Illinois State Newsletter May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Midwest Region
Sisterhood Δ Scholarship Σ Service Θ
Illinois
In This Edition
Greetings from the Illinois
State Coordinator:
Debbie Brooks pg. 2
A Photographic tribute
to Illinois Statewide
Founders Celebration
pg. 3
We Are One: Alumnae
and Collegiate
Chapters in action
pg. 10
Spotlight Soror:
A Soror you
should know
pg. 26
A Sisterly Publication
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GGG reeting Sorors in the Great State of Illinois. As I take time to sit and write you
this greeting, I am taken back five years ago when I was the given the blessed opportunity to
serve as your Illinois State Coordinator. Never did I envision all the blessing that this
position would grant me. I am ever so humble and grateful to have served you in the manor
in which I did. Each chapter in Illinois has gone above and beyond to do the work of our
GREAT sorority. Your hard work have been acknowledged locally, regionally, and
nationally, making Illinois a stellar state of service. I am moved emotionally as my time as
State Coordinator has come to it’s end. With a servants heart I say THANK YOU for all the
love, support, hard work, and dedication that each and everyone of you have shown. As we
move forward, let us be reminded of the great work we have done as a state and let us move
forward the best way we know how, which is providing excellence in everything we do.
Delta Love,
Soror Debbie Brooks
Illinois State Coordinator
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.
A photographic tribute to the wonderful
Sorors in the State of Illinois.
Statewide Pictures Courtesy of
Soror Annette Whitworth
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
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We Are One: Alumnae and
Collegiate Chapters making a difference in
the communities in which they serve across the
State of Illinois!
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The City of Elgin, Illinois under the leadership of
The Honorable Dave Kaptain and Council,
Honored
The Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter
On February 26th 2014 The sorors of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates
Alumnae we all smiles during their recognition for their outstanding
service in the community. The Supportive efforts include extensive work
with the Elgin Community Crisis Center through the donation of 6000
size 1 diapers, donating business attire to women in transition, providing
holiday cheer through annual holiday celebrations as well as holding
varied fundraising events to provide donations to the center.
Additionally, the chapter has provided support to the Elgin Arts Center as
well as the Second Baptist Church of Elgin through varied service
initiatives.
Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter
City of Elgin Honors Chapter for Community Service
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Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae
Chapter
Youth Initiatives Always On the Move!!!
The Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter
continues to implement exciting and innovative youth
initiatives through Academy, GEMS and EMBODI.
GEMS and Academy ventured out to
Northwestern University on Saturday, February 22nd, to
participate in their 43rd Annual Career Day for girls where
the theme for the day was Engineering: Design a Better
World. Partnering in sponsorship with Northwestern's
McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
was the Society of Women Engineers. Project-based
activities included extracting DNA, utilizing math and
science to create ‘cool apps’, physics competition to
create sling shots and floating boats from paper according
to design specifications.
On Saturday, March the 8th, the third annual Career Fair was held at Roosevelt University
(Schaumburg Campus) where representatives from diverse fields shared information regarding their
background as well as the skill set necessary to pursue- and be successful in their field. Additionally, speakers
were candid in sharing pitfalls and mistakes made in their youth that, if not rectified, could have easily led
them down a less rewarding path in life. The speakers were engaging, relatable and answered questions from
Academy, GEMS and EMBODI participants as presented.
After wrapping up another productive chapter
meeting, Sorors ventured off to Westwood Tavern &
Tap for fun, food, and fellowship. Everyone had an
amazing time thanks to the efforts of 2nd Vice
President Marlene Anderson and her committee. In
past months, Sorors have gone to the movies to catch
The Best Man Holiday, gotten together via ‘Red
Alert’ to toast Founders Day, and met in assigned
geographic cluster groups for other sisterly
socializing. Some of the cluster group activities have
included: dinner at a local restaurant, game night at a
soror’s house, and Vino & Van Gogh; a new trendy
activity of wine tasting and painting. Violets to Soror
Anderson for providing consistent opportunities for
fellowship thus creating a stronger bond of
sisterhood within the chapter.
Sisterhood Fellowship Luncheon
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., East
St Louis Alumnae Chapter collaborated with Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House; Urban
League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation; College Access Program
(CAP) and the City of East St. Louis, Illinois to serve the residents of the metropolitan area
with a boost to reduce the unemployment and career gap.
