Blu' Pearl (2014 Fall Issue)

A Publication of Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter

Soror Jylla Moore Tearte

Guiding Zeta’s to the 2020 Centennial

BLU PEARL • PAGE 2

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Welcome TO

from Dr. Rosemarie Merritt-Farngalo Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter President

A s we begin of our sorority year we

have put together a Blu’ Pearl issue filled

with so many accomplishments, information

and entertainment. The dynamic new look

of the Blu’ Pearl will surely reflect who we

are today - a contemporary and relevant

organization and cherishes who we are

and the foundation that we have built.

This Fall issue of the BLU’ PEARL is to serve as

an impactful historical document geared

toward information and promotion..

Just as we are changing seasons, we are

also transitioning within the organization.

There are many changes taking shape and

a “new normal” is upon us. These include

but are not limited to submitting data elec-

tronically and updating our chapter poli-

cies and procedures. Our State Leadership

has begun hosting webinars to keep us in-

formed of some of the changes and new

initiatives and requirements.

So I hope that you are read because the

train is moving.

I welcome new and reclaimed sorors to the

chapter . The committees have continued

to strategize exciting plans for the year.

Please know that we remain steadfast and

support our efforts to impact the lives of

those in the DeKalb County community.

Yours in Zeta,


PUBLISHER

Sigma Mu Zeta

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFS

Maureen Walker

Marketa H. Killingbeck

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shirley Bailey

Malkia Lockhart-Darrington

Aleda Smith McNeill

Sherry Pope

Jennifer Toussaint

Maureen Walker

DESIGN

SMZ Public Relations

The Blu’ Pearl js published quarterly by The Blu’ Pearl js published quarterly by The Blu’ Pearl js published quarterly by

Sigma Mu Zeta. The Blu’ Pearl is the Sigma Mu Zeta. The Blu’ Pearl is the Sigma Mu Zeta. The Blu’ Pearl is the

official publication of Sigma Mu Zeta. official publication of Sigma Mu Zeta. official publication of Sigma Mu Zeta.

Information presented within the pages Information presented within the pages Information presented within the pages

are for the benefit of its members and are for the benefit of its members and are for the benefit of its members and

the community.the community.the community.

PUBLISHER:PUBLISHER:PUBLISHER: Sigma Mu ZetaSigma Mu ZetaSigma Mu Zeta

P.O. Box 136P.O. Box 136P.O. Box 136

Stone Mountain, GA 30086Stone Mountain, GA 30086Stone Mountain, GA 30086

WEBSITE:WEBSITE:WEBSITE:

www.sigmamuzeta.orgwww.sigmamuzeta.orgwww.sigmamuzeta.org

SUBMISSIONS:SUBMISSIONS:SUBMISSIONS:

Members of Sigma Mu Zeta. Members of Sigma Mu Zeta. Members of Sigma Mu Zeta.

Attention: SMZ Public Relations at Attention: SMZ Public Relations at Attention: SMZ Public Relations at

[email protected]@[email protected]

ABOUT SIGMA MU ZETAABOUT SIGMA MU ZETAABOUT SIGMA MU ZETA Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter chartered on Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter chartered on Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter chartered on

December 20, 2001 by 7 classy la-December 20, 2001 by 7 classy la-December 20, 2001 by 7 classy la-

dies.dies.dies. The chapter has held meetings The chapter has held meetings The chapter has held meetings

since its inception at Stephenson High since its inception at Stephenson High since its inception at Stephenson High

School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Sorors Rosemarie Farngalo, Jocasta Sorors Rosemarie Farngalo, Jocasta Sorors Rosemarie Farngalo, Jocasta

Frazier, Trellis Buckles, Serafina Wil-Frazier, Trellis Buckles, Serafina Wil-Frazier, Trellis Buckles, Serafina Wil-

liams, Darleen Benson Smith, Cheryl liams, Darleen Benson Smith, Cheryl liams, Darleen Benson Smith, Cheryl

