June 2025-Delta Call

DELTA CALL

Heritage and Archives

Sorors Crissandra Elliott - Chair, Jessica Tillman - Co-Chair and Priscilla Murell - Co-Chair

Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter

Dr . Arlene Prince

Sorors,

As we close another successfulfiscalyear,Iwant to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication, service, and sisterhood. Together,we’vestrengthened our bonds, uplifted one another, and expanded our impactthroughcollaboration andconnection.

We've celebrated milestones, metchallengeshead-on,and remained committed to Mission Forward. Your leadership and support have been invaluable, and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplishedtogether.

Aswelookaheadtoanewyear of opportunity, let us carry forward the spirit of excellence that defines Delta Sigma Theta. May we continue to inspire, empower,anduplift—creatinga lasting impact in the lives we touch.

SpecialthanksandDeltaViolets are extended to Sorors Karen Johnson, and Regina Duke for planning and implementing a successfulClosingCeremonyfor Delta GEMS; Sorors Crissandra Elliott, Jessica Tillman and PriscillaMurellforcreatingspace for chapter members to bond, engage in physical fitness, and share historical moments with oneanother;theArtsandLetters committee for hosting chapter members at the Tina Turner Musical; SororTarciaFlemming for representing the chapter by presentingachaptergifttoour HonoraryMemberLedisiduring her recent tour, and Soror JoanneBrownforherthoughtful gift donation for our Honorary Member.

Also, I would like to extend my congratulations to our newlyelectedchapterofficers and other positions! As you stepintoyournewroles,may you lead with vision, grace, andunwaveringcommitment tooursharedvalues.

Wishing you all a rejuvenating break and a strong start to the next chapter of our journey together.

InSisterhoodandService,

ArlenePrince

ChapterPresident Dr. Arlene Prince

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

The Strength to Begin Again

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

There comes a moment in every woman’sjourneywhenshestandsat the edge of something new; uncertain, hopeful, maybe even a little afraid. The path behind her is familiar, worn with the footprints of who she used to be. But the path ahead? It’s unwritten. It requires faith.

Sister, God is inviting you to begin again, not because you failed, but becauseHeisnotfinished.

Starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means starting from experience. Every lesson, every loss, every triumph, and tear has shaped thewomanyouaretoday.

Chaplain

And now, the same God who carried you through yesterday is leading you into a new beginning with fresh mercyandrenewedpurpose.

This new thing won’t require perfection, but it will require your participation. He is doing a new thing, but He’s inviting you to walk withHiminit.

Let go of the weight of regret. Lay downtheguilt.Silencethevoicesthat say you’ve missed your chance. If you’re still breathing, God is still building.Youarenotbehind,youare becoming.

You are not behind, you are becoming.

