alpha kappa alpha sorority, inc. alpha … soror pamela lazard, for reviewing chapter financial...

I hope everyone of you took thissummer to:

Renew your mindEnjoy your summerLove you mateAdore your God

eXhilarate your spirit within!This was my message to you in June.Therefore, I hope your ExtraordinarySummer Plans afforded you theopportunity to relax and have fun, enjoyyour accomplishments, familyreunions , new additions to your family,and retirements. Our prayers are withthose sorors who experienced lifechallenges and my appreciation isextended to those dedicated sororswho continued to serve Alpha KappaAlpha in the midst of their summerbreak, which also included our

Delegates attending Boule. ’sCentennial Anniversary celebration leftsorors and the entire world in awesomewonderment of the amazing sisterhood,we love and adore. The pride I felt as aservant leader during this historicaltime was phenomenal. With over

25,000 registered sorors and guests inattendance, the nature of our legacyremains clear .The success of our sorority’s future intothe next century remains in the handsof those who are committed. The spiritof love, harmony, dignity, respect, andservice that we continue to displaytowards Alpha Kappa Alpha, individualsorors and those who are less fortunatewill carry Alpha Kappa Omega to thenext level of ESP — ExtraordinaryExample of Service, Sisterly-ness, andPerformance of Profound Programs.I ask that you re-ignite your AKA spiritand consistently exhibit sincerepurpose of the dreams of our reveredFounders.Thank you sorors as we end the thirdquarter of our Centennial year andExcel in Supreme Practices.

Yes, we can...together...we can!

In Service & Love,

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA’S

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BasileusRegina H. Carrington

Anti-BasileusTamara Cubit

GrammateusLaDonna Harris

Anti-GrammateusJo-Carolyn Goode

EpistoleusCarolene Goffney-Sharpe

TamiouchosPamela Lazard

Pecunious GrammateusMae King

Anti-Pecunious GrammateusShannon Smith

PhilactorHelen Houston

HodegosKaren-Kai Johnson

Reporter to the Ivy LeafStaci Taylor-Fullmighter

HistorianAndrea Bonner

ParliamentarianMelba Henry

Members-At-largeKatharine BrownKaren GraysYavaunda White

Graduate AdvisorsMary Smith Johnson

Gamma PsiGlenniece Stewart

Epsilon LambdaEdwina Johnson

Omicron Gamma

Charter Member & ChaplainHazel Hainsworth Young

September 2008, Volume 4, Number 7

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

OUTSTANDING CENTENNIAL

CHAPTER 2008

Participation!

Connection

Saturday, July 26, 2008 Chapter was represented by theConnection Committee at theopening celebration of twoHabitat Homes in Settegast. Thecelebration included commentsfrom Mayor White, U.S.

Congressman Al Green and other dignitariesfrom the National Lawyers Association. SororCarole Pinkett, Chairman, spoke on behalf ofthe chapter donating several large plants tobe given to the new homeowners. Othersorors present were: Tamara Cubit,Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, GenoraBoykins, Zinetta Burney, Charlene James,Felicia Taylor, Kim Topps and Una Topps.—building homes and changing liveswith Houston Habitat for Humanity.

Article by Soror Carole Pinkett, Chairman

High SchoolLeadership

Development[Platform III]

On Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 10AM –1PM at the Young Library in the Palm Center,our youth participated in the On Top of theGame! – Youth Business Plan Competitionfor high school males and females "workedon and presented their business concepts fortheir business plans.The Back2School HSLD Retreat was held onSaturday, August 16, 2008 at the Universityof Houston – Cullen College of EngineeringBuilding from 8AM – 4PM.Soror Andrea Bonner of Style On Demandwas our guest speaker for the day. Thetheme was “MANifesting Your Destiny” andworkshops were conducted to prepare ourstudents on character development, self-esteem, academic success, health andwellness, healthy relationships, financialreadiness, forgiveness and much more! Thehighlights of this year’s retreat were:Parenting Workshops: “Lord I Need Help

Rearing A Purpose Driven Youth! -Part IIand Motivating & Inspiring Your Youth ForExcellence!”

“Brotha' 2 Brotha' and Sista’ 2 Sista’” anopen forum discussions. A “Brotha' 2Sista’” session was added this year, so thatboth groups could discuss issues anddevelop strategies to interact better.

