Winter 2013

Volume 1, Issue 2

Pennsylvania Perspective

In This Issue:

State Director’s Updates

Commonwealth

Participation in

National Initiatives

Undergraduate

Highlights

Youth Auxiliaries

PA Chapter

Accomplishments

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As we usher in a new year, let’s take a few moments to reflect

upon the many blessings that we received during 2012. Even

though 2012 had its ups and downs, Hurricane Sandy, etc., we

still have much to be grateful and thankful for because we are

still here to share and tell our stories.

Last year demonstrated the importance and relevancy of our

sisterhood in today’s society. The opportunities for service

and to assist in the advancement of the needs of those who we

serve in our respective community, has continued to present

itself throughout the year. The sorors, Amicae, and youth

auxiliaries have continuously rallied to the call of action.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania immersed itself in service

projects, leadership roles within Zeta and various organizations, and seized opportunities

to do our part in assisting with the improvement of humanity and our great sisterhood. In

addition, we have also made sure to find time to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate our

organization by focusing on the bonds that tie us to each other. I am extremely proud of

the energy and effort that the sorors have displayed as we continue to build upon the rich

leadership that provided blueprints for us to follow.

Please allow me to thank the chapters and auxiliaries that supported and implemented the

following National Initiatives:

• Text4Babies (Extended until April 30, 2013)

• Prematurity Awareness

• Anti-Hazing Town Hall Meetings

• Voter Registration and Education

• Let’s Do More – Membership Campaign (Ongoing Campaign)

Sorors, the quality, innovative, and effective work that you and your Zeta Auxiliaries

continue to do is what sets Zeta apart from other community service organizations. I know

that we all wear many hats and at times get weary, but we always demonstrate that Zeta

Zeal of “Never Tiring in Your Efforts”!

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Barbara A. Cousar

10th Pennsylvania State Director

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State Appointed Officers

Thank you to all those who answered the Zeta call and accepted a State Position. The

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could not function without your leadership for you are

truly PA’s MVPs!

Webinar

We have hosted two webinars – one for leaders (Elected & Appointed) and the other one

for the Undergraduates with National Third Anti-Basileus, Anjylla Foster and

Undergraduate Member-At-Large, Alexis Masionet. Thank you to Soror Jamina Dingle for

doing an outstanding job in organizing and arranging the webinars.

Amicae

Soror/Friend Wanda Comartie-Jones, Pennsylvania’s Amicae Coordinator, is diligently

working on plans for the Amicae Leadership Conference. Additional information is forth

coming.

Youth Auxiliaries

Soror Shawnte Olde, Pennsylvania’s Youth Director is diligently working on plans for the

Youth Leadership Conference. Additional information is forthcoming.

Membership

Sorors and Amicae, continue to increase your membership numbers through recruitment

and retention.

Girl Scouts

Let’s support our youth as they build upon their entrepreneurial skills! Please purchase

your Girl Scouts Cookies from the Soror/Friend in your area:

Philadelphia Area – Imani Sanders is a member of Junior Troop #715. Imani’s mother is

Soror/Friend Karen Wright Sanders. Please email cookie orders to Soror/Friend Wright

Sanders at kwsdes@gmail.com. Jorden Taylor is a member of Junior Troop #71840.

Jorden’s mother is Soror/Friend Katherine Taylor. Please email cookie orders to

Soror/Friend Taylor at kattaylor_2000@yahoo.com

Pittsburgh Area – Naijah Simon and N’ziyableu Boddy are members of Troop # 50597.

Naijah Simon and N’ziyableu Boddy mother is Soror/Friend Sharron Boddy. Please email

cookie orders to Soror/Friend Sharron Boddy at boddyzphib@yahoo.com.

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Registration information for the Executive Board Meeting was sent electronically to every

Basilei for distribution. The Executive Board is open to the entire sisterhood, however,

only Elected Officers, Basilei and Past State Directors have voting privileges. Due to having

the Board Meeting on a college campus, we were able to avoid absorbent registration fees.

