SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP INC.®

Winter 2009 The Ebony Pearl Newsletter - 1

Messages from the Leadership .................. 1 Featured Article ......................................... 2 Chapter News & Events ............................ 3 Political Review ........................................ 5 Health Awareness ..................................... 6 Healthy Eating ........................................... 7 Suggested Reading .................................... 8 National Convention ................................. 8

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, INC.®

The Ultimate Experience in Swing Communication Winter 2009

NEWSLETTER STAFF Phyllis Jeter Nunn

Editor-in-Chief Sharon Chandler

Copy Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda M. Smith

Chairperson Vanessa Gibbs Hilliard

Vice Chairperson Sharon Chandler

Mona Evans Raquel Rouse

Beverly Dorn Steele (Founder) Tanya McKoy Sutton

Anita Chase Watson (Founder)

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Tanya McKoy Sutton

President Marilyn Berry Vice President

LaVerne Wilson Treasurer

Krystal Coston Secretary

Brenda Noble Graduate Officer

Dorothy Slaughter Undergraduate Officer

Sandy Cayo Undergraduate Representative

Stephanie Turner Special Events Officer

Phyllis Jeter Nunn Media Affairs Officer

Maya McGeathey Parliamentarian Brenda Torrence

Historian

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS Nneka Shoulds

Mid-Atlantic Region Michelle Williams Muhammad

Mid-Western Region Lori Gittens

Northeast Region Sharon Chandler

South Central Region Ellen Tomlinson Carter*

Southeast Region

WE KNEW WE COULD DO IT AND WE DID IT MESSAGE FROM THE EBONY PEARL NEWSLETTER STAFF

It is said that all will remember the exact details as to where they were and what they were doing on the evening of Tuesday, November 4, 2008 just after the 11:00 pm hour. At that moment, history came to pass and a change swept across America. Barack Obama became America’s first African-American President-Elect. People of all races, creeds, religions and genders, not only in America but across the world, joined together in celebration, jubilation and prayer. History was made on that evening and, we have the opportunity to continue to make history for our organization as well. Swing will commemorate 40 years on April 4, 2009 and that’s something to celebrate. Our sisterhood has survived the test of time. Twelve beautiful, strong and determined women stepped out on faith to do something that was different, against the norm, believing that they could and would survive. And, yes, they did it. Let’s make every effort to come together on April 1-5, 2009, in Winston-Salem, NC where it all began, to celebrate, reflect, and begin another 40 year journey down the road of Swingland. We hope to see you there. Peace & Blessings!

CELEBRATING A POWERFUL PAST – BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE 40 YEARS OF PERSEVERANCE

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

April 4, 2009 marks Swing’s 40th anniversary. ONCE A SWING ALWAYS A SWING!!!! As Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Incorporated® prepares to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of our founding, we are “CALLING ALL SISTERS TO THE FLOOR”!!!!! We are asking all members of Swing Phi Swing to be present and accounted for at our monumental 40th Anniversary celebration. The organization will be returning to its roots April 1-5, 2009 by going back to where it all began, Winston Salem State University. As we celebrate our past successes and plan for our continued participation in the sweeping changes that are considered necessary in these Unites States, Swing Phi Swing is determined to reclaim all of our Sisters. With this in mind, we encourage you to come out and reaffirm your commitment to our communities and our organization. We sincerely look forward to seeing you in Winston Salem, North Carolina on April 1-5, 2009.

COULD YOU BE AN OFFICER? MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOMINATIONS & RECOGNITION COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.” - Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

Swing Phi Swing SFI® National Election is a major topic of discussion for all of us. We discuss, analyzeand contemplate. We know that the officers take anoath and step out on faith to protect and to serve ourbeloved organization. We watch as officers hurriedlyand busily go about the daily tasks of workingwithin our community by feeding the homeless,mentoring children and donating hundreds ofvolunteer hours everywhere they are needed

We help Officers as they work diligently within the confines of Swing Phi. We all know that our Officers are the very best at what they do.

(continued on page 8)

P.O. Box 50371 Washington, DC 20091 1 -800-70SWING www.swingphiswing.org

The Ebony Pearl Newsletter - 2 Winter 2008

DID YOU GET THE LESSON? BY SISTER TONI MILES-MALONEY

This year marks my thirty-fifth year of being a Swing. How proud I am! I shout it to the mountain tops. As many of you may recall, I was the proud recipient of our beloved organization’s Tanya D. McKoy Leadership Award at our 2007 National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Words could never convey what joy and pride I had the day I received that reward. Again, I thank you for acknowledging our achievements in the community. Yes, I said ‘our’ efforts because of the lesson I got by choosing to become a Swing.

