Delta Call May2025 FINAL

Dr . Arlene

Embracing May Embracing May Embracing May

A Celebration of A Celebration of A Celebration of

Sisterhood Sisterhood Sisterhood

Sorors,

As we step into May, let’s celebratethestrengthofour sisterhood—an unbreakable bond built by our Foundersoveracenturyago. Thismonthofrenewalisthe perfect time to embrace opportunities for growth. Whetherthroughmentorship, leadership,orasimpleactof encouragement, every effort strengthensourDeltafamily.

Ourchapterhasbeenbusysince thelastmeeting,andweextend heartfelt Delta Violets to those makinganimpact:

· Membership Services & Mentors and Collegiate Advisory: Hosted the Delta Roundup, connecting collegiate sorors and fostering postgraduationinvolvement.

· Social Action Committee: Engaged with School Board members to advocate for education.

· Fundraising & Dionysian Committee: Delivered a successful, exciting Dionysian Ball.

· StepTeam:Preparedsorors toshowcasetheirstrolltalentat theball.

· May Week Committee: Inspiredmiddleandhighschool studentsthroughaneducational “TheGreatDebate”

·Scholarship Committee: Reviewed applications and awarded scholarships to deservingstudents.

A huge thank you to all committees, sorors, and supporterswhocontributed to our success. Let’s continue uplifting one another, honoring our values,andmakingalasting impact in our community. Together, we are unstoppable! Wishingyouallawonderful and inspiring May as we advance Mission Forward

2.0! Happy Mother’s Day and congratulations to all graduates!!!

ArlenePrince ChapterPresident

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Guarding Your Mouth and Creating with Your Words

As women, our words carry power power to build, to bless, to shape the atmospherearoundus.Inthisseason, Godiscallingyoutoconsecrateyour mouth. Every word you speak can be a seed planting life, vision, or peace. But that also means idle talk, gossip, or words rooted in fear can plant weeds that choke out God’s promises. Your mouth is not just an outlet it’s a gateway. What you say has the authority to shift relationships, manifest faith, and alignyourlifewithheaven'splans.If the enemy can’t derail your purpose, he’lloftentrytodistractyourtongue. Why? Because your sound is tied to yourseason.

Angel Malone Chaplain

In a time of creation, you cannot afford to speak anything that tears downwhatGodisbuilding.

Declaration:

“I declare that my mouth is a tool of creation, not destruction. I choose to speak words that align with heaven. I release hope, healing, and faith into every atmosphere I enter. My silence will be strategic. My speech will be spirit-led.”

MayBirthdays MayBirthdays MayBirthdays

Andedra Edwards 5/1

Mae A. Johnson-Young 5/1

Erica Souter 5/2

Shana Charles 5/3

Tiffany S. Bryant-Woods 5/4

Juanita Landrum 5/5

Tiffani Teachey 5/5

Amanda A. Black 5/9

Rosa Ella Kelly 5/9

Rhonda Wiley 5/9

Athena Davis 5/10

Y. Jackie Griffin 5/10

Cicely Maxwell 5/12

Pamela Fleming 5/13

A. Rochelle Johnson 5/13

Alexzena I. Furgess 5/14

Angela Burton-Scott 5/15

Michelle G. Clay 5/16

Tonia M. Dunbar 5/16

Priscilla Foggy Murrell 5/16

Cathy Jackson Seawright 5/16

Rosie Jackson 5/17

Teresa B. Wilson 5/17

Terri Williams 5/18

Marilyn Curtain-Phillips 5/19

Comerletha Vereen 5/21

Tiffany Richardson 5/22

Tanya Dillihay 5/23

Belinda Willis 5/23

Tiffany S. Brown 5/24

Joan Boston 5/25

Jada Adams 5/26

Sandra Boozer-Greene 5/27

Annie McDaniel 5/28

Loretta Moon 5/29

Caroline Sanders 5/29

Eugenia Smalls Howard 5/30

The 2025 Dionysian Ball

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler is a Cajun French phrase that translates to “let the good times roll”, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment and savoring the pleasures of life… and enjoy the moment we did! This year ’ s event, held at the SC State Fairgrounds Goodman building, was beautifully decorated with our New Orleans inspired theme in mind by Precious Events LLC and HD EffectsSC. Klassy Boards & More provided a beautiful charcuterie display to start the evening off while Chris Etheridge and his expert staff of Southern Crave provided a delicious culinary experience. Brittany Turnipseed set the tone for the evening with her powerhouse vocals and incredible band and DJ Frosty closed out the evening on the 1s and 2s.

