Announcements for Saturday, March 17, 2012 Soror LaDonna Harris, Epistoleus

Thank You Notes

Soror Charlotte Bryant “My deep appreciation for providing acts of love and support in response to the death of my brother. For the

many sympathy cards, telephone calls, visits, flowers, food, contributions and prayers……I love my beautiful Ivy basket! I truly appreciate you all.”

Sorors Vivian Harrison and Jamelle Woodard “With gratitude and thanksgiving we appreciate the very handsome and beautiful ivy plant. Its striking beauty

brought a ray of sunshine to our lives. Please accept our sincere thanks for your generosity and kindness. We are indeed humbled by your thoughtfulness and consideration”

Soror Melody Collier “I truly appreciate the beautiful plant- it was a lovely surprise! Thank you for your care and concern. Your

thoughts, prayers, phone calls, and loving visits, I am forever grateful.”

Soror Patricia Ingram “Thanks so much for the beautiful plant sent for my mother’s homegoing services. I appreciate the prayers, calls,

cards and thoughts of so many sorors. Sisterhood is a great thing!”

Correspondence

To Raise A Child, Inc. is seeking the chapter’s support in their Celebration of Love fundraiser. The event will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the City of Refuge, 3150 Yellowstone, Houston, TX 77054. Tickets are $100 per couple or $50 per person. All proceeds will benefit To Raise A Child, a 501(c)3 organization. For additional information, please contact Devona G. Martin at 713-440-7200 or via email at toraiseachild@yahoo.com The Dallas Alumni Greek Show invites the chapter to the Inaugural Dallas Alumni Greek Show. This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Historic Black Academy of Arts and Letters, located in downtown Dallas. The show will consist of Alumni Chapters of NPHC Greek lettered organizations from Dallas, Arkansas, Houston and Florida. The chapter received the Winter 2012 copy of the Varnett School’s Varnett Gazette. The superintendent of the school is Soror Annette Cluff.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter                                                   Committee Report 

Name of Committee :    African American History                    Chairmen :    Rita Smith and Janice Granger             Co‐Chairmen :     Shewanna Rochan, Regina Prevost, and Erica Smith                                   “A Great Triple Play for AKA” 

The African American History Committee executed three outstanding events which were held for our chapter’s celebrations of African American History Month.  On February 9th we recognized the first semester honor roll students of Jack Yates Senior High School.  It was a wonderful collaboration of 62 Honor students, 14 parents, 43 uniformed band members, 7 ROTC cadets, and 10 faculty and staff. We had 29 chapter members present who served as hostesses. They welcomed parents and all other guests as they served refreshment to all attendees. The event took place in the Hazel Young Library with the chapter presenting an exemplary program of Scholarship recognition and historical tradition.  

On Sunday , February 26th chapter members were invited to Wesley Chapel AME Church to commemorate the chapter’s early history – As Wesley was the actual birthplace of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, which met there to organize and plan for its  chartering during the Spring of 1927.   By early 1928, the fledgling group was approved to be chartered and thus became the first Alumnae chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the state of Texas. We were honored and recognized by this historic Church and felt happy to be able to celebrate the joy and Ministry of this “Spirit‐filled Church.” Sixty (60) Alpha Kappa Omega sorors attended the service.  Immediately following the Church service, 48 Alpha Kappa Omega chapter members met to enjoy the traditional ”Soul‐Food” feast in the private dining room of  the  “THIS IS IT “ Restaurant. The Restaurant is a Houston tradition and was featured in the “break‐out” movie debut of Soror Jada Pinkett‐Smith in The film “Jason’s Lyric.’ The fun and fantastic food brought an end to a perfect day and concluded the terrific “TRIFECTA” for African American History Month.  Special thanks to Sorors Lucy Bremond, Elnora Flewellen and Melba Henry of the Hazel Young Ad Hoc Committee who supplied the 62  wonderful  “Academic‐ Achievement  Medallions, “ which were presented to each Honor Roll student, as well as Erica Smith who designed the individualized certificates.  Report submitted by:        Soror Marianne Walker                                               Chapter Program Chairman and Anti‐Basileus 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2012 Committee Chairmen

STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN CO-CHAIRMEN Archives Nkenge Berry-Owens Andrea Bonner Audit Camilla Jackson Tracy McFolling Connection Faye Phillips Dawn Randale Constitution Rita Roberts Yvonne McCree Executive Tamara Cubit Finance Paulette Frederick Lisa Brooks Founders’ Day VeRonique Williams Thearodesia Williams Joint Chapter Jo-Carolyn Goode Pamela Lazard Membership Lillian Bourgeois Anitra Provost, Susan Bynum,