Mayor Alvin Parks applauded the thousand plus residents in attendance for the Job Fair
and for taking advantage of this great opportunity to speak face to face with potential
employers, entrepreneurs, and Human Resource Managers. The Event encompassed a month
long project that ended with a Career Day at Lincoln Middle School for the youth. The Career
Day featured business and educational professionals that helped 8th graders formulate plans
for their future. Over 50 career representatives talked to the youth. Kicking–off the April
Career-Employment continuum was the Job Fair for the Adult population. Local Media
carried the invitation to visit the Job Fair at Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center. An event hosted by
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and partners. NAACP
President, Stan Franklin commended DST for the event. Jackie Settles, Publicity Chairman;
Darlene Roy, Co-Chairman of Economic
Development Committee; Ruby Allen Ellis,
Chairman of Economic Development
Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., and Event Coordinator, and Adriann
Adams-Gulley, President Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., East St. Louis Alumnae
Chapter.
East St Louis Alumnae Chapter
Partners Pave the Way for Career
and Employment Opportunities
with Job Fair and Career Day.
Over a Thousand Received Help!
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Women’s Suffrage March Re-enactment
On March 8, 2014, The Women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Champaign-Urbana
Alumnae and Alpha NuChapters hosted the Women’s Suffrage March Re-enactment at the
Independent Media Center in the Urbana community. Because domestic violence rates have
soared in Champaign-Urbana in recent years, we focused on that aspect of women
empowerment. We took action to encourage the community to actively commit to ending the
vicious cycle. Our biggest hope was to raise awareness, and support for domestic vio-
lence victims and their loved ones.
The program was co-sponsored by the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural
Center (BNAACC) and MENgageMENT. Molly McLay, Assistant Director of The Women’s
Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign presented statistics on
domestic violence, signs of abuse, and resources to past and present victims of domestic
violence. Students from local elementary and high schools also blessed attendees with a
vocal performance and step routine.
University of Illinois students and local residents participated as we marched outside
shouting chants to end the violence, such as “Two, Four, Six, Eight. Stop the Violence. Stop
the hate!” The Re-Enactment of the Women’s Suffrage March is also one of the 40 days of
nonviolence events hosted by the Black Greek Alumnae Association
Champaign-Urbana Alumnae and Alpha
Nu Chapters
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WITH A SERVANTS HEART, THE SORORS OF GLEN ELLYN AREA
ALUMNAE CHAPTER SERVED OTHERS DURING A RECENT MISSION
TRIP TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shared their
time, talents, and resources as 24 Sorors, family and friends went to Puerta Plata and
Cabarete in the Dominican Republic for their First Mission Trip. Sorors Crystal Brown,
Cody McSellers – McCray, and Cherita Rawls planned the trip which took place February
2-9, 2014, under the leadership of our International Awareness chair, Anastasie M. Senat.
Mariposa DR Foundation in Cabarete, DR is a leadership organization for girls in the
Dominican Republic (http://www.mariposadrfoundation.org.). We contributed $855 to tour
the village where the children live, visited the local school, and new home for Mariposa DR
Foundation in Cabarete, DR. We also brought clothes, vitamin lollipops, and Delta L.I.F.E.
wristbands. There are about 100 girls in the program today.
Casa Nazaret in Puerta Plata, is a home for severely disabled children in the
Dominican Republic. Sister Mercedes loves these 18 children and provides such care to
their every need with very limited resources. Families and the government drop them off at
her door or she sometimes finds children wandering and homeless. We raised $ 2,576.79
plus donations of clothes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion,
and other toiletries and supplies. We sang and danced with the children and gave them
plenty of love while there.
Project Esperaza (http://esperanzameanshope.org/) works with the Haitian refugee
population providing a home for youth and supporting several grass root schools. We
toured their site and saw art work made by the youth, spoke with the directors, families and
met the Haitian Consulate & MUDHA (Movement of Dominican-Haitian Women) about
the new law passed in the DR regarding Haitians, as well as, had an opportunity to
contribute financially towards Haitian passports and salaries for the teachers. We raised
$830 for 8 passports and teachers pay.