• Lesson #1: I learned that we were one, never a line of thirteen, but a line of one. What we did we did collectively and our presence represented everything we stood for together.

• Lesson #2: I learned the importance of doing things that impacted the good of the community at large – no matter how small or

how grand. It was instilled in us to just do it because it was the right thing to do.

• Lesson #3: Never do anything half way – give it 150% percent. We had to lead the way and set the standard so others could follow our example.

• Lesson #4: Never ask to be paid for anything you did in the name of Swing! It was your solemn oath to hold up the Swing Phi

banner.

• Lesson #5: Lastly, guide and provide pearls of wisdom to others who crossed your path about the unselfishness of what a woman of Swing would do.

I thought I chose SWING but, in reality, SWING chose me. The sisters who made me never really realized what an impact they would have on my life. Publicly, I say to them, thank you. You made me the advocate I am today. Every organization that asks me to speak to their membership, adults and children alike, those less fortunate than us, ones who are searching for strength within themselves, I spin the story of Swing Phi Swing. They listen with inquiring minds and thirst for more. I tell them that we are women who truly walk the walk and do it without looking for accolades. I commend them for asking me to speak and having the wisdom to know that the sisters of SWING get it! Sometimes, I guilt those other organizations into shame about their grand membership and ask them “Did you get the lesson?” Do your deep pockets really touch a woman, child or senior and improve their life? Do you take the time to sit with them, hold their hand or wipe a tear from their eye? Sisters, I ask you “Did you really get the lesson?” Do you spin the story about our beautiful and visionary founders who stood up, walked the walk and still to this day speak volumes in their everyday lives about Supporting Women in Need of Growth? If you did get the lesson, then make it your mission to teach others that we were built on service and our strength is just that!

IN MEMORIAM It is with great sadness that our active founders recently learned of the passing of three of their line sisters—Jeanette Butler, Jane Harris and Patricia Story. Even though they had not been active in the organization for many years, let us vow to continue to recognize and fulfill the principles that they were very much a part of from the very beginning.

Sister Jeanette Butler, Founder

Sister Jane Harris, Founder

Sister Patricia Story, Founder

Sister Gwendolyn Oliver Reid

Sister Gwendolyn O. Reid departed this life at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center on Monday September 29, 2008. She was a member on the first pledged line of Swing Phi Swing SFI® at Winston-Salem State University in 1970.


RALEIGH GRADUATE LEADERSHIP AWARD

The 2009 Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® Raleigh Graduate Chapter Leadership award will be held on February 7, 2009. The award this year will be given to Rep. Alma Adams of North Carolina. Rep. Adams is currently Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. The goal of the NCLBC is to provide scholarships to students at all ten public and private HBCU’s in North Carolina. The NCLBC Board of Directors includes such distinguished officials of North Carolina as Mr. Fred Aikens, Rep. Linda Coleman, Mr. Brad Thompson, Rep. William Wainwright, Mr. Calvin Booker, Mr. Ralph Campbell Jr., Senator Katie Dorsett, Senator Malcolm Graham, Rep. Ty Harrell, Rep. Mary McAllister and Senator Larry Shaw, to name a few. Rep. Adams is a well known politician in North Carolina and has stated that she will gladly accept our leadership award. This speaks volumes about our reputation in the Raleigh community and we are very proud of that. Proceeds from the leadership reception this year will benefit the NCLBC. The Raleigh Graduate Chapter plans to join forces with the presidents of the ten HBCU’s in North Carolina who all support the NCLBC. This collaboration will allow us to join forces in an effort to close the gap of misunderstanding between the HBCU’s and Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®

The chapter understands the importance of bridging this gap and sees this as one way to begin. We are excited about this year’s reception and recipient. We hope that you will join us. The 2009 Raleigh Graduate Chapter Leadership Award will be held at Saint Augustine’s College in the student union from 5-7 P.M. Food and other accommodations on campus will be provided by our very own chapter member Donna Pinder. Committee members: Cheryl Kornegay, Tina Quiller-Morgan, Rosa Odomes, Franchelle Evans, Anita Johnson, Kim Williams-Capers, Edna Vann and Donna Pinder.

We thank the chapters and members for your support last year and look forward to that same support this year. Stay on the lookout for information coming out on this prestigious affair.

