ebony pearl - ipower

It is hard to believe that Swing Phi Swing is forty years old? As I reflect on her past and her present, I can definitely attest to the fact that SWING has flourished like the seasons, constantly changing and forever evolving. From the very beginning

FROM THIS DAY

FORWARD From the National President

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Incorporated®

The Ultimate Experience in

Swing Communication

EEBBOONNYY PPEEAARRLL NEWSLETTER STAFF

Phyllis Jeter Nunn Editor-in-Chief

Sharon Chandler Copy Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda M. Smith

Chairperson Vanessa Gibbs Hilliard

Vice Chairperson Sharon Chandler

Mona Evans Raquel Rouse

Beverly Dorn Steele Tanya McKoy Sutton Anita Chase Watson

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Tanya McKoy Sutton

President Marilyn Berry Vice President

LaVerne Wilson Treasurer

Sandy Cayo Recording Secretary

Krystal Coston Corresponding Secretary

Brenda Noble Graduate Officer

Dorothy Slaughter Undergraduate Officer

Melissa Wilson Undergraduate Representative

Stephanie Turner Special Events Officer

Phyllis Jeter Nunn Media Affairs Officer

Maya McGeathey Parliamentarian Brenda Torrence

Historian

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS Nneka Shoulds

Mid-Atlantic Region Michelle Williams Muhammad

Mid-Western Region Lori Gittens

Northeastern Region Sharon Chandler

South-Central Region Ellen Tomlinson Carter Southeastern Region

OLA Sisters and Happy 40th Anniversary! While the road has not always been easy for Swing, our motto has stood the test of time. Perseverance is our virtue. There is no better time than the present to come together to honor our founders and rededicate ourselves as Swings as we celebrate our past and build a powerful future for our organization. I challenge each and every one of you to recommit yourself to Swing, uphold its charter and purpose, continue to fulfill its mission in community service and always set out to support women in need of growth. Continue to be strong and united in the name of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® The Ebony Pearl, Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE 40TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Life Begins At Forty - P.2

Celebrating a Powerful Past - P.3

Founders’ Expectations - P.4

Building a Brighter Future - P.6

Chapter News - P.7

Health Awareness - P.9

Dare To Dream - P.11

beginning our Founders exemplified courage and the sheer essence of finer Black womanhood. Our Founders, a cohesive group of dynamic Sisters who consciously effected social change were rebels on a mission. The Founders paved a foundation that has transcended into an organization that holds true to its purpose. As Swing Phi Swing convenes in Winston-Salem, NC on April 1 – 5, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of our beloved organization, we must remain cognizant of our Founders’ mission and continue to build a concrete foundation for the future; and in doing so we must give unselfishly in the development of our communities and continue to serve as a catalyst in society. Sisters of Swing will train and cultivate generations of young women of color, instill in them the confidence to feel like they are the next doctors, lawyers, businesswomen, celebrities and activists. When we build and cultivate our Sisters it’s like running a small business, its hard work but the rewards are greater than any profit. As parents, educators, mentors, tutors, guardians and givers we are the village that it takes to cultivate an organization. Swing must build dynasties so that will have lasting legacies. From this day forward, let’s continue to fulfill our Founding Sisters’ dream and perpetuate an organization that exemplifies the true essence of Sisterhood, community service (continued on page 2)

LEFT TO RIGHT: Faye Dyson, Marguaree Durden, Founder Ellen Tomlinson, Founder Beverly Dorn, Sharon Ferguson, Cynthia Warner

and Founder Marilyn Reid

Spring 2009

LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY

Life begins at 40 because that’s when we as women finally “get it”. That’s when we as women have the guts to take back our lives…to stop hiding out, stop making reluctant choices that compromise us and our lives. I guess it’s because something almost magical occurs, something liberating, re-juvenating and exhilarating. We acquire a healthy disregard for what other people think… gain the confidence to define ourselves on our own terms…to move in new directions and try new things. Sisters, that’s exactly where we are today as a 40-year-old organization. Historically, we have defined ourselves in terms of how we differ from other organizations; that we’re not a sorority, but we are a fellowship. That we’re not sorors…we’re sisters. We’ve consistently attached ourselves to others…defining ourselves in terms of our origin, as the sister organization to Groove, or through affiliations with other women’s organizations. As I recall, after four years we’re still waiting to be recognized by the National Council of Negro Women. Well, today sisters, I say, 40-year old Swing is enough. We don’t have to couple, consort or compete with anyone to be complete. We are not an appendage of any other organization. We are whole and complete in and of ourselves. It’s time to liberate ourselves and

I’ve always heard that for a woman life begins at 40. It wasn’t until I

reached 40 that I finally understood and

embraced this belief.