Our experiences were heart warming. Out trip journalist, Sheila Black, documented
our journey. We are charged to take this global challenge again. Stay tuned for more and we
want to invite our Sorors in the Mighty Midwest Region to join us. Let’s continue our Delta
L.I.F.E. mission with Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter …. Lifting International Families
Everywhere.
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Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter members, guest , The Mariposa Foundation Leadership for Girls founders and staff workers
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Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter Connecting Americans with affordable health insurance
"Of all forms of injustice," Dr. Martin Lu-ther King, Jr. once told the Medical Com-mittee for Human Rights, "injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhu-mane." The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, one of the most im-portant pieces of legislation signed by President Barack Obama, provides an historic opportunity to close the gap of the uninsured and reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities. On March 8, 2014, sorors of Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter joined the ranks of
thousands of Get Covered America volunteers. Sorors were trained to help others understand the basics about health insurance, the new health insurance options and serve as advocates for the Affordable Care Act. Sorors rolled up their sleeves and doubled their efforts to reach as many unin-sured Americans as possible before the March 31, 2014 open enrollment deadline. Sorors participated in conference calls with Vice President Joe Biden, attended Volunteer Training Weekend, helped with phone banks, took to the streets, organized events at their churches and spread the word about the Affordable Care Act. The momentum was non-stop and the goal was simple: to maximize the number of people that can enroll in the new health care plan! Glen Ellyn Sorors understood the importance of this push for enrollment and did not hesitate to get involved and make a difference. With such discouraging statistics on the status of healthcare among African Americans there was real reason for opti-mism about this legislation. You see, according to Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, without the opportunity to live a healthy life, there is no opportunity to live the American dream or participate fully in our com-munities. Without the freedom which comes from having access to quality health care, there is no freedom to reach our full potential in the workforce or watch our kids or grandkids grow up. Without the security of health insurance, there is no economic security for middle-class families, and for so many other families working their way into the middle class.
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Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter Making Connections…Changing Lives
Domestic violence is a global problem that touches many of our lives. Although men are sometimes victims, the vast majority are women. Domestic violence can happen anywhere, to anyone and in many forms. Several years ago, the sorors of Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter “adopted” Pillars/The Constance Morris House as a “call to action” against domestic and sexual violence. The mission has been to bring awareness to this societal plight through involvement and education of chapter mem-bers, the community and support of organizations committed to action, assistance and advocacy against domestic and sexual violence. Recently, Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter participated in the Statewide Founders Day DV5 Community Service Project where Pillars/The Constance Morris House was identified to receive a donation. On March 31, 2014 sorors of Glen Ellyn presented a check in the amount of $762 to Pillars to help them continue with their work to help women and children escape the violence in their lives and reduce the stigma associated with domestic violence in their communities. The chapter also presented them with a Certificate of Service for the work they do in our community. Last year nearly 1,000 women and children received the help Constance Morris House offers of emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and health care. Together, we are helping women and children build violence free lives and living our commitment to making connections…changing lives.
Pictured: Soror Aisha Brownlee, Soror Julia Hudson (Coordinator, DVSV Initiative) Lynn Siege (Vice President, Domestic & Sexual Violence Service), Soror Cynthia Brown Greenwood (Chapter President), Ann Schreiner (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Soror LaSondra Banks (2nd Vice President)
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The Theta Delta Chapter volunteering at Delta Gems- T.I.A (Teens in Action) program. This was a program that the Delta Gems put on for the community to be aware about issues that they
1. Treyanna Burris- The MultifA.C.E.ted One
2. LaToyia Sias- DivergenC.E.
3. Deann Montgomery- AffluenC.E.
4. Mosadi Goodman- ResillenC.E.
5. Olivia Griffin- ExuberanC.E.
THETA DELTA
Making a difference in the lives of Delta Gems and in the lives of the 11 new Sorors that
recently became member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
6. Reonna Taylor- PerseveranC.E.
7. T'Keya Hicks- VengeanC.E.
8. Ashley Blain- DeliveranC.E.
9. Jasmyn Davis- VibranC.E.
10. Brittyne Griffin- EloquenC.E.
11. Alexis Beauford- The CadenC.E.
D.S.S. EminenC.E. April 18th, 2014
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Bloomington Normal Alumnae Chapter Hosts
The Seventh Annual Soulful Gospel Brunch
The Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter (BNAC) of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. hosted the seventh annual Soulful Gospel Brunch on Saturday,
March 15. Over 250 guests enjoyed an extensive buffet and performances
from some of the great gospel talent in Central Illinois.