Courtney Brown Nominating Bianca Anderson Eugenia Cain Program Planning Marianne Walker Protocol Polly Sparks Turner Elnora Flewellen Public Relations Nkenge Berry-Owens Jo-Carolyn Goode, Vickie Windham Reactivation Bettye Narcisse Sandrina James, Lisa Brooks,

Shewanna Rochon Standards Erica Smith LaShane Eaglin Ticketron Kim Harris Jackie Columbus OTHER COMMITTEES CHAIRMAN CO-CHAIRMEN Administrative Support Veronica Johnson Natosha Roberts African American History Marianne Walker Janice Granger AKA Chorale Mary Butler Ardener Lewis-Franshaw, Clarice

Gatlin All Kare Action Dorothy Booker Clara Boyd, Eve Nell Carothers,

Dorothy Lawson Chapter Cluster Karen Harvey Chapter Directory Janice Warner Mae King Chapter News Jeanie Mitchell Vaniecia Williams Charity & Appeals Tiffany Green Yavaunda White Courtesy Cheryl Mitchell Clarinda Hopes Debutante Ivy Ricketts Gwendolyn Clemmons EAF Coordinator Evelyn Holloway Mary Thompson Graduate Advisor’s Council (TSU) Jo-Carolyn Goode Graduate Advisor’s Council (U of H) Downtown

Pam Lazard

Initiative #1 Emerging Young Leaders (EYL)

Margie Taylor Karen Aubrey, Christina Allen-Crowder, Angela Price

Initiative #2 Health Patricia Sibley Catherine Blackwell Gore, Saundra Wiley

Initiative #3 Global Poverty Clara Cooper Stephanie Meads Initiative #4 Economic Security Erica Moore Allonie Moncriffe Initiative #5 Social Justice and Human Rights

Sahira Abdool Nicole Montgomery

Initiative #6 Internal Leadership Training for External Service

Tamara Cubit Karen Grays

Entertainment L. Renee Lowe Bayana Taylor Fine Arts Arneita McKinley Katharine Brown High School Leadership Development

Kim Topps Martina Judge

Hospitality/Logistics Nekeidra Brown Shonthenia Edwards Hostess Sheri Cole DiAnn Robinson Housing Committee Lucy Bremond Elnora Flewellen National Pan Hellenic Council/Houston

Darlene Johnson Deneen Ford

Investment Cheryl Cash Berna Greer Life-Long Learning Margie Taylor Dorothy Gabriel, Faye Moseley

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2012 Committee Chairmen

Presidents’ Council Charlotte Bryant Clarice Lowe Scrapbook Jeania Mitchell Senior Citizens Beverly Dancer Charlene James, Teresa Mason Technology Carolene Goffney-Sharpe Natosha Roberts Telephone Vickie Windam Teller’s Cheryl Johnson Shannon Smith

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter’s EYL

And TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC. Sugar Valley Chapter’s Top Teens

In Partnership

Committee Name: Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) February 11, 2012 Chairman: Margie Taylor Time: 9:30- 11:30 Co-chairmen: Karen Aubrey, Christina Allen Crowder and Angela Price

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP

A Financial Literacy Workshop was sponsored by a cooperative Partnership of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter and the Sugar Valley Chapter of T.L.O.D. Saturday, February 11, 2012. The Top Teens joined with the EYL members at Attucks Middle School. Traditional Banking 101 was the topic of discussion for Workshop I; and Electronic Banking was the topic of discussion for Workshop II. Members of both organizations served as presenters and facilitators. Students attending the seminar enjoyed a memorable experience because the presenters were from various backgrounds who related well with the two groups. Willie Mae Evans was the chairman of Top Ladies of Distinction’s Seminar and Margie Taylor provided the Door-prizes and snacks. Attendance included a combined number of 50 students from each of the two groups and 25 members representing both organizations. Kudos to: Participants of Top Ladies of Distinction and Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Members; a remarkable idea and a job well done Total Number of Participating Sorors and Top Ladies of Distinction: 25 Beverly Dancer Douthulia Gardner Ronda Harris Edwina Johnson Rita Roberts Faye Phillips Renee Lowe Idaena Wade Rosa Rush Karen Allen Tamara Cubit Karen Aubrey Vicky Windham Kim Harris Willie Mae Evans LaDonna Harris Yavaunda White Lillian Etienne Lillie Lacy Lisa Brooks Marianne Walker Margie Taylor Minnie Bailey Minnie Roy Pamela Branch

MEETING WITH THE PARENTS EYL’s parents met in Attucks cafeteria with Sorors Lisa Brooks, Karen Aubrey, LaDonna Harris, Rosa Rush and Margie Taylor. These sorors enlightened the parents about past events of Alpha Kappa Omega’s EYL Program. They were shown power point pictures of the EYL’s participating in workshops, field trips and other educational activities. Updates were given. The parents asked questions and expressed their gratitude for the improvements which their girls have shown due to EYL’s involvement. We asked them to help us recruit other parents to get involved. They agreed to call other parents and ask them become intricate in the EYL Program. Meeting with The Parents had a successful outcome. Submitted by: Margie Taylor

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT

Name of Committee: Global Poverty Initiative Date: February 1, 2012 Chairman: Clara B. Cooper Time: 7:15PM Co-Chairman: Stephanie Meads Place: Conference Call Number of Committee Members Present: 10

The Global Poverty committee discussed upcoming projects as well as the wrap-up from previous project.

