HAPPY NEW YEAR SORORS! I greet you with enthusiasm and pride as the president of Beta Sigma Omega Chapter. I am excited about this year and this term of office as your basileus. I pray all have had a prosperous and glorious start to 2016 year and look forward in rendering service through our chapter to our community.

Whatever you were hoping for at Christmas, and possibly did not receive, look to your left and right. Your gift is within the sister you sit beside, chat with, shop with or is a quiet force when you need to debrief. We are each other’s gifts. Try to let go of the past, which does not keep you smiling and thinking of the Goodness of God to keep a sweet spirit, in our hearts, souls and minds. It is a blessing to come into the 2016 year, planning to continue the service as Alpha Kappa Alpha women. I must say thank you to my executive cabinet, committee chairman, vice chairman, and sub committees for the commitment of elevating work that will be rendered in 2016. To each chapter member, I thank you for all of the support you've shown me as I walk this journey with you; Not in FRONT of you; Not BEHIND you but BESIDE you. You ALL are my SISTERS. The Dream is easy but the journey is not. We must continue to unite and forge forward.

Martin Luther King Day is upon us, January 18th. Let us meet two committee initiatives with this one Community Impact Day, Health (walking with your sisters) and Public Affairs (Black Family). Bring your family out to support you on this wonderful day and let us all remember what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for. Let us not forget.

Sorors, if you are attending Mid-Western Regional Conference, I ask that you inform Soror Georgetta James, rtjgj78@aol.com or 405.771.3632 of your date of arrival, departure and hotel information by the March sorority meeting.

I challenge you to participate on at least one program committee and one operational committee. Committee work is the time you get a chance to meet sorors that you typically may not get a chance to talk with. You would be amazed at how some of the meetings are executed, especially if there is food involved. Let's get back to the ba-sics. Some of those basics are calling a soror you haven't seen in a while, invite an inactive soror to a BSO func-tion, committee meetings in our homes, or just stop and ask a soror "how are you" and mean it! The basics sorors. Those simple things that cost us nothing. Let us all do our best to participate in as many service activities as we possibly can in order to make 2016 better than we image.

Last, but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! On January 15, 1908, this organi-zation was incorporated with a mission of service and sisterhood. Let’s take a moment to remember and commem-orate our Sorority Founders; the young women who, 108 years ago, paved the way for our chapter, and other chapters around the globe. Let us also continue to pray that we are leading by example and are direct represen-tations of the community advocates they would want to see! As I shared with sorors who attended the transition meeting last week, Soror Maya Angelou once said, “Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren’t, we should behave as though we are - cheerful, kind, loving, and courteous”.

Well my dear sorors, this year, you have the chance to be all those things. Join me as we continue to push this community and our children to greatness!

Please remember to pray for one another, our family and friends, and sorors across the nation.

Sisterly In Service, Soror Anika

Basileus Communiqué

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

DROP AND GIVE GOD 20 2

PLUG INTO THE POWER OF PRAYER 3

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT 3

FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION 4

SISTERLY RELATIONS DAY 4

SOROR ACCOMPLISHMENTS 5 

CELEBRATIONS 6

DATES TO REMEMBER 7

TAMIOUCHOS TIPS 7

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

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

P A G E 2

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

First Anti-Basileus Message

Greetings Sorors! It is my pleasure to represent you as Program Chairman of Beta Sigma Omega. In the words of our Basileus, Soror Anika Wilson, we are “Sisters With A Goal” and that means implementing our programs to the best of our ability. In the coming months, I will be highlighting and updating you on the various programs that BSO will be participating in. Come ready to celebrate at the January meeting, as we will toast to the Launching New Dimensions of Service for 2016.

Our Targets Are:

Target 1: Educational Enrichment

Target 2: Health Promotion

Target 3: Family Strengthening

Target 4: Environmental Ownership

Target 5: Global Impact

Our Signature program is ASCEND which will be launching at NE Academy High School.

Also, at sorority meeting you will receive information regarding two of our

Community Impact Days:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 18) and

Pink Goes Red For Heart Health (February 6).

Get excited sorors as we journey together in making our programs the best ever!

Sisterly,

Soror Monica Finley First Anti-Basileus

Drop and Give 20 Minutes to GOD

Spiritual Oversight Corner

STAY POSITIVE IN YOUR ATTITUDE. Refuse to be infected by the worry-ing, the complaining, or the laziness of others. Remember, enthusiasm comes from the Greek words (“en theos”) that means “to be in God”. “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.” Colossians 3:23 *Sorors, a prayer line has been established for the first Monday of each month, starting February 1, 2016 at 6:30am. The call in number is (712) 770.4010 access code: 274707#. This is a free conference call number. Please mark your calendars and dial in for prayer or to hear a scripture.

