UnDiSpuTed News 2.3

September/October 2012 Volume II, Issue 3

UNDISPUTED NEWS The Upsilon Mu Chapter of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Welcome back to another productive and exciting year at Davidson! The Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has certainly taken advantage of the new year— new programs, new partnerships, new experiences, and a new era— as we approach our 2013 Centennial Celebrations.

Although Upsilon Mu is just 1 year old, we have seen, felt, experienced, and accomplished much at Davidson College. This would not be possible without the support of our Advisory Team, the Bonds of Sisterhood that hold us together, and backing of Davidson College, and the individual members who make the magic happen. Thank you. We hope to continue to strive and achieve for many years to come.

Upsilon Mu begins this academic year with 4 Charter

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Members and 4 new sorors on the yard, with one soror studying abroad in China (peace and blessings, Shanel!). Don’t hesitate to connect with us. We want to hear from you!

Warmly,

Kaneisha L. Gaston

Kaneisha L. Gaston

A Message From the President

Issue III

Features

Features

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SORORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Meet Melodie Mendez ’13 and Katie Ramseur ‘13

A YEAR DEDICATED TO BREAKING THE SILENCE: Take a peak at Upsilon Mu’s year-long effort to address Intimate Partner Violence.

YOU ARE NOW WATCHING THE THRONE: Meet our Spring 2012 line and help us celebrate their accomplishment.

TRANSITIONS AND TRADITIONS: Wisdom, tips, and insights from former member of Upsilon Mu as they transition to greater things.

A Movement, Not A Monument

Fall 2012 Digest Volume II, Issue 3

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World traveler, mover and shaker, and distinguished Charter Member of the Upsilon Mu Chapter, this Bronx, New York native knows no bounds.

Ms. Mendez currently serves as the First Vice President of the Upsilon Mu Chapter and the President of the Organization of Latino American Students at Davidson. Engaging students in critical and cultural experiences with the Latino American community is a salient passion for her. In fact, Ms. Mendez designed her major, Environmental Anthropology in Latin America, for this purpose.

Traveling during college has been a life changing experience for Ms. Mendez academically, personally and spiritually. “I could never explain the feeling of comparing art between Gaudi and Dali in Spain, or learning about environmental justice in Guatemala. I have been so lucky and blessed to have had the opportunities to learn, make change, and just live abroad.”

In addition to being a scholar and traveler, Ms. Mendez is a demonstrated servant-leader and activist. Bonner Scholar Senior Intern, Davidson Students Volunteer for Science founder, Mutlticultural House Ambassador, HHMI Scholar and mentor, Speaking Center tutor, Resident Advisor…clearly she’s unstoppable!

Soror in the Spotlight: Melodie Mendez ‘13

“It is (so) amazing and comforting to know that I

will always have kind words, love, and support from my sisters wherever I go. The

Sorority is an international body and it’s never a

surprise to run into a Soror while exploring.”

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This year, the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will tackle a pressing issue in not only the African American community, but the world at-large: domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

Why do we care? We are our sisters’ keeper. We would be remiss if we did not address the pain of our sisters domestically and internationally. According to national data, at least one in every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family. In the United States, a woman is abused every 9 seconds. This includes verbal, mental, physical, and emotional scarring. For more resources visit the National Resource

Center on Domestic Violence (http://www.nrcdv.org/)

Continued on page 4

Continued on page 5

Breaking the Silence: A Year of Awareness


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April 1, 2012, the Upsilon Mu chapter welcomed its second line of new members. On that day, the Upsilon Mu chapter made it official: we are an integral part of the Davidson College fabric. Named Heirs to the Throne, this group of six exceptional young women represents the ideals and standards of the Sorority.

Many people want to know why they were attracted to Upsilon Mu and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at-large. Aminata Dumbuya ’14 says

I love YM for its motivation, dedication, and courage. Most importantly, I love us for our sisterhood. We consistently strive together and for us, no challenge is too great.

