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MINERVA NEWSLETTER-MARCH 2015 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 6

Greetings Sorors,

Happy Sisterhood Month!! Let us spend the month of March focused on activities that support our national theme of "Loving Sisters on Purpose". Let us continue to allow concern and genuine love for each other to reverberate within us.

Sorors, in spite of inclement weather in February, Memphis Alumnae did not shrink from the commitment to community service. The Oratorical committee under the leadership of Suyna Payne held their annual clinic and competition on February 21st and 22nd even though schools had been closed for several days due to snow. The competition showcased 22 of the most well prepared 5th grade orators ever presented. Next

we clicked on The 25th of 25, the link to our national president, Dr. Paulette Walker’s monthly communication, and we found a surprise. Dr. Walker had announced that MAC had won the National

Reclamation Challenge with 70 reclaimed sorors!!! The Collage of Black Spirits program honoring Soror Katori Hall, award winning playwright and journalist, was held February 26 at the Hattiloo Theater. Kudos to the Arts & Letters Committee under the leadership team of Sorors Carolyn Bishop, Nona Allen and Jackie Miller, for an inspiring program and for selecting such a deserving awardee.

announced that MAC had won the National Reclamation Challenge with 70 reclaimed sorors!!! The Collage of Black Spirits program honoring Soror Katori Hall, award winning playwright and journalist, was held February 26 at the Hattiloo Theater. Kudos to the Arts & Letters Committee under the leadership of Carolyn Bishop for an inspiring program and for selecting such a deserving awardee.

Additionally, we experienced a 102nd Founders Day Observance that was simply outstanding. Our re-dedication under the leadership of Mildred Mitchell exuded a special excellence. The speaker, our own Southern Regional Chaplain, Reverend Jane Pitts-Murdock renewed and lifted us. We honored 12 sorors that have been in Delta for 50 years and 16 sorors were awarded their 25 year recognitions. Soror Mary Dorth Smith was presented as Delta of the Year, a well deserved honor. During our luncheon program we honored Soror Odessa Tate for remaining active in Delta for over 70 years!! Kudos to the entire Founders Day Committee under the leadership of Alleshia White for a job very, very well done! The month of February and the day ended with a trip to Washington, DC to participate in Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, February 28th – March 3rd; this is a conference that every Delta should experience. February was a magnificent month for MAC.

March has brought us more challenging weather, but we have shown that we will not be deterred from the business of Delta. Please plan to support these activities: Day Party to support scholarships on the 14th, Delta Days at the state capital on Tuesday the 17th, the Physical & Metal Health Committee’s Annual Best of Me Day on the 21st, The NAACP Freedom Fund on the 24th, on the 28th both EMBODI and Pearls, Pumps & Denim (for sorors, friends, and the men in our lives) and rounding out the month, we will have the Jewel Court Scholarship Finale at the Memphis Hilton on the 29th. Social action is who we are, so let us be mindful to hold voter registration at our churches on a Sunday during this month. Also, remember to give an hour or so to assist with voter registration at a high school through March 20th.

In closing, may we always strive to live our theme: "Loving Sisters on Purpose". May we demonstrate who we are as true Deltas, real sisters.

Continued blessings,

Yolaundia Yolaundia C. Cofield President

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18th Annual Oratorical Contest

Memphis Alumnae Delta’s Promotes Education through their 18th

Annual Oratorical Contest

Submitted by: Wanda Woodruff

The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. held its 18th annual Oratorical Contest at

Colonial Middle School on Sunday, February 22, 2015. 22 elementary students from different schools

throughout the Memphis area spoke on the topic: "The City of Memphis has been diagnosed with a plague of

violence. What is your prescription? Many of the students offered fresh ideas that to help solve the problems

of violence in our city. Among the solutions that the students proposed were more parental involvement,

more after-school activities, students taking pride in themselves, and using education as a weapon against

poverty.