This year’s special guest was Gigi Burrell who is originally from Peoria, IL
and now lives in Houston, TX. Ms. Burrell has appeared in several live
productions and sung with variety of gospel artists and groups. She will be
releasing an album later this year.
Proceeds from the Gospel Brunch are used to fund scholarships and the
Delta Academy and Delta Gems programs. The BNAC chapter looks forward to
hosting the Eighth Annual Soulful Gospel Brunch in 2015.
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The Peoria Alumnae Chapter kicked-off its year
in September by collaborating with the Peoria City/
County Health Department and the Peoria Medical
Alliance to inform the public about Kidney disease.
Statistics show that African-Americans are more at risk
for kidney failure than any race. Nearly 1 in 3 kidney
failure patients living in the United States is
African-American. That is nearly 200,000 people.
Members of Peoria Alumnae Chapter assist-
ed health care providers from: Peoria/County Health
Department, Bradley University School of Nursing, St.
Francis Hospital School of Nursing, and Methodist
Hospital School of nursing at this event. The health
providers performed urine test, blood test, blood pres-
sure screening and body mass index.
Chapter members were on hand to pass out
literature, sign-in patients, and serve refreshments. Free
health screening for 150 people was provided.
Twenty-five volunteers worked in three hour shifts for
this event. Eleven of the volunteers were from the
Peoria Alumnae Chapter.
A Kidney mobile was on site for individuals to go
through screening simulations to educate them on the dangers of kidney disease
and the importance of getting screened.
It is our hope that the African-American community will follow-up on the
services and get screened for kidney disease.
One of the goals of the Delta GEMS program is to create compassionate, caring, and community minded young
women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities. On Monday, January
20, 2014 the Delta GEMS extended public service at the Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon. The GEMS had the
opportunity to greet and escort MLK Luncheon attendees to their
seats. This also provided the GEMS a chance to meet and hear social
commentator Michael Eric Dyson give a rousing speech at the
annual luncheon.
Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University, said people want to
honor Dr. King for what he did in his lifetime, rather than thinking
how Dr. King's messages of non-violence and inclusion apply to
today's problems.
After hearing Dyson’s speech the Peoria Alumnae Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and the ladies of the Delta GEMS program
are committed to implementing solutions to some of today’s issues.
Public Service: Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon
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Waukegan Alumnae: 20th Annual Red, Black and Green Extravaganza
A sold out crowd of approximately 300 guests attended the Red Black and Green (RBG)
Extravaganza at the Midlane Country Club in Waukegan, Illinois, on February 15, 2014. RBG is an
annual fundraiser for the sorority’s scholarship program and was the brainchild of soror Karin Graves. The
event celebrates African-American culture and provides a venue for black businesses. The theme this
year was A Night at the Cotton Club, and sorors and guests dressed in themed clothes from that era,
including boas, head pieces and flapper dresses. Additionally, a live band played music from that era as
well as covered recent hits.
During the event, charter member of Waukegan Alumnae, Soror Geraldine “Gerry” Stewart, was
honored. Soror Gerry was initiated in 1951, Alpha Theta Chapter at Lincoln University, Jefferson City,
Missouri. Other charter members, sorors, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity honored Soror “Gerry” with
stories of her commitment to Delta Sigma Theta as well as the Lake County Community. It culminated
with a serenade of the Sweetheart Song in her honor.
The event also included a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction that included a tropical vacation. The
Waukegan Alumnae Step team performed and a DJ closed out the evening with guests dancing the night
away. Illinois State Coordinator, Soror Debbie Brooks, attended this successful event that raised over
$5,000 for scholarships. Kudos to event co-chairs, Sorors Shanda McKnight and Jennifer Lee and the RBG
Committee!
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Under Economic Development, Chicago Alumnae Chapter began high-
lighting and supporting local, black-owned businesses in the Chicago metro
area, from food establishments to clothing boutiques. Each month Sorors were
encouraged to patronize featured businesses – most provided a discount when
making a purchase. In keeping with the spirit of SOS (Supporting Our Selves),
Sorors recently attended a comedy show at a local black-owned comedy shop:
Jokes & Notes. This establishment is located a block from D’Estee (home to
Chicago Alumnae Chapter). Sorors filled the venue and enjoyed each other’s
company while being entertained by featured comedians.