40 YEARS OF MONUMENTAL

MEMORIES (of Perseverance)

April 4, 1968. A shot rang out in Memphis, Tennessee that was literally heard and felt all around the world - the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During that time in history, many young ladies across the nation were also thinking, planning and dreaming about their own lives as they explored college life, freedom of speech, the latest fashions and of course the path that their young lives would embark upon during the next few years. April 4, 1969. Exactly one year later, in the midst of the somber first anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the founding of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. took place on the campus of Winston-Salem State College, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Twelve young ladies, not fully realizing that they were about to create a legacy that would consciously uplift women of color, empower many to be leaders and formulate a lifelong family connection, thrust them-selves into the forefront of others at the peak of the Black Power Movement, fighting for rights, daring to be different, while still maintaining their dignity, faithfulness, courage and young womanhood.

and boldly define who we are and where we’re heading on our own terms. Now is the time to take a deep breath, stick out our collective chest and strut our stuff. Over the last forty years we’ve gone from straight collegiate to a combination of collegiate and professional women from all walks of life all over the country. We have, in fact, through this accomplishment defined ourselves, and we need to press forward: • We need to identify a signature program and aggressively seek

funding.

My vision is for us to pursue our Mentoring Program as our signature. Such programs are already in place in half of our chapters. Let’s work toward having a program in every chapter by Symposium 2010 also identifying a central pool of funding for mentoring initiatives.

• We need to let go of the P.O. Box and start looking for a

permanent home (office space).

It is said that by the time a woman is forty, she should own some property of her own…our forty-year old women’s organization, still standing and still strong, is surely deserving of a place to call her own.

• We need to staff SWING with at least one paid employee whose

responsibility is to execute our policies and deliver our program with accountability and consistency.

After all, isn’t every forty-year old woman absolutely entitled to pay someone to come in and help out around the house every now and then at least?

In closing I suggest that we establish a Fabulous Forty Swing Commission and charge this body with the serious pursuit of these goals, `cause at forty every woman needs a dream and a plan to make it come true.

From This Day Forward (from page 1) and finer black womanhood. Let’s continue to have passion centered on enthusiasm for noteworthy causes; and what better cause, than the advancement of our people, through the achievement of our youth. The Sisters of Swing are more than conquerors, we are trailblazers and trendsetters addressing social ills that plaque our communities. Let’s continue to celebrate a powerful past and build a future far beyond anyone’s expectations!

From the Board of Director Chairwoman

The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue

Winston-Salem State University

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y

Tanya McKoy Sutton

Linda M. Smith

CELEBRATING A POWERFUL PAST It all began in the year of 1969 on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. A group of young women who were gathered in an impromptu setting came up with an idea to strike out against the traditional organizations and come up with their own concept of a unique and one-of-a-kind fellowship. The primary focus of this organization would be a symbol of the current times and the impending change of what was to come. The world was headed in a new direction. The civil unrest of 1968 that occurred throughout the nation was a rude awakening for many people and somehow this group of young women knew that the world would never be the same. The traditional organizations and their concepts were passé and this dynamic group of women set out to do something that was daring and different. The number of women who were interested in setting out on a new course was large in the beginning. However, the path to something different and new was not easy and, in the end, only twelve survived the course.

Jeanette Butler (Deceased) Jane Harris (Deceased) Ellen Tomlinson Anita Chase Rosalind Marshall Brenda Travers Beverly Dorn Marilyn Reid Lorraine Watkins Finesia Dunovant Patricia Story (Deceased) Talma Woods

To follow are profiles from each surviving Founding Sisters and their story of how Swing began and what their expectation of how they would like the organization to continue.

April 4, 2009. Forty years in the making, Swing Phi Swing celebrates and observes it's 40th Anniversary. As the organization raises the curtain on a new era of hope, dreams, aspirations, mentor-ship and community service, we are bonded by many other magnificent mile-stones also taking place…. Earlier this year, the United States of America elected its first African American President, Mister Barack Obama and we embraced our first African American First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama. At the same time, we observed the 40th Anniversaries of the ATM machine, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Arthur Mitchell's founding of The Dance Theatre of Harlem. May you each be educated, informed and even entertained as you enjoy, love, cherish and explore this organization through our eyes. I share with you my passion, enthusiasm and a life time of warm memories for Swing Phi Swing.

Submitted by Brenda Torrence National Historian

(Excerpted from the Foreword of the 40th

Anniversary History Book)

BE THE CHANGE By Sister Sharon Chandler

Mahatma Gandhi once profoundly stated “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” This simple quote speaks volumes about Ghandi’s view of the universe, and in fact, how I myself view it as well. When I decided to pledge Swing Phi Swing back in the Fall of 1976, I did so because I saw an opportunity to effect positive change – change that would permeate the status quo at the college I attended, in the community in which I resided, in the nation and yes, in the world. More than three decades later, I am more determined than ever to fulfill this ongoing destiny to bring about a positive change in the land of SWING. Therein lies the sole motivation for my campaign for National President of our beloved organization. organization. I firmly believe that I must be the change that I want to see in this organization.

