the ebony pearl | spring/summer 2012
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The Ebony Pearl | Spring/Summer 2012TRANSCRIPT
In
2012 Founders Double Issue
Springing forth in service Begins on Page 12 | Chapter News
T H E O F F I C I AL V OI C E O F SW I N G PHI S W I NG SO CI AL F E L L OW S HI P
The Ebony pearl ®
Mid-South Grad Pampers Mothers Who are working towards a fresh start
By Sis. Melonee Griggs, Mid-South Graduate Chapter
The Mid-South Graduate Chapter has a long-standing his-
tory in supporting women in need of growth across the Mem-
phis metropolitan area. Never a chapter that doesn’t mind
working hard alongside communities, the chapter put to-
gether a pamper night for mothers living in the Memphis Fam-
ily Shelter. It’s the only shelter in Memphis that provides tran-
sitional housing for homeless mothers and their children.
"Working with the Memphis Family Shelter was one of the
first service projects we completed as a newly chartered chap-
ter 8 years ago, so it is wonderful that we have been able to
establish a long term relationship with this worthwhile organi-
zation. The idea for this event came out of a brainstorming
session few years ago and seeing the idea realized was an awe-
some and rewarding experience that we could tell was appre-
ciated not only by the moms, but the staff, the children, and by
us as members," states Chapter President, Sis. Lasandra
Barksdale.
While the mothers were treated to massages and spa treat-
ments by Sis. Darlene Richardson, owner of Exhale Spa Es-
capes, chapter Sisters played games with and cared for their
children. The mothers were silent as they watched the first
woman go to the massage table. Many were reluctant to par-
ticipate in the spa night. “It only took one brave soul,” says
Melonee Griggs, Chapter Community Relations Officer, “but
once they were reassured that we were sincere in taking care
of them, many of the women put their guard down. It was
humbling to be of service to women who have endured so
much but still persevere in spite of it all.”
The women of the Memphis Family Shelter come from a vari-
ety of backgrounds and circumstances, but they had one thing
in common: they are hard workers. “This group of women is
accustomed to hard work. Simply getting them to talk about
their day helped to break down barriers. There is a testimony
is every woman’s story” says Sis. Griggs.
Many of the women admitted that they do not have the op-
portunity to sit down together and actually talk amongst
themselves. Having this night together helped some women
get to know one another - even women they walk past every
day and never speak to. Eventually, the room was filled with
talking and laughter. The Mid-South Graduate Chapter will
continue to support the shelter every quarter. In the past, the
chapter has contributed 200 brand new books to their planned
library (the next collaborative project) and, during the 2010
Four Women Pearl Awards, donations to provide assistance to
the mothers. Φ
The Mid-South Grad Chapter proves supporting women in need of growth begins with self care with re-launched initiative. Sisters Leketha Collins (left) and April Foxx (right) show a sampling of school supplies for the chil-dren at the Memphis Family Shelter.
2012 Convention Special
2
2012 National Convention Information………………………....3
Letter from the President……………………………..………....6
Editor’s Desk…………...……………………..……….…….……7
National News…………………………...………...……..……….8
Chapter News…………………………..…………….………….12
BackSwing.………….…….…………….…...…………………..19
Also in
The Ebony Pearl | SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
Genesis generation celebrates
swingaversary with good times
and service
CALLING ALL SISTER WRITERS!!
The Ebony Pearl
Call for Living Legacy
Poetry & Songs
The Ebony Pearl is looking for poetry and song submissions. Se-lected poems and songs will be published in The Ebony Pearl and included in the upcoming Swing Phi Swing Song Book - a histori-
cal treasure.
If you are interested, please contact Melonee Griggs, Editor-In-Chief, at [email protected] for more information.
New Swing Documentary
scheduled to begin filming
TABU swings recognized for
achievement
3
Welcome to the 2012 JOINT
NATIONAL CONVENTION BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
OCTOBER 10-14, 2012
BALTIMORE MARRIOTT HUNT VALLEY INN 245 Shawan Road | Hunt Valley, MD 21031
IN CELEBRATION OF GROOVE PHI GROOVE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Pick up your Registration information
hunt valley inn conference center
245 Shawan Road • Hunt Valley, MD 21031
(410) 785-7000
Check for updates on Swing’s Facebook Page and Twitter (@swingphiswing)
Sisters, check in at “2012 Swing Phi Swing Convention” on Foursquare and
receive a sweet prize at the PR table!
4
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
5
Bea Gaddy Women and Children’s Center
6
We’ve all heard the cliché
more than once, “It’s not per-
sonal, it’s business.” Well, in
the context of our organiza-
tional communication, truer
words have never been spo-
ken.
At our recent Leadership
Retreat, which took place in
late March, one of the primary
focal points of the discussion
was the need for us to estab-
lish a more professional pro-
tocol in terms of our official
correspondence. We currently
have three post office boxes in
SWING’s name - one in Old
Bridge, NJ for financial trans-
actions; one in Richmond, VA
for internet, web and database
printed correspondence; and
one in Washington, D.C. for
all other official mail. In addi-
tion, SWING has a toll-free
and a local (D.C.) phone num-
ber for voice messages. Fur-
thermore, each National Offi-
cer, Regional Administrator,
Board member, SHE Founda-
tion board member and Foun-
der has her own SWING
email address.
We have been somewhat in-
consistent with the use of
these communication vehicles
in the past. However, it is im-
perative that we begin to shift
this paradigm. We have these
tools and we need to use them
as we conduct the business of
SWING. We should refrain
from using our home mailing
addresses, personal phone
numbers, personal and work
email addresses when we are
conducting SWING business,
for a number of reasons. First
of all, we can better manage
and track our efficiency and
effectiveness in regard to our
communication if we use the
phone, internet and postal
tools at our disposal. In par-
ticular, the internet and phone
services we use have built in
tracking mechanisms which
are useful in accumulating
and analyzing how, when and
why we use our communica-
tion. Also, it enhances our
professional image when we
send correspondence that
clearly identifies us as the
leadership of a national or-
ganization.
Likewise, chapter officers
and other members who per-
form in any official capacity
on behalf of SWING PHI
SWING should also operate
in a similar fashion. Each
chapter should have, at a
minimum, a post office box, a
bank account in the organiza-
tion’s name and an official
SWING email address.
And so, I ask that each and
every one of you assist the
leadership of the organization
in raising the bar of profes-
sional communication in
SWING. Let’s all be mindful
of keeping 'the business sepa-
rate and apart from 'the per-
sonal'. We will be better off,
individually and collectively,
as a result of our efforts.Φ
In Sisterhood,
Sharon M. Chandler
Let’s all be mindful of keeping 'the business separate and apart from 'the personal'.