Over the Sorority year, other outings have included: Dinner with a Soror,
Fellowship at the historic Quinn Chapel AME Church during Sisterhood Month
and The CAC Round Up “Delta’s Most Wanted: Reclaim, Renew, Retain!”
Chicago Alumnae works hard each year providing services and programs to
the communities in their service area – the fellowship with Sorors feeds the soul
and keeps the momentum strong!
CAC will conclude this year with the following events:
June 1st – GEMS Fashion Show, D’Estee, 4519-25 S. King Drive, Chicago
June 22nd – EMBODI Year End Event, D’Estee, 4519-25 S. King Drive, Chicago
June 28 – Chicago Alumnae Picnic
June 29th – Delta Literacy Year-End Banquet
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Rockford Alumnae Soror Recognized
Rockford Alumnae Soror Treveda Redmond (pictured
right) was honored on March 15, 2014 at the Living
Legacy Luncheon. The 1st annual event sponsored by
Mt. Zion Church of Joliet was the brain child of First
Lady Tammie Latimore. Soror Redmond shared her
continuing journey of her breast cancer diagnosis and
preceding surgeries. She celebrated her 3 months of
being cancer free by opening her heart giving her
testimony of Faith, Courage, Determination, and Love
of God.
Rockford Alumnae Social Action
Former Rockford Alumnae Soror Tabitha Robinson
(pictured right) and members of the Rockford
Alumnae Chapter were instrumental in assisting
Reynolds Wintersmith (pictured above) in being
pardoned by President Obama after spending 20
years in prison. In early December 2013, President
Obama commuted the sentences of Wintersmith and
seven other inmates who received lengthy sentences
under sentencing guidelines that are now considered
unfair.
Soror Robinson who was a childhood friend and classmate
of Wintersmith became involved and was instrumental in
everything from getting solid legal representation to
petitions signed that would eventually end up in the White
House. During the Rockford Alumnae Gospel Brunch held
in February 2014, Soror Robinson appealed to guests for
donations that would assist in Mr. Wintersmith’s transition
into society. Soror Robinson is an awesome example of the
how Deltas not only talk social action but we walk social
action.
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Current and Past members of Theta Epsilon are honored at the Bradley University Black
Alumni Alliance Scholarship Banquet on April 26, 2014
Past members of Theta Epsilon and Bradley faculty
support the award honorees
Kristie Hubbard (advisor), Bonnie Conner, and Myskeshia Mitchell (advisor)
Bonnie received the Barbara Penelton Scholarship and the Black Alumni
Scholarship
Myskeshia Mitchell, Bonnie Conner, &
Kimberly Ransom
Myskeshia (Spring 99) received the
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Kimberly (Spring 91) received the
Distinguished Leadership Award
Award Recipients Myskeshia Mitchell (L) &
Chapter President Bonnie Conner (R)
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Let your light shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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The Sorors of East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Honors the Jewel of the Chapter, Soror Abbie Lou Hampton Martin was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
Alpha Nu Chapter on the campus of University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana in December 1937. Soror Abbie devoted her life to the education of young people
serving as a Physical Education teacher with East St. Louis School District #189 for many years.
Soror Abbie along with Sorors Bessie Garvin*, Carrie B. Dawson*, Abbie Lou Martin,
Aurilla Taylor Lewis*, Edna Jones*, Lila B. Teer*, Lorraine Moore*, Celeste Gavin Dill* and Mary L. Gladden Perry* formed Gamma Eta Chapter (changed to East St.
Louis Alumnae Chapter in 1958) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in June 1942 (* = deceased). Soror Abbie is the only surviving Charter member.
This past February, Soror Abbie celebrated her 98th Birthday! East St. Louis is
thankful for the wisdom and legacy of Soror Abbie Lou Hampton Martin!
Soror Abbie is truly a Soror you should know!