Alicia White Prezzy 6/1

Kimberly N. Johnson 6/2

Alesia C. Clark-Eaddy 6/2

Barbara Bailey 6/3

Rosalyn Frierson Smith 6/3

O'Tasha Morgan 6/4

Eleanor "Squeak" Savage 6/5

Marissa Davis 6/10

Elena Seibles 6/11

Jamika Peterson 6/11

Daphne McMillan Hudson 6/12

Anjeliqua McNair 6/12

Evelyn Ayers 6/16

Sonja Parnell 6/16

Diedre Niblock 6/16

Stephanie McLeod 6/16

Roslyn Artis 6/16

Carolyn A. Bostick 6/17

Delores Bellinger 6/18

Shnita Lee 6/18

Deitrich Drayton 6/19

Jevettra Gardner 6/19

Taron Nicole Brown Davis 6/20

Madeline Pete 6/21

Peggy Harrison 6/21

Roberta Berry 6/23

Kenia N. Harrison 6/24

Linda Hough-Hicks 6/27

Nikka Hunter 6/27

Stephanie P. Moore 6/28

Kimberly Johnson Scott 6/28

Martina Walker 6/30

July Birthdays

Tamara Evans 7/1

Shirley Furtick 7/2

Melzina Cannon 7/3

Crissandra Elliott 7/3

Tara King 7/4

Kimberly L. Greene 7/6

Yvette Thompson 7/6

Shiquita D. West 7/7

Lindsey Taylor 7/8

Alexis Blackwell 7/8

Zelice Nevils 7/8

Leevette Edens Malloy 7/10

Joanne Brown 7/11

Alicia M. Goodwin 7/11

Marcella McCoy 7/11

Shaneisa Bethel 7/13

Verna Metts 7/13

Bernadette Rogers 7/13

Rachel Gibson 7/15

Ambyr Palmer 7/15

Shelia M. Jackson 7/16

Brenda Mickens 7/18

Andrea Williams 7/18

Kimberly Smith 7/21

Julia Campbell 7/23

Shaterica Neal 7/24

Doris Cochran 7/25

Ava Dean 7/27

Karen Johnson 7/27

Veronica M. Deas 7/29

Doris Harrison 7/29

Veronica Isaac 7/29

Katrina Singletary 7/29

Jessie Calhoun Byrd 7/31

Zaria O'Bryant 7/31

August Birthdays

Rosilyn Outen 8/2

Leslie High-Washington 8/3

Geraldine Parker 8/3

Uvette Pope-Rogers 8/3

Ezelma Watkins 8/4

Teressa Herbert 8/4

Tammy Campbell 8/5

Corrie Patterson 8/5

Sheryl McClerklin Booker 8/5

Greta Carter 8/5

Cor'Deija Horne 8/5

D'Andrea Outten-Brown 8/5

Marlene McClerklin 8/6

Julaunder Davis 8/6

Jonnetta Jones 8/6

Lorraine Mickle 8/6

Donna M. Thompson 8/6

Desiree Smith 8/8

Sandra Lindsay-Brown 8/9

Felomon (Keisha) Taylor 8/9

Mary Scott 8/10

Doris Jumper-Jones 8/10

Arlene Roberson 8/11

Sandra Wells 8/11

Caponda Narciso 8/12

Elexias Cotton 8/12

LaNisha C. Tindal 8/12

Bernise Belcer 8/13

Marilyn Edwards Taylor 8/13

Arlene Prince 8/14

Sinthia I. Willis 8/14

Celena Brown 8/14

Rebecca Edney 8/15

Carmen Tisdale 8/15

Cynthia Walters 8/17

Angel Malone 8/17

Bettye Byrd 8/18

Carla Brown 8/19

Laura Hall 8/19

Lydia Sandiford 8/19

Sarah B. Ayers 8/19

Alda Ashford 8/21

Shannon O'Berry 8/21

Assatta Herbert Williams 8/21

Kanika Davis 8/21

Donna Green 8/22

Jessica Tillman 8/22

Evelyn Whitesides 8/22

Michelle Hurley 8/22

Doretha Adams 8/23

Jennifer Bishop 8/23

Ruth Smalls 8/23

Blondie Bell 8/25

Jenny Screen 8/25

Catina Thomas 8/26

Gladys Carter 8/28

Sheryl Dunning 8/29

Trimeka Thomas 8/30

Lottie Laws Mack 8/30

T'Lexus Gantt 8/31

On Monday, June 16, members of the Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter, along with family and friends, were treated to an exhilaratingperformancethatshowcasedjaw-droppingvocalsand electrifyingchoreography.Theyexperiencedatriumphanttributeto TinaTurner’sfiercespiritandiconiclegacy.

Themusical,TINA,tellstheuntoldstoryofawomanwhorosefrom humblebeginningsinNutbush,Tennessee,toglobalsuperstardom, defyingtheoddstorewriteherdestiny.Featuringhergreatesthits, including“ProudMary,”“What’sLoveGottoDowithIt,”“RiverDeep–MountainHigh,”and“TheBest,”theshowhadattendeesdancingin theirseatsandcheeringintheaisles.

Whetheryou’realifelongfanorhearingTina’smusicforthefirsttime, TINAistheultimatefeel-goodexperience—bold,empowering,and filledwiththesoul-shakingjoythatonlyhermusiccanprovide.