Special thanks to all of our speakers, studentand parent participants, UH Cullen College ofEngineering, Registration Crew: Bracia Sims(PVAMU Engineering student) Melanie Drake- (UH Pre-Med student) Brittany Williams -(TSU Pre-Law student) and to our sorors forvolunteering to assist - Sorors: ReginaCarrington, Tamara Cubit, LaDonna Harris,Staci Taylor Fullmighter, Mary SmithJohnson, Sandra Campbell, Teal Holden,

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September 2008

Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

September Extra Service Project...The September Hostess ServiceCommittee will collect school suppliesto donate to the children at the Star ofHope. We will also collect toiletries todonate to our seniors at Julia C. HesterHouse and the Ronald McDonaldHouse.

October Hostess Service Committee consistsof Soror Beverly F. Harris, Chairman andSorors Olivia Hervey and Julia Holland,Co-Chairmen. Sorors whose last name is inrange of “Haralson” and “Jenkins”, weanticipate your Enthusiastic Support andParticipation.

’s 100th anniversary celebration,the 2008 Summer Olympics—Michael

Phelps and Serena Williams, the DNC—Obama/Biden and the RNC—McCain/Palinare among the summer’s hottest andimpressionable events and people that left alasting impact on our history.

Well— also had our share ofExtraordinary Sorors and SummerPrograms implemented and left a positiveimpact on the lives we touched in theHouston Community during our Centennialsummer.

Thank you sorors for making it possible.Please enjoy as you read about ourcontinuous service to all mankind...

ESP 1908 Centennial WalkAs predicted, the HMAC 1908 GlobalCentennial Walk was a huge success.Thanks to Sorors Tamara Cubit, HelenHouston and Demetria Williams, whorepresented in organizing the event inconjunction with HMAC. On Saturday, June28, 2008 over 500 sorors (150 were Sorors), family members, friends and otherGreeks joined AKA, as we walked,simultaneously, around the world incelebration of our centennial. The warm upexercises were presented to theparticipants by the HMAC Basilei and the21st Supreme Basileus, Soror Faye B.Bryant, led the prayer.VSGs who participated included: 18thSupreme Basileus, Soror Mattelia B.Grays, 21st Supreme Basileus, Soror FayeB. Bryant, 20th South Central RegionalDirector, Soror Polly Sparks Turner and23rd South Central Regional Director, SororGwendolyn G. Brinkley. Other specialguests were Golden and Silver sorors, theLA Connection, Alumni, , “83 HiddenTreasures of the Millennium” ( 2000),and the 2008 Centennial ExecutiveCommittee were among the ExtraordinarySupporters and Participants.Thank you Sorors Patricia Roberts,Darlene Johnson, Deneen Ford, DiedraFontaine, and “Honey Do” TerranceFontaine, for your Extra Special

Valarie McKenzie, Donna Miles, UnaTopps, Jonita Wallace Reynolds andYavaunda White. Special thanks to theIEACF for funding this event. Thank you toSorors Kim Topps, Chairman and HollyHarris, Co-Chairman.

Article by Soror Kim Topps, Chairman

Committee Chairman…the Key to theSuccess of Alpha Kappa Omega

Our 2008 mid-year Planning Meetingwas held on Saturday, September 6,2008 at Cullen Oaks with over 35

committee chairmen and co-chairmen inattendance. Our Program Chairman, SororTamara Cubit, organized the meeting anddid an outstanding job. The purpose was toreview our chapter programs, calendar,committee budgets, and remind chairmen oftheir duties and responsibilities.Special thanks to our CentennialTamiouchos, Soror Pamela Lazard, forreviewing chapter financial procedures withus. In addition, thank you to our committeeleaders for serving with passion, purposeand pride to implement the InternationalPlatform of our Centennial SupremeBasileus, Soror Barbara A. McKinzie.Again, Every Soror Participating on two ormore committees is encouraged. Why notcontact a Committee Chairman today andask, “How you can HELP?”