Soror
Abbie Lou Hampton Martin
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Theta Epsilon Says
Soror Mykeshia Mitchell is
An Advisor You Should Know
In the minds and hearts of Delta members, dedication is perceived as an act of consecration, and one of humanity’s highest callings. Myskeshia Mitchell, the Theta Epsilon Chapter’s secondary advisory, exemplifies what it means to not only be a Delta, but what it means to be a Delta who is dedicated to purposes larger than herself. Myskeshia, initiated in spring 1999, has served as an advisor for the Theta Epsilon Chapter for six years. With her meticulous insight, she has continued to be one of our greatest
assets and aids. It is because of Myskeshia, that current chapter members know the importance of being thorough, careful, and impeccable in both their personal lives and their Delta work.
Myskeshia is a soror that everyone “should know” because she continues to uphold Deltas ideas and make a difference wherever she is. Myskeshia has recently been recognized for planning and coordinating a Career Day for Nathan Hale Middle School that featured over 20 profes-sions; alongside that, Myskeshia was also responsible for coordinating the 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C., and a visit to the White House. On that trip, she also organized a wreath laying ceremony, in which she and her students dedicated the wreath to the unknown fallen soldiers (the first to be done in the history of their school). One of Myskeshia’s recent recognition is the “Distinguished Young Alumni Award” that will be given to her at this year’s Bradley University Black Alumni Association scholarship ball. While in the midst of so many other obligations, Myskeshia is still able to be a great advisor in our chapter.
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When you meet Soror Julia Ames
Branson for the first time you will
immediately notice the glint in her bright
eyes . She was appointed Sergeant-at-
Arms by our National President for the
51st National Convention. But Soror
Branson is more than just an excellent
Sergeant-at-Arms; she’s also a soror who has held many positions within Chicago
Alumnae Chapter. She has been active since 1963. Initiated into Gamma Psi Chapter in
1960 at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi.
Soror Branson is a Golden Life member who was a founding member of D’Estee,
Inc., Chicago Alumnae’s non-profit arm. She has served as its first vice president of the
Board of Directors, she has chaired nearly every committee in CAC. Most recently as
chair of the Housing and Property Committee. In her current role, she’s responsible for
ensuring that CAC’s headquarters, D’Estee, is well taken care of.
An energetic Delta Dear, Soror Branson’s knowledge, quiet strength, disarming
smile and commitment makes her an excellent leader who is willing to roll up her sleeves
and work in any capacity needed to get the job accomplished. A cheerful and unselfish
motivator, Soror Branson encourages others to do more through her enthusiastic
examples. She is a Soror you should know!
A Soror for All Seasons
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Presents
Soror Julia Ames Branson,
A Soror You Should Know
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 30
Soror Jewel Wakefield has exemplified Delta Sigma Theta’s devotion to academic excellence throughout her undergraduate career. Once initiated into the Theta Delta Chapter (Fall 2012), Soror Wakefield maintained the highest GPA. She recently graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.65. The Theta Delta Chapter Sorors are extremely proud of Soror Jewel and wish her the best as she continues her education to obtain her Masters Degree in social work at Georgia State University.
The Sorors of
Theta Delta
Proudly Presents
Soror
Jewel Wakefield
A Soror You
Should Know
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 31
Soror Reverend Danita R. Anderson, has been a
part of the Methodist now United Methodist
Church almost all of her life. She was ordained
a deacon in 1983 and elder in 1985 and has
served the Northern Illinois Conference of the
United Methodist Church in pastoral ministry
since being a student in 1980. She served the
Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta Georgia as a student pastor for 3 years and
upon her leaving had created a position for their first full time associate pastor. She was an
associate pastor of the St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago for 3 years; pas-
tor of the Neighborhood United Methodist Church in Maywood for 4 years; and as the pas-
tor of the Ingleside-Whitfield United Methodist Church in Chicago for 7 years. On July
1st, 1997, she was appointed as the senior pastor of the Bethany of Fox Valley United
Methodist Church in Aurora, Illinois, which is a predominantly Anglo congregation. She
was the first African American clergywoman to serve as the senior pastor of a multiple
staff congregation in the Northern Illinois Conference. She, of course was the first woman
and African American to serve as senior pastor of Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist
Church. On July 1st, 2001 she was appointed as the 1st African American woman superin-
tendent of the Aurora District and the 2nd African American woman superintendent in the
Northern Illinois Conference.
