MINERVA NEWSLETTER-MARCH 2015 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6 Greetings Sorors, Happy Sisterhood Month!! Let us spend the month of March focused on activities that support our national theme of "Loving Sisters on Purpose". Let us continue to allow concern and genuine love for each other to reverberate within us. Sorors, in spite of inclement weather in February, Memphis Alumnae did not shrink from the commitment to community service. The Oratorical committee under the leadership of Suyna Payne held their annual clinic and competition on February 21 st and 22 nd even though schools had been closed for several days due to snow. The competition showcased 22 of the most well prepared 5 th grade orators ever presented. Next we clicked on The 25th of 25, the link to our national president, Dr. Paulette Walker’s monthly communication, and we found a surprise. Dr. Walker had announced that MAC had won the National announced that MAC had won the National Reclamation Challenge with 70 reclaimed sorors!!! The Collage of Black Spirits program honoring Soror Katori Hall, award winning playwright and journalist, was held February 26 at the Hattiloo Theater. Kudos to the Arts & Letters Committee under the leadership of Carolyn Bishop for an inspiring program and for selecting such a deserving awardee. Additionally, we experienced a 102 nd Founders Day Observance that was simply outstanding. Our re-dedication under the leadership of Mildred Mitchell exuded a special excellence. The speaker, our own Southern Regional Chaplain, Reverend Jane Pitts-Murdock renewed and lifted us. We honored 12 sorors that have been in Delta for 50 years and 16 sorors were awarded their 25 year recognitions. Soror Mary Dorth Smith was presented as Delta of the Year, a well deserved honor. During our luncheon program we honored Soror Odessa Tate for remaining active in Delta for over 70 years!! Kudos to the entire Founders Day Committee under the leadership of Alleshia White for a job very, very well done! The month of February and the day ended with a trip to Washington, DC to participate in Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, February 28th – March 3rd; this is a conference that every Delta should experience. February was a magnificent month for MAC. March has brought us more challenging weather, but we have shown that we will not be deterred from the business of Delta. Please plan to support these activities: Day Party to support scholarships on the 14 th , Delta Days at the state capital on Tuesday the 17 th , the Physical & Metal Health Committee’s Annual Best of Me Day on the 21 st , The NAACP Freedom Fund on the 24 th , on the 28 th both EMBODI and Pearls, Pumps & Denim (for sorors, friends, and the men in our lives) and rounding out the month, we will have the Jewel Court Scholarship Finale at the Memphis Hilton on the 29th. Social action is who we are, so let us be mindful to hold voter registration at our churches on a Sunday during this month. Also, remember to give an hour or so to assist with voter registration at a high school through March 20 th . In closing, may we always strive to live our theme: "Loving Sisters on Purpose". May we demonstrate who we are as true Deltas, real sisters. Continued blessings, Yolaundia Yolaundia C. Cofield President
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1
MINERVA NEWSLETTER-MARCH 2015 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6
Greetings Sorors,
Happy Sisterhood Month!! Let us spend the month of March focused on activities that support our national theme of "Loving Sisters on Purpose". Let us continue to allow concern and genuine love for each other to reverberate within us.
Sorors, in spite of inclement weather in February, Memphis Alumnae did not shrink from the commitment to community service. The Oratorical committee under the leadership of Suyna Payne held their annual clinic and competition on February 21st and 22nd even though schools had been closed for several days due to snow. The competition showcased 22 of the most well prepared 5th grade orators ever presented. Next
we clicked on The 25th of 25, the link to our national president, Dr. Paulette Walker’s monthly communication, and we found a surprise. Dr. Walker had announced that MAC had won the National
Reclamation Challenge with 70 reclaimed sorors!!! The Collage of Black Spirits program honoring Soror Katori Hall, award winning playwright and journalist, was held February 26 at the Hattiloo Theater. Kudos to the Arts & Letters Committee under the leadership team of Sorors Carolyn Bishop, Nona Allen and Jackie Miller, for an inspiring program and for selecting such a deserving awardee.
announced that MAC had won the National Reclamation Challenge with 70 reclaimed sorors!!! The Collage of Black Spirits program honoring Soror Katori Hall, award winning playwright and journalist, was held February 26 at the Hattiloo Theater. Kudos to the Arts & Letters Committee under the leadership of Carolyn Bishop for an inspiring program and for selecting such a deserving awardee.