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Undergraduate Spotlight

Hello sorors! My name is Bria Marie Bowler, the current basileus of Beta Beta Chapter. I am a twenty years old native of Edmond, Oklahoma. I attend the University of Central Oklahoma, where I am currently a junior pursing a Bachelor of Science in Family Life Education: Marriage and Family with a minor in Sociology. My career goal is to become a marriage and family therapist. I have great passion for humanity and a desire to help individuals build strong marriages and families. Things I like to do: I like to shop, hang with family and friends, help other, creative

activities, play basketball, and go to church. Foods I love are: This is typical but I love fried chicken! I also like chicken Alfredo and chicken nachos. I really don't eat anything but chicken. Flaming Hot Cheetos are also a favorite. How can Beta Sigma Omega help me: I would say by being supportive and continuing to be welcoming. When I first thought of AKA, I never thought of Undergrad. I always wanted to join a graduate chapter, so I had high expectations from the graduate chapter members. I can definitely say, I have enjoyed the new relationships and connections we are building and hope they grow stronger over time. I would like for Beta Sigma Omega to continue to invite us to collaborate on events so that we can also meet our targets. I would like to keep the workshops and possibly have some sorors that are in our field of study, talk to us in the future. I believe networking is key, especially at the undergraduate level.

Plug into the Power of Prayer Soror Valerie Lee's father, Ronald Lee, is in the hospital. Her mother, Ruby Lee has been in and out of the hospital. Please keep the family in prayer. Soror Dionne Todd will have a Double Mastectomy on Friday, January 8, 2016. Soror Jacqueline Hamilton's husband, Troy Hamilton needs our prayers. Please keep the family in prayer. Soror Annette Bly's aunt, Dorothy Bowers and cousin, Rudy Carter passed. Funeral Services have been rendered. Please keep Soror Annette's father Robert Johnson in prayer. Sorors Joyce Henderson and Barbara Brooks' cousin, Elvis Johnson, passed, His services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016, 11:00am at Wildewood Baptist Church. Please keep these sorors in prayer.   Sorors, great things happen after PRAYER!

Soror Accomplishments

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Sisterly Relations Church Service

“A Day of Reflection and Celebration” Date: Sunday, January 17, 2016 Location: St. John CME Church, Pastor Anthony L. Walker, Sr. Address: 10413 Northeast 36th Street, Spencer, OK 73084 Contact Person: Soror Ameyka Pittman-405.816.6599 *Let us celebrate in worship together. Please make provisions to attend. I am asking sorors to arrive at 10:45am and church service will start promptly at 11:00am. What a wonderful way to start our NEW YEAR! Other sorors who attend this church are Sorors Joyce Henderson, Angela Long, Ameyka Pittman, Armisha Walker-Harrison (SSO), Earlean Walker, Sandra Johnson, (charter member of Beta Beta) and Janet Mansfield.

MLK Day of Celebration

Beta Sigma Omega will commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 18, 2016. We will kick off with our first community service outreach, which will be held at Charles D. Atkins-Opportunities Gardens, 1917 NE 20th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 from 9am-11am. We will visit with residents and play games. This will be a great way to have fun with our seniors, as well as, keeping their minds sharp with fun games. Please come and support this event. What a way to show seniors. WE CARE! *Following this event, we will walk in the MLK Day Parade. More information will be shared at the January meeting.

01-01-16 Senator Anastasia Pittman announces her candidacy for the Oklahoma County Court Clerk . The Oklahoma County Court Clerk seat has drawn 6 candidates for the posi-tion, which was held by former Court Clerk Tim Rhodes who vacated the seat in November of 2015. State Senator Anastasia Pittman, District 48 in Oklahoma City, was among those who filed in December 2015.

Soror Chalon Anderson’s story was aired on KOCO Channel 5 Wednesday afternoon and evening, of her trip to the White House to decorate several offices including the Oval office.

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Founders’ Day Celebration Extravaganza

Date: February 6, 2016 Location: Embassy Suites 741 North Phillips Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Time: 10:00am-2:00pm Attire: Black with a splash of pink/green or pearls.

Theme: “Strengthening the Bonds of Sisterhood Ticket price: $40.00.

Sorors Barbara Brooks and Joannie Wade will gladly accept

your payment(s). We want you to come celebrate with the 2016 Diamond, Golden and Silver sorors.