Below is the registration breakdown:

I. Executive Board Meeting & Reception Registration Only

Friday, April 12, 2013

Executive Board Meeting (no cost)

Friday Night Reception $10.00

II. Complete Registration – Executive Board & Professional Development

Friday, April 12 & Saturday, April 13, 2013 $30.00

Saturday Breakfast

Professional Development

Dining Etiquette Luncheon

MIP Training

Basilei, Elected and Appointed Officers Professional Development

The Registration Brochure was disseminated to each Officer electronically. Registration

for the Professional Development is for Basilei, Elected and Appointed Officers only. Below

is the registration breakdown:

I. Basilei/Officers (Elected & Appointed) Professional Development Only

Saturday, April 13, 2013 $20.00

Saturday Breakfast

Professional Development

Dining Etiquette Luncheon

MIP Training (no cost)

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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania would like to pause and pay tribute to

our Beloved Founders: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Fannie Pettie Watts, Myrtle

Tyler Faithful, Pearl Anna Neal and Viola Tyler Goings. Undeniably, Zeta’s

Pearls were women who dared to be different with a zeal which birthed our

sisterhood which is second to none. They provided a solid and true

foundation which continues to be a true legacy that is standing tall 93 years

later.

Sorors, as we prepare to celebrate and observe Founders’ Day and Finer

Womanhood for 2013, let’s reflect upon the principles of Zeta, the oath and

why we became members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Let’s make our

Founders proud by always exemplifying:

Service

Scholarship

Sisterhood

Finer Womanhood

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Sorors from across the

Commonwealth of PA

attended “Zeta Day on the

Hill” in Washington, D.C. in

September 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Soror Lisa Turner

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PA Sorors Embrace the “Finer

Women Don’t Haze” Campaign and

Bring the Message to the Community

Beta Delta Zeta Chapter conducted an anti-hazing

workshop at Birney Preparatory Charter School

in Philadelphia for high school and college

students. The session included a roundtable

discussion with the PA Undergraduate

Coordinator Karima N. Rose, Basileus Shanté C.

Dash, First Anti-Basileus Dana Moore, Z-HOPE

Coordinator Tanaya Teamer, Margaret Peoples

Marsh, and Krista Cortes.

Omega Rho Chapter (Lock Haven

University) presented their “Finer Women

Don’t Haze” program on September 29,

2012. The workshop included discussion

about the importance of not hazing and how

no one should be placed in unsafe situations.

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Eta Chapter conducted their “Power of

Family” anti-hazing program in

collaboration with Phi Beta Sigma in

Philadelphia. The event was facilitated

by Soror Gabrielle Clark and Brother

Angelo Saxon (Epsilon Chapter).

Participants received information about

the dangers of hazing as well as risk

management materials.

Every year, Zeta Phi Beta honors

the 40-year partnership we’ve had

with the March of Dimes by

participating in Prematurity

Awareness Month.

In November 2012, chapters

across the Commonwealth

educated community members by

going into local churches to

advocate for healthy mothers &

healthy babies in order to reduce

the number of premature births.

Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter’s educational display table

at Ebenezer Methodist Church in Norristown, PA.

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Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter, Eta Sigma

Chapter, the Amicae of Norristown, family

and guests joined together for its

Prematurity Awareness Sunday program

at Ebenzer Methodist Church in

Norristown. Sorors disseminated

educational pamphlets before and after

the service and made a monetary donation

to the church’s annual Thanksgiving

dinner for the homeless.

Eta Sigma Chapter held their Prematurity

Awareness Week at Villanova University.

Sorors gave students free hot cocoa for

stopping by to get literature about

premature babies.

Soror Tolu Olusada, a Resident Assistant,

decorated her floor’s bulletin board with

prematurity awareness facts.

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Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter held a dual fundraiser on behalf of their

upcoming Blue Revue event and a Prematurity Awareness educational

session. Soror Bernadette Tasker spoke first hand about infant prematurity

and the ongoing research to find answers.