Letter from the National President
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
7
The Editor’s Desk
Sis. Melonee D. Griggs National Media Affairs and Public Relations Officer [email protected]
Facebook.com/Melonee.griggs
@melohello
@swingphiswing
Find me online
There’s nothing better than working
with a team that 1) shares the same vi-
sion and 2) works together rather than
against each other. One element that is
detrimental to a team spirit is ego. We
can all look back at a time in which we
thought, “What are we working to-
wards?” A football team cannot func-
tion properly with two quarterbacks
throwing the ball at the same time. A
teacher was once a student but may for-
get at times. An architect must see a
flaw in their design if the construction
goes afoul. Ego can be the very detri-
ment to a winning vision.
Being the national communications
officer for our organization, it has been
my task to give words to the very deeds
of our organization. I am a big believer
that if we make it less about ego, then
the service will be evident. Resting on
the laurels of our contributions in the
past may not fuel the vision of our fu-
ture. We cannot get comfortable. Like
the principle of Sankofa, we must al-
ways be aware of where we’ve been to
know where we are going. This does
not mean the future will be perfect, but
our past can teach us what is best to
bring along for the ride.
The feedback I have received in this
office have proven to create a more
solid vision for our organization. What
we must realize as a Sisterhood is that if
we don’t agree on the vision, ill feelings
should not betray our logic. We must
envision the bigger picture and not nec-
essarily what a few can decide for the
hundreds who remain committed to the
future of Swing. As an elected officer, I
have always taken seriously the vote of
confidence that put me in this position.
We all have a right to be heard, but we
all must aspire to a higher degree in
how we portray Sisterhood individu-
ally, publicly and privately.
As I look ahead to the future of mar-
keting and public relations for Swing, I
can be assured that the job will be se-
cured because of the team effort of man-
aging this office, even when I thought I
was alone. All of us play a part in mar-
keting our organization as it relates to
the 3R’s (reactivation, recruitment, and
retention). Though I am leaving the
office of Media Affairs and Public Rela-
tions, I will not be leaving the PR team,
as I will be serving on the committee as
the Social Media Coordinator. The PR
Committee will be a solid force if we all
bring our talents together and create a
unified vision. Our team will forever
remain committed to building our
online presence as print publications
look for new, innovative, and profitable
ways to reach people. My top priority
coming into this position was creating a
vehicle for communication that reflected
the wholeness of our Sisterhood. Now
that is secure and we can fully focus on
what more we can do.
I am particularly excited about the
ideas of the future Media Affairs and
Public Relations Officer, Sis. Keisha
Reed, who has worked as an intern
during my tenure. Rather than recreat-
ing the wheel, we will build upon a
solid foundation that will allow the Na-
tional Media Affairs and Public Rela-
tions Officer to focus more of her energy
on securing publicity and managing the
marketing for the organization by work-
ing in tandem with the Office of the
President, Special Events, Information
Technology, and Fund Development
and Community Outreach. Our team
will be focused on establishing corpo-
rate and organizational relationships
and building awareness and raising
capital for the Rovenia M. Brock Jour-
nalism Award.
We must value the role the press plays
in the vision of our organization and
how reaching beyond our masses can
create a force that is even more relevant
and evident in the communities and
interests that are aligned with our or-
ganization’s principles. As our national
president Sharon M. Chandler once
stated, “Claiming our place requires all
of us working collectively toward the
common goal.” This is indeed true, as
the rods of our foundations never meant
to create walls of division. We must all
look out the same window and see
some semblance of a future. Some vi-
sions may be clearer; some visions may
be interpreted a little differently; but at
the end of the day, the sun still shines
before our eyes and this cannot be de-
nied.Φ
Peace and Ola
8
Online ROP Training Schedule In February, the National Office conducted its first Online Risk Management training. That training was successful with over 20 sisters being certified without leaving the comfort of their homes. Because we have received numerous requests for more online training, we have put together an online training schedule to offer you Risk Management and Rites of Passage Coordinator training through the end of the year. Online Risk Management training will be offered once a month and RPC training offered quarterly. Each session is limited to only 20 sisters, so register now at https://swingphiswing.ticketleap.com. In order to participate in ROP sisters must be financially active & risk management certified.
Swing Online Document Storage Using Box.net, Swing now has an online document storage where sisters can obtain important documents related to membership. You will find forms, Swing Explosion documentation, contact information, and more. You can even find fillable versions of every ROP form allowing you to complete and submit the forms electronically. This is just the beginning, because soon you will be able to find words & audio of the Swing Songs, videos, national media kit, pictures, and much more. To access the site go to www.box.net and log in using the username [email protected]. Contact your chapter president or your regional administrator for the password. I am sure we’ve missed some-thing, so if you have suggestions about what should be added or questions, send them to [email protected].
The Office of Graduate &
Undergraduate Affairs
Sis. Lasandra Barksdale National Graduate Affairs Officer [email protected]
Sis. Crystal Ballard National Undergraduate Affairs Officer [email protected]
Mission: By assisting all chapters
in matters of intake, compliance,
and mediation, the National Of-
fice of Graduate and Under-
graduate Affairs seeks to build a
formidable legacy and basis for
leadership within the members of
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellow-
ship, Inc.
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
Undergraduate
Dia Adams
Nataly Brogsdale
Tyhesha Connell
Barbara Cook
Shawanna Copeland
Mellyssa Diggs
Eboni Elm
Noni Fernandez
Renita Harris
LaSasha Harris
Michelle Kusi
Candace Mason
Tyra Newman
Ra’Tasha Rouse
Shanna Smith
Tiandra Stevens
Graduate
Aminat Adesanya
Carolyn Talley
Jacinta Winston
Natasha Hardy
Tarnisha Gordon
Tyesha Dean
Loretta Banks
Bernadette Davis
Tonya Blake
Marjorie Jackson
Leslie Walton
Crystal Fairley
Amelia McCottry
Brandyce Hairston
Kim Johnson
Ashley Williams
Erica Sutton
Joy Ledbetter
Laquanda McGeachy
OLA & Congratulations to our new Sisters of Spring 2012 line!