I. Christmas Lunch with Seniors – Wrap-Up

On Thursday, December 15, 2011, the Global Poverty Committee hosted a Christmas party for seniors at the Julia C. Hester House located at 2020 Solo. Sorors served lunch to the seniors and also provided a small, gift bag with trinkets to each senior. Beverly Dancer facilitated the Bingo game and awarded prizes to the winners. Soror Ardener Franshaw provided entertainment by playing various Christmas songs and also special musical selections from requesting seniors. The executive director of the Hester House thanked Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority for sponsoring the event and also for the chapter’s continuous support.

II. “Loving Myself” Event – Wrap-up

The Global Poverty Initiative Committee in conjunction with the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee hosted an event entitled “Empowering Women through Loving Myself.” The event took place on Monday, February 13, 2012 at The Star of Hope Women’s Transitional Center with forty women attending along with 16 sorors from Alpha Kappa Omega. The center provides emergency housing and a host of services to help the homeless develop long-term solutions of structure, accountability and the opportunity to learn basic living skills in a comprehensive and demanding one-year program that prepares them to re-enter the mainstream of society. The seminar was designed to celebrate the total woman: mind, body and spirit. Soror Alicia Lacy-Castille spoke on healthy skin care, and Soror Andrea Bonner spoke on celebrating the inner and outer beauty of women. Both presentations were interactive. After the presentations, the women were served a light snack and each attendee was given a personal gift box. Target Hunger and a community advocate, generously donated items for the gift boxes. Several door prizes were given including four gift baskets with jewelry from Charming Charlie and personal care items. Several women expressed their gratitude and also their desire for our sorority to conduct another activity in the near future.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM

Next Meeting: April 4, 2012 @ 7:15 PM Names of Committee Members Present: Clara Cooper, Christina Crowder-Allen, Darlene Johnson, Karen Harvey, Tamara Cubit, Stephanie Meads, Jeania Mitchell, Marianne Walker, Pat Sibley, and Vicki Windham Report Submitted By: Clara Cooper and Stephanie Meads Date: March 9, 2012

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA

COMMITTEE REPORT

Name of Committee: Health Initiatives Date: March 17, 2012 Chairman: Patricia Sibley Time: 11:00 AM Co-Chairmen: Catherine Blackwell-Gore Place: Power Center Co: Chairmen: Saundra Wiley Purpose of the Committee: To encourage healthy life styles and personal fitness. The committee will support organizations which advance access to treatment and coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns to reduce health disparities, save lives and impact health related legislation. Health initiatives will address diseases which disproportionately affect women and minorities, prevention and treatment options. Discussion:

• The Sisters Network, Inc., “Stop the Silence” Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April

14, 2012, departing form Discovery Green. Pre-registration, costing $30.00 per person, ends on April 7. Chapter Walk coordinator is Camilla Jackson and Walk registration and participation will be promoted via newsletter and phone tree.

• The March for Babies Walk, Sunday, April 29th. Time: 9:00 AM Registration Time: 8:00 AM , University of Houston 2400 Calhoun, Houston , TX 77004. There is no fee for registration, however donations will be accepted.

• The “Pink and Green Challenge” has kicked-off and will continue until the first five (5) days of June. This initiative supports weight loss, healthy eating habits, and increased exercise among chapter members. Seven (7) team captains will lead the challenge in seven (7) geographic areas. Team captains will provide monthly activity updates as well as an interim team weigh in, percentage based, progress report in mid –April. Prizes, to be determined, will be awarded at the June chapter meeting for the highest percentages of weight loss as calculated by team captains during the first five (5) days of June. The initiative will be promoted via newsletter, phone tree, and onsite registration at the February chapter meeting.

• Pink Goes Red Day Activities a. Café Express- 38 sorors attended this activity, where we ate a healthy meal and

receive Healthy Living tips from Kenya Steele-Neal b. Kappa Alpha Psi/Blood Pressure Screening- 61 sorors participated in this activity,

where members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Houston Alumni chapter conducted blood pressure screenings. Soror Tamara presented the Kappas with a plaque, in appreciation of their partnership with us on this event.

 

Spotlighting the  Good  Works of  the  Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Texas Southern University  

Volume 1 Issues 3 March 2012

[Date]Sed porttitor imperdiet odio. Sed ut leo.