As we embark on a new era in the United States and world history with the Obama administration just days from coming to fruition, our newly elected President has redefined our perception of ‘change’. Barack Obama has challenged us to re-examine where we are, who we are and how we each can contribute to improving the world we live in. With his ‘Change we can believe in’ mantra, President-elect Obama has inspired millions across the globe to take heed to Ghandi’s charge to ‘be the change they want to see in the world’. It is because of his historic election, we have come to understand that every vote counts and every person contributes to our collective achievement. Although Swing Phi Swing is a mere grain of sand on the beach, we must realize and appreciate the fact that we can and should do our part to bring about much needed change. Improving the environment, the economy, and the health, education and welfare of this and future generations must be goals which we vehemently pursue. Our leadership must in no uncertain terms set the pace and our membership must be encouraged to march forward with a sense of unity and commitment. With the first forty years of our existence behind us, Swing Phi Swing is certainly at a pivotal juncture in our history, a point at which change is eminent. You see, the number forty holds particular significance across religious boundaries - in the Torah, the Bible and the Quran, the number 40 signifies change and new creation. Noted scholar, Hillel Ben David (Greg Killian) explains “Every time one finds the number forty in Torah (the first 5 books of the Hebrew scriptures), its inner meaning is the ascent from one level to the next higher one. We get a new mission at forty. But the attainment of a higher level can come only after first reaching and fulfilling all aspects of the previous level, and then making emptiness in the middle to allow for the emergence of something entirely new”. So I implore you, my sisters, to join me on this new mission for Swing Phi Swing. A new paradigm has come to pass and we must embark on this next journey with God as our navigator, Change as our vessel, Unity as our fuel and Success as our destination.

Copies of the 40th Anniversary History Book can be orderded via the

National Historian.

Visit the national web site for more information.


S W I N G P H I S W I N G ®

FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS Anita Chase Watson is a veteran teacher and currently works for the Guilford County School System. She is also an adjunct instructor at North Carolina A&T State University. She has two sons and three grandchildren. Anita is a member of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter. She loves to read, travel and is an avid tennis player. Swing began, from my recollection, with a flyer that was put out on campus by the brothers of Groove Phi Groove. It was an invitation to an interest meeting for ladies interested in starting a new organization on

campus. I, along with a group of friends, went along and the rest is history. The pledging process was tailored like the other organizations on campus. Since we were being pledged by brothers, the guidelines were somewhat lenient. I have fond memories of pledging and at times it was a lot of fun. I left Winston-Salem State University soon thereafter. However, my line sisters began to pledge sisters everywhere on black college campuses across the state and they made me a part of that experience in their own special way. Years after, I rekindled my relationship with the organization at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC. My hope for the organization is to see us continue to thrive while holding on to our initial purpose without competing to be like the other women organizations. We should continue to support and develop strong leadership within our organization and never forget that the “sister in me is the sister in you”. Swing, in my opinion, began as a social connection where we could remain true to individual selves and share similar ideals and beliefs without pretense, friction or discord. I’m amazed that this still holds true today. Rosalind “Roz” Marshall Tandy is the owner and training director of the Luke Agency, a customer service, job readiness, entrepreneurial and leadership organization located in Atlanta, Georgia. She began her company in 1998 after being employed at Bell South for almost twenty years. She is committed to promoting attitudes that will raise the standards and expectations a person has of themselves and others. Her dedication, knowledge and vast experiences have made her a highly regarded trainer, facilitator, motivational speaker and presenter. Her teaching and workshops are designed to meet people where they are and to get them moving in the direction they are destined to be. Roz has continued to develop and expand this gift by remembering that the best place to learn is in the front of the class as the instructor. She believes ‘it is never too late to be what you could have become’. Roz is the author of two published works entitled, “Discovering My Greatness” and Customer Service in God’s House originally published in 2004. Her next book, Customer Service in God’s House, Leadership Edition is scheduled for release this year. She is the proud mother of a 33 year old son, Jamal, who has followed in his mom’s footsteps as an entrepreneur.

Beverly Dorn-Steele is currently the Director, Educational Services & Community Engagement at WTVI in Charlotte, NC where she has been employed for the past 29 years. She is married to Tyrone Steele, they have one daughter, Danielle Toi, and reside in Charlotte, NC. Beverly is a member of the Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Swing Phi Swing Foundation and a longstanding member of the Charlotte Graduate Chapter. I recall the concept of Swing being a joint collaborative effort of all twelve sisters. A lot of the background information (history, shield, etc.) was derived from the Groove’s format. Initially, there was no specific definition of the organization. We began the process as an alternative to the Greek organizations. Swing was founded during the peak of the Black Power movement and the civil rights era. There was a definite need for “change” on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. Our goal was to come up with a group that would make a way for black, Afro-centric, women to empower others. The pledging process for the most part was very similar to the Greek organizations, some of which I am sworn to secrecy about. There’s one experience, if given the opportunity, I would do all over again. As to how I would like to see the organization progress for the next 40 years; the first thing that comes to mind is that there are some big shoes to fill – Tanya, Cheryl, Linda, Carlenia, etc. – your years of effective leadership, organizational skills and commitment is greatly appreciated. However, this new day should build not only on some of the successes of the past 40 years; it should be a time to evaluate where we want to be in the next 40 years. Success requires new energy and faith and we have the potential to create a greater and bigger organization. For so long the organization has leaned on and depended on a select few. It takes the involvement and energy of ALL to get us where we need to go as an organization and community-at-large. Although Swing’s 40th anniversary celebration falls in the same year America and the world witnessed the election of the nation’s first African-American President, we still have an ongoing struggle to succeed. I am honored to witness Swing’s 40th and applaud the members and past leaders who have brought us thus far.

Lorraine Watkins Phillips is a member of the Rukiya Busara Triad Graduate Chapter. She works for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. She has one daughter, Tiffany, and a grandson, Jordan. She also feels blessed to still have her 85 year old father. Lorraine currently resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was the brothers of Groove Phi

Groove that encouraged me to go on line. To me, becoming a Swing represented something that was real and I didn’t feel I was just being a part of another clique. I wanted to be a part of something different and not be associated with the traditional Greek organizations. During my pledging experience, I felt an abundance of assurance from the brothers as it was scary at times. My hope for the organization is that it continues to grow on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I would like to see our inactive sisters come back and become active again. I would like to see our obligation to community service continue in strong numbers in that the community expects our organization to be there in the forefront when needed.

Spring 2009 4


FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS

Brenda Travers Satterfield is the proud daughter of Mary L. Wilson, mother of Terry L. Satterfield, Jr. and grandmother to Taylor Leigh, an adorable three year old. She currently resides in Washington, DC and attends Covenant Baptist Church under pastors Drs. Dennis and Christine Wiley. Gardening, travel and the Washington Redskins are her passions. She makes a mean corn pudding and is always thinking up nutritious seafood dishes. Her initial foray in working with the less fortunate began when she took a position as Director of a homeless shelter in the District of Columbia. As a member of the DC Metro

Graduate Chapter, Brenda has fulfilled a lifelong dream of community service by partnering with Daughter For The Day. As a Daughter For The Day, Brenda assists seniors in the community with medical appointments, shopping and home visits. It is truly a blessing to give back to the community. Brenda's scripture to live by is Hebrews Chapter 13 which is the guide on how we should live to please God. The concept of Swing was originally bought to us as a group by the brothers of Groove Phi Groove. The idea of becoming a part of the sisterhood was exciting, exhilarating and unknown territory since I had no sisters and had not belonged to a girl group since the Campfire Girls. The thought of a new and DIFFERENT organization where sisters would have the chance to mold it into something that could benefit the community was challenging especially for persons within the immediate community area that was not affiliated with the campus life. There was a need to help others because everyday life and meeting basic needs was a struggle back in 1969 for many people. While the brothers wanted to give us a memorable pledging experience, they seemed to focus more on mental stimulation vs. physical exertion. Being the control freak that I am, my pledging experience that involved unknown requests and activities helped me to rely on others to meet the common goal of becoming a member of Swing. I would like to see the organization progress in being at the forefront of filling the service needs of the community that government programs were responsible for in the past. We should stress the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. Finesia “Slick Sam” Dunovant-Walker is a high school social studies teacher and has been for the past 32 years. She has been teaching at Essex County Vocational Technical High School for the past 18 years. A former resident of Montclair, NJ, she now resides in Irvington, NJ. She is the mother of three, Jimmy (35), Karana (31) and David (21), and the grandmother of 5 (and another one on the way). She is presently completing her Masters in Administration and Supervision and hopes to become a principal of her own school. I remember we were all sitting around in the dorm discussing the fact that we were not interested in being an AKA nor a Delta but we wanted to belong in an organization of sisters. We continued talking and one of us said, ‘hey let’s start our own’. The Grooves on

campus needed sisters, so we talked to the brothers and got their input, found an advisor and wrote a make-shift charter. The brothers agreed to take us over. I was a Freshman and active in many things (including partying). I had to be a member because I was right there from the beginning in the midst of all the planning. I was pushing the idea to [some of] the other girls. This was an opportunity to do something great at my young age. Never did I think this would be so successful. The pledging process was something else. The brothers were tough on us yet some did show us mercy. I don’t think they thought we were serious at first. We had to learn the history of Groove Phi Groove and that was not easy. We were not allowed to date any of the brothers during pledging (if you happened to be dating a brother). Eventually the brothers realized that we were in it for the long haul. Many of us were tough and took no flack from the brothers. One sister that comes to mind was Jeanette Butler. She would curse you out so fast. Hell Week was not real pleasant … some females actually dropped out. The best of the best hung in there and of course the rest is history. I am so proud of how the organization is progressing now.

Marilyn Reid Hill is currently a school counselor at Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, New Jersey. She received her Master’s in School Counseling from Wilmington College in 2002. Prior to that for 22 years she was a Health and Physical Education Teacher. Her passion was coaching girls Track & Field. She has worked for the American Red Cross as a Health Educator and is also a full time licensed realtor. Marilyn has been married to Harold Hill II for 30 years. She has two sons, Harold III and Jason, both of whom received full

football scholarships to the University of Richmond and subsequently received Masters Degrees. She is the grandmother of one, Harold IV, age 2. Marilyn is one of twelve children, 6 brothers and 5 sisters, and says that she is blessed to say all are living. As I recall the primary concept of Swing was to be the sisters of the Grooves. I remember assuming that every campus that had Groove had Swings. Upon venturing out to find our “sisters” at other campuses, we were embraced as the new kids on the block and with the questions, ‘what do we need to do to become Swings like you all?’ Special memories include helping to design the shield, my dorm room being filled with a sea of white and black gorgeous Swing pillows from pledgees from many campuses, carrying around a custom painted white and black stick, challenging Ladybugs with mentally creative games and being treated very, very special. It is my desire to see Swing continue to prosper and grow. I love the bonds of fellowship the sisterhood possess. Dedication to community service, academic excellence, and cultural awareness will always be in style. The more love you have for yourself, the more you can give away to others. I am in awe of the organization’s longevity and success. I pray God’s blessings upon each and every one of you.