9
National
OLA & Congratulations to all the new COLLEGE GRADUATES of
Swing Phi Swing! Aupenda-Angelique Simmons,
B.A. Film/Theater, Saint
Augustine's College
Belinda Prindilus, A.S. Culi-
nary Arts/ A.S. Baking &
Pastry /B.S. Food Service En-
trepreneurship, Johnson &
Wales University
Candace Golden, B.A. English,
Southern New Hampshire
University
Daniella Dennis, B.S. Family
and Consumer Sciences, Fash-
ion Design and Merchandis-
ing, North Carolina Agricul-
tural and Technical State
University
Denice Luke, B.S. in Elementary
and Special Education, Uni-
versity of North Carolina at
Greensboro
Fabiola Morino, B.A Psychol-
ogy, Minor:- Childhood Edu-
cation Institution, Adelphi
University location- Long Is-
land, NY
Jasmine Rice, BS Account-
ing, Morgan State University
Jessica Douglas, BS Business
Administration, Hampton
University
Journia Jones Bachelor of Sci-
ence in Public
Health, University of North
Carolina at Greensboro
Loretta Banks, Associate of Ap-
plied Science Degree in Medi-
cal Technology, Northwest
Mississippi Community Col-
lege
Mellyssa Angel Diggs, BS in
Studio Art, Minor: Informa-
tion Technology, Lincoln Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania
Michelle Kusi, BA Sociology.
Minor: Psychology, Morgan
State University
NaQuandra Williams, Bachelor
of Science in Public Health,
University of North Carolina
at Greensboro
Natalie J. Williams, Bachelor of
Social Work in the School of
Health and Human Sciences,
University of North Carolina
at Greensboro
Renata Dukes, M.E. Engineer-
ing, Morgan State University
Rose-Anne Matthew, Degree:
Master of Arts in Higher
Education, Morgan State
University
Shaquane Chamber BA Man-
agement Minor: Information
Technology, Lincoln Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania
Tyhesha Connell, B.S. Psychol-
ogy, Morgan State University
Yashida Vinson, Associates De-
gree (A.A.S) Early Childhood
Education, Wake Technical
Community College
10
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
It’s not too late to pay your national dues!
Undergraduate—$100 Graduate—$150 Lifetime—$100 Lifetime Enrollment—$1,000
Mail your dues to the following:
NATIONAL TREASURER SWING PHI SWING S.F.I. POST OFFICE BOX 723
OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857
You can also pay your dues online. Log onto swingphiswing.org for more information.
If you want to receive The Ebony Pearl via email, opt-in to our new service by sending
your name and preferred email address to [email protected] with the subject line
“Ebony Pearl E-service”. FASTER. EASIER. DIGITAL.
The Ebony Pearl is the official national newsletter for
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®
Send your LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
We are always looking for content for the following sections:
Swing Mommies Swing Phi Book Club
Express Yourself - a creative space BackSwing
Faith & Spirit Health & Fitness
We are online!
National Website: swingphiswing.org Follow us on Twitter @swingphiswing
Fan Us on Facebook
NEW AD RATES FOR THE EBONY PEARL The Ebony Pearl has established ad rates for all future issues. If your chapter or business would like to advertise in our national newsletter
and e-bulletins, please make a note of the following rates and specifications:
5 line ad: $5
1/4 page or banner: $10
1/2 page: $20
Whole Page: $35
Graphics must be at least 300 dpi or higher and in jpeg format.
These ad rates are effective as of February 1, 2010. Please contact Melonee Griggs at
[email protected] for more information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
@swingphiswing
issuu.com/swingphiswing
11
National
Swing Candidate Forum Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm
Room Maryland 3-4
Election Polls Open
Thursday, October 11 at 8:30pm
Room Coatcheck
Sisters With Interest Never
Gone is the new Swing
documentary currently in
pre-production. Slated to
be filmed over the next
year, the director, Sister Ni-
keta Reed of the Mid-South
Graduate Chapter in Mem-
phis, TN, sees it as a labor
of love and a true testament
of a Sisterhood still relevant
to a new generation of
powerful minds.
"It is time for Swing to reclaim her rightful place in Black
History. The film will illustrate the powerful shift in a
new generation of Black women during that time era and
link to today's generation of Swings. Essentially, we'd like
to show the world who Swing is, why her presence is still
needed, what she means to so many sisters, and how she
has evolved through the ages,” says Sis. Reed, in an inter-
view from her office at the Memphis Area Transit Author-
(Continued on page 22)
New Swing Documentary scheduled to
begin filming Special to The Ebony Pearl
Sis. Niketa Reed, Director of Sisters With Interest Never Gone documentary
12
TABU swings recognized for achievement By Sis. Terazia Jones, TABU Alumni
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
The Lincoln University of TABU has
grown throughout the years and have pro-
duced a number of talented Sisters who still
stand as quiet forces in their communities.
As a Sisterhood that stands on the strength
of promoting higher intelligence, TABU
Sisters have been making great strides in
representing our beloved Sisterhood
through our many achievements during the
2011-2012 school year. Here is a list of all of
our collective achievements as Sisters With
Interest Never Gone!
September 24th, 2011 - We took
donations to help our Brothers
of Groove Phi Groove’s “Strides
for Lives” Breast Cancer Walk
and were featured in the cam-
pus newspaper, The Lincolnian.
Our chapter also won the
award for best community ser-
vice event.
September 29th, 2011 - As a
follow-up to the Breast Cancer
walk and in conjunction with
the Women Center, we hosted a
Chat & Chew entitled “This Is
My Story” where women living with
breast cancer came and shared their
personal and inspiring stories.
October 7th, 2011 - We won first
place in the Lincoln University
Homecoming Stepshow.
November 9th, 2011 - Our chapter
served as panelists in Zeta Phi Beta's
"Stop Intimate Partner's Violence"
forum
November 14th, 2011 - We held a
clothing drive and donated items to
the Community Youth & Women
Alliance (CYWA) Women & Chil-
dren's Shelter.
November 16th, 2011 - We held a
fundraiser with our recurring
"Swing Wing Wednesday "
November 29th, 2011 - We hosted
another Chat & Chew which served
as a "Cocoa and Cookies" interest
meeting.
February 13th,2012 - We
hosted a Q & A session for
incoming freshman girls
"Freshman 101 "
With a school year of being a
major force and presence on
our campus, our chapter held
our annual SWING WEEK
(February 28th - March 3rd,
2012) with the theme of "My
Black is Beautiful." Our week
was filled with culturally rele-
vant activities such as:
Tuesday - “A Hidden Secret” - a
campus forum on little known Black
History facts
Wednesday - Movie Night - "Skins"
Thursday - Business Etiquette Semi-
nar
Friday - Hip Hop Showcase
Saturday - "Back to Africa Festival"
and after party, "All Black Every-
thing"
Half of all the proceeds of Swing
Week went to Domestic Violence
Center of Chester County.