Soror Tasker talked about her own experience in having a premature son,

Demetri, born at thirty-two weeks. She also spoke of the ongoing partnership

that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has with March of Dimes in bringing

awareness through education and research that will eventually end infant

prematurity.

The educational session focused on prevention in regards to healthier living

while being pregnant. Soror Tasker spoke about why it is important for

pregnant women to rid themselves of behaviors that may be toxic to the fetus.

She stated that pregnant women should stop smoking, maintain healthy diets,

have regular prenatal care, stop drinking alcohol, monitor their blood

pressure, and maintain a low stress level.

The overall goal for the infant prematurity educational session was to raise

awareness that this does exist. Infant prematurity is a very serious health

concern and Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter along with March of Dimes will

continue to bring awareness to the community.

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I hope that everyone’s holiday season was a wonderful exchange of kindness and goodwill to others. My family volunteered this year by giving back to others through serving meals. It was touching to help others during this special time of year and lift their spirits. Did you know that this is a time where people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) amongst other things that may spark depression? Loss of loved ones, financial troubles, abuse, major events, illnesses, medications and genetics can all play apart in this disease. A great idea during this time would be for Life Members to promote, sponsor, and/or facilitate the Z-HOPE program “More Than the Blues” with their chapter. Remember to try to take time to reconnect with Sorors and Life Members who have been in absentia from chapter events and try to bring them back into the circle. A sisterly phone call can make a huge difference for many people. Right now, many chapters have events planned to celebrate our upcoming Founders’ Day. So, let’s start with inviting them to this event. Follow up with invites to Finer Womanhood events to try to reignite their Zeta flames in hopes that they become reclaimed. You can anticipate information regarding life membership in the very near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at llzetadiamondlm@gmail.com.

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Greetings Sorors!

What an exciting time we’re in right now! As we approach the celebration of Zeta’s Founders,

we glance back to glean from the practices of Zeta’s Five Pearls by building on the foundation

our Beloved Pearls have laid for our Great Sisterhood.

Sorors, life certainly has a way of speeding by and before we know it, a week, a month even

years have gone by and we have missed out on so much. Our dedication to our families, careers

and other pursuits has undoubtedly caused us to prioritize our time differently. Let us consider

this as we reach out to sorors who are inactive. As an example for our sisters to follow, we may

show them how to actually have it all; a content family, successful careers, fulfilled creative

endeavors all while serving alongside sorors as financial and active members of their chapters.

With our help, encouragement and Love for Zeta and our sorors let’s strive to reignite the fire

for ZETA in their hearts. Let’s Do More; in fact, let’s do all we can to focus on guiding home

sorors whom have lost their way.

Soror Scarlet Black, our National First Anti-Basileus, aims to increase membership across the

world. The Captivating Commonwealth will do our part to comply with Soror Black’s drive by

moving to increase membership by at least 25%. Just one of the ways in which we’ll accomplish

this is by having a Zeta Round-Up. Anticipate this and much, much more…SOON!

Sisterly,

Sharron Boddy

PA 4R’s Membership Coordinator

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Omega Rho Chapter sorors have been busy this

past semester! Sorors participated in the Club Fair

which showcased all of the clubs and organizations

offered at Lock Haven University. They held a Voter’s

Registration table to encourage students to vote in the

November 2012 election. Voter registration forms

were also provided to students along with instructions

on how to fill them out.

Sorors, along with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

members, hosted a “Greek 101” event to educate the

campus about all of the organizations within the

Divine Nine. In October, sorors hosted a Halloween

with the Zetas “Murder Mystery” where all of the

attendees were given characters and had to determine

the killer. Students were provided with a variety of

clues and whoever solved them received a prize.

Attendees dressed in costume.

Omega Rho sorors ended the semester by conducting a

Diabetes Awareness program which discussed how

diabetes affects the African American community.

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Theta Lambda Chapter sorors have made their presence known on the campus of West Chester

University by participating in the Involvement Fair and Meet the Greeks program. Sorors proudly

celebrated its 31st anniversary last year.

Eta Sigma Chapter sorors

participated in the 2nd Annual

Multicultural Greek Stepshow at

Villanova University.

Eta Sigma Chapter was invited to attend

Discover Charter School to initially perform a

step for their homecoming pep rally.

The program turned into a Q & A about

college and Greek life with the students!

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This year, Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter has had the honor of having both the Amicettes and

Pearlettes active. The Advisors and committee members focused on participating in community

services with the Amicettes and Pearlettes, and portraying finer womanhood. During the monthly

meeting the advisors and committee members focused on teaching the following lessons;

- Building self esteem - Preventing bullying - Maintaining personal hygiene - Maintaining a healthy diet - Imparting the importance of education

The Advisors and committee members met with the young ladies monthly and broke into smaller

groups to provide personal attention to each girls. We had a “no judgment” setting which allowed the

girls to feel comfortable asking any question. The young ladies had the opportunity to express

themselves through photo shoots, artwork and dance. The girls expressed how much they enjoyed

the auxiliary meetings and how they were applying what they were learning in they daily lives.

The Amicettes and Pearlettes are looking forward to this year’s agenda as some have moved on to

become Archonettes. Epsilon Omega Zeta chapter looks forward to continuing to build lasting

friendships, enhance cultural awareness, participating in community service events to help others

with the young ladies.

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Restoration of Arizona C. Stemons House

Founder of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

It was at the 2010 National Meeting of ‘Sisterly Love – Southern Style’, that Beta Delta Zeta

Chapter launched a national campaign to secure the future of the home of Founder Arizona

C. Stemons in Philadelphia, PA. We were truly met with sisterly love and southern

hospitality as sisters from across the country helped pin ribbons, pass out flyers and spread

the word about our sorority’s landmark!

Originally purchased by the Atlantic Region in 1982, on October 27, 1989, Beta Delta Zeta

Chapter became the owners and caretakers of the home where our beloved Founder

Arizona C. Stemons resided for over 52 years. The chapter later funded the over $40,000

restoration and opened it to the sisterhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Past

International President Dr. Barbara West Carpenter during the 2000 national meeting

in Philadelphia. Since then, Beta Delta Zeta Chapter has maintained the home with an

annual budget of up to $10,000 towards ensuring the maintenance and security of our

sorority’s national treasure.

The Trustee Board of Beta Delta Zeta Chapter has exciting plans to complete the

renovations of the Arizona C. Stemons House. They include: remodeling the first and

second floors to maximize space, finishing the basement for storage, (which includes

waterproofing) remodeling the kitchen to accommodate small catered affairs and cosmetic

upgrades throughout the home to repair damage from water, weather, and normal wear.

In addition, the house will contain items and pictures that will showcase Founder Arizona

C. Stemons. The monies will also ensure that funds are available to properly secure the

property and pay for unexpected repairs without undue hardship on chapter members.

Join us, and give to restore the house of Arizona C. Stemons, National Founder of Zeta

Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

SAVE THE DATES: Pancake Breakfast, Applebee’s 8601 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

February 16, 2013, 8:00 am to 10:00 am, tickets are $10.00 and Cabaret, April 27, 2013, St.

Raymond’s, 9:00 pm to 1:00 am; tickets $25.00.

To learn more about the campaign, go to www.PhillyZetas.org or

contact StemonsHouseFund@mail.com.

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In September 2012, LLZ sorors

participated in the Women’s

Walk for Peace - a local initiative

to heighten awareness and push

for peace in our community.