CENTRAL CAROLINA

GRADUATE ROCKS THE VOTE

The members of Central Carolina Graduate (CCG) Chapter are proud to announce their successful registration of 229 new voters for the recent election. While there were numerous voter registration drives in the city of Raleigh, CCG Chapter assumed the responsibility of reaching out to the disenfranchised of the Central Carolina community. In addition to sponsoring voter

registration drives at numerous churches, the chapter’s largest and most successful voter registration effort took place at the South Wilmington Street Center, a facility which provides services to homeless men in Raleigh. This overlooked population was reminded that their opinion is important even though they may be homeless. Those that registered were eager to be active participants in the change taking place in this country and expressed appreciation for the interest that CCG Chapter showed by seeking them out and registering them to vote. The chapter did not stop with just registering this population. They continued to remind the would-be-voters that they still needed to cast their vote. The CCG Chapter volunteers also engaged members of the community in discussions and encouraged them to express their opinions on the country’s need for change. It is the hope of CCG Chapter that they have established lifelong registered voters who will participate in the election process for many years to come.

SISTERS OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Graduate Chapter sisters celebrated in high fashion after the recent NC A&T vs. NCCU football classic. The event was held at the Ramses Temple, along with the Brothers of Groove. A portion of the proceeds raised will go to the Swing Foundation, Inc.

This past Spring, Michelle Obama held a round table discussion with working mothers at Dixon Academy in Harrisburg, NC. Charlotte Graduate Chapter Sister Pansy Steele serves as director of the childcare facility and Sister Founder Bev Dorn-Steele was on hand to take photos and videotape the discussion. This was Michelle Obama’s “mom time” in her husband's campaign for president. She'd come to meet with 50 working women who filled a room at the Charlotte area preschool, anxious to talk to Barack Obama’s wife. As a lawyer and mother of two daughters, ages 6 and 9, Michelle talked to the worried moms about the cost of living and how it was taking its toll. Mrs. Obama also read a couple of stories to the pre-school kids.


WELCOME TO OUR NEW SISTERS… We’re Baaaack! It’s been over 25 years since Johnson C. Smith University

had any SWING presence on the campus. This past spring five young ladies crossed over into SWING land at the Home of the Golden Bull. They are Andrea Marshall, Brandy Brown, Ashley Baker, Monique Dunston, and Egeria Goldsberry.

The Central Carolina Graduate (CCG) Chapter is proud to welcome two new members, Blanche Royall and Janelle Frederique. Blanche and Janelle were the first Graduate line sponsored by CCG Chapter. Their journey began August 3, 2008 and was culminated by a beautiful going over ceremony and celebration on August 30, 2008. We would like to thank RUBU and Raleigh Grad for their support of our Chapter and our new members at this festivity. Both Blanche and Janelle have strong ties to Swing Phi Swing other than being members of CCG Chapter. Blanche is the sister of Denise Ferguson, a dedicated member of CCG Chapter, while Janelle is the sister of Shelly Wimberly a long-time member of the Garden State Graduate Chapter. Although each of these women had personal issues to contend with during their Rites of Passage, they were always attentive to their process and made becoming a member of Swing Phi Swing a priority in their respective lives. In addition, please join CCG Chapter in welcoming Noel Alexis Frederique, CCG Chapter’s OLA’ baby who was born to Janelle Frederique on October 5, 2008.

TRI-STATE GRADUATE CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS The New York Tri-State Graduate Chapter prides ourselves on being unafraid try new ventures; wading into yet un-charted waters, embracing and embarking on new traditions. It is in this mind frame that on August 15, 2008, our sophisticated sisters hosted the First Annual White and Black Extravaganza Boat Ride on the Hudson River. It was a wonderfully successful event that exuded excitement and entertainment. More than three hundred people, dressed to the nines in their white and black finest fashions partied and partook in a celebration of Fellowship while enjoying stunning views of the NYC skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We were inspired and humbled by the huge turn-out of White and Black family members who traveled from near and far to support the kick-off of our yearly

signature event. In fact, the last minute demand for tickets at the sold-out event was more than we could fulfill. For future endeavors, we urge attendees not to wait until last minute to RSVP, as we promise to keep rising to the top and intend to make next summer’s cruise even bigger and better. We thank our supporters, Sisters of Swing, Fellowmen of Groove, family and friends for joining us and making the event so memorable.

The fall season is one our strongest times to put in work on the front line in the fight for our communities. After making an extra strong showing with nearly 15 of our members attending and financially supporting the SWING National Convention in Houston, TX over the Summer, Tri-State sisters returned home armed with new ideas and a renewed vigor to effect and affect positive change in the areas we serve; New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and that we have been doing….