Additionally, we experienced a 102nd Founders Day Observance that was simply outstanding. Our re-dedication under the leadership of Mildred Mitchell exuded a special excellence. The speaker, our own Southern Regional Chaplain, Reverend Jane Pitts-Murdock renewed and lifted us. We honored 12 sorors that have been in Delta for 50 years and 16 sorors were awarded their 25 year recognitions. Soror Mary Dorth Smith was presented as Delta of the Year, a well deserved honor. During our luncheon program we honored Soror Odessa Tate for remaining active in Delta for over 70 years!! Kudos to the entire Founders Day Committee under the leadership of Alleshia White for a job very, very well done! The month of February and the day ended with a trip to Washington, DC to participate in Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, February 28th – March 3rd; this is a conference that every Delta should experience. February was a magnificent month for MAC.
March has brought us more challenging weather, but we have shown that we will not be deterred from the business of Delta. Please plan to support these activities: Day Party to support scholarships on the 14th, Delta Days at the state capital on Tuesday the 17th, the Physical & Metal Health Committee’s Annual Best of Me Day on the 21st, The NAACP Freedom Fund on the 24th, on the 28th both EMBODI and Pearls, Pumps & Denim (for sorors, friends, and the men in our lives) and rounding out the month, we will have the Jewel Court Scholarship Finale at the Memphis Hilton on the 29th. Social action is who we are, so let us be mindful to hold voter registration at our churches on a Sunday during this month. Also, remember to give an hour or so to assist with voter registration at a high school through March 20th.
In closing, may we always strive to live our theme: "Loving Sisters on Purpose". May we demonstrate who we are as true Deltas, real sisters.
Continued blessings,
Yolaundia Yolaundia C. Cofield President
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18th Annual Oratorical Contest
Memphis Alumnae Delta’s Promotes Education through their 18th
Annual Oratorical Contest
Submitted by: Wanda Woodruff
The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. held its 18th annual Oratorical Contest at
Colonial Middle School on Sunday, February 22, 2015. 22 elementary students from different schools
throughout the Memphis area spoke on the topic: "The City of Memphis has been diagnosed with a plague of
violence. What is your prescription? Many of the students offered fresh ideas that to help solve the problems
of violence in our city. Among the solutions that the students proposed were more parental involvement,
more after-school activities, students taking pride in themselves, and using education as a weapon against
poverty.
The orators gave their best efforts before a crowd of attentive families and friends. The Deltas on hand
included the President of Memphis Alumnae, Yolaundia Cofield. The master of ceremony was 2nd
Vice
President Maya Lee who did a wonderful job of managing the program from beginning to end.
An even harder job than performing in the contest was judging to determine the winner. In the end, the
judges –Mrs. Sara Lewis, former school board member; Trevor Thompson, SCS Parent Analyst ; Siobhan
Riley, WREG 3 News anchor and State Rep. Raumesh Akbari– reached a difficult consensus.
The first winner was Zaria Skinner from Hickory Ridge Middle School, second place winner was Donovan
Martin, from Caldwell Guthrie and third place winner was Paris McElwee from Balmoral Ridgeway. Delta
Sunya Payne, principal of Alcy Elementary School, oratorical committee chair expressed her appreciation to
all the attendees, including several principals and teachers of competing students and the Sorors who helped
make the event a success. Prizes awarded were 1st place-$150.00, 2
nd place-$100.00 and 3
rd place-$50.00.
There were so many outstanding speeches that it was hard to judge for anyone. So it seems that not only do
these students have solutions for the violence in our city, and they have fresh ideas that will help solve the
problems of violence in our city. They are all the hope for our future.