We also participated during Lincoln
University’s Unity Week and stand
as the forerunners for excellence
when it comes to student leader-
ship. Not only did we coach a
dorm to take 3rd place in the non-
Greek stepshow but we 5 awards in
the Unity Week Recognition Cere-
mony.
1. Commitment to Service Award
2. Academic Excellence - Highest
Individual GPA Award: Sis. Yasmin
Ismail
3. Outstanding Program of the Year :
Breast Cancer Walk
4. Highest Chapter GPA Award
5. Legacy Award: Chapter of the Year.
Not to mention, TABU put on numerous
campus cleanups and posted Swing
Think About It sheets around campus
throughout both fall & spring Semesters.
Here’s a look at what individual Sisters
are achieving:
Yasmin Ismail
inducted in Alpha Mu Gamma the
National Collegiate Foreign Lan-
guage Honor Society
Selected for 2012's Who's Who
Among Students in American Uni-
versities & Colleges
honored both semesters during the (Continued on page 13)
Members of Swing and Groove at Lincoln University mak-
ing strides during breast cancer service initiative.
13
Upenda Chapter Spreads the Love and Awareness of SWING at
Hampton University By Sisters Roslyn A. White and Jessica R. Douglas, Upenda Chapter
Honors Convocation for her GPA
AROPC for "the Sweetest TABU"
SPR12 (set to probate Sun. April 1st,
2012)
Jessica Jean
Received an internship to JA-
MAICA at the Discover Bay Marine
Lab conducting research in the neu-
roscience area
Recognized during the spring Hon-
ors Convocation and received an
award for being a Student Leader
Received a second internship con-
ducting lab research at Saint Joseph
University
ShaQuane Chambers
3.4 for the Fall semester
3.2 for the Spring semester
Received a job of fer as
a business analyst with Walmart at
their home office in Betonville, Ar-
kansas
Graduated May 6th, 2012
Alicia Brown
Crowned Miss Swing Phi Swing
S.F.I. 2011-2012
Graduated May 6th, 2012
Moved to North Carolina for gradu-
ate school to become a physical
therapistΦ
(Continued from page 12)
TABU ACHIEVES
Chapter
The Upenda Chapter of Swing Phi Swing,
Social Fellowship Incorporated at Hampton
University kicked off the spring semester with
the Martin Luther King, Jr. March through
campus along with one of our GROOVE broth-
ers on January 16th.
During the month of February, the chapter
was quite busy serving the school community
and the Hampton Roads area as well as being
recognized on campus. As a recently reacti-
vated chapter, it requires a lot of dedication
and hard work to be recognized by our peers,
even more so because there are only two of us
still on the yard.
To be recognized at Hampton, we eat in the
cafeteria together with our letters displayed at
least once a week. Students come up to us and
inquire about what they represent, who we are
and what activities are we involved in
on campus. This is one way we raise
awareness about SWING. We also at-
tended the Black History Month event,
“State of the Black Woman” where a
panel of male and female graduate
and undergraduate students, profes-
sors and staff spoke on women at
Hampton and how they carry them-
selves and are portrayed in society.
Throughout the month we hosted a
campus wide Clothing Drive where all
donations were given to Transitions
Family Violence Services in down-
town Hampton. We turned in 10
boxes and 23 bags of men’s, women’s,
and children’s clothing, shoes, twin
sheets and toys. Many more people
are still interested in donating items
including canned and household
goods so we will be hosting another
drive in the very near future.
Also in February, we sponsored a
Voter Registration
Drive for the state of
Virginia hosted by the
Organizing for Amer-
ica (OFA) Team. In the
two days we con-
ducted the drive from
12-2pm on each day,
we assisted in register-
ing over 150, all antici-
pating voting for the
Presidential Election on November 6th,
2012.
We are greatly anticipating our
events planned for Founders’ Day on
April 4, 2012, including a celebration
with cake from 12:00 – 2:00 PM in the
student center, an information session
for interested students and a reception
for any local members of SWING. We
are also looking forward to volunteer-
ing in Hampton University’s Easter by
-the-Bay Egg-Stravaganza, on Satur-
day, April 7, 2012 and in Relay for Life
on April 13, 2012.
We are also fundraising for our chap-
ter through raffle ticket and candy
sales on campus.
Although we are new sisters in the
fellowship, we believe in leaving our
mark on our campus and in the com-
munity. We will be continually active
throughout this semester as a gradu-
ate and undergraduate student
(respectively) working
as one to bring aware-
ness to not only our or-
ganization but to the
issues of our society. We
truly are working to-
wards not only Support-
ing Women in Need of
Growth but, all people
as a whole.Φ
14
SWING PHI SWING UPLIFTS OUR YOUTH By Sis. Cheryl Kornegay, Raleigh Graduate Chapter
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter of
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.
® hosted its Second Annual Ebony Pearl
Scholarship Pageant on May 19, 2012.
The event was held at the Holiday Inn
North on Highwoods in Raleigh, NC
from 5-8 pm. Sister Edwina Jordan,
Chair of the planning committee for this
event was extremely proud of the out-
come for this event; her committee, Sis-
ters Yashida Vinson, Cheryl Kornegay
and the chapter appreciated her efforts.
The evening began with prayer and
words of inspiration from Sister and
Minister Tammy Russell-Meadows of
Greater Grace Christian Church
of Raleigh. As the beautiful
young ladies entered the room to
the song “Beautiful Flower” by
India Aire, Sister and Minister
Adrienne Keller of Springfield
Baptist Church of Raleigh read
the bios of the girls and their es-
corts. The night was off to a
wonderful display of talent from
the participants through dancing
and answering the question,
“What is the importance of a col-
lege education?”
Miss Kayana Jordan (seated
left) a rising 7th grader at Daniels Middle
School has been in the pageant for two
years and has raised a great deal of
money for her col-
lege education.
Miss Jordan is a
talented former
student at Bugg
Elementary and
member of the
award winning
Bugg Steam Team.
Miss Jordan volun-
teers in the com-
munity whenever she can and is a mem-
ber of the girl scouts and Swing Society
of Raleigh. She aspires to be on the
Daniels cheerleading squad and gospel
choir. Miss Jordan hopes to attend
Hampton University and enter into the
nursing program there.
Miss Kyesha Scott (seated
right) is a talented and outspo-
ken 7th grader at Ligon Magnet
Middle School. She is also a
former student of Bugg Ele-
mentary and the award win-
ning Bugg Steam Team. Miss
Scott enjoys helping others and
prides herself on being a positive and
dedicated person. Miss Scott is a mem-
ber of Swing Society of Raleigh and en-
joys participating in community service
projects. She plans on attending an ac-
credited college and majoring in the
fields of medicine and educa-
tion.