Thank you to Triple “M” Delites for proving an assortment of refreshments for our Diamond sponsors, Simply Wooderful, LLC and The

Casual Den for supplying our Ruby sponsor gifts, The Avenue Events & Design LLC bartending, Palmetto Stix, LLC for the cigar lounge, Vashonda Renee, Varonika Brown, and BPZ

Media for helping us capture all the moments and, thank you to our Diamond and Ruby sponsors for your unwavering support.

Last but not least, the evening would not have been possible without the dynamic Dionysian Committee. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to carrying on the legacy of the Dionysian Ball.

See you next year...

THE MAY WEEK COMMITTEE PRESENTS

The Great Debate: Think - Speak - Conquer

What an electrifying display of intellect, passion, and persuasive

prowess we witnessed at our recent middle and high school debates! Dr. Percy Mack expertly

guided us through thought-

provoking discussions, and our young debaters rose to the

occasion with remarkable poise

and insightful arguments.

In the middle school arena, the

compelling question of whether to

transition to a 4-day school week

sparked a vibrant exchange between the **Logical Legends**

(Affirmative) and the **Positive Speakers** (Negative). Tamar B.,

Alexander B., Lauren H., Peyton

Grace H., and Layden N. of the

Logical Legends, guided by their

dedicated coaches Brenda B.

Branic, Carolyn Bostick, and Kim

Yates, presented compelling

arguments for a condensed week.

Undaunted, Madison B., Ally D.,

Chase G., and Carter M. of the

Positive Speakers, expertly

coached by Constance Davis,

Uvette Pope-Rogers & Ruth Smalls,

countered with strong points in

favor of the traditional 5-day

structure. The level of research and

articulate delivery from both

teams was truly inspiring!

The high school division tackled

two significant and timely issues under the banner of "A CONQUER." First, the Affirmative Actions team, comprised of Kelse

employment. Their coaches,

Sesame Brown, K'Shaun Sanders &

Erica Souter, undoubtedly instilled

in them the power of advocacy and empathy. Standing in

opposition, the Final Word team,

featuring Cameron B., Kayleigh D.,

Jordan H., and Kennedi M., and

coached by Pamela Fleming &

Sarah Gay, presented compelling

counterarguments, highlighting

the complexities of this important

issue.

May Week Committee

Celena Brown, Committee Chairperson

Coretta Kea, Committee Co-Chairperson

Dr. Brenda B. Branic - Sesame BrownCarolyn Bostick - Constance DavisPaulette Edwards - Pamela Fleming - Sarah Gay - Jamilia Kenely - Zelice NevilsShannon O'Berry - Uvette Pope-RogersK'Shaun Sanders - Ruth Smalls - Desiree Smith - Erica Souter - Kimberly Yates

The second high school debate

centered on the challenging

question of disciplinary actions for

students defending themselves.

The Perfect Rebuttal team, with

members Ashlynn B., Jayveon J.,

Logan P., and Madison O., and

guided by coaches Celena Brown,

Paulette Edwards & Jamilia

Kenely, eloquently argued for the

nuances of self-defense. Facing

them were the formidable

Defenders United team,

consisting of Joya E., Kennedy H.,

Alexis S., and Krislyn Y., whose

coaches Coretta Kea, Zelice Nevils

& Desiree Smith prepared them to articulate the importance of

maintaining order and

accountability.

Each and every participant demonstrated incredible dedication, critical thinking, and

the courage to articulate their

perspectives on complex issues.

The guidance and support of

their coaches were evident in

their students' preparedness

and confidence.

These debates were more than

just competitions; they were

invaluable opportunities for our students to develop essential

skills in research, argumentation,

public speaking, and respectful

discourse. They are the future

leaders and thinkers who will

shape our world.

Let us celebrate the hard work

and achievements of all our debaters and their coaches.

