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Dovely Magazine's Spring 2011 Issue
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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
2 dovely | spring 2011
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.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
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
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
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
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!
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.”
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
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 “
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
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
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.