Miss Nikki Nicole of the
popular radio station 97.5 FM
delivered the keynote address
to these young ladies. Miss
Nicole encouraged the girls to
remain true to themselves al-
ways believing in themselves
and becoming successful with
their dreams and aspirations. Along
with Miss Nicole, other special guests
who delivered words of inspiration to
the audience was Judge Lori Christian
of Raleigh and Sis. Anita Johnson Hor-
ton, Southeastern Regional Administra-
tor of Swing Phi
Swing, SFI®.
Swing Society is
a mentor program
that is sponsored
by the Raleigh
Graduate Chapter
of Swing Phi
Swing Social Fel-
lowship, Inc. ® The primary mission of
the program is to foster academic excel-
lence and opportunities through schol-
arship and positive life experi-
ences. The program serves young
ladies ages 9-17 years old and in-
volves them in community service,
educational workshops, scholar-
ship opportunities, college tours
fundraising and bonding activities
between young women. This is
the ninth year for the program
and it has grown
tremendously since it began at
Wakefield, High School in 2004.
For more information, about
Swing Society, please visit our
Facebook page –Swing Society of
Raleigh. You can also contact the coor-
dinator, Cheryl Kornegay at
The program will begin in August for
the 2012-2013 year. You can also write
to PO Box 14461 Raleigh, NC 27620 At-
tention: Swing Society.
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter is one
chapter of many that works tirelessly to
meet the needs of the community. For
information on this chapter please email
the chapter President - Ms. Mary R. Tho-
mas at [email protected]. Φ
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
15
Chapter
Swing serves the Raleigh community By Sis. Cheryl Kornegay, Raleigh Graduate Chapter
The Ra-
l e i g h
G r a d u a t e
Chapter of
Swing Phi
Swing has
had a very
busy year
of serving
the Trian-
gle area
t h r o u g h
support of
the youth and its community leaders.
We began their year with their fourth
Annual Leadership Reception in which
on February 2, 2012 the chapter hon-
ored Mr. Brad Thompson (pictured
above), President of Brad Thompson
and Associates and a former Mayor Pro
-Tem of Raleigh, NC. The awards re-
ception had a dual purpose in which
the chapter also donated money to The
African American Cultural Complex of
Raleigh, NC.
The award was presented to Mr.
Thompson by Mr. Bruce Lightner of the
MLK Foundation and special words
were spoken by Mr. Keith Sutton of the
Wake County School Board. This was a
joyful event and was further blessed by
the wonderful sound of the Southeast
Raleigh High School chorus.
In April 2012, the chapter then took
twenty-two young men and women on
their Annual College Tour (pictured
right). The tour visited such prestig-
ious schools as Morris Brown College,
Spellman College, Morehouse College,
Allen University, Benedict College and
Johnson C. Smith University. The stu-
dents had an opportunity to dine on a
college campus, participate in a step
performance, attend a local YMCA for
fun activities, shopping and a fun game
night. They gained knowledge of the
rich history and heritage of these great
historically black colleges and universi-
ties. Chaperones consisted of members
of the chapter and parent volunteers.
On June 2, 2012 the chapter hosted its
second Young Women’s Empowerment
conference. This event was held on the
campus of Saint Augustine’s College.
The day consisted of special guests, fun
entertainment, prizes, workshops and
refreshments. Our keynote speaker
was our very own Sister and DC radio
personality Toni Miles-Maloney, better
known as Justine Love.
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter works
with a variety of organizations and is
always willing to assist the community.
They are currently lifetime members of
the NAACP and the NCNW; they also
work with the North Carolina Legisla-
tive Black Caucus and donate services
to Interact, Inc. ® WRAL Coats for the
Children, Susan G. Komen’s Race for
the Cure, Groove Phi Groove Social
Fellowship, Inc. ® to name a few.Φ
--For more information on the chapter please
contact Mary Thomas, Chapter President at
[email protected] or write to us at
PO Box 14461 Raleigh NC 27620.
16
MINERAL SPRINGS GAP GIRLS END SCHOOL YEAR By Sis. Founder Ellen Carter, Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter
The Mineral Springs Middle
School Gap girls ended the 2011-
2012 school year eagerly awaiting
the beginning of next year. This
school year saw the addition of
seventh and eighth graders to the
existing sixth grade returning
members.
Among some of the activities
the girls participated in were
crafting, beautifying the school,
and adopting younger girls as
their little sisters to mentor.
The Gap girls held a candy
sale to earn money which they
donated to the SIDS FOUN-
DATION and to the SUSAN
G. KOMEN BREAST CANCER
FOUNDATION. They volunteered
their services at the Samaritan Inn,
also known locally as the soup
kitchen, where they cleaned the
dormitory and bath rooms . The
girls also walked in the Susan G.
Komen Walk for The Cure in May
and, in June, the girls travelled to
Raleigh North Carolina and par-
ticipated in the Raleigh Grads
Young Women’s Empowerment
Event.
The girls culminated their school
year with a joint lunch including
GAP GIRLS from other areas
where they all received gift bags,
certificates and were participants
in the annual pearling ceremony.
The young ladies had a very pro-
ductive and positive year and look
forward to what’s ahead in 2012-
2013.Φ
The Sisters of Swing Phi Swing Social
Fellowship, Inc.® and the Fellowmen of
Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship,
Inc.® came out in
record numbers
over the Memo-
rial Day Week-
end to kick off
the very first
Summertime
Remix in
Greensboro, NC.
Sponsored by
the Rukiya Bu-
sara Piedmont
Triad Chapter of SWING and the
Greensboro Graduate Chapter of
GROOVE, this collaborative effort was
a tribute and celebration for all Sisters
and Fellowmen who crossed over in the
Triad area in North Carolina at
Winston-Salem State University, North
Carolina A&T State University, Bennett
College for Women, and UNC at
Greensboro, as well as members of the
graduate chapters representing
Winston-Salem,
Greensboro and
the High Point
regions.
The weekend
kicked off with a
meet and greet
fellowship at the
host hotel on Fri-
day, followed by
an elegant dinner
and dance on Saturday and finished off
with a fun filled cookout on Sunday.