Ellen Tomlinson Carter is a member of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter located in Winston-Salem, NC. Ellen has been happily married to James A. Carter for 22 years and they are the parents of four and the grandparents of 13. Employed by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, she works at Mineral Springs Elementary School with exceptional children. She also has three brothers and two sisters, one who is deceased.

Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue The Ebony Pearl Newsletter –

FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS (from page 5)

deceased. I recall someone asking a couple of the Groove brothers why they did not have a sister organization on campus like other organizations. After stating they did not know and inquiring if we wanted to be their sisters they stated they had to talk to their National Office and get back to us. As the saying goes 'the rest is history'. In the beginning, the organization had no idealistic form. The concept began as a sister organization to the Grooves, the mission and purpose came about after the pledging process was over. Guidelines for pledging were set by the administration thus the pledging process the brothers used was the one followed in establishing this organization. Tired of conforming to the 'establishment and society' the twelve of us stepped out to express our afro-centricity and individualism. We really 'dared to be different’. In 1969 no organization on campus fed our afro-centric level of consciousness. Once word of the existence of Swing Phi Swing on our campus spread we received calls just about every week and the organization spread like smallpox. It reinforced our feelings that sisters were tired of being expected to be carbon copies of other organizations and that they wanted the vehicle to express themselves, be themselves and prove themselves. It’s hard to believe that 40 years later sisters are still heeding the call for expressing their desire and right to be different. I would like to see the organization continue to grow and for the name of Swing Phi Swing to be more widely recognized as a viable serious entity by the communities at large, politically and educationally on a national level. People are starting to realize that Swing Phi Swing is not a fly by night organization, but a serious service oriented force to be reckoned with.


BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE From an Undergraduate Perspective

By Sister Autumn Rowles

Building a stronger future within an organization is always a primary goal. Particularly with Swing Phi Swing, our future is so important because of the history that comes from the root of our organization. Something so precious as Swing deserves to have a flourishing future in our communities around the world. One of the major factors within building a stronger future is definitely leadership. It is imperative to have strong leaders that possess the qualities of honesty, integrity, service, as well as a nurturing spirit. Our leaders must lead by example to set the tone for those leaders of the younger generation. Swing Phi Swing is still young compared to most organizations and requires that undivided attention. The future of the organization is the current undergraduate sector of Swing. The undergraduate sector possesses those qualities which are needed at the national level. As most know, Swing Phi Swing has a generational gap within the organization due to the stagnation of intake for years. Because of this gap, it has been questioned by some members if there is something lacking within the organization that resulted in the low intake numbers. Building a stronger future starts with overcoming this hurdle. It is important to incorporate the ideas and qualities that the undergraduate sisters have, as well as provide them with the necessary access to implement those tools and ideas.

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. is such a precious organization. The bright future of this organization can be very successful with the added values from the undergraduate sector and its leaders. Membership would increase, acquiring necessary funding for events would be much more accessible, and most importantly, Swing will continue to live. As Sisters With Interest Never Gone, nothing is impossible. Swing’s future is history in the making.

(Autumn Rowles is a senior and an engineering student at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. She became a member of Swing Phi Swing in August 2007

and was a member of the Five Degrees of Grace undergraduate line.

Ellen Tomlinson Carter

CHAPTER NEWS

DC METRO WHITE AND BLACK

INAUGURAL BALL The World is still standing in awe of our country's newly elected president, Mr. Barack Obama, and more importantly the way that our country has finally come to a place where CHANGE has come in a more positive manner. Let us all continue to be mindful and prayerful of our own individual responsi-bilities as we all contribute to THE CHANGE! Let's work on doing things we may not have done before, go places we may not have visited, support in ways we may have only talked about or wished that we would have before. Work harder to stay in touch with friends, family, co-workers and loved ones. Make a new commitment or a higher commitment to engage in more community service. There is plenty of work to be done by all. I am taking this opportunity to THANK those of you that attended and supported the White and Black Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Lexington Hotel in Oxon Hill, MD hosted by the DC Metro Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Incorporated. This grand event was a HUGE success with well over 350 guest who enjoyed dancing, dining, celebrating and fellowshipping. Of course being able to celebrate the birthday of Rev Dr. MLK, Jr. AND "The Inauguration" with so many good people from as far away as Germany was simply wonderful. So what's next?....Take a look in the mirror and SEE the change, DREAM the change and most importantly BE THE CHANGE!

CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Welcome to our newly inducted sisters into the Fellowship.

On Sunday, February 22, 2009, seven dynamic and beautiful women were inducted as members of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter. These seven women chose their line name as ‘Ashanti Baderinwa’ which means ‘Strong African Woman Worthy of Respect.’