Alexa King ’14 echoes a similar sentiment, commenting on the strength of the Sisterhood.

YM is a manifestation of what a sisterhood truly is. Even before I crossed the Delta sands, it was evident that the women of Upsilon Mu stood for the principles, such as compassion, courtesy, and justice that I value.

New Initiates: You are Now Watching the Throne

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Continuing in that same vein, Joi Spaulding ’14 remarks:

While we continuously work hard together, we also laugh with each other, disagree with each other and cry with each other, but at the end of the day my sorors will always serve as a constant source of support, encouragement and love during my time at Davidson and beyond. I also love coming together with all the members of YM because we all are women who share a steadfast commitment and desire to use our diverse skills and talents to positively impact the lives of others.

Sisterhood, the core of out identity, holds us together. It gives us the strength to better ourselves and to better the world around us. As Ms. King so eloquently puts it:

To be a part of YM, you have to be courageous and committed, especially given the institution at which we were chartered. This chapter understands too, and humbly so, that no one is perfect. Each day my sorors

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Quick! Find the nearest dime. Now examine both sides of the coin. Did you notice the image of Roosevelt? Do you know who created that image? Selma Burke, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Next challenge: find a dime on campus. If you look in the right place you will find Katie Ramseur, the dime of Upsilon Mu’s charter line. This Charlotte native exudes harmony and style. Current Second Vice President and distinguished Charter Member, Ms. Ramseur, is an integral member of the Upsilon Mu chapter.

Ms. Ramseur spearheads all chapter Social Action Initiatives. She coordinated a voter registration drive during the first month of school, where we registered over 150 students to vote. Additionally, she fostered Upsilon Mu’s relationship with the Community Blood Center of the Carolina’s, hosting a blood drive with more than 30 pints of blood donated.

She did it all because she loves YM.

"I have wonderful sorors who know how to get work done."

Not only does she do work for Delta Sigma Theta, Ms. Ramseur is active on campus as well. She is a Presidential Scholar, a French National Honor Society Member, a tour guide, a Davidson Student Volunteer for Science volunteer, and a French and Psychology double-major. Yet another dynamic member of Upsilon Mu.

(Continued)

Transitions &

Traditions

Being a member of Upsilon Mu as well as Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc. involves keeping traditions and

encouraging each member as she transitions to each new

phase of her life. This section serves to highlight both

aspects by spotlighting recipes, tips, insights, and resources from former members of the Upsilon Mu chapter. Enjoy!

Morgan’s Taco Soup

Ingredients:

Ground Beef (optional) Quarter of an Onion

Corn Green Beans (sliced) Can of Tomato Sauce

1 can of Rotel™ 1 packet of taco seasoning

1. Brown the ground beef with a mixture of chopped onions 2. After, drain the ground beef 3. Pour corn, green beans, tomato sauce, and Rotel™ in a large pot 4. Add ground beef 5. Add taco seasoning 6. Cook on Medium-High for 25 minutes then turn down to medium for 15 additional minutes 7. Enjoy!

Soror in the Spotlight: Katie Ramseur ‘13

SAVE THE DATE The Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Pi Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

present the first annual Crimson and Crème Ball, Friday, February 15th, 2013


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Women are not the only victims.

It has been proven that men who witness or are victims of domestic abuse, become abusers themselves. Additionally, while media and government attention tend to focus on female victims, men are largely silent on the issue. False perceptions that men are physically stronger and should be able to subdue a female attacker easily do not help victims break their silence. Likewise, male on male intimate partner violence is event more underreported.

Due to this data, the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has partnered with the Pi Mu chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Together we will address the victimization and roles of males and females in addressing and stopping intimate partner violence. Past initiatives included a screening of No! The Rape Documentary, one of the first critical explorations of rape and abuse in the African American community; and a display board with resources and definitions of the problem for our student center. Current initiatives include Through His Eyes; and a social media campaign utilizing Facebook and Twitter as avenues for educating our generation. This campaign incorporates contemporary, popular, and historical perspectives about intimate partner violence. [Follow @UpsilonMuDeltas and @PiMuNupes for more updates. Like our Facebook pages for extensive coverage of the initiative.]

Domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and rape culture are human issues. Not only is there a human cost to intimate partner violence, there is an economic cost. Research shows that the costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.

As women with hearts for action, we refuse to be silent. Join in the fight to break the silence. When you speak, we will listen.

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T.U.S.K. Talk: Gendered Violence

Co-sponsored with Half the Sky Davidson College October 24th, 2012 7pm-8pm, Multicultural House

Everybody Zumba! Project S.H.A.P.E.

October 27th, 2012 12pm-1pm, 900 Room

Through His Eyes Co-sponsored with Kappa Alpha Order & Kappa Alpha

Psi Fraternity, Inc. October 30th, 2012 8:30-9:30 Sprinkle Room

The Scoop!

Health and wellness fair with community partners November 9th, 2012, 7:13, 900 Room

Second Harvest Sisterhood Service Event

November 10th, 2012, Charlotte

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Walk With Charlotte Alumnae and Iota Rho Chapters

November 17th, 2012, Charlotte

Service Saturday: Families in Crisis Co-sponsored with the Center for Civic Engagement

December 8th, 2012

Breaking the Silence (continued)

Upcoming Events

Upsilon Mu in front of their display board in the Student Union.


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work diligently to better their sisters and themselves through all tests of their character and faith. YM means ingenuity, perseverance, dedication, and doing so much for than just the status quo.

Their comments reflect the principles of the Sorority. It is our hope that we continue to impact each other’s lives as we grow and learn together during the time we are granted together. Here’s to another year of excellence!

We are excited about the vigor, skills, and fresh ideas that our new Sorors bring to the Upsilon Mu chapter and the Sorority at large.

Violets!

Here are the quick facts on our new members:

Alexa King ’14 dka Amazing GrACE

Political Science Major, MD

Annese Armstrong ’12 dka UnDEUXfeated

French Major, NC

Danielle Wright ’12 dka ForTREss

Pre-Medicine/Psychology Major, SC

Shanel Tage ’14 dka The 4th Element

Pre-Medicine/Anthropology, IL

Aminata Dumbuya ’14 dka Crim5on Cache

English, MA

Joi Spaulding ’14 dka ViTAILity

Pre-Medicine/Africana Studies, CT

Watching the Throne (continued)

Our Lovely New Members

Sorors King and Dumbuya

Sorors Wright and Armstrong

September/October 2012 Volume II, Issue 3

COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION 2012: Preparing for the Vote

Politically aware and involved

Delta Sigma Theta is always at the center of the political scene. This participation began in March 1913 with the Woman’s Suffrage March. As the Sorority’s first public act, we set the pace as the first civically engaged Sorority in history.

Notable Deltas in politics

Sadie. T. M. Alexander, Ph.D was appointed to President Truman’s Commission on Civil Rights (1945).

Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, Ph.D was the first Black woman general in the U.S.Army.

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black female member of Congress, was the first Black and first female to run as the major party candidate for the U.S. presidency.

Barbara Jordan was the first Black female to serve as the chief of a State Department bureau.

Patricia Roberts Harris was the first Black woman to be appointed as an Ambassador to a European country.

Let your voice be heard

Follow @DSTinc1913 or search the hashtag #DSTVOTE2012 for important election updates.

Know the issues by visiting the candidate’s platform pages.

Check your voting status by visiting http://www.canivote.org/

Find your polling place by visiting http://www.vote411.org/


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uPSILON MU P.O. BOX 5180

Davidson, NC, 28035

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of

college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the African American community.

The Sorority was founded January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University, by 22 illustrious

Founders.

www.deltasigmatheta.org

A MOVEMENT NOT A MONUMENT A Visual First Quarter Review

Uspilon Mu Deltas [email protected] @UpsilonMuDeltas

Documents

UnDiSpuTed News 2.3