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Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

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Page 1: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue
Page 2: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

what’s inside >> spring 2011 2 Letter from the editor5 Reader mailbag

6 Finer Womanhood RevealedOne of Zeta’s local leaders talks about what Zeta’s unique principle means to hear.

8 Power MovesWe take a look at sorors who are making big moves on the job and in the community.

10 Beauty TipsSoror Patricia Ambrose answers readers’ beauty questions

12 Women in Business

Dr. Thompson reveals ten tips for success for women in business for themselves.

14 Zeta’s Brand

16 Portraits of Finer WomanhoodSix tried and true Zetas talkabout Finerwomanhood

spring 2011| dovely 3

from the editor

W hen I think of Finer Womanhood, many images come to mind, elegance and class being among

the top two. I think of all of the Sorors I have met throughout the years who exemplify just that – women who serve as tangible examples of what it means to be a lady. This organization is filled with a plethora of these women from coast to coast – from the Southern Region, Cassandra Black. Great Lakes Region – Sorors Ira Ebbs, Norma Dartis, Tamara Manning and Soror Jylla Tearte to the Atlantic Region – Soror Janet Bivins. These Sorors have helped me understand the true meaning of Finer Womanhood. The concept that you can be yourself, embrace your individuality and still represent yourself appropriately. In addition, embrace the concept that you are willing to take correction from your sisters when you fall short. I foresee a renaissance in Zeta, in which we all rededicate ourselves to what the Founders envisioned as opposed to following our own interpretation of correct or what we were taught that was correct. We have powerful forces in Zeta bubbling near the sur-face, waiting to get out and help us accomplish every-thing we deserve, as a trailblazing, distinguished and above all FINER organization. With that said, I hope that you enjoy this issue of Dovely and continue to give us feedback – let me know what you think at [email protected].

Stay dovely,

AmberAMBER PRATCHEREditor in Chief

Talk to us!

We welcome comments from our readers! Email your letters with your full name,

chapter, city, state and phone number to

[email protected].

2 dovely | spring 2011

Page 3: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

As I sit here freezing in my English classroom in South

Korea, the articles in Dovely magazine have warmed

me up. Between the informative articles and the great

pictures from the past, I’m anxious for the next posting

of the ‘zine. Keep up the good work, ladies!

Sisterly,

Soror Karlene Blackburn

Sorors, Dovely is absolutely tremendous. TREMENDOUS.

I’m at a loss for words at how overwhelmed with glad-

ness I feel at seeing this magazine come to fruition that

celebrates what we all already knew — that Zetas are

women of service and talent. I am more than humbled

to be featured in the inaugural issue of this history mak-

ing publication [Sorors on the Move, Winter 2011].

Soror Monica Britton

Kappa Epsilon Zeta Chapter

Congratulations on your inaugural issue of Dovely

magazine. I enjoyed it and am looking forward

to more issues.

Kent L. Poindexter

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,

Iota Nu Sigma Chapter,

Editor of The Sentinel

d | reader mailbag

One word: Awesome. Thank you, sorors, and I abso-

lutely LOVED the piece on my Grand :-) [“A

Candid Conversation with 20th International Grand

Basileus Jylla Moore Tearte,” Winter 2011].

Mia Jay

Detroit, MI

This is a great publication!

As a graduate Zeta (Fall

‘09), the updates keep me

informed and assist me in

knowing more about my

sorority.

JuTun Andrews-King

Unbelievable! What a wonderful publication!

Definitely gives sorors something to finally CHEER

about! Keep up the fantastic work!

Dr. Yovanda Horton

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter

I almost need Dovely to be done weekly. I am look-

ing for this mag to be 100 pages because I don’t

want to stop reading.

Joczie Smith

spring 2011| dovely 5

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Amber Pratcher

SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR

Denise Marie Snow

WEB MANAGER

Tonicia Kelly

CONTENT AND DESIGN EDITOR

Stephanie L. Arnold

Dovely Magazine is

submitted quarterly -

winter, spring, summer

and fall.

Next Submission

Deadline: Summer

June 1

dovelymagazine

www.dovelymag.com

RealZetas Website

www.realzetas.com

Follow RealZetas on

Twitter

Twitter.com/realzetas

Like us on Facebook at

REALZETAS.COM

Dovely Magazine is devoted to highlighting the accomplishments and activities of

members of RealZetas.com and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Dovely is a publication of

RealZetas.com and is not affiliated with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

The views expressed in Dovely are those of individual contributors and do not neces-

sarily represent the opinions of Dovely or its staff. All persons interested in submit-

ting materials for publication in Dovely acknowledge the editor’s right to accept,

deny or edit materials for clarity, accuracy and length. Photographs submitted are

preferred to be of high resolution (300 dpi or higher).