Karol Gilmore, Tokeaya Spivey, Dollette Stowe, LaTanya Cole, Cristal Gilmore, Bernice Dolby and Sherry Rogers Tri-State Graduate Chapter and The College of New Rochelle welcomed new members: Tirza Buelto to Tri-State Graduate Chapter; Shari Archie and Jazzlyn Farrell to the Undergraduate Chapter at College of New Rochelle.

The following sisters of the Phenomenon line were inducted into the Maatkare Hatshepsut Bulldog Chapter at Bowie State University on Sunday March 15, 2009.

Rochelle Hall

“Enigma”

Jasmine Parham

“Eclipse”

Chelsea Mays “Evolution”

Lincoln University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Morgan State University all inducted new members in mid-March as well.


CHAPTER NEWS

Welcome New Members (from page 7)

Tia Morgan

The Raleigh Graduate Chapter took over Crystal F. Kearney as a new graduate member on March 15, 2009. Her line name is "A Queen Among Many”. The Raleigh Graduate Chapter also took over two undergrads from Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s College. Tia Morgan was inducted as a member of the Muntu Chapter on November 14, 2008 at Shaw University. Her line name was "Future Reference”. Whitney Hickman was inducted as a member of the Nkijah

Whitney Hickman

Chapter at Saint Augustine's College on April 3, 2008. Her line name was “Retro Lightning”. The Philadelphia Grad Chapter welcomed The Six Degrees of Separation line in to the Swing family on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Dawn Simmons, Nicole Braxton, Alycia Wright, Judy Ivory, Renee Joyner, and Donna Daniels.

The Central Carolina Graduate Chapter is proud to welcome two new members: Audrey Hicks and Jennifer Bannister. Audrey and Jennifer were the second graduate line sponsored by CCG. In conjunction with the SWING EXPLOSION, Audrey and Jennifer began their journey on March 3, 2009 and entered our beloved organization on March 8, 2009. In addition to worshiping with Chapter members, Audrey and Jennifer did an outstanding job tutoring at the After School Program sponsored by Maple Temple Church. Because of their contribution, the members of CCG have been asked to become regular tutors for this program. While the members of CCG are elated to have two new members, we also are proud to have three blood sisters as members of our Chapter. Audrey Hicks is the sister of Antoinette Hicks and Cheryl Hicks Boddie. Both of these ladies bring a wealth of knowledge and information to the organization as they are both highly regarded practitioners in the Mental Health profession in the state of North Carolina. Let us all join together in sending an OLA’ out to the two newest members of the Central Carolina Graduate Chapter, Audrey Hicks and Jennifer Bannister.

HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES

Congratulations, to Sisters Crystal Gilmore and Yasmin Gay. Based on their strong academic

record, they have been selected for membership into Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society for Sociology and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International, respectively. Both sisters are members of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter.

WAY TO GO SISTERS!

TWENTY YEARS OF

PERSEVERANCE The Raleigh Graduate Chapter has persevered through obstacles and joy since its inception in 1989. Founded by sisters Kim Williams-Capers, Teresa Bell Edmundson, Arlena Groves, Veronica Mack-Cohen, Patricia Sampson, Arnetta White, Debbie Burt, and Gwendolyn Whitley, the chapter has never ceased to exist or to be a progressive force in their community. The Raleigh Graduate Chapter holds the distinct honor of initiating the very first Graduate Line inducted into the Nation of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® With sisters Teresa Bell-Edmundson and Veronica Mack-Cohen at the helm as Dean and Assistant Dean of Pledgees respectively, “Three the Hard Way” successfully completed their journey into Swingland on April 7, 1990. That line consisted of Stephanie Becoat, Mamie Branch, and Jenelle Crump. Following this progressive tradition, Raleigh Grad never ceased to intake, subsequently inducting the following lines: 1991- Then There Was One 1992- Five Have Arrived With One on the

Side 1993- Thirty Something and Tired By Nature 1994- Breathless and After Math The

Explosion 1995- Setting A Precedence 1996- Thee One 1997- Nia 1999-Against All Odds 2002- This Too Shall Pass 2004- Double Take and Bloodline 2007- Heaven Sent 2008- And Still I Rise -The Nkijha Rebirth and

Future Reference 2009- A Queen Among Many The chapter also took over sisters Rylanda Nickerson, Ladonna Barnes, Anza Mitchell and Angela Williams but all the details are not recorded at this time. From these intake periods two mother-daughter legacies were born, Franchelle Evans, daughter of sister Cheryl Kornegay (2004) and Jewlyn Dunn, (2002) daughter of sister Jewyl Dunn. There was also a sister to sister legacy; Antionette Hicks, sister of Cheryl Hicks Boddie entered into the house of Swing in 2004. The chapter went about the business of making a name for itself in the community and has done a job (continued on page 10)