We are EXCITED about our Second International Sisterly Relations Day, which will be held on January 15, 2016. In honor of our Founders’, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s International Sisterly Relations Day is a time for sorors to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. On this day, Sorors I ask that we "Nurture Our Ivy" by performing random acts of kindness toward one another. We will demonstrate that our love is boundless, by reaching across chapters and generations to treat sorors with the care, kindness, and respect worthy of our illustrious sisterhood. Theme: Moving Through As One--Sisters Witnessing Amazing Grace Dining Location: Rococo Restaurant & Fine Wine (dining on your own) Date: Friday, January 15, 2016—Come dine, relax and unwind as we reflect on the memories of our Founders’. Time: 7pm-until Location: North Park Mall, 12252 North May, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

International Sisterly Relations Day

Celebrations

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1

Soror Rosetta Cravens and husband Sherman Cravens celebrated 54 years of marriage. They were wed on December 26, 1965. Congratulations to you both.

Congratulations to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority International President Dorothy Buchannan Wilson on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Benedict College December 12, 2015. President Buchanan Wilson also brought forth the commencement address during the graduation ceremony. Psi Chapter (Benedict College) members joined Alpha Kappa Alpha members from South Carolina and beyond for the graduation festivities.

Announcements

AKA Advocacy Day at Oklahoma State Capitol-March 9th; 9:00am-2:00, Senate Assembly room-5th floor. Ticket prices are sorors$ 25.00; Guest-$15.00; On-site registration $30.00. Please contact Soror Anastasia’s office 405.521.5531, for further questions.

Corporate Office will be closed Monday, January 18, 2016, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Mid-Western Regional Conference-March 17-20, 2016, Wichita, Kansas * Registration fees for graduates $185.00; Undergraduates $95.00. Link - www.akamidwestern.org. You will need your financial card information for registration to the conference. *Hotel Registration will be open until February 15th

*Early Registration Deadline- February 15th All scrapbooks must postmarked and shipped by February 5th. International Financial Audit Information, Heritage Club and Letter from Supreme Basileus, Soror

Dorothy Buchanan Wilson will be available during the January and February meeting. Launching New Dimensions scarf and pin will be on sale at regional conference and Boule’, in the

vendor area for $35.00.

Dates to Remember JANUARY 2016

Birthdays/ Committee Meetings Sunday  Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday  Saturday 

          1 2

Dawn James

3

Jacqueline Brown

4 5

Lillie Osborn

Public Affairs, Panera - Nichols Hills @ 6:30pm

6

Joanne Davis

Lois Fay May

7

Patricia Watson-Hunt

Health Committee—Home of Shelia A. Terrell @ 6pm

8

Emily Kaye Mitchelson

9

Felecia Moriels

10

Bonita Dixon

11

Sylvia Menser

12

Joyce Henderson

LaTreece Langston

Vanessa Tucker-Davis

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

Sylvia Alexis Franklin

21 22 23

24/31 25

Linda Ford Powers

Barbara Potts

Membership Committee-Faith Memorial Baptist

Church @ 6:30pm

Founders’ Day Committee-Home of LaTreece Langston

@ 6pm

26

Tara Williams

27 28 29 30

Tamiouchos Tips 2016 Dues & Assessments Regular Members (EAF, Per Capita, Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 255.00 Life Members (EAF, Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 165.00 (2010 & Prior) Life/Golden Members (EAF, Chapter Assessments) $ 15.00 (2011 & After) Life/Golden Members (EAF, 1/2 Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 90.00 (2010 & Prior) Golden Members (EAF, Per Capita, Chapter Assessments) $ 105.00 (2011 & After) Golden Members (EAF, Per Capita, 1/2 Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 180.00 Undergraduate Transfers (EAF, Per Capita, Chapter Assessments) $ 105.00 Graduate Transfers (EAF, Per Capita, Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 255.00 Reactivating Sorors (Documents, Reactivation Fee, Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 285.00 Reactivating Sorors with COIP (Documents, Reactivation Fee, COIP, Chapter Dues, Chapter Assessments) $ 485.00 **Chapter budget was approved. Dues are due to the Pecunious Grammateus, Soror LaTreece Langston, by January 15, 2016 to avoid a late fee of $9.00, per chapter bylaws. Please remember, before 2016 dues can be paid, 2015 assessment for BSO Ivy Fund must be paid-$15.00.

Beta Sigma Omega Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Incorporated

PO BOX 14712

Oklahoma City, OK 73113

 

   

Beta Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Twitter @BSO_AKA

Instagram @BSO_AKA

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