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Submitted by: Elizabeth Jackson
The 2015 Tennessee State Cluster was held at the Hilton Memphis on February 20-22, 2015. The cluster began
with an entertaining reception to welcome all attendees. Memphis Alumnae contributed to the cluster as shadows,
hostesses, decorations leads, sergeant-at-arms and workshop presenters. Friday evening was filled with
workshops focused on leadership, rituals and ceremonies, social action, protocol and traditions. Several Memphis
Alumnae Chapter members presented information during the cluster. Memphis Alumnae 2nd
Vice President Maya
Lee assisted with a workshop about activities for inactive and newly reclaimed Deltas. Alleshia White, Chair of
the Regional Nominating Committee, helped to lead a workshop on running for office in Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. L. Angela Currin, State Conflict Resolution Coordinator, provided a workshop about resolving
conflict within the sorority. Dr. Charlottee Freeman, National Leadership Academy member, trained collegiates
on leadership and explained chapter management for all attendees. The opening Plenary on Saturday morning
energized and set the stage for the eventful cluster to come. During the Sisterhood Luncheon, our MAC President
brought warm greetings to the assembly and welcomed sorors to Memphis. Conference participants were
entertained with a musical selection from Memphis Alumnae member, Erica Simmons, who performed “Soon A-
Will Be Done”. Next came dazzling fashions from the Wilburn Sisters followed by local sorors modeling what
not to wear to various sorority events. The speaker, Southern Regional Director Cheryl W. Turner, reflected on
the state of our sisterhood. She left us with this question, “Are You Mad Yet?” Later that night sorors attended
Decades with the Deltas for an evening of strolling, dancing and entertainment. The Ecumenical Service on
Sunday morning was spiritually uplifting. The cluster ensemble brought praise and worship while the Deltas
from St. Andrew A.M.E. Church delivered a moving liturgical dance. Memphis Alumnae member, Reverend
LaTondra Lewis, gave the invocation. The guest soloist, Michelle Prather, took the spirit to another level with her
anointed voice. Tennessee State Chaplain and Southern Regional Chaplains Council member, Reverend Olivia
M. Cloud, brought the word from I Samuel 1:9-18. Her sermon entitled “The Audacity to Hope” inspired us to
“Go Vertical” in our life as we face our many trials and tribulations. The Tennessee State Cluster weekend
energized attendees to carry on the vision and mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Tennessee State Cluster
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Founders Day Observance
Lifetime Commitment
Founders Day
Submitted by:
Alleshia White, Joan Harvey and Candace Tate
On Saturday February 28th, 2015 the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted the 102nd
Founders Day Observance at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church.
There were 3 components of the festivities; The Rededication Ceremony, the Program, and the Luncheon. During the
program Sorors were enlightened by the words of Southern Regional Chaplin Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock who spoke to us
through the text of Nehemiah 9 and encouraged us to “Get off our hands to be about the work of Delta”. We were also
moved by the sweet sounds of the Delta Voices singing Even me and Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez).
There were several Sorors that were honored on Saturday, those that were celebrating 25 and 50 years in Delta. Soror Mary
Dortch Smith was named Delta of the Year, and Soror Odessa Tate was showered with 72 handmade cards and notes of
love for her 72 years as an active member of Delta Sigma Theta. The winners of the Scrapbook Competition were also
announced 1st Place: 188 Pearls of Perseverance, 2nd Place: 135 Jewels of DSTinction and 3rd Place: 89 Shades of
Ebony. The scrapbook contest was a reflection of the MAC lines and chapters that make up the Sorors who represent
MAC. The winner will have a donation made in their name to the MAC scholarship fund.
As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Memphis Alumnae, The hostesses dawned attire that represented the
amazing 80 years of MAC .There were afro wigs, 50's style hoop skirts flappers and more! They were truly a sight to see
and their assistance was greatly appreciated.
During the 102nd
Founders Day program, twenty-eight sorors were awarded their twenty-five or fifty year
membership placques. They exemply dedication as true Deltas should. Also, during the Founders Day
luncheon, we celebrated an outstanding soror, Odessa Tate. Soror Tate is not only the oldest Delta in Memphis
Alumnae, but she has been active for more than 70 years. She is living proof that Delta is a lifetime
commitment. During the luncheon, Soror Tate stated “We must take our oath seriously”.
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Collage of Black Spirit
Collage of Black Spirits Awards the Florence McCleave Award to Katori Hall
Submitted by: Carolyn Bishop
The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., saluted Katori Hall at the Collage of Black Spirits 2015.
Ms. Hall, a native Memphian, and an accomplished American playwright, journalist, and actress received the Florence
McCleave Award during the event held on February 27th at Hattiloo Theatre.
The event venue aligned perfectly with the accomplishments of this year’s honoree. The exciting evening began with a
dynamic and inspiring opening by Dr. Colette Garett who creatively explored the significance of the arts in the world
community. This was followed by a unique, interactive skit, created by Flo Roach, dramatizing the different mediums of the
arts. Tributes were then made to Katori by the Hattiloo Theatre cast of “Hoodoo Love,” a production that recently closed at
Hattiloo after posting sold out performances. Katori was also serenaded by a trio from Central High School, performing the
original song “I Dream,” which was written by Flo Roach.