DARE TO DREAM

SWING Take A Historic Journey through Winston-Salem One of Swing Phi Swing S.F.I. main thrusts is promoting cultural consciousness. Winston-Salem, NC boasts a rich African American History, thus we felt it was important for members of our fellowship family and our guests to be enriched by learning the extraordinary stories of the people that worked to build, enrich and unify Winston- Salem’s Black community. NY Tri-State Graduate Chapter, in partnership with the National Office of SWING, is hosting an exploration of the city’s historic sites. On this three hour bus tour, conducted by representatives of the Winston-Salem Visitors Center, we will learn of local African American contributions. We hear the personal stories of many people who have made a positive impact on the city and see many historical sites. We will visit the Delta Arts Center to see creative displays of prominent local and national re-known artists, stop at Body and Soul bookstore and enjoy a complimentary reception while acclaimed jazz musician Joe Robinson renders a soulful serenade at Winston-Salem Visitor Center. A lunch break to sample local soul food is planned and of course we will tour Winston-Salem State University—the birthplace of SWING! Please join us for this exciting cultural event which will take place on Thursday and Friday afternoons during our national convention. The cost is $12 advance purchase and $19.69 @bus boarding times. There will be a ticketing table in the vending area of the host hotel on April 1st, 2nd and 3rd. RSVP to [email protected] or call 973-464-0173 to reserve a seat. Other Highlights Include: OLD SALEM: A restored Moravian community. In 1766, Moravians founded Salem. Enslaved Africans lived in the community from its founding. They contributed substantially to building the town, even as they struggled to maintain lives of dignity. There we will see the

campus of Salem Academy and College, the 13th-oldest college in the nation and the oldest dedicated to the education of women. Located in the Moravian Slave Quarter is a log building, the original structure for the St. Philips Moravian Church complex, it is the site of the first African Moravian worship service. As early as the 1820s, the Log Church served not only as a house of worship, but the Sunday school served as a

center for education in the community.. On the church grounds you can see the 1815 African Burial Ground as well as the remnants of a

footpath behind the brick church. The path leads across the creek to Happy Hill. NEIGHBORHOODS & BUSINESS: The Happy Hill neighborhood began 1815 and is the oldest African American neighborhood in Winston-Salem. Here is where in the early 1800s, seventeen freed men and women, together with seven others, embarked on a journey to Liberia as a part of the back to Africa movement. The main thoroughfare in Happy Hill is Liberia Street. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive was the center of activity for many years. It was not only home to many African American owned businesses, but also a hub for entertainment and social life with theatres, dining and shopping. On New Walkertown Road, you will see some of the first businesses in Winston-Salem that were started by African American entrepreneurs. One of these is Winston Mutual Life Insurance Company. It began as the Winston Industrial Association in 1906 and merged with another company in 1915 to become Winston Mutual Life Insurance Company. Since 1906 it has served the African American Community in Winston-Salem. You will also see Mechanics and Farmers Bank. Opened in 1981, it is the only African American bank in Winston-Salem. By 1914, there were more than 300 Black owned and operated businesses in the city. CIVIL RESISTANCE: On 4th Street, see the Historical Marker for the First Sit In Victory in the state. This nonviolent protest ended 107 days from its beginning on February 8, 1960. EDUCATION: In 1867, Happy Hill residents started the first school to serve African Americans.. 1883, Winston-Salem organized its first school board, and the decision was made to create two public school systems. We will see the site of The Depot Street School; the first public school for African Americans, opened in 1887.Progressive education gave Winston-Salem a unique quality that was sought by after not only blacks but also investors in the late 1800s. TRANSPORTATION: Historic Union Station Train Depot was originally completed in 1926 for the Winston-Salem Terminal Company and served as Winston-Salem’s passenger train station further south on Liberty, you will see the Hampton D. Haith Public Transportation Center. The center is named for the last general manager of Safe Bus Company, which was started in Winston-Salem in 1926, became the largest African American transportation company in the world.

HEALTH AWARENESS What’s the 411 on Heart Disease? You’re driving down the highway; you feel discomfort in your neck, shoulders and upper back. You feel nauseated and begin to sweat profusely. You brush it off always because you’re in a hurry to get to a meeting or you have to take the children to their next event or get to the store to pick up dinner. But this time, you can’t brush it off. You’re likely having a heart attack. Although many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, women can and do get heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. According to the Women’s Heart Foundation:


HEALTH AWARENESS (from page 9)

Worldwide 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year 8 million women in the U.S. are currently living with heart disease 435,000 American women have heart attacks annually Under age 50, women’s heart attacks are twice as likely as men’s to be fatal

Heart-wrenching facts, but something no less to consider and weigh the recourse if we don’t take a stand on this fatal disease.

Research shows that women are six times as likely to die of heart disease as of breast cancer. With research geared towards women and heart disease, women have more options available in taking steps to understand the symptoms and begin a regimen to reduce the risk of heart disease. What are the symptoms of a heart attack? Classics symptoms are:

Squeezing chest pain or pressure; tightness in chest Neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort Shortness of breath Nausea or vomiting Sweating Light-headedness or dizziness Unusual fatigue

These signs and symptoms are more subtle than the obvious chest pain associated with heart attacks but nevertheless no less lethal. According to the Mayo Clinic, many women tend to show up in the emergency room after much heart damage has already occurred because their symptoms are not typically associated with a heart attack. If you feel or think you’re having a heart attack seek medical assistance immediately.