NugentNugentNugent---Bishop, Teresa Green John-Bishop, Teresa Green John-Bishop, Teresa Green John-

son, and Daarina Abdul Mateen had a son, and Daarina Abdul Mateen had a son, and Daarina Abdul Mateen had a

vision for a new chapter in the Stone vision for a new chapter in the Stone vision for a new chapter in the Stone

MountainMountainMountain--- Lithonia area.Lithonia area.Lithonia area. Their heart-Their heart-Their heart-

felt desire was to create a chapter fo-felt desire was to create a chapter fo-felt desire was to create a chapter fo-

cused on the Zeta principle of sisterly cused on the Zeta principle of sisterly cused on the Zeta principle of sisterly

love. A chapter where a true sister-love. A chapter where a true sister-love. A chapter where a true sister-

hood would be forged, finer woman-hood would be forged, finer woman-hood would be forged, finer woman-

hood would be a consistent norm, and hood would be a consistent norm, and hood would be a consistent norm, and

atmosphere that would be drama free atmosphere that would be drama free atmosphere that would be drama free

which we believe our 5 pearls envi-which we believe our 5 pearls envi-which we believe our 5 pearls envi-

sioned for the organization in 1920.sioned for the organization in 1920.sioned for the organization in 1920.

A Word from the

While you all are preparing to get to work for the new chapter year with all the calendar events, the Public Relations Committee is getting ready as well for this upcoming sorority year to provide useful information to our newly formatted quarterly newsmagazine. We are excited to have our newest chapter member Katoria Jones come on board and provide her expertise and support to the committee. Be sure to send in your suggestions or comments to the committee or tell us something you would like to see. Sisterly,

Marketa H. Killingbeck PR Committee Chair


Letter From the

What a year! We have traveled through the valley, climbed the mountain and made it to our destination. It has been quite a year filled with numerous community service projects and sister bonding moments.

As we come near to the end of our fiscal year, I reflect on the great success of this chapter, from increased members to the top graduate chapter 26 to 50 to the coveted “Chapter of the Year Award”. Let’s look at how we got he+-re; we started our journey with the 1ST Annual Community Health Fair with the Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and Stoneview Elementary School. This event focused on Breast Cancer Awareness and Childhood Obesity that in-cluded a 3 mile walk. Our monthly program, with Traditions Health & Rehabilitation Center which leaves our guest wanting more; our active participation as members of the State & Regional Registration Team with our own Jocasta Frazier at the helm. Our gift for gab at Breaking Bread - Fellowship among friends, March for Ba-bies, Sickle Cell Walk, Feed the Homeless, Clothes the Needed, Food & Clothes Pantry, and much more.

Sorors the stars are the limit, great job to you all in holding us strong to being a community conscious, action ori-ented organization.

We truly hope you enjoy this edition of the Blu’ Pearl.

Sisterly,

Maureen Walker Editor in Chief

Sigma Mu Zeta’s Z-Hope Project for the Adopt-A-School Program adopted Rainbow Elementary School. In March SMZ donated supplies to the school. Items donated were Kleenex tis-sues, Clorox wipes, Hand sanitizers, Hand Soaps, Lysol sprays and Toys for the School's Treasure Chest. Dr. Della Thomas-Culver thanked the SMZ Chapter and looks forward to working with the SMZ Chapter for a successful Adopt-A-School Project with Rainbow Elementary.


SISTERS, SISTERS, SISTERHOODSISTERHOODSISTERHOOD , SISTERLY LOVE, SISTERLY LOVE Aleda H.S. McNeil l

Does sisterhood begin and end with a chapter meeting? That is a question that each member of our beloved Sorority should consider. Perhaps it could even be a discussion that each chapter could/should have. Are we really being sisterly and/or sister-like to one another? It is a commonly held belief that when a group of women get together, there is bound to be dissension, arguing, disputes and catty behavior. Are we, as a group of college educated women going to live up to this label? How do we begin to show that we, members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., are, in fact and indeed, OUR SISTERS KEEPERS?