Sisters and Fellowmen travelled from
Raleigh, Charlotte, DC/Metro, Virginia,
Maryland, New Jersey, New York and
Pennsylvania. Special thanks to the
Remix Committee Members – Ear-
nestine Carter Holden, Anita Chase
Watson, Robert Mack, Ralph Johnson,
Santa Ackers – for their tireless efforts
in spearheading a successful affair to
remember. Φ
-For more pictures from the Triad Remix
weekend, check out BackSwing.
North Carolina Triad Celebrates First Summertime Remix By Sis. Founder Ellen Carter, Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter
National President Sharon M. Chandler is joined by National Vice President Brenda Noble, National IT Officer Rose Lockhart, Board of Directors member Tanya McKoy-Sutton, National Historian Brenda Torrence, and National Recording Secretary Candace Stowe at the Remix Dinner Dance.
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
17
Mid-atlantic region celebrates founders day
in grand fashion By Sis. Judy Ivory, New Jersey Zuri Obinrin Abike Ayé Graduate Chapter
How good and how pleasant it is
for “Sisters” to dwell together in
UNITY! We had the pleasure of
uniting with the Sisters of Garden
State, Imani Kuumba, Delaware
Okimma, DC Metro, Philadelphia,
Tri-State and NJ Zuri Obinrin
Graduate Chapters of Swing Phi
Swing SFI to plan a 2012 Founder’s
Day Luncheon. We decided very
early in our planning that we
wanted this luncheon to be all about
our Founders. We wanted to
shower them with love and appre-
ciation for “Daring to be Different”
43 years ago and giving our organi-
zation life.
On April 14, 2012, 180 Swings and
Grooves along with friends and
family came together in Egg Har-
bor, NJ at the Renault Winery &
Golf Resort to celebrate SWING! We
had a ball! Sisters were excited to
see sisters that they had not seen in
over 10 to 15 years. It was really a
love fest and a blessing to be able to
come together and fellowship for
those few hours.
Sister Founders Anita Chase, Ellen
Tomlinson Carter and Lorraine
Phillips arrived first from North
Carolina. Thanks to Rose Lockhart
our precious cargo arrived in New
Jersey safely. Next Sister Pat
Chalmers arrived with Sister Foun-
der Finesia Dunovant Walker, both
smiling from ear to ear. Sister Foun-
der Brenda Travers Satterfield
drove in from Washington, DC, Sis-
ter Founder Patricia “Pat” Story
drove down from Connecticut, Sis-
ter Founder Marilyn Reid Hill drove
from Voorhees, NJ, and Sister Foun-
der Rosalind “Roz” Tandy flew in
from Atlanta. We were overjoyed
to have 8 of our Founders in atten-
dance at the luncheon!
Marilyn Reid Hill was our keynote
speaker with the message “You are
Special, You are Needed, You are
Loved.” This was a rousing call to
service, emphasizing the Power of
ONE and the fact that we all have
an impact on our Organization and
our respective communities.
Each Founder received gifts as
tokens of our appreciation. The 7
Graduate Chapters that hosted the
event presented the Founders with
a charm bracelet and a single pearl
necklace, DC Metro also presented
the Founders with sun catchers
and a frame memento, and Phila-
delphia Graduate Chapter pre-
sented each Founder with a com-
memorative tee shirt.
Most importantly, nearly $1,500
was raised from the event and pro-
ceeds were donated to the SHE
Foundation. A special thanks goes
to all the members of the 7 collective
graduate chapters, with special
thanks to Phyllis Arnette-Shuler, Pat
Chalmers, Shelly Wimberly, Tamica
Domino, Jennifer Murray, Melissa
Eley, Renee Joyner, Deborah
Hunter, Brenda Noble and our dear
Madame President Sharon Chandler
who gave us the green light when
we presented the idea to her. If I’ve
forgotten to thank someone please
charge it to this OLD head and not
my heart. OLA! Φ
Eight Sister Founders were in attendance at the Mid-Atlantic Founders Day Luncheon. Founders danced and celebrated the afternoon away in grand fash-
Pictured above(l-r) Sister Founders Brenda Travers-Satterfield, Rosalind “Roz” Tandy, Ellen Tomlinson-Carter, Anita Chase-Watson, Lorraine Watkins-Phillips, Marilyn Reid-Hill, Patricia “Pat” Story, and Finesia Dunovant-Walker
Chapter
18
Calling all gamers to the floor: Atlanta grad hosts game night
By Sis. Jacinta Winston, Atlanta Graduate Chapter
Great food – check! Great games
– check! A night of fun and laugh-
ter – check, check, CHECK!
The sisters of the Atlanta Gradu-
ate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing
Social Fellowship, Inc. treated
Metro Atlanta to a night of fun
with a purpose during their First
Annual Game Night. This spirited
event supported The Carol
Mitchell-Leon Scholarship Fund
which was the vision of Sister
Brenda Hubbard. The scholarship
fund honors the memory of Sister
Carol by assisting students in the
Drama Department at Clark At-
lanta University achieve their
goals of higher education. The
dream became a reality as we
launched our first annual fund
raiser.
Competitive gamers spent the
night playing Bid Whist, Spades,
and Scrabble while light footed
event goers danced
the night away to en-
ergetic tunes played
by “Stephan the DJ”.
Shouts of excitement
were heard through-
out the night as atten-
dees won prizes rang-
ing from dinners for
two to a trip to the
Caribbean. In true
southern charm, ATL
Grad Sisters served
their guests a tasty
meal starring fried fish
and Buffalo wings.
The excitement of the night
paled in comparison only to the
heart of the event – The Carol
Mitchell-Leon Scholarship Fund.
Reflections were given by Nicole J.
Blount, Director of Annual & Spe-
cial Giving at Clark Atlanta Uni-
versity. Although she did not
know Sister Carol personally, one
of her close friends was a student
of Sister Carol’s and the positive
influence and impression she
made was astounding and life
changing for her. Ms. Blount was
very impressed and honored to
share this very special event with
us.
Sister Carol was a celebrated ac-
tress and respected drama teacher
at Clark Atlanta University. Her
film credits included Fried Green
Tomatoes, Diary of a Mad Black
Woman, and Idlewild. She ap-
peared on numerous stages in At-
lanta including the Alliance, 7
Stages, PushPush, Actor’s Express,
the Georgia Ensemble Theatre,
Marietta’s Theatre in the Square
and Synchronicity Performance
Group.
Sister Carol came to Atlanta
from her hometown of Philadel-
phia to attend Clark Atlanta Uni-
versity in the 1980s, eventually
heading up the Theater Depart-
ment there. She served as Advisor
for the Clark Atlanta University’s
active Swing Phi Swing chapter.
She entered Swinghood at Saint
Augustine’s College in 1973 and
was an active member until her
untimely death in 2009.