What can women do to reduce their risk of heart disease? We are so use to what is comfortable and familiar and so we tend to shy away from change. Lifestyle change is the key to reducing the risk of heart disease. Here are some lifestyle changes to consider to reduce your risk of heart disease:

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Make an effort to do at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Whether walking, aerobics, yoga, running, dancing – take the time and get out and exercise.

Maintain a healthy weight. This is a challenge for some of us. Obesity is a serious health risk among us and we have to take our weight seriously, especially as we aged. Cut down on your food intake, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and stay away from fatty and processed foods. Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.

Quit or don’t start smoking. Ask your healthcare provider for more information of women and heart disease. Make the commitment today to become heart healthy and heart smart.

BOOK CORNER If you’re looking for a good book to read this Spring, check out the latest new books available

Expect to Win … Proven Strategies for Success from a Wall Street Vet by Carla A. Harris

While Wall Street is in a financial mess, one of its star veterans, Carla A. Harris, has come out with a book on lessons she’s learned during her twenty years as a Wall Street professional. Each chapter outlines an inspirational ‘pearl of wisdom’ on how to deal with the day-to-day complexities and challenges of the workplace.

Accountable … Making America as Good as Its Promise by Tavis Smiley

This book is the third in a series by Tavis Smiley. Tavis, along with Stephanie Robinson as a contributor, puts forth a guidebook with which the community can evaluate the successes or failures of its political leaders and of itself.

Basketball Jones by E. Lynn Harris E. Lynn Harris is back to entertain you with his colorful characters and a page-turning story line.

Spotlight on reading…be a star @ your local library!

The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – 10 Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

WEB SITE HAS A NEW LOOK

The newly re-designed national web site of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® was launched in early March of this year. The site adopted a standard format design and is dramatically different than the former version—brighter color tones, pictures, a new banner and re-organized content. The new home page calls attention to four focus areas that are important to members—national announcements, national events, national news and national publications: (1) Announcements include advertisements, broadcasts, bulletins, communications, disseminations, expositions, expressions, messages, notices, statements, etc.; (2) Events consist of affairs and happenings i.e., conventions, sym-posiums, special occasions, etc.; (3) News highlights informational coverage of recent events, reporting of newspaper and periodical articles or writings, or radio or television appearances; (4) Publications in-clude newsletters, magazines, books, journals, periodical, etc.

The web site has two means of navigation—a main navigation bar and a secondary navigation menu. The secondary navigation menu is located on the left margin of every web page to help users easily locate information and guide them quickly throughout the website. As an added surprise, the Regional Administrators map has hotspot hyperlinks.

As the content has been reorganized, users will have to navigate to web pages and reset

“favorites” or “bookmarks.” The home page link, http://www.swingphiswing.org remains the same, but all other internal links has changed. Links to external web sites were not affected other than being located in new areas of the web site.

Twenty Years of Perseverance (from page 7) worth recording in the history of our beloved organization. They are lifetime members of the NACCP and the National Council of Negro Women. They have been involved in a host of community venues such as Women’s Empowerment, Operation 27610, Latter House, Interact, Inc. Worthdale Community Center, Helping Hands Mission, Tarboro Road Community Center, RBC, Cystic Fibrosis, FamFest, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tom Joyner Morning Show, Aids, UNCF, DAPPA, Inc., AME Shelter, Sister Study, The Eugenics Awareness Program, Triangle Urban League, Friends of Black Children Conference, WRAL Coats for Kids, Race for the Cure, North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, Martin Luther King Committee and Parade, and The North Carolina Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities to name a few. Along with helping the community they also answer the calls of our fellow chapters by supporting their causes. The chapter annually supports the Sharon D. Coleman, Willie J. Brown and Walter Armstrong Scholarships funds, DC Metro, Detroit Grad, Mid South Book drives, and the National Ebony Pearl Pageants. In 2008 they were responsible for the rebirth of two undergrad chapters, Saint Augustine’s College and Shaw University. Currently, the chapter holds a roster of approximately thirty five sisters and as many organizations and chapters deal with the retention of its members, Raleigh Grad is no different. In spite of indifferences, changes and mood swings; the Raleigh Graduate Chapter continues to strive. Serving the community was extremely fulfilling and rewarding to the reputation of the chapter and the women in the Raleigh Graduate Chapter always involved their children in all that they did. They realized as their children grew up that there was a calling for mentoring others. They began their mentor program, Swing Society in 2004. Ms. Sheri Jo Swain, niece of Sister Tammy Russell-Meadows began the program with the chapter’s assistance at Wakefield High School in Wake Forest North Carolina. In 2005 the community component of the program began under the direction of sisters Franchelle Evans and Anita Johnson. Today the program is a thriving part of the community with girls ages 9-17. For twenty years the Raleigh Graduate Chapter has made all efforts to live by its mission statement and make an impact on the community that it serves.

Your thoughts and ideas can change the future of Swing Phi Swing®

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS

Make a difference by paying your national and local chapter dues.

Uphold the SWING PHI Banner for another 40 years!


Celebrate...Good Times, C’mon!

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