October was the month in which we honored our National service commitment - the fight to one day eliminate breast cancer. Tri–State feels it is our duty to not only walk but also to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. We participated at the walk held on October 19th in Orchard Beach because so many of our sisters have been inflicted or affected by this deadly disease. We walked for our Sister Lola Shelby Martin who is currently in remission and our Sister Nicole Derrick who lost an aunt to breast cancer several years ago and has a recently diagnosed cousin actively fighting for her life. This year, brothers from the Westchester Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove joined us on our walk of hope. Our chapter was able to raise over two thousand dollars. We were listed among the top ten contributors on the Breast (continued on page 8)


POLITICAL REVIEW - HOW ARE YOU HANDLING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS? As you well know, there is no doubt that the current economic situation in the United States and abroad is in disarray. Count yourself lucky if you are not experiencing some financial crisis but you may know someone who is suffering financially. How are you coping with the current financial crisis? Has the effect taken its toll on you or are you maintaining the status quo? Here are a few tips to consider for coping with the financial meltdown:

1. Get serious about saving. Remember the old saying – “A penny saved is a penny earned”.

2. Cut back on spending. Look over your finances carefully and see where you can cut back. Only buy things that are needed. For once, make every effort to do without that new pair of must-have shoes.

3. Learn to budget. Make a written budget and stick to it.

4. Cut back on energy consumption. Renew, Recycle and Reuse. Unplug appliances when not in use. If it is

daylight outside, cut the lights off in the house and let the natural light shine through. Go Green and find ways to alter your lifestyle.

5. Stay informed but avoid taking in too much news. Limit your time or try to avoid the 24-hour news programs that feed us with a continued flow of gloom and doom news events. Join a volunteer program in your community or church, reconnect with people, read a book, go out with friends. Think about and grasp onto what matters – family, health, friends.

6. Pay attention to yourself. Throughout the day, engage in stress-relieving activities like meditation and relaxation exercises to avoid high levels of stress and anxiety.

Times like these remind me of a popular children’s story, Chicken Little. The story is about a chicken who panics and runs around yelling, “the sky is falling, the sky is falling.” He gets everyone in a panic and before you know it, everyone is afraid. The story ends with a fox who, seeing an

opportunity, takes advantage of Chicken Little and his friends, who were never heard of again. Chicken Little is a story about courage. While at times it may be scary not knowing the outcome or when this will all turn its course, don’t be a chicken little and don’t be afraid of these economic times. Let’s have faith that the New Year will bring about much needed change for all of us so that we can have life and live it more abundantly.

Congratulations to President Barack Obama. Thank you to all who supported him. Let us continue to pray for him and the First Family. The road ahead will not be easy for him and there will be difficult challenges that he will have to face. May God be with him through it all!

Your thoughts and ideas can change the future of Swing Phi Swing®

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS

Make a difference by paying

your national and local chapter dues.


HEALTH AWARENESS – WHAT’S THE 411 ON FIBROIDS? Are you suffering from fibroids? Fibroids occur 3 to 9 times more often in African American women than in Caucasian women. Two years ago, I underwent a surgical procedure to remove my fibroids by way of uterine artery embolization. This method was a good option for me because it was less invasive and the recovery period was about 2 to 3 weeks. This procedure does not remove the fibroids but through laser optics, cuts the fibroids from the artery to which they receive their blood supply. After my six-month check up I was informed that one of fibroid was not successfully cut off from their blood supply as the doctors had initially thought and so my fibroids have returned. So, did I make the right choice and if I have to come to a decision of having my fibroids removed again what other options are there.

Fibroids are non-cancerous or benign growths that develop within the uterus. As many as 30 percent of women have fibroids. Some women have one fibroid. Other women have many. Fibroids range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and don't need treatment. When symptoms occur, women should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of fibroids may include: • Heavy Vaginal Bleeding — Some women experience

excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Not uncommonly, women describe soaking through sanitary protection in less than an hour, passing blood clots and being unable to leave the house during the heaviest day of flow. As a result of the blood loss, some women develop anemia, or a low blood count, which can cause fatigue or lightheadedness.

• Pelvic Pressure or Discomfort — Women with large fibroids may have a sense of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. This discomfort is similar to pregnancy when the enlarging uterus presses against surrounding structures.

• Bladder Changes — The most frequent bladder symptom is the need to urinate more frequently. Women may awaken several times during the night in order to urinate. Occasionally, women experience an inability to urinate despite a full bladder. Bladder symptoms are caused by the uterine fibroids pressing against the bladder thereby reducing its capacity for holding urine or allowing urine to pass.