2008 Undergraduate RetreatThe Graduate Advisors, Sorors MarySmith Johnson, (Gamma Psi), GlennieceStewart (Epsilon Lambda), and EdwinaJohnson (Omicron Gamma), along withtheir Graduate Advisors’ Councils hostedthe 2008 Undergraduate Retreat on August23, 2008 at Texas Southern University.The retreat featured workshops presentedby Alpha Kappa Omega sorors on ChapterOperations, the Role of the GraduateAdvisor, Sisterly Relations, Membership andmore, with over 40 undergraduateparticipants! Soror Gwendolyn G.Brinkley, 23rd South Central RegionalDirector, also visited with the under-graduates and spoke on the Role of theGraduate Advisor, as well as, HazingConcerns. presenters included:Sorors Regina Carrington, Tamara Cubit,LaDonna Harris, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, Staci Taylor-Fullmighter, HelenHouston, Yavaunda White, Janea Dennis,Courtney Smith-Brown, Kim Topps,Jackie Columbus, Erica Edmonds, BettyMerritte Williams, Chantay Morris, IdeanaWade, and Alana Whitaker. Again, thankyou to our dynamic Graduate Advisors, theExecutive Committee and the GraduateAdvisors’ Council for all you do to EmpowerSupport and Protect our undergraduates inthe spirit of love.

The JewelSeptember 2008

Please Meet ’s Own...

Soror Valarie A. McKenzie transferred to Alpha Kappa Omega at the beginning of 2008 from Gamma ZetaOmega, in Miami, Florida, where she was initiated in December 1985. She received an MBA from Nova South-eastern University (1995) and went to undergraduate school at Florida International University (1985). In AlphaKappa Omega, she serves on the High School Leadership Development and one of the Non-Traditional Entre-preneurs (Economic Development) Committees. In Gamma Zeta Omega she worked on the Ivy Rosettes, theBlack Family and Economics committees and served as Anti-Tamiouchos. She is an active member of HigherDimension Church, where she is currently a facilitator within the church’s Christian Education Department.She is the founder and President of inPrep, Inc. Before starting the consulting and coachingbusiness, extensive leadership experience was gained from her 21-year career with AmericanExpress. She is recognized for her ability to identify problems, generate solutions thatimprove organizational effectiveness and coach others to achieve their goals. She hasworked in various capacities: Leadership Development Consultant, Leadership Advisor,Organizational Development Consultant, and Manager of Quality and Training.

eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: [email protected]

AKA History of the Day…365Put your hands together in appreciationto Soror Diana Merritte, Chairman oft h e A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n H i s t o r yCommittee and our daily “AKA Historyof the Day...365,” email lessons.

Extra Special Prayers...

Please keep in your prayers those families devastated by the recent fires, hurricanes, severestorms, and tornadoes around the country and throughout the world. Let us also remainprayerful for our servicemen and women who protect and serve our country.

The Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter’s ReactivationCommittee presented, “Living the Twenty Pearls,”on Saturday, June, 28, 2008.

“Reclaiming Our Extra Special Pearls”

Committed sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha are determined to live up tothe goals of this sisterhood…

...Are you living or just wearing your TWENTY PEARLS?

The Reactivation Committee salutes all sorors who participated.There were 18 sorors and one brave “AKA Honey Do”, AndrewMcFolling present. The night was full of games and excitement with avariety of foods and sprits. The open dialogues on topics, such as,“Pride, Unity, Sisterly Relations, along with Understanding andRespect were phenomenal. Thank you to our Chairman, Soror BettyMerritte-Williams, Co-Chairmen Sorors Shelly Davis and XenithGreen.

Focus GroupPrior to the June Sorority meeting from 10:00 a.m.-10:45a.m., Sorors participated in the “Sickle Cell FocusGroup” presentation and discussion.

Thanks to Soror Carole Pinkett and your generosity, wecollected over $700.00 to assist with summer camp forchildren effected by Sickle Cell.

Juneteenth Multicultural Health Festival

The Juneteenth Multicultural Health Festival on Saturday,June 21, 2008 at Discovery Green Park was supported by sorors who performed a line dance: Cheryl Bryant,Festival Zone Manager, Regina Carrington, TamaraCubit, Edwina Johnson, Nkenge Berry, AqueelahBrown, JoCarolyn Goode, JeraNykolya Jackson,Sadrina James, Abena Ochoa, May Walker, and NadiaWashington.

AKA-NOMICSAKA-NOMICSAKA-NOMICS

A:D—Alloftheabove

AKA-NOMIC$ CORNER

A reverse mortgage is:

A. a rising debtB. only available to someone 62 years of age or olderC. generally not tied to incomeD. all of the above

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June 2008

Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573Page 6 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

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September 2008


Iam pleased to announce the launch of our Centennial web siteand invite you to visit the updated technological initiative, ifyou have not already done so. We have received rave reviews

from those who have visited the site. The new and improved,revitalized site contains an Events Calendar, Photo Gallery, plus aMembers Only section for members to retrieve Report Documents,Chapter Newsletters (please Sorors must register), plus an added

feature…the Payment Center...