Please include captions with all photographs. By submitting photos, you affirm that

the photos are your property or you have a right to use them, and you grant Dovely

the right to use photos as we see fit. Please submit your materials to the editor by the

deadline indicated. Materials submitted after deadlines will be considered for the

following issue.

4 dovely | spring 2011

A RealZetas.com publication

Page 4: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

d | dovely feature

there is to be! It means that when compared to

other woman, Zeta is supreme. She stands out.

She is the first choice. She is the epitome. She is

the jewel amongst all others.

Sorors, our quality, skill and appearance should

be exemplary in all circumstances and places.

There is no excuse and we should accept noth-

ing less. Again, a process in which we all should

be actively pursuing daily.

The importance of Finer Womanhood is para-

mount in the very distinguished existence of

our sisterhood. Sorors, it sets us apart and what

will sustain us. Sorors have long debated Zeta’s

brand and our standard, but my belief is that

we already have and have had one since 1920.

Finer Womanhood is not a trendy saying picked

up along the way.

It is our standard. It is our brand and once we

buy into it, it is unsurpassed by any organiza-

tion. d

Soror Tamara Manning-

Gordon, J.D. , is the

second-term president of

Nu Theta Zeta chapter in

Warrensville, Ohio. Visit

the chapter’s website at

finertzzeta.org.

spring 2011| dovely 7

d | dovely feature

While the founding principle Finer Womanhood has no formal definition, it has always been

the standard state of being for women in our sisterhood. Go on the journey with one of our local lead-

ers and consider her thoughts.

Finer Womanhood Revealed: OneleaderoffersinsightonZeta’suniqueprinciple

Who are we when nobody is

around? How do we stand out

among a room full of women?

What perception can be made from a touch of

our presence and a hint of our personality?

Finer Womanhood is more than a founding

principle of our Sisterhood. It is a process.

Since our inception, Finer

Womanhood was and is

the very trait that separates

Zeta Phi Beta

Sorority, Inc. from other

sororities. While many

Sorors ponder the thought

of a concrete definition, I

take great honor in explain-

ing what it means to me.

Finer Womanhood is how the public views

us, and more importantly, how we view our-

selves. It is a direct reflection on our outer

shell coupled with our inner core; both perti-

nent to the totality of the Finer Woman.

A Finer Woman is comfortable with who she

is, all while “climbing towards the perfection”

of who she will become.

A Finer Woman is commit-

ted to her maker, her family,

herself and her Sorority.

Finer, by definition is:

- Of superior quality, skill, or

appearance

- Characterized by refine-

ment or elegance.

The aforementioned is calling Sorors to not

only be the best she can be, but to be the best

“Finer Womahood is not a trendy saying picked up

along the way. It is our standard.

6 dovely | spring 2011

Page 5: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

d | dovely feature

Soror Linda Isabel was recognized for her commitment to service with the presentation of the in-

augural Pacesetter’s Award at the 76th Southeastern Regional Conference in Atlanta. Additionally, she

received the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award presented by The President’s

Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award celebrates the valuable contributions

volunteers make in our communities; Soror Isabel is certainly a role model for all. For her

service she received an official President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized

certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from the President Barack Obama. Her

service is the epitome of a Finer Woman of Zeta. Congratulations, Soror Isabel!

Soror Maretta Johnson, an inventor, patented the Total Travel

Bag – the first diaper bag with a built-in bottle warmer and car adapter -- and it is

now available at national and online retailers Buy Buy Baby, BedBathandBeyond.com,

Right Start.com and her website totaltravelbag.com

Soror Patrice Joseph published her first book titled “Straight Talk About Class-

room Teaching.” Encouraged by a professor, she used one of her papers from a doctoral class

as the foundation for an instructional book for teachers. Her book is now available at Borders.

com and Amazon.com.

Soror Tecia McKay was honored by The Gainesville Hall County Black History Society, Inc

on February 26, 2011 and featured in the society’s historical video for her leadership and accom-

plishments in education.

spring 2011| dovely 9

Page 6: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

Ever wonder the best way to apply eye shadow or about a less noticeable way to cover acne. If the questions Soror Pa-tricia Ambroise received are any indica-

tion, you are not alone. Stand by as Soror Am-broise offers great tips for the aforementioned.