• Pelvic Pain — A less common symptom of fibroids is acute, severe pain. This type of pain occurs when a fibroid goes through a process called degeneration, usually because it has outgrown its blood supply. The pain is usually localized to a specific spot and improves on it own within two to four weeks.

• Low Back Pain — Fibroids that press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back can cause back pain. It is important to look for other causes of back pain before attributing the pain to the fibroids.

• Rectal Pressure — Fibroids also can press against the rectum and cause a sense of rectal fullness, difficulty having a bowel movement or pain with bowel movements. Occasionally, fibroids can lead to the development of a hemorrhoid.

Fibroids can be diagnosed in a number of ways including: • Pelvic Examination -- During a routine gynecologic exam, a physician is able to feel the size and shape of the uterus. If the uterus is

enlarged or irregularly shaped, then fibroids may be present. Several tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. • Ultrasonography -- Sound waves are used to create an image of the uterus and ovaries. • Saline Hysterosonography -- Also called water ultrasound. Fluid is placed inside the uterus and an ultrasound is performed. This test is

very useful for identifying fibroids within the uterine cavity. • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) -- A large magnet is used to create very detailed images of the uterus and other pelvic structures.

This expensive test is reserved for special circumstances when the precise location of fibroids is needed. • Hysteroscopy -- A slender "telescope" is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity to allow a physician to see fibroids

inside the uterus.

Treatment options for fibroids can range from no treatment at all to surgery. Unless fibroids are causing excessive bleeding, discomfort or bladder problems, treatment usually isn't necessary. In general, fibroids only need to be treated if they are causing symptoms. The primary treatment for patients with large or symptomatic fibroids is surgery. Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the entire uterus) is the most frequent operative technique used to treat this disorder. When women wish to preserve childbearing potential, a myomectomy may be performed. Unlike hysterectomy in which the entire uterus is removed, myomectomy is a surgical procedure in which individual fibroid(s) are removed. Approximately 18,000 myomectomies are performed yearly in the United States. There are also several innovative techniques being studied as possible surgical treatment for fibroid-related bleeding. Myolysis involves delivering electric current via needles to a fibroid at the time of laparoscopy. Cryomyolysis involves using a freezing probe in a similar manner. Uterine artery embolization is a radiological alternative to surgery that involves placing a catheter into an artery in the leg and guiding the catheter via x-ray pictures to the arteries of the uterus. Once there, the catheter is used to deliver agents that block off these major blood vessels. While all of these treatments may prove to be effective treatments for fibroids, compared to more traditional options, the number of patients treated by these methods have been small, the follow-up relatively short term, and the safety of these procedures in women desiring pregnancy has not been demonstrated.

Women with fibroids should be evaluated periodically by their health care provider to review symptoms, follow the fibroid size and conduct abdominal and pelvic examinations to assess uterine size.


GOOD AND HEALTHY EATING It’s that time of the year again for gathering with family and friends. A time for celebration and most of all, a time for good food. If you’re planning on entertaining this season, try Asian Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer. And for the ultimate dessert, check out the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake. ASIAN LETTUCE WRAPS 1 T canola/cooking oil 8 oz. ground beef (I used ground sirloin) (can also use turkey, pork, or chicken) 2 shallots, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp freshly ground ginger 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, cut into strips 1 T hoisin sauce 1 T soy sauce 1/2 T oyster sauce 2 t sriracha* freshly ground black pepper 3 or 4 stalks of green onion, chopped 6 leaves of butter or bibb lettuce, washed and dried Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high. When it is hot, add the beef. Stir-fry until it is no longer pink. If a lot of oil/moisture has come out of the meat, drain most of it out. Since I used a lean ground beef, I had no need to drain. Add the shallots, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the water chestnuts, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, and black pepper and stir-fry for another minute to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes before filling the lettuce cups. Serves 2 as a dinner appetizer or light meal.

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Crust: 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 stick melted salted butter

Filling: 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk 1/4 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For crust – In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch spring form pan. Set side. For filling – Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined. Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

SUGGESTED WINTER READING

Letters to My Daughter by Maya Angelou

Biography & Autobiography - 2008 - 166 pages

Letter to My Daughter is Maya Angelou’s path to living well and living a life with meaning. Told in her own inimitable style, this book transcends genres and categories: guidebook, memoir, poetry, and pure delight.