The Payment Center affords you theopportunity to purchase your event ticketsonline, plus pay your chapter dues.

See for yourself at www.alphakappaomega.com. I cannot thank the following sorors enough fortheir assistance and coordination, as well as their perseverance in the monumental task. TheTechTeam includes Sorors Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, LaDonna Harris, Pam Lazard, JaniceWarner, Karla Thibodeaux, Tamara Cubit, Kim Topps, Quiana Smith, and Alice Walker. Alsoa special thanks to web designer, Robert Prather of Prather Creations.

Thank you sorors for sharing the vision of your Basileus!You are simply the BEST!

80th AnniversaryDecember 27, 2008

Pink-NicOctober 5, 2008

AKAAKAAKA



Congratulations to…

Soror Berna Greer and Soror Carolyn House Stewart will accompany the Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara

A. McKinzie, to Paris and represent AKA at the United Nations Confab, which is an historic event. See “AKA

to Articulate 100-Year Record Advancing Human Rights at the United Nations Confab”

[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26265276];

Soror Autry Osby’s granddaughter, Ashton Osby, a senior at Virginia Tech, studied abroad this summer in

Paris, France as an exchange student in French;

Soror Janice Brown and her husband, Ronald, celebrated on July 29th the birth of their son, Ronald J. Brown, Jr.

(6 lbs. 5 oz. and 18 in. long);

Sorors Tanya Easter and Meca Walker, who were both accepted to Leadership Houston's Class XXVII. Leadership

Houston is a nonprofit corporation that is dedicated to building a stronger community by joining and strengthening

leaders to serve the public good. It enhances leadership by building on the strengths of diversity and by promoting

collaborative problem solving within and among communities;

Soror Melba Henry and “Honey Do,” Forest Henry on 50 years of marriage and a GOLDEN Life Together;

Sorors Willie Dean Floyd and Yvonne McCree as 2008 Blue Triangle Living Legends;

New 2008 Life Members: Sorors Lydia Brew, Helen Eagleton, Shirley Howard, Veronica Johnson and Rita Smith;

Soror Trela Landry-Parker on the opening of her dance studio called Rhythm Studio 1. Classes to begin Fall 2008;

Soror Gala Fary on her promotion of to Director of Clinical Operations Support Services.

We are proud of each one of you, continue your good works!

A K A L A D E S T O :

Sister 2 SisterThank you notes from…

Sorors Myra Jackson, Lillie Jones, Kimberly Miller, and Maxine Hammonds-Smith for the prayers and the beautiful ivy baskets

received during their hospital stay,,

Soror Evelyn B. Thornton for the beautiful plant on the occasion of the passing of her brother,

Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley for the beautiful vase to acknowledge her installation as our 23rd South Central Regional Director,

Soror Marva J. Adams’ 2008 Centennial Golden Soror acknowledgement,

Soror Karen-Kai Johnson for the cards, prayers, and beautiful plant in the passing of her father,

From the family of Soror Nescafe G. Baptist and Soror Connie Steward for conducting the Ivy Beyond the Wall for Soror Nescafe,

Soror Dina Williams for the beautiful ivy plant, all the prayers and thinking of her as she convalesces from her auto accident.

Donatetoiletries collected

from Boule and yoursummer vacation!

What Every Alpha Kappa AlphaWoman Should Know!

As good sorors, please be mindful of ourpromises, mandates and continuing obligations, which include: To live and reserve the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; To bring honor to Alpha Kappa Alpha; To wear the symbols of Alpha Kappa Alpha with pride; To sing the hymn at all sorority sponsored events unless

otherwise directed; To project an image of unity of purpose and commitment

to the high ideals that give birth of Alpha Kappa Alpha; To follow all approved practices and procedures; To remain knowledgeable regarding policies, procedures,

programs, etc.

The Jewel

June 2008


The Jewel

September 2008

Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573Page 6 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

“Little Known Alpha Kappa Omega History Facts”September 2008

1. Soror Maurie Carpenter, who taught secondary school for 43 years in Texas and

Kansas, was honored in Who’s Who Among American Teachers, several times during her

teaching career.