Q: How should I properly apply my eye shadow?

A: Apply a light eye shadow over your entire eye

lid from lash line to eyebrow bone, but not be

yond.

Define the crease of your eyelid using amedium

or dar shadeThe deeper the shade, the more dra

matic look.

To open up your eyes so that they appear livelier,

place a dot of a light shade inthe inner corner of

each eye.

d | dovely beauty

3

1

2

10 dovely | spring 2011

“Choose the shade of your concealer carefully. Whentesting out shades, pick one that matches your skin tone or one

shade lighter. “ - Soror Patricia Ambrose

Soror Patricia Ambroise has mastered the art of true beauty make-up. Patricia is a

certified MAC Pro and Temptu Pro makeup artist. She holds membership with Face

Atelier, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and Le Cosmetique.

Visit her website at www.gypsyartistrymakeup.com

[email protected].

d | dovely beauty

spring 2011| dovely 11

Tip: When choosing an eye shadow shade, keep in mind that a pastel shade will look softer while a darker shade will appear more dramatic when applied.

Q: What are the best ways that I can con-ceal the acne on my face?

A: Concealer is denser than foundation, allowing fuller

coverage of trouble spots and hyper pigmentation (red

areas). It can be used over foundation or on its own, and has

greater staying power. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Page 7: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

The number of women-owned busi-nesses has grown significantly over the last five years in America. Women busi-ness owners are leading the nation in

job growth. According to The Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute, by 2018, women en-trepreneurs will be responsible for creating more than half of the jobs created within the U.S as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With these statistics in mind, below are ten tips for women of color who own businesses to maintain a healthy organization.

Tip #1: Stress management is vital to a healthy business. Workout consistently, take supplements and use meditation techniques to maintain bal-anced mind, body and spirit.

Your physical and mental state directly affects how you run your business.

Tip #2: Perform a financial check-up of your as-sets and liabilities. Review your balance sheet.

Tip #3: Every business must evaluate their mar-keting strategy in order to be competitive in to-days workplace. Develop a new marketing plan that allows you to re-brand yourself.

Stress Management

Perform a financial check-up of your assets & liabilities

Monitor your cashflow

d |dovelyfinancesBy Soror Syleecia Thompson, DBA

12 dovely | spring 2011

Tip #4: Monitor your cash-flow daily. Pos-itive cash flows represent a healthy busi-ness.

Tip #5: Participate in strategic planning. Strategic planning should be done at least twice per year.

Tip #6: Take time monthly to review the organization and structure of your com-pany.

Tip: #7: Back up your business records.

Tip: #8: Create a positive environment.

Tip #9: Be informed and educate yourself on the business that you work within. Stay up to date on current and future regula-tions and legislation that may affect your business. Watch industry trends.

Tip #10: Take a vacation!

d |dovelyfinances

Dr. Syleecia Thompson is a Professor, Author, Consultant and Entertainment Manager

and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is available for consulting and speak-

ing engagements throughout the USA.

spring 2011| dovely 13

Dr. Thompson: “Be informed and educate yourself on the business that you work within. Stay up to date on current and future regulations and legislation that may affect your business. Watch industry trends.”

Page 8: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

Zeta’s brand is both experiential

and tangible, and because of these

complexities, we must consistently

remain cognizant of Zeta’s principles

of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood

and, particularly the unique principle of Finer Woman-

hood, in our effort to create and maintain the kind of

image we want.

When individuals think about a brand, they most

often conjure images of symbolic construct. Zeta’s

shield, the white rose, the hand sign and Z-HOPE,

would all be considered symbolic instruments to

convey Zeta’s brand most often referred to as brand

images.

The brand experience, however is perhaps the most

important branding principle for Zeta and organiza-

tions like ours, but it is a great deal more complicated

and difficult to master.

In a 2009 article The Brand Experience: What Is It? How

Is It Measured? Does It Affect Loyalty? the authors

suggests that “the brand experience is conceptualized

as sensations, feelings, cognitions, and behavioral

responses evoked by brand-related stimuli.” Who we

are as members, how we behave, and the personal

experiences we create when interacting with some-

one (whether we’re conducting Zeta business or not)

all shape Zeta’s brand.

Your personal brand = Zeta’s brand

Unlike Coca-Cola or Nike, Zeta is not in the business of

selling a tangible product. Our business is selling our-

selves - using our ideas and our ideals as the vehicles

to promote our own service agenda in how we want

to serve and what we believe to be important.