Danita is currently the Chaplain of the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter
On July 1, 2014 Soror Danita will become the
Pastor of Woodridge United Methodist Church
Information retreivced from:www.woodridgeumc.org
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae
Chapter
Is Pleased To Present
Soror
Rev. Danita R Anderson
A Soror You Should Know
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 32
Meet the Devastating Diva of the
Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The
sweet, sweet soror Tierra Jones. She is
currently a senior double majoring in
Psychology and Sociology with an
Attribute in Pre-Law Studies. Not
only is Tierra a woman of great strength, knowledge and influence, she
makes it her responsibility to remain active in her community at home
and in the Champaign-Urbana community.
Tierra recently underwent the application process to get accepted
into law school, but her hard work did not go unnoticed. She was
accepted into every school which she applied including: University of
Illinois College of Law, Loyola University (Chicago) School of Law,
DePaul University College of Law, Southern Illinois University
(Carbondale) School of Law and more. She seeks to stay close to home
because she knows that her influence can make a drastic difference in
the Chicago community. Alpha Nu spotlights you because you motivate
us to chase our dreams, stay true to our passions and most importantly
do something for the benefit of others.
Good luck with choosing the best Law School for you, Soror Tierra!
The Sorors of Aplha Nu
Presents
Soror
Tierra Jones
A Soror You Should Know
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 33
Are you READY DST? Check out the Midwest
Region Emergency Response Team page and
TAKE THE PLEDGE TODAY! Chapters with
at least 50% participation will be recognized at
the upcoming Regional Conference in Louisville,
KY. Let’s get Ready, Midwest! ILLINOIS! Your
preparation in the event of an emergency will
make a world of difference!
Pledge today! DEADLINE MAY 31,2014!!!!!!
www.dstmidwestregion.com/delta_emergency_response
2014 CALL TO CONFERENCE
The 46th Midwest Regional Conference will take place
June 19-24, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
For more details, visit the Regional Website at:
www.dstmidwestregion.com/46th_midwest_regional_conference
Get those Hats Ready!!!!!
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 34
Congratulations to the
class of 2014!.
The Sorors of Illinois
pause to salute you on
a job well done!
As you prepare to walk across the stage,
know that you are living the vision that our
founders dreamed of. Weather you are
receiving your Bachelors, Masters, or Doctrine,
you are living the legacy and carrying the torch
for those who will follow in your footsteps.
Each one of you deserve all the blessings God
has in store for you.
To our collegiate Sorors, we the alumnae
chapters stand with open arms to welcome
you as you transition from your collegiate
chapter to your new alumnae chapter.
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 35
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW SORORS IN THE STATE OF
ILLINOIS!
A TOTAL OF 95 NEW SORORS JOINED OUR ILLUSTRIOUS
SISTERHOOD
GREETINGS SORORS OF:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
OO-OOP!
ZETA IOTA
THETA ZETA
THETA DELTA
THETA EPSILON
CARBONDALE ALUMNAE
THETA ALPHA
LAMBDA MU THETA
SPRINGFIELD DECATUR ALUMNAE
EVANSTON NORTH SHORE ALUMNMAE
ΔΣΘΔΣΘ
The Crimson Connection...A Sisterly Publication May 2014 Spring/Summer Edition
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Illinois State Newsletter PAGE 36
CALLING ALL CHAPTERS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, YOUR SORORS NEED TO HEAR FROM
YOU! SHAE YOUR CHAPTER NEWS!
Contact Me! Soror Joyce Dawkins
Illinois State Journalist!
S orors as we end another historical and remarkable
fiscal year, I want to personally thank each and every
one of you for all of your support, encouraging words and feedback in my
role as the Illinois State Journalist. On April 29th, I celebrated my 2nd year
as a member of this beautiful sorority and I could not have imagined that I
would have been given an opportunity such as this to serve and represent
my state through my artistic and journalistic impressions. I am grateful
and thankful. Illinois is a state that is filled with truly amazing Sorors.
As we move forward into the 2nd century of our sorority let us continue to
provide outstanding community service, and host elaborate events that are
worthy of journal recognition. Thank you again and again. I look forward
to seeing you and meeting you at the Midwest Regional Conference! Have
a safe, fun and blessed summer vacation.
Yours In Delta,
Soror Joyce Dawkins
Illinois State Journalist
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter