Greetings My Sorors:

Beta Sigma Omega is moving forward with service projects that benefit the community. Service is Beta Sigma Omega’s first order of

business because our theme is Service is the Order of the Day; All Day; Every Day. The chapter is busy committing hours of service that align to our national program initiatives. Members are determined and committed to making a positive difference in the community. Our goal is to continue working to maintain Alpha Kappa Alpha’s legacy of supreme service to all mankind. Special appreciation is extended to the sorors who continue to give of their time and service to helping others. Helping others allows us an individuals to use our talents and skills to assist those who are in need. When we use our talents and time to help others, we have done our parts to make the world a better place. Working together for the good of others is what separates Alpha Kappa Alpha, moreover Beta Sigma Omega chapter, from the rest. Interacting with others who are less fortunate allows us to realize how blessed we are. It helps us ap-preciate the perspective of others whose real life experiences are different from ours. As a chapter, we are deeply rooted in the foundation of the community in the fields of education, civil and social rights, and economic ownership. With a spirit of “SWAG”, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to improving the economic and so-cial status of greater Oklahoma City, as we seek new and innovative opportunities to address the needs of the community.

A HUGE thanks to all committees who continue to move our pendulum of GREATNESS. We have participated in Heart Walk 2016, Fashionetta Tea, our com-ing 20 Pearls Luncheon and several committee meetings to executing the good works to others. Soror realize “To whom my much is given; much is required.” Sisterly Blessings, Soror Anika A. Wilson

Basileus Communiqué

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O F F I C E R S

Anika Wilson Basileus Monica Finley First Anti-Basileus Ameyka Pittman Second Anti-Basileus Brenda Walker Grammateus Georgetta James Anti-Grammateus Karolyn Ruffin Tamiouchos Lillie Osborn Anti-Tamiouchos LaTreece Langston Pecunious Grammateus Anastasia P. Pitre Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Vinata Johnson Historian Tracy Smith Graduate Advisor Beta Beta Chapter Maggie A. Green Epistoleus Joyce Smith Parliamentarian Linda Samuel Jaha Ivy Leaf Reporter Michelle Chapple Hodegos Carmen Butler Archivist Felecia Moriels Philacter

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

PLUG INTO THE POWER OF PRAYER 3

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT 3

SOROR ACCOMPLISHMENTS 4 

FINANCIAL CORNER 5

FOUNDATION MOMENTS 5

SISTERLY RELATIONS SECTION 6

ANNOUNCEMENTS 6

CALENDAR 7

P A G E 2

COMMITTEE LISTINGS Gayle Caldwell, Connection Chair Anastasia P. Pitre, Vice-Chair Connection Gayle M. Scott, Decorating Chair Cara Davis, Vice-Chair Decorating Sherrye Cravens, Economic Ownership Chair Tameka Darby, Vice-Chair Economic Ownership WyAngela K. Singh, Education Chair Glimerine Ware, Vice-Chair Education Courtland Fisher, Fashionetta Chair Barbara Potts, Vice-Chair, Fashionetta Dorothy C. Franklin, Founders’ Day Chair Valerie Hurte, Vice-Chair, Founders’ Day Lisa Griffin, Fundraising Chair Tracey Tate, Vice-Chair Fundraising Latricia Morgan, Health Chair Shelia Arinwine Terrell, Vice-Chair Health Angela Long, Membership Chair Patricia Hunt, Vice-Chair, Membership Shante' Fenner, Protocol Chair Alice McCann, Vice-Chair, Protocol Carlisa Curry, Public Affairs Chair Tara Williams, Vice-Chair, Public Affairs Linda S. Jaha, Public Relations Chair Antonia Walker, Vice-Chair, Public Relations Michelle Chapple, Sisterhood Chair Joanne Davis, Standards Chair Tiffani Bates, Vice-Chair, Standards Mary Carey, Technology/Newsletter Chair Charese Jones, Vice-Chair, Technology Sandra A. Aziz, Yearbook Chair LaTeka Alexander, Vice-Chair, Yearbook Cynthia Roach, Winter Ball Chair ShelNeko Northington, Vice-Chair, Winter Ball

SUB-COMMITTEES Basilei Council Vivian Miller Joyce Henderson Mentorship (Membership) Terri Hurte Rituals (Sisterhood) Priscilla Metoyer Collette Houchen Sisterly Relations Sue Starr Sherrell Thompson Spiritual Oversight Team Lorraine Liggins Carolyn Gray Strategic Planning Greta Stewart Patrina Sattiewhite- Walter Step Mistress Cessnie Shelton Leadership Development Gloria Wilson ASCEND Linda Johnson-Huggins Social Media Charese Jones Deveda Mason Destiny Darby Chapter Photographer Alycia Brown

Anti-Basileus Message  

Greetings Sorors, It is hard to believe that it is already April! Our programs are in full swing. It fills my heart with joy to see the impact our Sorors are making in the community.

This month we focus on Public Affairs. The committee is having our summer Seasonal Wraps Drive. We are requesting that Sorors bring rain gear (rain boots, hats, ponchos, umbrellas etc...) and sunscreen to the April meeting.

All donations will be given to the elementary students at F.D. Moon Elementary School and St. John's Christian Academy. If you should have any questions or need to give your items before the April meet-ing, contact Soror Carlisa Curry at bsopublicaffairs@gmail.com.

Let's make this a successful event!! Sisterly,

Soror Carlisa Curry, Public Affairs Chairperson Soror Monica Finley, First Anti-Basileus

1. Initiation date and location? My initiation date was November 18th, 2012 in Oklahoma City, with the Beta Beta Chapter located on the campuses of University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University. 2. Were you a legacy? I was not a legacy

3. Why did you want to become an AKA? I wanted to become an AKA because I am passionate about service and giving back to others. I wanted to join an elite organization with strong independent like minded women who are passionate about service, education and building a lasting legacy of sisterhood.

4. Years of service in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.? I will have 4 years of service in this illustrious organization on November 18, 2016.

5. Current employment? Are you happy with your employment? If not, what would you like to do? I currently work as a event coordinator for Main Event Entertainment, while studying Community/Public at the University of Central Oklahoma. After gradu-ation in May, I will pursue a Master's degree in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

6. What is your personal motto? My personal mottos: you don't have to change the world to make a difference, you just have to change someone else's world for the better & make the world a better place one corner at a time

7. What are you usually doing when you are not participating in sorority activities? When not participating in sorority activities, I am involved in many campus organizations, in addition to working full-time at Main Event Entertainment. I am the vice president of the UCO National Pan-Hellenic Council, secretary of the UCO Public Health Club, a member of Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Honorary, and a member of Order of Omega National Greek Honorary. In my free time, I paint, listen to music and read.

8. Where is your favorite vacation spot? My favorite vacation spot would be the place I was raised: Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

9. What 5 things you could absolutely not LIVE without? Five things I could not live without: friends; family; my dog, Mason; music; and painting.

10. What is one thing you want to be remembered by? I would like to be remembered as someone who was humble, kind and empowered others to serve.

Soror Danielle Gilmore

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SISTERHOOD MOMENT

Plug into the Power of Prayer Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

In relationships there are times we are going to become angry. However, anger does not give us permission to be un-kind. Remember God commands that we love each other and in I Corinthians, we are reminded that love does not dis-honor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered and it keeps no records of wrongs. Real sisterhood allows us to angry but does not provide room for anger to develop into sin. ♥Soror Kathy Williams lost her auntie, Lois Bundy (mother's sister), on March 15, 2016. Services were held in Phila-delphia on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

♥Soror Barbara Potts lost her aunt, Johnnie Potts, on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Services were held on March 26th. Her sister, Jackie Potts-Vester, recently suffered a stroke and is now recovering.

♥Soror Joyce L. Milas of Los Angeles, California became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on Saturday, March 19, 2016. She is a cousin to Soror Nancy L. Davis and the late Soror Nancy Randolph Davis. A past visitor at Beta Sigma Omega's Chapter meeting, Soror Milas was made in Alpha Zeta Chapter in the 1960's at Langston University, and as a result, served with several current Beta Sigma Omega Sorors who were also made in Alpha Zeta around that same time. Services were held on March 26, 2016 at First A.M.E. Zion Church in Los Angeles, California.