The Right Mistake by Walter Mosley - Fiction - 2008 - 240 pages

In turns outraged and affectionate, it offers a profoundly literary and ultimately redemptive exploration of the possibility of moral action in a violent and fallen world.

Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics by Donna Brazile

Political Science – 3004 – 338 pages

Cooking with Grease is a powerful, behind-the-scenes memoir of the life and times of a tenacious political organizer and the first African-American woman to head a major presidential campaign.


Could You Be An Officer? (continued from page 1)

But my sister, isn’t it time for you to take that step of faith? Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. You can make a difference. You too can be a part of the solution. I encourage all of you to get involved. Take out your Black Book and read the job descriptions and qualifications. If you are qualified and able, then why don’t you run for the positions that are becoming available in ’09?

As Chair of the Nomination & Recognition Committee, it is my job to encourage and recruit qualified officers. My SISTERS, I recruit you. I ask that each of you take a look at your life in SWING. Have you really done all that you can do? Could you be an OFFICER? I say read the Black Book and if you want, reach out to me. Let’s talk about it. I promise honest and clear discussion and I’ll try to show you as much of the staircase as I possibly can. You, too, could have the distinct honor of serving our organization as a National Officer. Will you take that step of faith?

Remember, the deadline to submit your nomination is February 28th!

Tri-State Graduate Chapter (continued from page 4)

Cancer Awareness Foundation’s website. We would like to thank our supporters for helping us to continue our mission in supporting women in need of growth.

During the month of November we are hosting Our 6th Annual Bowl-a-Thon, This event allows us to party with a purpose as participants not only bowl but also donate canned food which will be donated to charity. In December we will be participating with the brothers of Westchester with their annual Kris Kringle Gift Giving Event by donating toys for special needs elementary school students. In celebrating the Thirtieth Anniversary of our Chapter’s Founding, we are planning a White and Black Tie Formal Gala in 2009. For more events information, feel free to visit our website at www.freewebs.com/tristategradchap/.

DON’T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR BELOVED

ORGANIZATION’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

Wednesday – April 1st Community Health Fair ....... 10 am – 1 pm Community Service Project ... 3 pm – 5 pm Hospitality Games, Prizes and More ... 6 pm – 9 pm Night Time Bowling ............ 9 pm – 11 pm Hospitality Continues........... 11 pm – 3 am Midnight Registration .......... 12 am – 2 am

Thursday – April 2nd Registration .......................... 8 am – 10 am New Member’s Workshop ... 9 am – 10 am Opening Ceremony and Luncheon ................ 10 am – 12 pm Lecture and Workshops ....1 pm – 2:30 pm Registration ............................ 1 pm – 3 pm National Officers’ Candidate Speeches Questions and Answers ..... 3 pm – 6 pm Founder’s Reception .............. 7 pm – 9 pm Mid-Atlantic Region Hospitality ....................... 9 pm – 11 pm Old School Party .................. 10 pm – 2 am Hospital Continues ................. 1 am – 4 am

Friday – April 3rd Registration .......................... 8 am – 11 am National Elections ................ 8 am – 11 am

Friday – April 3rd (continued) Workshops ........................... 9 am – 12 pm Meeting .................................. 1 pm – 6 pm Might Phi Happy Hour........... 6 pm – 8 pm Life Time Reception .........7 pm – 8:30 pm Southeastern Region Hospitality ....................... 7 pm – 11 pm Groove Phi Groove National Party .................... 9 pm – 2 am Hospitality Continues............. 1 am – 3 am

Saturday – April 4th Prayer Breakfast ................. 10 am – 12 pm Step Show Swing & Groove Idol ........ 2 pm – 5 pm Candle Light March and Ceremony ................... 6 pm – 7 pm Formal White and Black Awards Banquet Dinner And Ball ............................ 9 pm – 2 am Hospitality Continues............. 2 am – 4 am

Sunday – April 5th OLA and Farewell And Hospitality ................. 9 am – 1 pm Swing and Groove Bar-B-Q and Cookout ....... 1 pm – 6 pm

SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, INC.® 2009 NATIONAL CONVENTION

April 1st – April 5th Marriott & Embassy Suites Hotels

Winston-Salem, North Carolina (800) 320-0934 & (800) 696-6107

I T I N E R A R Y

It’s time to celebrate!

Cabins are going fast.

Contact the National Special Events Officer

for more information or visit our

national website.

CRUISE SPONSOR & PLANNER

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® 40th Anniversary Cruise Celebration Calling All Sisters . . . Stand Up and Be Counted!

Documents

SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP INC.®