We can begin by refusing to participate in gossip mongering. Trust and believe that if someone comes to you with gossip, they are going to leave you and take with them any words that you may add. “Girl, that motion sounded stupid’ can turn into “Girl, she called her stupid”. Add to that fire, the fact that one Soror is a friend to the one whose motion is being called stupid (are you still following?) and we may end up with “Soror, she was in the meeting telling people that you’re stupid!” Do you whisper bad comments about a Soror? Are you sure that the Soror can’t hear you? Are you sure that your negative comments can’t be overheard? Do you care that your comments are very possibly hurtful? Can the Soror see you whispering and looking in her direction which can lead to her, and others, feeling that you are talking about them? Yes, these are a lot of maybes; however, it is sometimes the “appearance” that can lead to situations that cause hurt feel-ings. Perception can often be everything.

We must also show respect for one another. We don’t always have to agree, however, we must be respectful in voicing that disagreement. As sisters, we must not attack one another personally. We can disagree in a manner that leaves no one with a bad taste in their mouths. Did you “yell” your disagreement or displeasure with them or their comment? Do you give a facial expression that shouts your displeasure with them? Let’s not say, “I can’t help my face”. Yes, indeed, you can! Let’s not say “that’s just me, I’m honest”. Tact is forever in style! The bottom line is that “we can agree to disa-gree”, and be Finer Women at all times.

We should be considerate of and kind to one another. Do you know of a Soror who’s having health issues? Do you pick up the phone and call her just to say “I was thinking about you today. How are you doing? Do you need anything?” That brief exchange can mean wonders and can actually lead to the ill Soror having a better day health-wise and mood-wise. Even if you and the Soror aren’t the closest, a kind word can go a long way towards having a better relationship. Do you know of a Soror who lives alone and doesn’t have any or many close relatives who live nearby? Do you check on her to make sure that she is okay and not in need of anything?

Everyone in a chapter is not going to be close. To expect that, is setting everyone up for a huge failure. Some people will naturally gravitate towards one another. That is to be expected. Some people will not like one another. That is to be ex-pected. Be we must all remember that we joined this Sisterhood for Sisterly Love. We joined this Sisterhood to Service our Community. We joined this Sisterhood to promote Scholarship. We joined this Sisterhood because we believe in Finer Womanhood.

We joined this Sisterhood because WE ARE OUR SISTERS KEEPERS!

Clayron State University Iota Sigma Chapter History

Serafina Williams

II nn the fall of 2002 Bro. Cedric Roberts and Bro. Donald Wortham of the Treacherous Tri Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. approached a few co-eds about chartering a chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. With the interested young women and the support of the Clayton State chapter of Phi Beta Sigma; the national headquarters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was contacted. In the Spring of 2003, the first official interest

meeting was sponsored by Tri Beta in conjunction with the Sigma Omega Zeta graduated chapter. These graduate mem-bers were very excited at the prospect of helping to form a new chapter of their beloved organization. The graduates ex-posed the interested co-eds to many aspects of sorority life to include social and community service events; they even invit-ed the interest to accompany them to a step show.

Eventually five qualified interested women were found and began the journey to find the light of Zeta. Early on, one was lost, but four continued on in the pursuit of sisterhood. Finally in the Spring of 2003, on April 14, four CSU students and a graduate student became associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter. They would become known as The G.E.M.Z., the Alpha class of Sigma Omega Zeta Chapter. The 5 GEMZ-Spring 2003 (Sigma Omega Zeta, Alpha line)

They soon went to work. hosting events to garner interest in the organization. Finally after a successful interest meeting, two more students and one more graduate student began to seek the light of Zeta. In Spring of 2004, The Quiet Storm also became associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta. Quiet Storm-Spring 2004 (Sigma Omega Zeta, Beta line)

On Sunday, April 17, 2005, 7 dynamic and BLUEtiful young ladies made history as they became the charter members of the Iota Sigma chapter at Clayton State University. The charter members consisted of the 6 associate members of Sigma Omega Zeta graduate chapter and one transfer sorority sister from University of Alabama, Birmingham; Carla Gleaton, Shalea Griggs, Shanetha House, Lameka Nalls, Jerilynae Pointer, Terrilyn Scott, and Marisa Walker.