♥Soror Nancy Adams, mother of Soror Monica Finley, was hospitalized and is home recuperating. ♥Dorldine Adams, sister-in law to Soror Nancy Adams and aunt of Soror Monica Finley, passed. ♥Kari Johnson has cancer and asked for prayer. She is the cousin of Sorors Barbara Brooks and Joyce Henderson. ♥Vera House had surgery to have a stint put in place. She is the mother of Soror Gayle Caldwell. ♥Leslie Samuel was hospitalized for severe stomach virus and is home recuperating. He is the brother of Soror Linda Samuel-Jaha. ♥Prayer request for the following: *State of Oklahoma Employees *Those receiving disability *Oklahoma City Public Schools *Millwood Teachers/School District and anyone who may be affected by the economic turns in our economy.

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Soror Accomplishments *Soror Janet Vernon sang the National Anthem with a Rotarian group and had have a special part at the Thunder basketball game on March 11, 2016.

*Soror Jacque Jemison was awarded the "Public Servant of the Year Award" during the Women of Color Expo on April 2nd. *Samuel Stephens is 17 year old and the son of Soror Valeria Benabdallah, is now a Junior at the University of Arizona. This is his first year in college. He's double majoring in Linguistics and Political Science. He is also on the Dean's List.

*On Friday, March 4, Soror Silvya Kirk received the "Friends of Diversity" award at the 33rd Annual Multicultural Education Institute Ban-quet held at UCO. The award was presented by Soror Joyce Henderson. *On Saturday, March 5, Sorors Silvya Kirk and Joyce Henderson were two of five to receive the 2016 "Lifters and Climbers" Awards Lunch-eon at the OKC Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. held at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club. Sorors Linda Matthews and Betty Ma-son were program presenters.

*Soror Vickie Miles-LaGrange will be honored as one of the 2016 Women In Leadership honorees at the Women In Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 11:30am-1:00pm.

*Congratulations are in order to our MAGNIFICENT, AWESOME and AMAZING chapter on all awards we brought home from the regional conference.

Outstanding Graduate Soror (Soror Anika Wilson)

Outstanding Senior/Golden Soror (Soror Gayle Miles Scott)

Outstanding Chapter (Beta Sigma Omega)

The Alberta G. Jones Award for Operational Excellence

Chapter Exhibit-Second Place Graduate Large Chapter

Individual Chapter Leadership Awards

Soror Monica Finley

Soror Brenda Walker

Soror Karolyn Ruffin

*On Friday, March 25, 2016 Soror Cece Jones-Davis preached at Fifth Street Baptist Church at 7:00pm on the subject of “The Seven Last Words of Christ.”

*Soror Chalon Anderson has been appointed to the position of Financial Secretary for the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated. *Soror Collette Houchen has been appointed to the position of Chair of the Ethics & Standards Committee for the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated.

*Sorors Silvya Kirk and Joyce Henderson were honored for their contributions in the field of education by the Oklahoma City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. at their Annual Appreciation Luncheon held on March 5, 2016 at the Twin Hills Golf and Country Club.

*Soror Tracy Smith has maintained a 4.0 throughout her entire Masters’ program. She is on the Dean's List each semester and therefore be-ing recognized as a Who’s Who Among Students in America Universities and Colleges on April 14, 2016. Also, she is being inducted into Chi Sigma Iota-Lambda Upsilon Chapter for rehabilitation counseling professionals on April 15th due to academic excellence.

Soror VaRhea Owens-Hopkins and husband Milton Hopkins are directors for Operation Go. This is a kid’s fun filled of learning and other activities to keep children engaged from March 25-July 29th every Friday from 7-9pm. For more information, call 405.881.9030

P A G E 5 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 4

Voucher Procedures All vouchers shall be obtained from the Anti-Tamiouchos. All committee expenditures shall be authorized by the Committee Chairman. Authorizing signatures for payment include the Committee Chairman, Basileus or Anti--Basileus, and the Tamiouchos but it

is preferred that all committee expenditures go through the respective committee chairman. The Committee Chairman should prepare the voucher for payment and submit it, completed, to the Tamiouchos. The following information should be included on the voucher: § Date of voucher request. § The appropriate account to be expensed, including budget line item. § The reason for the expenditure. § Name of person submitting the voucher. § Name of the person to whom the check will be paid or the account to be credited. § Invoices, receipts, or other supporting documentation should accompany the voucher. § Signatures should be obtained in the following order: Committee Chairman and/or Basileus, and Tamiouchos. After the above information is completed, the Tamiouchos will issue the check and complete the voucher. This includes the

"Tamiouchos use only:" section, which includes the check number, the date the check was issued, and whether or not the appropriate receipts were attached.

Payees SHALL NOT approve their own vouchers.

Financial Corner

Foundation Moments BSO Ivy Foundation News

The new BSO Ivy Foundation officers held their annual meeting for 2016. The focus this year will be to review bylaws and work with the BSO fund-raising chair to develop a plan to strengthen the Foundation’s goal of supporting BSO programs. A task force has been developed to explore long term

plans for the Foundation. Deborah Burroughs-Chairman, Chalon Anderson -Vice Chairman, Annette Bly - Secretary, Sherry Cravens-Treasurer, Members At Large- Anika Wilson, Monica Finley, Karolyn Ruffin, Gayle Johnson-Financial Secretary and Maggie Green-Parliamentarian are the 2016 officers.

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SWAG Trivia

Criteria: In order to win a prize, you must write all answers down and bring documentation of answers to April sorority meeting.

1. What world record did our illustrious sorority set and in what year?

2. How many sorors attended the Centennial Boule’?

3. Where can you find the sorority’s mission?

4. Starting in the 1900’s to the present, name 4 of the program initiatives?

5. Name 5 International Committee officers?

Announcements

Sisterly Relations

*It is that me again for the Twenty Pearl Luncheon! It will be held on April 16 at the Langston University Oklahoma City

Campus. The Educa on Commi ee is looking to make this a grand event and thanks you in advance for your support.

*AKA Advocacy Day at the Capitol will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Oklahoma State Capitol Building. The

me is 8:30am – 2:00pm in your Chapter jackets or pink. Pre‐registra on must be received or postmarked by Wednes‐

day, April 15, 2016. The cost for Graduates is $25 and Undergraduates $15. (Includes lunch, photos, and materials while

supplies last)

*The Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame is accep ng 2016 Nomina ons. Qualifica on details and nomi‐

na on forms are online at www.oaaehof.org. Nomina ons must be postmarked by June 10, 2016. The Induc on Cere‐

mony will be held September 30, 2016 at the Oklahoma History Center in OKC.

*Sorors, if you were ini ated at Tau Chapter, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Tau Chapter is planning a reunion!! For more informa on, please contact Soror Wanda Walker‐Wagner

at wyw2aka30@a .net. Venue: Intercon nental Buckhead‐Atlanta Dates: July 8‐10, 2016.

*Sorors affected by the tornadoes . . . The storm from Wednesday night, March 30th, really damaged a por on of the

North Side community of Tulsa Oklahoma; and unfortunately sorors from Alpha Chi Omega chapter are currently trying to

pick up the pieces, emo onal and physically. There are two lovely sorors who are very humble and may say they do not

need help or support. However, I encourage us as a chapter and as individually to reach out to them and let them know

that we are here for them.

Soror Joye‐918‐810‐6206 Soror Ikia‐ 918‐851‐8824

Dates to Remember APRIL 2016

Birthdays/Committee Meetings

Sunday  Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday  Saturday 

1

Fundraising Event Mixer

(Water’s Edge)

2

3 4

Thelma Parks

Winter Ball Committee Meeting (Oklahoma Station

BBQ)

5

Sharon Dean

6 7

Silvya Kirk

Budget Committee Meeting (OUHSC–

Auditorium)

8

Joy Ahmad

9

10

Fashionetta Tea (Oklahoma State

Capitol-Blue Room)

11

EBoard Meeting (Langston

University)

12 13

Carleethia Dunnum

Greta Shepherd

14 15 LaTrice Vaughn

16 Senobia James

Sorority Meet-ing (Langston

University @ 11:00am

Twenty Pearls

Luncheon (Langston University @

1:30pm)

17 Color Me Pretty

(Mentorship Event) (Uptown Grocery)

18 19

Bylaws Committee Meeting (TBA)

20

Kelly Edwards

AKA Day at the Capitol @ Oklahoma

State Capitol

21 Tiffani Bates

JaQuilla Burrell-Love Courtland Fisher

22 23

24

Rosie Craft

25 26 27

Georgetta James

28

Katherine Tollett

29 30

Undergraduate Luncheon at Soror Sheila

Arinwine-Terrell’s Home

Beta Sigma Omega Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

PO BOX 14712

Oklahoma City, OK 73113

Web address— http://www.betasigmaomega.org