The orators gave their best efforts before a crowd of attentive families and friends. The Deltas on hand

included the President of Memphis Alumnae, Yolaundia Cofield. The master of ceremony was 2nd

Vice

President Maya Lee who did a wonderful job of managing the program from beginning to end.

An even harder job than performing in the contest was judging to determine the winner. In the end, the

judges –Mrs. Sara Lewis, former school board member; Trevor Thompson, SCS Parent Analyst ; Siobhan

Riley, WREG 3 News anchor and State Rep. Raumesh Akbari– reached a difficult consensus.

The first winner was Zaria Skinner from Hickory Ridge Middle School, second place winner was Donovan

Martin, from Caldwell Guthrie and third place winner was Paris McElwee from Balmoral Ridgeway. Delta

Sunya Payne, principal of Alcy Elementary School, oratorical committee chair expressed her appreciation to

all the attendees, including several principals and teachers of competing students and the Sorors who helped

make the event a success. Prizes awarded were 1st place-$150.00, 2

nd place-$100.00 and 3

rd place-$50.00.

There were so many outstanding speeches that it was hard to judge for anyone. So it seems that not only do

these students have solutions for the violence in our city, and they have fresh ideas that will help solve the

problems of violence in our city. They are all the hope for our future.

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Submitted by: Elizabeth Jackson

The 2015 Tennessee State Cluster was held at the Hilton Memphis on February 20-22, 2015. The cluster began

with an entertaining reception to welcome all attendees. Memphis Alumnae contributed to the cluster as shadows,

hostesses, decorations leads, sergeant-at-arms and workshop presenters. Friday evening was filled with

workshops focused on leadership, rituals and ceremonies, social action, protocol and traditions. Several Memphis

Alumnae Chapter members presented information during the cluster. Memphis Alumnae 2nd

Vice President Maya

Lee assisted with a workshop about activities for inactive and newly reclaimed Deltas. Alleshia White, Chair of

the Regional Nominating Committee, helped to lead a workshop on running for office in Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc. L. Angela Currin, State Conflict Resolution Coordinator, provided a workshop about resolving

conflict within the sorority. Dr. Charlottee Freeman, National Leadership Academy member, trained collegiates

on leadership and explained chapter management for all attendees. The opening Plenary on Saturday morning

energized and set the stage for the eventful cluster to come. During the Sisterhood Luncheon, our MAC President

brought warm greetings to the assembly and welcomed sorors to Memphis. Conference participants were

entertained with a musical selection from Memphis Alumnae member, Erica Simmons, who performed “Soon A-

Will Be Done”. Next came dazzling fashions from the Wilburn Sisters followed by local sorors modeling what

not to wear to various sorority events. The speaker, Southern Regional Director Cheryl W. Turner, reflected on

the state of our sisterhood. She left us with this question, “Are You Mad Yet?” Later that night sorors attended

Decades with the Deltas for an evening of strolling, dancing and entertainment. The Ecumenical Service on

Sunday morning was spiritually uplifting. The cluster ensemble brought praise and worship while the Deltas

from St. Andrew A.M.E. Church delivered a moving liturgical dance. Memphis Alumnae member, Reverend

LaTondra Lewis, gave the invocation. The guest soloist, Michelle Prather, took the spirit to another level with her

anointed voice. Tennessee State Chaplain and Southern Regional Chaplains Council member, Reverend Olivia

M. Cloud, brought the word from I Samuel 1:9-18. Her sermon entitled “The Audacity to Hope” inspired us to

“Go Vertical” in our life as we face our many trials and tribulations. The Tennessee State Cluster weekend

energized attendees to carry on the vision and mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tennessee State Cluster

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Founders Day Observance

Lifetime Commitment

Founders Day

Submitted by:

Alleshia White, Joan Harvey and Candace Tate

On Saturday February 28th, 2015 the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted the 102nd

Founders Day Observance at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church.