2. Soror Lucy Bremond chaired Alpha Kappa Omega’s first Corporate Sponsor committee in

1995 and secured the first corporate donation from Shell Oil. As a

long-time executive with General Electric, she secured nearly a

decade of financial support from GE, funding such programs as

ONTRACK, Project READ, Partnership in Math and Science (PIMS), TAAS

Tutorials at Madison High School, Hazel’s Pets, and the Great Book

Escape.

3. Soror Lena Gilmore was initiated into the Gamma Psi chapter at Texas Southern

University in 1953. A retired teacher with HISD, she has held the office of Anti-

Grammateus, Reporter to the Ivy Leaf and Chairperson of the Publicity and Public

Relations committees.

4. In 2008, Soror Lydia Brew published a novel entitled, “Ungolden Silence”. The book was

presented to the public at a book signing on February 10, 2008 at Third World Imports &

Tours.

5. From 1997–2000, Alpha Kappa Omega’s foundation awarded $600,000 in scholarships to

deserving students. Alpha Kappa Omega had a total of sixty-four Sorors listed in Who’s

Who in Alpha Kappa Alpha from 1967-1968.

6. Alpha Kappa Omega, under the leadership of Soror Charlotte K. Bryant (1981-1984),

initiated Houston’s first all Greek voter registration, voter education and voter

participation political activity.

7. The “ONTRACK” program was a three year program (January 1999-May 2002), designed to

keep at-risk children in grades 3 through 6 focused on excelling academically. “ONTRACK”

was the acronym for Organizing, Nurturing, Team Building, Respecting, Achieving,

Character Building and Knowledge.

8. Soror Etta Hill has been an authorized vendor for Alpha Kappa Alpha since 1993. She is

the owner of The Smart Cookie Gift Service. Having served as a delegate to the

Centennial Boule in Washington, D.C., Soror Etta has also served the community as a

board member of the YWCA, Young Audiences of Houston and the Houston Chapter of

Jack & Jill of America.

9. In 1982, Alpha Kappa Omega initiated its first community health fair. The 1982 fair

was noted for its solicitation of services for many of the city’s top medical and health

providers.

—Facts provided by Soror Andrea Bonner, 2008 Centennial Chapter Historian



Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

Entertainment CommitteePresents

Family and Friend Annual Pink-Nic 2008

Celebrating our100th YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!

Sunday, October 5, 2008Tom Bass Park 3 – Pavilion IV

Noon-6:00 p.m.

Come Eat, Socialize, and Play!!Games, Prizes, and Activities for All!!!!Adults: $15.00//Children: $10.00 (Ages 8-12)

For more information contact: Ticketron Committee:Soror Teal Holden Soror Connie Steward

Email: [email protected] Soror Kim HarrisPhone Number: 281-773-4692 Soror Synda Paul

Soror Joyce Warner

Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573Page 6 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

The Jewel

June 2008

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September 2008



Attention All Non-Traditional Entrepreneurs!!!& Interested Sorors…

[Platform I]

Please join the

“““NonNonNon---Traditional EntrepreneursTraditional EntrepreneursTraditional Entrepreneurs ———Think Tank”Think Tank”Think Tank”- “Turn Your Ideas Into a Business Plan”– “It Takes Money — How Do I Get It?”

Presenters: Small Business AdministrationMidSouth Bank

Sponsored by the

Economic Development Committee

Pre-Sorority Meeting Forum: Saturday, September 20, 2008 ~ Sign-in @ 9:30 a.m.For more information please contact: Soror Carolene Goffney-Sharpe

832 435 9425 ~ [email protected]

Economic Development Committee

PoinsettiaSale

The Economic Development Committee is now taking orders forPoinsettias @ $12.00 each (red or pink)

Place your orders now, starting at the September 20th sorority meeting,for delivery at the December 20th sorority meeting

Book your order as soon as possible as orders are filled on a first-come first-servebasis. Monies due November 15, 2008. Delivery date is December 20, 2008

Make checks payable to Alpha Kappa Omega and submit to:

Sorors Mae King, Pecunious Grammateus

Thank you from the citizens of The Brookwood Community

’s Centennial Executive Committee - June 28, 2008

September 2008

Soror Hazel H. Young—103

Happy Birthday!!!

“Golden & Still Foxy”“Golden & Still Foxy”“Golden & Still Foxy”

Graduate Advisors &Graduate Advisors &Graduate Advisors &Graduate Advisor’s CouncilsGraduate Advisor’s CouncilsGraduate Advisor’s Councils

Undergraduate RetreatUndergraduate RetreatUndergraduate Retreat