The Classy but Sassy Ladies of the Iota Sigma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Seven Significant Lines

Alpha Line (Spring 2006) – Elite 11 Beta Line (Summer 2007) – H.K.I.C. (Head KittieZ In Charge)

Delta Line (Spring 2008) – Indestructable ForceZ of Blue Epsilon Line (Fall 2008) – Destiny Fulfilled Zeta Line (Spring 2013) – BLU T.A.L.E.Z.

Eta Line (Fall 2013) – Lethal WeaponZ Theta Line (Spring 2014) – ReZilient Chaos


How to Stay Prayed Up! Chianti Mitchell

Unruly Children... Hellish Bosses... Aggregating Co-Workers... Ratchet Relatives...

In the words of Marvin Gaye, life "makes you want to holler & throw up both your hands". What do you do when what you know falls completely apart? How do you handle a Cancer diagnosis? Who do you turn to when all you have is gone?!? Dearly Beloved, get on your knees and talk to God --- it's time to pray!

The Bible gives us wonderful examples of leaders who, in the midst of personal conflict, came out on top. You have judges who led armies to conquer lands. You have wives who redeemed the legacy of their families. You even have a "harlot" who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, due to her belief & faithful to God. You may wonder, "what does this history lesson have to do with my pending foreclosure"? My dear Sister, I want to encourage you that our foremothers was able to sur-vive because of their intimate relationship with God, a relationship birthed out of constant & sincere prayer.

For the Christian, prayer is our lifeline --- it is a direct connection with the "One Who Sits High & Looks Low". In order for us to handle the myriad of problems we face, we have to stay prayed up! We have to stay constantly connected to the true & divine power source. Even in the midst of our chaotic lives, you can stay prayed up. Consider the following…

1. Take off the SuperWoman cape & admit you need help --- God is willing & able, if we humble ourselves and seek the divine help. Ask God to help you resist putting the cape back on.

2. Have daily quiet time --- with all the chirping, ringing and dinging of our electronic devices,life is noisy! We need to quiet & settle ourselves to hear God authentically. Take a moment and "pause"... Resist the urge to think about your deadlines, projects or dinner menu.

3. Read the Bible --- there is no way around it! You HAVE to read & study the Bible in order to understand GOD. Make it a point to read a daily devotional. For the media- savvy sisters, download the Bible & set up a daily reminder to read a scripture.

4. Go to Worship regularly -- align yourself with a place of worship that is truth-based and supportive. Supportive en-vironments are the breeding ground for effective habits.

My dear lovelies, we come from a lineage of people who survived intentional hardships because of divine protection & guidance. If you stay prayed up, you can handle absolutely anything life throws your way.

Little prayer, Little Power... Much prayer, Much Power.


A challenge was made to our chapter in 2013; a goal was set and achieved. The challenger and pacesetter, is none other than Soror Tawhana Johnson an Atlanta native. She graduat-ed from Redan High School and Georgia State University with Bachelors in Business. She is a proud mother of a son, Jaylen, who has been placed in the JR National Scholars So-ciety and Beta Club, he is also plays baseball and true to form Tawhana is a “true baseball mom” supporting him at every game.

The year was 1990, the chapter was Lambda Nu and the #2 was Tawhana Johnson “The Joker”. It was not only a special day for her in entering the world of Zeta, but it was also her dad’s birthday. Professional she has worked for SunTrust Bank for 14 years having started on her birthday (July); she currently is the Foreign Exchange Specialist Team Lead for the past 8 years after serving in various positions in their Wealth and Investment area.