On March 30, 2012, Sister Carol
was honored at the Fifteenth An-
nual National Black Herstory Con-
ference, sponsored by the National
(Calling All Gamers continued on page 19)
Pictured (L to R): Sister Brenda Hubbard, Scholarship Fund Visionary, Sister Roz Tandy – Chapter President, Sister Pat Weddington, Game Night Chairperson, Nicole J. Blount - Director of Annual & Special Giving, Clark Atlanta University
The late Carol Mitchell-Leon
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
19
Harambee Graduate Chapter celebrates “The Power Within”
By Sis. Tamika Walker-Kelly, Harambee Graduate Chapter
On June 2nd, 2012, Harambee Gradu-
ate chapter members, along with the
Ebony Pearls, family and friends cele-
brated the closing of another success-
ful mentoring and scholarship year
with the 9th Annual Ebony Pearl Men-
toring & Scholarship Pageant. This
year, the chapter selected the theme
“The Power Within” and each of our
Ebony Pearls learned and demon-
strated how that theme applies to
their lives.
During the pageant, the seven
young ladies were escorted and
introduced to a captive audience
by our Mistress of Ceremony,
Sis. Pat Mabry. Each Pearl then
shared a talent presentation. We
were all impressed and treated
to inspirational poetry, praise
dancing, a color guard routine
and vocal and violin musical
selections. Our featured guest
was 2012 Miss Black North
Carolina, Rev. Pia Jessup.
During her moment with the
girls, she dispensed great words
of wisdom as she described her own
journey to find her own power
within.
Finally, the crowning moment ar-
rived. Miss Kristen Smith, our
graduating senior, was crowned
Miss Ebony Pearl 2012. First runner-
up was Miss Keyana White and sec-
ond runner-up was Dejanairra
Weatherspoon. Each girl and the
chapter raised funds to continue
building their paths toward a college
education. The Harambee Graduate
chapter is proud to send Kristen to
Fayetteville State University with a
$1,000 scholarship, bringing our
chapter total to over $15, 000 in schol-
arship assistance in our community.
Next year, we will be celebrating
our 10th year with the Ebony Pearl
Mentoring & Scholarship Program.
We will be celebrating with a number
of events for every chapter in
SwingLand to get involved, starting
with a Flapjack Fundraiser on Sep-
tember 8th, 2012. We look forward to
an exceptional mentoring year!Φ
Chapter
Calling All Gamers
Black Herstory Task
Force, Inc., held at
Emory University in
Atlanta. She received
(posthumously), the
Inaugural Presenta-
tion of the Carol
Mitchell-Leon Gifted
Artist Award.
The Atlanta Gradu-
ate Chapter, through
The Carol Mitchell-Leon Scholarship Fund, is pre-
serving our beloved sister’s
memory by providing de-
serving students their
chance to shine. Special
thanks to the sisters of the
Atlanta Graduate Chapter
who worked diligently to
make this event a great
success. We would also
like to thank our brethren -
the Atlanta Graduate and
Stone Mountain Graduate
chapters of Groove Phi
Groove - for their participa-
tion and support.Φ
(Continued from page 18)
The Atlanta Grad Chapter celebrates the life and legacy of Sis. Carol Mitchell-Leon
20
Genesis generation swingaversary By Sis. Pat Chalmers, Tri-State Graduate Chapter
Webster’s Dictionary defines
“genesis” as “the origin or coming
into being of something.” Genesis is
synonymous with birth, commence-
ment, dawn, day one, beginning, get-
go, inception, kickoff, launch, and
morning. All these characteristics and
more define SWING PHI SWING’S
GENESIS.
Collectively, GENESIS SWING is
four dynamic, dedicated sisters who
came together as one to become
our beloved organization’s first na-
tionally impactful graduate line. We
are truly “sisters with interest never
gone” – as we are all lifetime mem-
bers who have upheld the shield with
unwavering love and dedication.
Each of us served as an elected na-
tional officer. All Genesis sisters have
also held or hold executive offices in
our affiliated graduate chapters and
have continually been chairs and/or
vital participants in local, regional,
and national committees and service
events.
Line sisters #1
Dorothy Slaugh-
ter, #2 Lisa
Hickmon, #3 La
Verne Wilson,
and #4 Pat
Chalmers cele-
brated a genera-
tion (20 years) of
service and sister-
hood with style
and savvy by
“Partying With A
Purpose.” In an
effort to support
mental health
awareness, we
partied Saturday,
March 10, 2012 at the Whispering
Pines Clubhouse in Old Bridge,
NJ. Nearly 1oo sisters, brothers, fam-
ily, and friends came together to en-
joy festivities hosted by Garden State
Graduate Chapter that included a full
5 course buffet dinner, cham-
pagne, and caviar, and delightful de-
serts and libations. New Jersey’s pre-
miere DJ Savaad (Genesis Line
Brother Ethan Davis) kept the music
flowing. The evening’s highlights in-
cluded a wonderful MC, Fl. Harold
Reed Jr., who encouraged the audi-
ence to share Genesis stories. The
roasts and toasts were entertaining
and certainly provided insight into
the formation, tribulations, and leg-
acy of the line. A special “unity
heartbeat” to our line brothers Ali,
Ethan and Q, our official escorts for
the evening, and “One love” to our
missing link LB Jermaine.
We have been Leaders of the New
Generation of SWING Sisterhood and
Service. We are thankful to fellowship
with family who has nourished us
along this life’s journey. We felt it was
important to dedicate a portion of our
program to recognizing some of our
very special sisters and brothers with
the GENESIS Gratitude Award: Our
Dean of Pledge Sis. Roslyn Major and
Sis. Tanya McKoy-Sutton, our ADP,
along with 12 other sisters and fel-
lowman. All were provided framed
certificates, which read: Anayesifiwa
Hutamba (the one who is praised
comes forth to chant) - Gratitude
unlocks the fullness of life. It turns
what we have into enough and
more. It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos to order, confusion to clar-
ity. Gratitude makes sense of our
past, brings peace for today, and cre-
ates a vision for tomorrow. There are
no words to match our collec-
tive gratitude. However much we
might write. Above all else, you've
shaped our attitudes, nurturing us
with discipline and light. Knowledge
is the least of what you are taught.
Out of your actions we have learned
the things we ought.
We are also grateful and thankful to
Garden State Graduate Chapter and
the numerous chapters and sisters
and brothers across “the social fellow-
ship nation” who supported our en-
deavor with “Powerful Minds” &
($69) & Genesis Generation ($20)
sponsorship donation. Utilizing our
momentous occasion to support
women’s mental health awareness
was a decision we came to collec-
tively and after research and careful
consideration.
