Simply establishing that we are operating on the basis of very different assumptions than others is a positive step toward reducing conflict. Delta Sigma Theta has established guidelines for resolving many issues that pertain to the governing of the organization. Those can be found in the Sorority’s Code of Conduct. But for interpersonal conflicts, try looking at the situation from the other person’s perspective. Often, we react to situations based on our personal experiences and the other person was nowhere on that page.

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Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter is taking a proactive approach to developing stronger, smarter, better prepared leaders. Instituting its inaugural Leadership Development Academy (LDA), sorors are taking part of a two year training and development program designed to

(1) Enhance the leadership capacity of the membership; (2) Ensure consistency of approach and quality of training and development; (3) And, serve as a resource

consultant to the chapter on learning and development.

During the past three months, the LDA has conducted training on Leadership Styles, Delta Sigma Theta’s Organization Chart for (national, regional, and local levels) and Making Motions. LASB Leadership Academy’s Leadership Development Program we will address topics such as: Policies and Procedures Preparing, Revision and Reviewing, Code of Conduct, Role of Being a Good Member and A Good Leader, Conflict Resolution, ABC’s of Technology, Communication Do’s and Don’t’s, Protocol and Ritualistic Ceremonies for Delta, Chapter Finances and How to be a Good Financial Officer, Team Building, Am I a Good Delta and have I been Good to Delta? Retention and Reclamation and Learning the History of Our Chapter. Each participant is asked to attend at least 50% of the training each year. The LDA has 19 sorors who have signed up and 14 have attended each Saturday during the past three months. The LDA meets on the first Saturday prior to chapter meeting from 8:10 am- 8:45a.m. “Delta is made up of natural leaders. It’s who we are. However, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has very specific ways of governing. That’s what sorors are learning in the LDA.” said Soror Morehouse. Lula Morehouse, Chair Sondra Fisher, Co-Chair

The Arts & Letter Committee of

LA South Bay A;umnae

present


Leading by Example LASB Leadership Academy

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Good Health, Good Life! Health Resources

Without Your Health Nothing Else Matters

Without your health, nothing else really matters. This year, make your number one priority to give yourself the gift of health! In 2014, the Health Resources Committee supported several causes that deeply affect the African American community: Breast Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Pediatric Treatment and Research. In November 2014, the Health Resources Committee partnered with Soror Lula Davis Holmes, City of Carson Councilmember and LASB member, for her annual Breast Cancer Awareness event, the Carson Jazz Festival held at Anderson Park. Breast cancers diagnosed in African American women are more likely to have factors associated with poor prognosis, such as higher grade, advanced stage, and negative hormone (estrogen [ER] and progesterone [PR]) receptor status, than those diagnosed in white women. Therefore a preventative health strategy is key in early detection and reducing risk factors.

St. Jude Give thanks. Walk to Help raise funds to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Good Health Tip

Recommendations developed for cancer protection—plant-focused eating, regular physical activity and a healthy weight—fit well with steps to reduce risk of and control type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eat mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans that are not heavily processed with added fat and/or sugar. These plant foods have fiber and water, so they fill you up while keeping your calories in check!

Karen Nelson, Chair Pamela Small Pitcher, Co-Chair Health Resources Committee

Health is holistic; holistic coming from the Greek word ‘holos’ which means ‘whole’. Accordingly, we need to pay attention to every aspect of our lives to maximize our health and wellness: physical, mental and emotional needs.

That’s why the Health Resources Committee also participated in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” held at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, CA.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that one in three senior dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Almost two-thirds of American seniors with the disease are women. The prevalence, incidence, and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease appear to be much higher in African-Americans than in non-Hispanic whites. Nothing is more precious than the lives of our youth. They are our future leaders, our hope, our legacies. The Health Resources Committee, along with supporters in more than 65 communities across the country took part in the

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Los Angeles South Bay


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Alumnae Chapter Leaders

Volume I Issue II Sisters Speak Sisters Speak Volume I Issue II

Honors

Soror Raunda Frank was one of six women honored at the Carson Coordinating Council’s “Magnificent Six” luncheon for her resilience, strength and ability to overcome adversity.