After being away from Zeta for the first 5 to 6 years of her son’s life to enjoy him, she reclaimed with Sigma Mu Zeta and hit the Zeta grind harder than she was known to do in her undergrad years. Tawhana has been quoted as saying, “I love my blue and white family and wouldn't have become anything but a ZETA!”

And to that we are so appreciated, thank you Tawhana for your light to Zeta.

SOROR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Soror Tawhana Johnson Chapter of the Year Challenge


Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte

At the end of our 2014 Boule the clock started to tick towards our journey to the centennial in 2020, Washington D.C. the birthplace of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. At the forefront is our 20th past Grand Basileus Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte, President and CEO of Crystal Stairs, Inc. In our journey towards the centennial, at the January 2013 National Executive Board Meeting, during the Report of the Grand Basileus, Grand Wright announced that our 20th Past Grand Basileus Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte had been appointed as the Centennial Anniversary Celebration Chair. Having served as Grand Basileus during the 75th anniversary, Past Grand Moore-Tearte is certainly up to the challenge. Soror Tearte was tasked to chair this historic once in a life time event and she will do just that by making it a once in a life time experience for all. When the word spread, Sorors around the world were excited with this fabulous announce-ment. There are plans of glitz and glam or better yet diamonds and pearls. Our centennial kick off will be in 2015 so hold on this is going to be a trailblazers ride to the most momentous time in Zeta. We will celebrate the legacy of our sorority, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, along with nu-merous initiatives of the sorority, the Stork Nest, Z-Hope, and NEF, our social actions and partnerships such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the March of Dimes, where we have the longest relationship of 40 years. We will re-flect on our journey, our founders, our future, Soror Tearte is ready for the challenge and is preparing for our 100th year milestone. She is looking forward to working with every member of the Blue and White Family as navigation our jour-ney to the Centennial Celebration begins.

Not only did Sigma Mu Zeta have the distinct honor to have an award in her name, The Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte Community Involvement Award, “The Tearte Award” but she was the presenter in its first year and presented it to Commissioner Larry Johnson 3rd District.

THE CENTENNIAL GUIDING PRINCIPLES Honor our FOUNDERS Strengthen our ideals of Sisterhood, Service, Scholarship and Finer Womanhood Celebrate the Power of our Legacy Engage all members of the Blue and White Family Exhibit Professional, World-Class, Personal Growth and Development



Zumba With Zeta: Clothing & Toiletry Drive

Z eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter Z-HOPE Committee hosted a Zumba fitness

class on April 5, 2014 designed to raise money for the March of Dimes, March for Babies. The

class was facilitated by Certified Master Zumba Instructor Cherisse Atwater. Cherisse is a dedi-

cated community leader and owner of Moves2Inspire Fitness. The mission of Moves2Inspire is

to provide a unique and refreshing fitness routine that will inspire others to feel great and to have fun

while committing to simple lifestyle changes. Over 30 participants were in attendance; and each

gave generously to support Zeta’s National Partner, March of Dimes and March for Babies.

Additionally, participants were asked to bring lightly used clothing and new toiletries that would bene-

fit the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. Their mission is to ease the burden of homelessness

for women and children and to assist in establishing self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive edu-

cation and supportive services in a manner that respects human dignity. The donations from Clothing

and Toiletry Drive resulted in support for many at-risk and homeless families in city of Atlanta.

Providing hours of laughter and encouragement, the event was a fun, sisterly activity while supporting

the idea of Community Service and Zetas Helping Others to Excel.

NEW SORORS

Welcome to our

newest members

of Zeta Phi Beta

Sorority, Inc.


E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.sigmamuzeta.org

Facebook: sigmamuzetachapter

Twitter: #Sigmamuzeta1920

Documents

Blu' Pearl (2014 Fall Issue)