During the walk, members

passed out over 100 pamphlets

about ovarian cancer and uterine

fibroids to other walk

participants. LLZ and the Zeta

Amicae of Pittsburgh donated

over 40 book bags filled with

school supplies to local

elementary schools. On September 22nd, LLZ

and the Zeta Amicae of Pittsburgh got out the

vote. Sorors visited every apartment at a local

senior citizen high-rise building and stood

outside to talk to other motorists and

pedestrians. Everyone was asked if they were

registered to vote. If they said no, or

they weren’t sure, chapter sorors

helped them complete a new form.

Members also reminded

community members about the

changes to the Voter ID law (that

were in effect at that time).

In October, LLZ sorors participated

in the African-American Heritage Day

Parade alongside the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Gamma Lambda

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Sigma Chapter). Undergraduate sorors and

fraters from the University of Pittsburgh and

Robert Morris University marched as well.

LLZ supported three separate events in

Pittsburgh on October 18th: a prayer

breakfast for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task

Force, a party on the bridge for the One

Young World Summit 2012, and Pittsburgh

Interfaith Impact Network’s annual public

meeting. At the end of the month, sorors

volunteered at the Fall Food Share, an

annual drive for the Greater

Pittsburgh Food Bank. Members

were on hand at a local Giant Eagle,

asking shoppers to consider buying

and donating food for the food bank.

Sorors were also seen that day

helping customers shop, bagging

groceries, and helping out as needed.

In November, sorors attended

Bidwell Presbyterian Church for

Prematurity Awareness Sunday.

After hearing a moving and

inspirational message from the pastor,

LLZ members gave a brief presentation about prematurity awareness and safe sleep

during the announcements. At the chapter’s annual bowling party, donations were

collected from attendees for Children of the Nations International – which supports

education and healthcare for children all over

the world. On Thanksgiving Day, LLZ

volunteered at “Get Stuffed with Love” with

the Southside Rotary Club, Southside Sokol

Club, and Pittsburgh Police. Sorors

served/packed over a thousand turkey

dinners that were delivered to local senior

citizens and others in need.

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Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter has been

“blazing trails” in Montgomery County!

Sorors hosted a Happy Hour with a Social

Action twist. “VIP Passes” were handed

out to patrons with information on how to

check their voter registration and details

about the new Voter ID laws. The chapter

also conducted a voter registration drive

outside a busy grocery store and members

completed the Regional Social Action

Initiative in October 2012.

KOZ has conducted several

embellishments including a Holiday Party

and held “mini” embellishments during

chapter meetings.

In December 2012, the chapter presented

“Health for the Holidays”, an interactive

program on health issues that affect

women at the Coordinated Homeless

Outreach Center in Norristown, PA.

Sorors donated more than 400 bras,

makeup items, jewelry and purses for

homeless women to build their self-image

as they look for gainful employment.

Chapter members who work

professionally as nurses took blood

pressure readings on the female residents.

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10th Pennsylvania State Director

Barbara A. Cousar, Rho Chi Zeta P.O. Box 356, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 pennsylvaniastatedirector@gmail.com

www.zphibpa.org

Grammateus Anti-Grammateus Tanesa R. Moten, Nu Sigma Zeta Aisha Sharif-Lucas, Lambda Lambda Zeta

Tamias Tamias Grammateus Alberta Scott, Kappa Omega Zeta Diane Wilson, Beta Delta Zeta

Phylacter State Rep. to the Reg. Nominating Committee Kimberly Matthews, Nu Sigma Zeta Dionne Watts-Williams, Kappa Omega Zeta

We are committed to producing a quality publication that truly

represents our state and sorors of the Commonwealth – you make it

easy! The hard work you are putting into your events and service

projects are evident throughout these pages. Thank you so much for

sharing your chapter accomplishments!

The next deadline for PA Perspective submissions is Friday, March

22, 2013. When the newsletter submission form goes out, please

adhere to the specific criteria listed in the document. This will help

us maintain the standard of excellence we have in branding our state

and our beloved sisterhood.

We certainly welcome your feedback, so feel free to send yours to

paperspective10@gmail.com.

Soror Denise Marie Snow

Newsletter Editor-in-Chief