Our consumers are the corporate sponsors and events

patrons that donate to our organization’s charities or

The Zeta Brand: Identity Experience Relationships

d | dovely feature

14 dovely | spring 2011

d | dovely feature

support local functions, not because of our tangible

symbols, but because of who we are and how we make

them feel. They trust us with their resources because of

what we say, what we believe, our leadership, and the

kind of image we project.

That’s why it is critical that every individual member’s

personal brand and integrity fall in line with the Zeta’s

guiding principles, said Debra Dixon, President & CEO

of New York-based Light of Gold PR, Marketing and

Consulting firm.

“All of us have a personal brand whether we have a

business or not. Your personal brand is simply, ‘What

kind of image do you present to the world?,” Dixon said.

“Women who use vulgar language, dress in a certain

way, or engage in activities that are directly against

what Zeta is trying to project simply shouldn’t be part

of Zeta’s community if you are trying to create a cer-

tain image,” said Dixon. As a brand, it’s imperative to

put that protocol out there up front. It’s hardcore, but

people are always looking at your brand.”

With the proliferation of the Internet, Dixon said these

same principles should be applied in Zeta’s online

environment. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other

online social media can be a benefit to promoting the

sorority’s goals, but can also hinder Zeta’s advance-

ment when a vulgar public profile is associated with

the brand.

Dixon said that many people, particularly African

Americans, are losing out on opportunities because of

the way they present themselves in the online environ-

ment. “There are some things that you post or tweet

about that live on in infinity, she said. “In some cases all

anyone has to do is Google your name. You’d be sur-

prised what could surface.” d

Soror Stephanie L. Arnold runs the North Atlanta site of AOL’s newest online

venture Patch.com. She is a 14-year financial and active member of Zeta Phi

Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Immediate Past President of Zeta’s Philadel-

phia Graduate Chapter, Beta Delta Zeta. She was Zeta’s National Director of

Public Relations from 2000-2002 under Dr. Barbara West Carpenter.

spring 2011| dovely 15

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d | dovely feature

Portraits of Finer Womanhood:Living Legacies

From the National First Vice President to local leaders,

the women in the following pages are the epiome of

faithful service to the sisterhood. With more than 20,

30, 40 and even 50 years of service under their respective

belts, they share anectdotes on what Finer Womanhood really

means! By Soror Denise Marie Snow

Soror Mary B. WrightNational First Vice President

Year and Initiating Chapter: Fall 1969,

Psi Beta, Grambling State University

Current Chapter: Lambda Zeta Chapter

(Houston, TX) where PIGB Lullelia Walker

Harrison was a member

Positions Held: National First Anti Basileus,

Louisiana State Director; National Director of

Protocol; Southern Regional Director; Chairman of

Regional Directors; Chairman of Personnel; re-

searched and coordinated “Torchbearers of a Lega-

cy” with Past Grand Basileus Lullelia W. Harrison for

four years.

The concept of Finer Womanhood has to come

from within. “You can’t buy it, sell it, or market

it. And it is a gift from God,” says Soror Mary Wright,

Zeta’s National First Vice President. She believes

that being raised by service-minded parents and

being involved in the church gave her the founda-

16 dovely | spring 2011

d | dovely feature

tion she needed to become a finer woman. Soror

Wright says, “When I first joined, Finer Womanhood

was something that began before Zeta. It was a

continuation of my upbringing. If you have to de-

fine what Finer Womanhood is, you’ve missed it all,”

she said. There are non-negotiable qualities that

Zeta women should possess like kindness, trust-

worthiness, a peaceful disposition, and a positive

attitude. Soror Wright adds, “All members should

showcase these characteristics and these traits

should always shine through. If you are faking it,

people will know. You have to be genuine.”

Having approved more than 3,500 candidates for

membership, Soror Wright knows what a finer

woman should be like. “Finer Womanhood is in

your appearance and it’s in your attitude. It’s in

everything you do,” says Soror Wright. “Once you be-

come a member, you become a walking billboard for Zeta

and everything you exemplify must be in line with Finer

Womanhood. You are no longer Mary, you become Mary

the Zeta.” Society has had a tremendous influence on how

individuals present themselves publicly. But Soror Wright

believes that, “if we are true to ourselves we won’t give

in to the stereotypes about who we are. We have to be

strong enough not to fall into those traps.” To build on the

legacy of Finer Womanhood, Soror Wright says, “We must

continue to do what is right for Zeta. We must provide

examples that would make others want to follow our lead.

We have to be the light - the shining light for everyone to

see.”