2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BASILEUS

Latricia London ANTI BASILEUS

Kayla Hurse GRAMMATEUS Raphael Freeney

ANTI GRAMMATEUS Arianna Williams

EPISTOLEUS Ashlee Jones

TAMIOUCHOS Jasmine Owens

PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Evelyn Ramos PHILACTER

Alicia Duke HODEGOS

Dior Gardner  IVY LEAF REPORTER Antoniece Porter HISTORIAN Deshara Goss 

PARLIAMENTARIAN Emerald Dixon 

 CHARTER MEMBERS 

Clarice P. Lowe Mercedes Terry 

Evelyn B. Thornton  

GRADUATE ADVISOR Jo‐Carolyn Goode CAMPUS ADVISOR Dr. Fanny Hawkins 

The Gamma Psi Chapter has been very busy. Texas 

Southern Tigers are a lot more heart smart due to the heart education students received from Gamma Psi at their “Pink Goes Red” event. Following that success, Gamma Psi held a “pearlfekt” AKA week. One of the week’s highlights was the “My Black is Beautiful” event. The ladies mentored over 50 middle school girls in workshops on skincare, exercise, and healthy eating.      

March 2012  

          5­9 Midterms  

12­16 Spring Break  

22­25 80th South Central Regional Conference 

 Upcoming Events 

*Mr. Ivy Man Pageant *Tribute to a Black Man  

   The Chosen Ones The award winning Gamma Psi Chapter’s step team was one of two  teams chosen by Texas Southern University’s Student Activities to represent the school in Dallas, Texas at the 

Southwestern Athletic Conference 2012 Greek Step‐

Off. 

 Calendar  Of 

 Events 

Mentors Wanted If you would like to serve as a mentor to a member of Gamma Psi and you are graduate advisor certified please send an email to 

zondria@hotmail.com. 

Vol. 2 Issue 2, March 2012

THE OG EXPRESS Omicron Gamma Chapter –University of Houston Downtown 

GRADUATE ADVISOR’S Keeping Track …Through Timeless Services Sorors, Friday, March 9, 2012 brought the University of HoustonDowntown's Omicron Gamma Chapter - Pink and GreenWeek to a stellar close. The week entitled “Welcome tothe Pearl AKAdemy" began on Sunday, March 4th with aninspirational worship service located at St. John's ChurchDowntown and a visit to the Bread of Life. OmicronGamma's dynamic and innovative week featuredinteractive workshops touching on such initiatives asGlobal Poverty, Human Trafficking, and ProfessionalEtiquette. Alpha Kappa Omega's own Sorors SahiraAbdool, Alicia Lacy Castille and Clara Brown Cooperselflessly contributed their time and talents to severalevents displaying their expertise in professionalism andservice. The feedback from the week has been tremendous.The personal and affective natures of the workshops werecited stand out qualities by the attendees. Omicron Gamma's Spring 2012 Rush was conducted onSaturday, March 10, 2012. The Rush program was the firstof many by Omicron Gamma chapter members. However,the dedicated members of the Graduate Advisor Councilwere there to carefully guide and lend their support duringthe program. Sorors Sandra Campbell, Helen Houston,Karen Grays, and Marianne Walker graciously bravedthe inclement weather to assist the undergraduate sororsand me during this special and enrichment time. Reflecting on all of the exciting events and changes inOmicron Gamma, as the semester nears a close, is anexciting and rewarding endeavor. Although much has beenaccomplished, there are yet still engaging endeavors on thehorizon. As the 2012 South Central Regional Conferencenears, Omicron Gamma is gearing up to show up and showout! Sorors of Alpha Kappa Omega thank you for yourcontinuous prayers and support. Please keep Soror AashaGary in your prayers. Sisterly, Soror Pamela Lazard Graduate Advisor

   Global Leadership    Pink and Green Week 03/05 “Let’s talk Makeover” - Soror Alicia Lacy Castillediscussed embracing your elegance with lessons of etiquettein various settings and circumstances 03/06 “Giving Back” - Chapter members held a Can GoodsDrive at UHD and Soror Clara Cooper presented insight onour fight against global poverty 03/07 “Self Defense” – Chapter members and UHD studentsbroke a sweat while learning high impact moves in akickboxing session  03/08 “Without a Trace” – Soror Sahira Abdool discussedthe terrors of the Human trafficking process and system tostudents at UHD and a special guest discussed the service ofRESCUE

    

COMMUNITY SHARING

03/14 “Back to the Bible” St. John Church Downtown andBread of Life – chapter members and students from UHDattended worship service and participated with othervolunteers to serve the homeless at Bread of Life

. OG’s Anniversary Celebration

June 24, 2012- Doors open @ 12:30 pm Tickets and Raffle Tickets ON SALE

Please contact Soror Pam Lazard at 832-443-3805