We chose National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey as
(Continued on page 21)
The Genesis Line was the rebirth of graduate intake in Swing Phi Swing beginning in 1992. Sisters (picture left) that were apart of this rebirth are Dorothy Slaughter,
Lisa Hickmon, La Verne Wilson, and Pat Chalmers. After 20 years of Swing-ing, they are still smiling and serving in the name of Sis-terhood.
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
21
Northeast region offers hope to the homeless By Sis. Melissa Frederick, NewConn Graduate Chapter
Genesis Swingaversary
the recipient of our grant. The non-
profit’s African American Mental
Health outreach ef-
fort AACT-NOW was
awarded a donation of
$1200 on Wednesday,
May 23rd 2012. Genesis
sisters, at that time, visited
the program in New
Brunswick NJ and met
with the officials involved
in carrying out this very
important work in our
communities. We stipu-
lated that the funds be
used primarily for African American
women. We are happy to contribute
and excited by the powerful and posi-
tive impact we were able to make on
the minority mental health commu-
nity. Visit naminj.org for more details
of their work.
The first generation of GENESIS was
just that “the beginning: We are
prayerful and positioned to remain
true to our name and true to our
shield. Expect us to be on the forefront
as this social sisterhood continues to
strive. Φ
(Continued from page 20)
Sisters of the Northeast Region con-
vened on July 14th 2012 for their
first regional meeting in almost two
years. They descended on The
Paterson Museum in Paterson, NJ.
The meeting started off great. The
sisters were welcomed by three
elected officials Assemblyman Ben-
jie Wimberly, Assemblywoman
Shavonda Sumpter, Councilwoman
Ruby Cotton. All three spoke to our
sisters regarding the many commu-
nity service and awareness needs in
NJ and Nationwide. Their conver-
sation topics included disparity in
women’s health care, voter regis-
tration, and education. The com-
munity leaders also offered their
assistance to support SWING’s fu-
ture endeavors.
The meeting was lead by newly
appointed Northeast Regional
Administrator Melissa Freder-
ick. Topics discussed consisted
of creating a regional scholar-
ship effort, developing a re-
gional fundraising event, and
choosing a new community service
and . Regional Chapters and at-
large member supporting each
other and having a better commu-
nication was a topic that all present
felt was very important to address
in a timely and productive matter.
Creating more growth in our un-
dergraduate sector also produced
positive responses. Overall the
meeting was a great jump start in
the revitalization and restoration of
the Northeast Region.
The Sisters of the Northeast Region
donated over 100 items (pictured
right) containing deodorant, tooth-
paste, lotion, soap, sanitary nap-
kins, shampoo, and more to a local
Women's Shelter, The Kianga
House in Brooklyn. Kianga House
(Kianga meaning a “Ray of
sunlight) is a 22 year old transi-
tional family shelter. Residents gen-
erally consist of 17 young women,
18-24 years of age, who are preg-
nant or parenting one infant or tod-
dler.
Families share fully equipped , fur-
nished apartments for 4-8 months
after which time they move on to
permanent affordable housing.
Mothers are required to attain em-
ployment so that they, despite the
availability of housing assistance,
can meet the required rent contri-
(Continued on page 22)
22
SPRING/SUMMER 2012 | SWINGPHISWING.ORG
Northeast Region bution in order to obtain and maintain permanent hous-
ing.
In New York City each night nearly 50,000 people in-
cluding more than 17,000 children experience homeless-
ness. African-American and Latino New Yorkers are dis-
proportionately affected by homelessness. Approxi-
mately 53 percent of New York City homeless shelter
residents are African-American and 32 percent are La-
tino.
Meaningful ways in which you can support the efforts of
the Kinga House on behalf of families in need:
Donations of new/gently
used clothing/household items.
Volunteer to conduct a workshop to share a skill
that would benefit the families.
Invite the families to community activities or
other cultural, social and educational programs
Direct financial support via checks. Φ
(Continued from page 21)
Swing Documentary ity, where she works in public relations and marketing.
The producers, along with Sis. Reed, are requesting that Sisters and
chapters support this endeavor with their money and time. The film
crew will be traveling across Swingland to film key figures in Swing’s
history and movement. “Even one dollar can make a difference and if
you don't have money to spare, we can take references to possible inter-
view subjects, a picture to share, or just a kind word of support," states
the director. She concludes, “I have been waiting to do this film for
years and I'm grateful that my sisters have granted me access to their
stories." Φ
To learn more about this film,
visit SWINGTHEFILM.COM.
(Continued from page 11)
Photos courtesy of Sis. Raquel “ROC” Rouse, NC A&T Alumni
23
Ola Sister Founder Jane Harris-Madison! We applaud your work with A Child’s Place - working to end homeless epi-demic among our youth in Charlotte, NC. - Photo Courtesy of Sis. Founder Beverly Dorn-Steele
The Genesis line having some fun in the sun during a Swing Convention in Miami, FL. Pictured (l-r) Dorothy Slaughter, Lisa Hickmon, La Verne Wilson, and Pat Chalmers. -Photo courtesy of Sis. Pat Chalmers
24
Place Postage
Stamp Here Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. P.O. Box 50371 Washington, D.C. 20091-0371
THE EBONY PEARL
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Melonee Griggs Editor-In-Chief
Chapter PR Officers
Phyllis Arnette-Schuler Pat Chalmers
Beverly DaRocha Renata Dukes Jazzlyn Farrell Niketa Reed
Tena Hamilton Sheila Harrison
Brenda Hubbard Deborah Hunter Shanisa Joyner
Katina Mattocks Wilda McKham
Stacy Pierre-Louis
The Ebony Pearl is published quarterly and serves as the official news publication for Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®. All articles will be subject to editing and revision, which may alter the length of a submitted article. The Ebony
Pearl staff will retain the spirit of each article sub-mitted but will uphold the integrity and quality of the newsletter. All articles must be submitted by the following deadlines to [email protected] in order to ensure publishing in the upcoming edi-tion. For more information about working with The Ebony Pearl, press releases, media kits, bro-chures, e-newsletters, and marketing related issues, please contact the National Media Affairs and Pub-lic Relations Officer, Sis. Melonee Griggs at [email protected].
Issue Article Deadline
Fall 2012 October 21, 2012
Winter 2012 January 12, 2013
Spring 2012 April 12, 2013
Living Legacy Part V: Anita Chase Watson
Send your story ideas and questions to
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In the