A good Zeta is also mindful of the rich heritage of the

sorority. Soror Wright elaborates, “If you don’t know Zeta,

you will be lost. We have to continuously pass down our

history. Every chapter could have a ‘Zeta moment’ at their

chapter meeting where a piece of history is discussed for

a few minutes.”

Every year dur-

ing Founders’

Day and Finer

Womanhood

Month, Zetas

reaffirm their

commitment to

the ideals of the

sorority. Soror

Wright offers a

poignant con-

clusion about

that special time

between sorors. “The oath does not make you a Zeta.

It makes you a member. How we LIVE the oath is what

makes you a Zeta.”

spring 2011| dovely 17

d | dovely feature

“The concept of

Finer Womanhood

has to come from

within. You can’t

buy it, sell it, or

market it. It is a gift

from God “

Page 10: Dovely Magazine - Spring 2011 Issue

dovely spotlight

dFiner Womanhood: A Living Legacy

Dr. Nadine Kohn

Chapter and year of initiation: Charter member of Mu Gamma,

Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida, May 1967

Current chapter: Beta Alpha Zeta, Jacksonville, Florida

Zeta resume: Appointed to serve as the National Zeta Male Network Coordi-

nator during PIGB Moore’s Administration; Immediate Past Basileus of Beta Alpha Zeta chapter;

Served as First and Second Vice President of BAZ; Basileus of Mu Gamma

Finer Womanhood should always conjure up a picture of what a real woman is and what a real

lady looks like. In reflecting on her days as a neophyte, Dr. Kohn says “Zeta was the first and

only sorority on campus at the time. We made sure that what we did displayed confidence and

competence. We wanted to show how viable Zeta was in the community.”

These portrayals of finer womanhood should never change and Dr. Kohn encourages older so-

rors to teach younger sorors about the Proverbs 31 woman. “If you are a Zeta,” Dr. Kohn says, “you

should read Proverbs 31 and subscribe to it. We should all aspire to be like that Proverbs 31 wom-

an.”

To preserve the legacy of Finer Womanhood, Dr. Kohn suggests that we remain vigilant about ex-

plaining the expectations of a Zeta lady. She understands that Facebook and other social network-

ing sites have made it easier to post provocative images and updates. But Dr. Kohn is serious about

how Zeta women should carry themselves in public. She says, “We won’t be afraid to talk to you.

The way you act, the way you behave will not bring reproach to our chapter or Zeta Phi Beta.”

18 dovely | spring 2011

dovely spotlight

dFiner Womanhood: A Living Legacy

Soror Brenda Reed

Chapter/Year of Initiation: Epsilon Alpha Chapter,

Tennessee State University, October 1959

Current chapter: Basileus of Sigma Alpha Zeta Chapter,

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Zeta resume: National Phylacter; Wisconsin/Minnesota State Director;

Great Lakes Region Representative to the National Nominating Committee; Zeta Legacy Chairman

When you come from a strong lineage of Zetas that include your mother, aunt, three sisters,

one niece, and a cousin – there is no question that you understand the importance of finer

womanhood. Soror Reed says “The finer womanhood principle was not something I had to think

about doing –it was part of my upbringing. Being, becoming and carrying myself as a “finer woman”

was part of my daily ritual like brushing my teeth or combing my hair - I just knew this was who I

was; and, what was expected of me.”

Soror Reed has 51 years of uninterrupted service to Zeta and was honored at Boule´ 2010 as part of

the inaugural class of Zeta Doves (implemented by Grand Basileus Underwood). She believes that

finer womanhood is not something you can emulate if you don’t know anything about it. Soror

Reed says “if you’ve been raised as a “Finer Woman”, you won’t stray far from it.” This principle fol-

lows the old biblical adage in raising a child in the way that they should go.

Soror Reed believes that the future of the “finer woman” will rest on our ability to showcase our inner

and outer finer womanhood qualities. “As sorors grow in Zeta wisdom, our founding tenet of Finer

Womanhood will become a major facet in that growth. We must practice walking, talking, dressing

and carrying ourselves as Finer Women at all times.”

spring 2011| dovely 19

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dovely spotlight

dFiner Womanhood: A Living Legacy

Soror Barbara Cousar

Initiating Year and Chapter: Fall 1981, Mu Kappa chapter,

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Current chapter: Rho Chi Zeta chapter, Chester, PA

Zeta resume: Served on the National Elections committee; Executive Assistant to Past Regional Di-

rector (Soror Barbara A. Henderson); Pennsylvania State Tamias Grammateus, Tamias, and Marshal;

Chapter Basileus; First Anti-Basileus; Third Anti-Basileus, Grammateus; Tamias; and Epistoleus

Finer Womanhood sets Zeta apart from all other sororities. The principle is very unique and

requires that members uphold a higher standard of conduct as they represent the sorority.