Their passion for learning and

their ability to engage in

meaningful dialogue offer a

beacon of hope for the future.

We eagerly anticipate

witnessing their continued

growth and future contributions.

Delta DEARs &

Harvest Hope

Sorors Ashford and Andrews

Service is not merely an activity, but a deeplyingrainedprinciplethatdefinesour identity. The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Delta DEARs exemplify this commitment with inspiringdedication. Monthaftermonth, on thefirstMonday, theybecomealifelinefor 60 seniors at the Delta Life Development Center in Richland County, ensuring the distribution of essential Harvest Hope boxes. The Delta Life Development Center servesasacrucialhubwithinanetworkof 33 distribution areas in Richland County, reaching eligible residents aged 60 and above who have demonstrated an income need and completed the necessary steps. The Delta DEARs' consistent service underscores the profound impact of selflessaction.

Sorors Nelson, Parker and Savage

(L-R) Sorors Furtick. Hall, Johnson, Rivers. McClerklin, Jenkins,, White, Williams, Perry

A Sprinkle of Merriment:

Fun Day for Our Delta DEARs

Fun Day for Our Delta DEARs

DELTA DEARSBINGO FOR THE RESIDENTS

May is recognized as Older Americans Month, and our organization proudly continues a long-standing tradition of hosting a Bingo event for local seniors. This initiative transitioned to the Delta DEARs Committee. We currently organize Bingo games at three high-rise residences in the area, a reduction from four following the closure of the Marion Street location. While the exact start date is beyond recent memory, this May Bingo event has been a fixture for many years.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted the format to minimize direct contact with residents. Fortunately, we have sufficient members to divide into teams and cover each of the three locations. The timing has also evolved; while evening sessions with assistance from Gems and Academy were the norm, we now hold the events earlier in the day, a change preferred by both our organization and the Housing Authority, as it avoids overtime costs.

Currently, one group visits Arrington Manor on the first Wednesday of May, with the remaining two high-rises hosting Bingo on the second Wednesday. This differs from our past practice of holding Bingo every Wednesday across all four locations.

DELTA DAY WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD

The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter hosted a Meet & Greet on May 1, 2025 for school board members from the nine school boards covering our service area. There were 12 school board members present representing Fairfield, Lexington 4, Lexington/Richland 5, Richland 1, and Richland 2 school boards. The chapter presented our 2025 Educational Priorities, which include opposition to book bans, support of Black History, support for equality in funding for school infrastructure and resource equity, opposition to segregation in our schools, support for adequate teacher pay, support for universal Pre-K, support for investments to decrease educational deficits exacerbated during COVID, support for mental health services, and opposition to inequitable disciplinary practices that unjustly impact students of color and students with disabilities.

In addition to the chapter's priorities, two of our youth from Delta GEMS and EMBODI shared their perspectives on topics such as book bans and the new cell phone law. The session included Q&A with our school board members; they asked us to come to school board meetings and share what we see and hear to help them improve as board members. They also mentioned mentoring, volunteering, and sharing district information as ways we can support the school districts and their students. This is the 2nd time the chapter has hosted this event, and it was well attended.

BRIDGING

COMMITTEE CHAIR-KYMBURLE GRIPPER SIMS AND COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR-TIFFANY BROWN.

Annually the Mentors & Collegiate AdvisoryCommitteehostsBridgingthe Gap in an effort to connect with collegiate sorors to foster a smooth transition from collegiate to alumnae chaptersupongraduation.

This year's theme was the Delta Roundup: All Trails Lead to Columbia (SC)AlumnaeChapter.Thecollegiates hadtheopportunitytomeetcollegiate

sorors as well as sorors from the Columbia (SC) Alumnae chapter. Total attendance was 70 including 32 collegiates. Representation from the four local collegiatechaptersinourservicearea-GammaPi,GammaUpsilon,IotaChiand Upsilon Chi. They throughly enjoyed getting their line dancing, getting their "bootsontheground"andstrolling!

Angelia Temoney Chair

Journalist

Effie Patricia Williams

Co-Chair

Press Release Manager

Toniea Denton

Social Media Manager

Kimberly Suber

Social Media

Tarcia N. Flemming

Contributing Editor Do