There were 3 components of the festivities; The Rededication Ceremony, the Program, and the Luncheon. During the

program Sorors were enlightened by the words of Southern Regional Chaplin Rev. Janae Pitts-Murdock who spoke to us

through the text of Nehemiah 9 and encouraged us to “Get off our hands to be about the work of Delta”. We were also

moved by the sweet sounds of the Delta Voices singing Even me and Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez).

There were several Sorors that were honored on Saturday, those that were celebrating 25 and 50 years in Delta. Soror Mary

Dortch Smith was named Delta of the Year, and Soror Odessa Tate was showered with 72 handmade cards and notes of

love for her 72 years as an active member of Delta Sigma Theta. The winners of the Scrapbook Competition were also

announced 1st Place: 188 Pearls of Perseverance, 2nd Place: 135 Jewels of DSTinction and 3rd Place: 89 Shades of

Ebony. The scrapbook contest was a reflection of the MAC lines and chapters that make up the Sorors who represent

MAC. The winner will have a donation made in their name to the MAC scholarship fund.

As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Memphis Alumnae, The hostesses dawned attire that represented the

amazing 80 years of MAC .There were afro wigs, 50's style hoop skirts flappers and more! They were truly a sight to see

and their assistance was greatly appreciated.

During the 102nd

Founders Day program, twenty-eight sorors were awarded their twenty-five or fifty year

membership placques. They exemply dedication as true Deltas should. Also, during the Founders Day

luncheon, we celebrated an outstanding soror, Odessa Tate. Soror Tate is not only the oldest Delta in Memphis

Alumnae, but she has been active for more than 70 years. She is living proof that Delta is a lifetime

commitment. During the luncheon, Soror Tate stated “We must take our oath seriously”.

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Collage of Black Spirit

Collage of Black Spirits Awards the Florence McCleave Award to Katori Hall

Submitted by: Carolyn Bishop

The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., saluted Katori Hall at the Collage of Black Spirits 2015.

Ms. Hall, a native Memphian, and an accomplished American playwright, journalist, and actress received the Florence

McCleave Award during the event held on February 27th at Hattiloo Theatre.

The event venue aligned perfectly with the accomplishments of this year’s honoree. The exciting evening began with a

dynamic and inspiring opening by Dr. Colette Garett who creatively explored the significance of the arts in the world

community. This was followed by a unique, interactive skit, created by Flo Roach, dramatizing the different mediums of the

arts. Tributes were then made to Katori by the Hattiloo Theatre cast of “Hoodoo Love,” a production that recently closed at

Hattiloo after posting sold out performances. Katori was also serenaded by a trio from Central High School, performing the

original song “I Dream,” which was written by Flo Roach.

Ms. Hall seemed genuinely honored to receive the award as she shared personal stories about her professional journey from a

local school girl to an international playwright with productions featured in London and Moscow. Her plays have been

produced in Memphis, TN, New York City, the United Kingdom and Russia. In her acceptance remarks, she discussed the

importance of following your passion, aligning your vision with action and staying focused on things that are most important.

She was joined by her mother, father and brother, who she thanked for their contributions to her success. The grateful audience

of 157 people applauded her accomplishments; then they enjoyed a beautifully prepared repast that culminated the evening.

The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc,. has sponsored the Florence McCleave Award since 1973.

The ultimate goal of the program is to boldly advance the contributions made by African American through Arts and Letters to

publicly spotlight great artists and to expose others to their work.

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Happy March Birthdays!!

March 1 March 17

Jessie Randle Wonda Miller

March 3 Regina Morton

Monisha Breathett March 24

March 4 Donna Reed

Cassandra Beattie Lois Streeter

LeCharle Harris March 27

March 5 Felecia Robinson

Sherrie Cooke Charlene Turner

Denise Duncan Demetria Monix-Goode

March 6 March 29

Kara Crossley Deborah Henderson

Marquettee Beechem Beverly Wolfe-Davis

March 9 March 30

Ashley Grandberry Joan Harvey

March 11 Regina Taylor

Janice Pilot March 31

March 12 Shenae Bachelor

Jennifer Geter

March 16

Ernestine Kuykendall

Georgia Parks

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February Virtous Violet Awards