Appointments

Soror LeAndrea Fields Robinson-Cowens and Soror Sheila Tresvant were appointed to the City of Carson’s Women’s Issues Commission Promotions

Soror Akilah Calhoun was promoted to Instructional Specialist/Assistant Principal of Narbonne High School in Harbor City Job Openings Customer Service Representative – Returns Dermalogica www.taleo.net/CH09/ats/careers/apply Receptionist/Switchboard Operator (PT) $10.77 – 13.75/hr City of Carson www.carson.ca.us

Honors & Acknowledgements The Spirit of Sisterhood

A Sister Just Like You

I just want to let you know

You mean the world to me

Only a heart as dear as yours

Would give so unselfishly

The many things you’ve done

All the times that you were there

Help me know deep down inside

How much you really care

Even though I might not say

I appreciate all you do

Richly blessed is how I feel

Having a sister just like you

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to ya’!

11/02 Cynthia Hunter 11/07 Theresa Dowdell 11/07 Naomi Guillory-Robinson 11/08 Amelda Compton 11/10 Doris Wilson 11/15 Karen Nelson 11/18 Marry Curry 11/19 Sondra Fisher 11/21 Cheryln Clark 11/21 Madalyn ‘Kay’ Nunley 11/30 Ada Williams (Charter Member) 12/02 Yvonne Henry 12/07 Linda Evans 12/07 Pamela Neal-Robinson 12/09 Lillian Perry 12/21 Marlene Boyden Boykin 12/24 Lorraine Campbell-Wright 12/27 Julia Williams 12/29 Kendra Fountain

12/29 Tonya Fowlkes-Lowe 12/29 Essie French-Preston 01/01 Georgene Taylor 01/05 Gloria Jackson 01/10 Mary Idella Coleman 01/11 Eva Greene 01/13 Dorothy Ross 01/14 Yvonne Simpson 01/15 Deborah Dixon 01/20 Lillie Robinson 01/24 Tiffany Spencer 01/29 Gayle Ball-Parker


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Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. P.O. Box 11025 Carson, CA 90749 www.lasouthbaydst.org

Chaplain’s Corner Rev. Jackie Russell

Grounded in Love Sorors help make someone’s life a little better each day. You can probably think of multiple instances where a soror changed the day for you and made you look on the brighter side. That’s exactly what God intended us to be as sisters. True sorors know you well; they give you wise advice from the Word of God. No sisterhood would ever get off the ground without support from our prayer warriors in the faith. Delta love is heart to heart and soul to soul. The wonderful things God has done through education and outreach service to our community are a direct result of the love and commitment sorors like you have made to stand with and serve millions of people around the world, so don’t stop NOW! Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. needs your prayers today and every day to remain unified and strong. Make a commitment to pray for our leadership and each individual soror that comes across your mind in daily prayer. Stand in FAITH! What would our walk with God be like if we all remembered that God gives us His presence, “Now may …God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing (2Th 2:16-17), that God comforts us through His Word, “yes your promises rejuvenate me,”(Psalm 119:49-50) and that God comforts each soror as we pray for one another, (James 5:16), “Pray ye one for another that you may be healed.” Everyone needs a faithful praying soror in their life, so why not make a commitment today to be a soror that represents God and the sorority to the highest power! In the next few weeks, you will be informed of a prayer conference call for Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae only! The format will be prayer for: spiritual strength, marriage/family, health, career, finances, wisdom/favor, and unsaved loved ones. The call will last 30 min and you are asked to submit your confidential prayer request by emailing [email protected]. These request WILL NOT be disclosed on the call. Sorors, a chapter that prays together stays together!

Prayer List

Sorors, In your quiet time alone with God, pray for comfort, peace, and an extra dose of love for our beloved sorors as they make their way through these challenging times. God is able . . .

Sandra Phillips Johnson

Gayle Ball Parker

Flora Williams

Yvonne Henry

Deborah Harrison

Nancy Banton

Jodia McLeod

Theresa Dowdell

Karen Ingram Williams

Joyce Smith

Lou McClure

Tonya Fowlkes Lowe

Christal Foster

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Documents

LASB DST Newsletter January 2015