Soror Barbara Cousar says, “As a neo, I understood that I had a different standard in which to gov-

ern myself to as I carried out my membership on campus. I ensured that I carried myself like a finer

woman of Zeta because outsiders would monitor my actions closely and would judge me based

upon being in a sorority.”

Soror Cousar believes that Finer Womanhood is not something that can be turned on and or off,

nor does it mean that a finer woman is perfect, prideful or boastful. Being a finer woman means

being an imperfect vessel living to be all that God has ordained us to become.

In order for Zeta to preserve its rich legacy it is imperative that we know and understand our histo-

ry. Soror Cousar suggests that we review our organs where our history was told and captured and

where we can read from the pages why Finer Womanhood was conceived, what it actually is, and

how it should be carried out. “I also feel that sorors can build on the legacy of Finer Womanhood

by realizing that a Proverbs 31 woman is the blue print for Finer Womanhood. This is the scripture

that our Founders chose for the sorority.”

20 dovely | spring 2011

dovely spotlight

dFiner Womanhood: A Living Legacy

Soror Pricilla Johnson

Year and chapter of initiation: Spring 1966, Chi chapter,

Cheyney University

Current chapter: Espilon Omega Zeta chapter, Chester County, PA,

serves as 3rd Anti Basileus

Zeta resume: Associate Regional Director (before State Directors were in existence),

Pennsylvania State Director; Basileus; and a host of other positions

Soror Priscilla Johnson is a Zeta treasure who has met every Founder and almost every Internation-

al Grand Basileus. She was pledged by “Grand Jan” (Triumphant Soror Janice G. Kissner, 17th Inter-

national Grand Basileus) on the campus of Cheyney University and knew Arizona Cleaver Stemons

intimately. Her Zeta upbringing was deeply rooted in sisterhood and finer womanhood. Members

built lasting relationships and the reputation of Zeta was that scholarship was first priority.

As a member of Chi Chapter, Soror Johnson remembers, “Sorors spoke appropriately and act-

ed like ladies. Members wore gloves and hats and business attire was the standard.” Soror

Johnson attended her first Boule at the age of 12 and she says the picture of those Zeta members

never left her mind. “Those women were no slouches. They walked tall and dressed beautifully.

They were real ladies that women could truly look up to.”

To build on the legacy of Finer Womanhood Soror Johnson believes that we should remember the

work of our Founders and each International Grand Basileus. “We should be the type of person

who encourages others through our principles. Give someone a person to look up to. Ask your-

self, ‘What can I do to make someone else better?’”

spring 2011| dovely 21

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dovely spotlight

d

22 dovely | spring 2011

Finer Womanhood: A Living Legacy

Soror Lynette R. F. smith

Year and Chapter of Initiation: April 15, 1967, Alpha chapter,

Howard University

Current chapter: Beta Zeta Chapter, Washington, DC

Zeta resume: (National) Served as the 75th Anniversary Celebration Marshal, Eastern Regional

Undergraduate Program Coordinator; Life Members Coordinator; Phylacter; State Director of Wash-

ington, DC; and every position in Beta Zeta except Tamias

Having been initiated on the campus where Zeta was conceived, Soror Lynette R.F. Smith

recognizes the exceptional importance of our founding tenets. She recalls “Finer Woman-

hood, as a neophyte, encompassed the “whole” soror. We exemplified scholarship, good organi-

zational skills, lady-like behavior, the importance of connecting with one’s God, and social aware-

ness.” Soror Smith is an advocate of getting back to the basics of what has driven our organization

toward such longevity. She says, “While I realize that times have changed, some things are basic

and should remain as we move into a greater understanding of Zeta. “We came to sorority meeting

dressed appropriately. We did not wear jeans or come looking as if we had just run a marathon.”

She also thinks that technology (such as texting) has made it challenging for sorors to communi-

cate properly. Soror Smith adds, “We were always cognizant of our language and grammar skills.

We made sure that reports were well written or if the reports were given orally that we used

proper English.”

Moving forward, it is critical that members understand the past and how closely it links to the

future of the sorority. “Sorors need to know their Zeta history, learn parliamentary procedure and

their rights as a Soror. Above all know who you are and whose you are in your faith.