Ernestine Kuykendoll Minnie Cook

“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.” – Benjamin Disraeli

CONDOLENCES & PRAYER REQUESTS

ACCOLADES & CONGRATULATIONS

Soror Swanette Anderson Soror Rosalind Renee Martin

Tekeya Golden Anthony-loss of mother Deshanta Martin-loss of mother Kathryn Carter-recovering from surgery Daphne Miller-loss of aunt Angela Deanes-loss of father Donna Renfro-recovering from surgery Jannina Gaston-hospitalization and recovery Mary Helen Sinclair-surgery LeCharle Harris-loss of sister in law Lizzie Tard-illness Rekeshia Hudson-bedrest due to pregnancy Charlene Turner-loss of niece Catherine Johnson-loss of brother Barbara Wright-loss of mother Jacqueline Turner Bates—loss of mother

Memphis Alumnae Chapter National Reclamation Challenge Winner

Mary Dortch Smith Florida Collins Delta of the Year 2015

25 Year Delta Recipients: Carol L. Champion, Pamela Clary, Devita Davis-Pryor, Kynis Douglas, Denise Graham, Tara Hubbart, Delores Johnson, Pamela Lindsey, Annie Mathews, Chanda Mathews, Betty Miller, Georgie Saunders, Marjean Smith, Yolanda Smith and Madlyn Taylor

50 Year Delta Recipients: Alyce Bibbs, Delois Brack, Rosa Coleman, Virginia Gipson, Carrie Harris, Ernestine Henderson, Betty Kyles, Wanda Mott, Brenda Joyce Parham, Jeanette Reynolds, Dorothy Robinson and Nettie Tipton

Dr. Terrell Carpenter opening Carpenter Primary Healthcare PLLC

Flo Roach Founders Day speaker at Martin Alumnae and Eta Xi (UT Martin)

Flo Roach performance at UT Martin 15th

Annual Civil Rights Conference

Odessa Tate –over 70 years as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Scrapbook Winners—1st

place: 188 Pearls of Perseverance 2

nd place: 135 Jewels of DSTinction

3rd

place: 89 Shades of Ebony

“Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.” – Benjamin Disraeli

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From left to right: Gwendolyn Price (Assistant Treasurer), Wanda Woodruff (Journalist), Candace Tate (Assistant Financial Secretary), Brietta Hendricks (Chaplain), Lucy Stansbury (Parliamentarian), Maya Lee (2nd Vice President), Yolaundia Cofield (President), Beverly Robertson (1st Vice President), Shera Chaviness (Treasurer), Monique Williams (Sergeant-at-Arms), Elizabeth Jackson (Corresponding Secretary), Adrienne Dobbins (Financial Secretary) and Qadriyyah Debnam (Recording Secretary).

Access to MAC Member’s Only Portal macdsttechnology@gmail.com

Access to MAC Mail/Calling Post/Newsletter maccorrsec@gmail.com

Inform Chapter of Illnesses and Deaths macdst1935@gmail.com

Inquiries Regarding Dues/Financial Status macfinanceteam@gmail.com

Membership Services mac2ndvicepresident@gmail.com

Chapter Operations macdst1935@gmail.com

Prayer Requests macsistersinthespirit@gmail.com

CHAPTER MEETING INFORMATION

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Saturday, December 5, 2014

10:00 a.m.

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

70 North Bellevue

Memphis, Tennessee 38104

Business Attire

2014-2016

Executive Committee

HOW CAN MEMPHIS ALUMNAE HELP YOU?

**The header on the cover of the Minerva Newsletter was designed by Soror Angelique Gray for the

2011 Southern Regional Conference, hosted by the Memphis Alumnae Chapter**

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Saturday, March 14, 2015 10:00 a.m.

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH 70 North Bellevue

Memphis, Tennessee 38104

Business Attire