Ms. Hall seemed genuinely honored to receive the award as she shared personal stories about her professional journey from a
local school girl to an international playwright with productions featured in London and Moscow. Her plays have been
produced in Memphis, TN, New York City, the United Kingdom and Russia. In her acceptance remarks, she discussed the
importance of following your passion, aligning your vision with action and staying focused on things that are most important.
She was joined by her mother, father and brother, who she thanked for their contributions to her success. The grateful audience
of 157 people applauded her accomplishments; then they enjoyed a beautifully prepared repast that culminated the evening.
The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc,. has sponsored the Florence McCleave Award since 1973.
The ultimate goal of the program is to boldly advance the contributions made by African American through Arts and Letters to
publicly spotlight great artists and to expose others to their work.
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Happy March Birthdays!!
March 1 March 17
Jessie Randle Wonda Miller
March 3 Regina Morton
Monisha Breathett March 24
March 4 Donna Reed
Cassandra Beattie Lois Streeter
LeCharle Harris March 27
March 5 Felecia Robinson
Sherrie Cooke Charlene Turner
Denise Duncan Demetria Monix-Goode
March 6 March 29
Kara Crossley Deborah Henderson
Marquettee Beechem Beverly Wolfe-Davis
March 9 March 30
Ashley Grandberry Joan Harvey
March 11 Regina Taylor
Janice Pilot March 31
March 12 Shenae Bachelor
Jennifer Geter
March 16
Ernestine Kuykendall
Georgia Parks
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February Virtous Violet Awards
Ernestine Kuykendoll Minnie Cook
“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.” – Benjamin Disraeli
CONDOLENCES & PRAYER REQUESTS
ACCOLADES & CONGRATULATIONS
Soror Swanette Anderson Soror Rosalind Renee Martin
Tekeya Golden Anthony-loss of mother Deshanta Martin-loss of mother Kathryn Carter-recovering from surgery Daphne Miller-loss of aunt Angela Deanes-loss of father Donna Renfro-recovering from surgery Jannina Gaston-hospitalization and recovery Mary Helen Sinclair-surgery LeCharle Harris-loss of sister in law Lizzie Tard-illness Rekeshia Hudson-bedrest due to pregnancy Charlene Turner-loss of niece Catherine Johnson-loss of brother Barbara Wright-loss of mother Jacqueline Turner Bates—loss of mother
Memphis Alumnae Chapter National Reclamation Challenge Winner
Mary Dortch Smith Florida Collins Delta of the Year 2015
25 Year Delta Recipients: Carol L. Champion, Pamela Clary, Devita Davis-Pryor, Kynis Douglas, Denise Graham, Tara Hubbart, Delores Johnson, Pamela Lindsey, Annie Mathews, Chanda Mathews, Betty Miller, Georgie Saunders, Marjean Smith, Yolanda Smith and Madlyn Taylor
50 Year Delta Recipients: Alyce Bibbs, Delois Brack, Rosa Coleman, Virginia Gipson, Carrie Harris, Ernestine Henderson, Betty Kyles, Wanda Mott, Brenda Joyce Parham, Jeanette Reynolds, Dorothy Robinson and Nettie Tipton
Dr. Terrell Carpenter opening Carpenter Primary Healthcare PLLC
Flo Roach Founders Day speaker at Martin Alumnae and Eta Xi (UT Martin)
Flo Roach performance at UT Martin 15th
Annual Civil Rights Conference
Odessa Tate –over 70 years as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Scrapbook Winners—1st
place: 188 Pearls of Perseverance 2
nd place: 135 Jewels of DSTinction
3rd
place: 89 Shades of Ebony
“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.” – Benjamin Disraeli
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From left to right: Gwendolyn Price (Assistant Treasurer), Wanda Woodruff (Journalist), Candace Tate (Assistant Financial Secretary), Brietta Hendricks (Chaplain), Lucy Stansbury (Parliamentarian), Maya Lee (2nd Vice President), Yolaundia Cofield (President), Beverly Robertson (1st Vice President), Shera Chaviness (Treasurer), Monique Williams (Sergeant-at-Arms), Elizabeth Jackson (Corresponding Secretary), Adrienne Dobbins (Financial Secretary) and Qadriyyah Debnam (Recording Secretary).