ThankyouforjoiningtheArtsandLettersCommitteeaswe celebratedthelegend,themusic,andthepassionthatembodied TinaTurner. 10

ROSES, SHAWLS, AND R&B: SOROR LEDISI

YOUNG HONORED BEFORE CONCERT!

ItwasanamazingnightwithSororLedisi Youngatthe"LoveYouToo"tourconcert featuring Marsha Ambrosius at the Township Auditorium Sunday, June 8 Soror Ledisi was presented with a beautifulbouquetofredrosesandalovely shawl. th.

Representing the Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter was Soror Tarcia Flemming, along with Richland County Alumnae Chapter representatives Sorors WykeishaLewis,TaraHolman, and Tiffany Miller. This gesture took place during the "Meet and Greet" before the Ledisi Concert, making an already memorable evening even more special. It was a fantastic display of sisterhood andappreciation!

2025 BLACK EXPO

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at Columbia and its Columbiamemberorganizationsareproudpartnersoftheannual Greek Village at the Columbia Black Expo. Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter never fails to show up and show out! There are nowthreecategoriesoffriendlycompetitionforthesororitiesand fraternities to vie for the winning trophy and a year of bragging rights. The newest category is the Community Impact Award which is given in recognition of the organization donating the greatest amount of non-perishable food items to a nonprofit organization. This year the donations benefited Blanketing Families,ablackownedfoodpantry.

Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter, along with our sister chapter, Richland County Alumnae Chapter won The Best Display Award and the Community Impact Award for the second consecutive year. We also delivered over $900.00 in food donations! 14

HERITAGE HERITAGE AND AND ARCHIVES ARCHIVES

PRESENTS: PRESENTS:

Our Delta History Box, Our Delta History Box, Treasures & Stories Treasures & Stories from the past from the past

The Heritage and Archive Committee documents and preserves the history of the chapter. The committee collects, organizes, and maintains archival materials.

Forty Plus Double Dutch Group of Columbia

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES COLUMBIA (SC) ALUMNAE

2024 - 2025

CANDACE LEWIS

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Oklahoma State University

December 2024

Ed.D Curriculum & Instruction

DAVISWILLIAMS Liberty University

May 2025

DELTA DEARS - BINGO FOR OAK READ RESIDENTS

Getreadytoshout"BINGO!"withthe Oak Read High Rise Senior Home residents! Every May, a month dedicated to honoring Older Americans,ourorganizationjoyfully carries on a cherished tradition: hosting lively Bingo events for our beloved local seniors. This heartwarming initiative is spearheadedbyourwonderfulDelta DEARsCommittee.

WhileweusedtospreadourBingo cheer across four high-rise residences,wenowfocusourefforts on three, since the Marion Street locationcloseditsdoors.Thoughthe exact year this delightful tradition began is lost to the mists of time, theseMayBingogameshavebeena fixtureformany,manyyears!

Thankfully, we have more than enough sorors to form teams and bring the fun to each of the three locations.Thetiminghasalsohada bit of a whimsical twist over the years; once upon a time, evening sessions with help from our Gems and Academy were the norm. Now, weholdoureventsearlierintheday, a change that suits both our organization and the Housing Authority.

JEANNETTE DOZIER

The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is proud toannounceJeannetteDozieras theDeltaDearoftheYear.With over fifty years of dedicated service, Jeannette has consistently proved exceptional leadership, commitment, and communityinvolvement.

Jeannette's journey with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has been marked by her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Shehasservedinvariousroles, including as the Chapter Journalist and currently as the journalist for the Delta Dears Committee.Hercontributionsto theCALLandherroleinaiding new Delta Dears highlight her commitment to fostering sisterhoodandmentorshipwithin thechapter.

Her leadership extends beyond thesorority,asshehasactively participated in state, regional, and national conventions.

Jeannette's involvement in numerous committees, such as theDeltaHouseTreasurer,Delta Assembly Steering Committee, and Publicity Committee, showcases her versatility and dedication to the sorority's mission.

JEANNETTE DOZIER

Seated at the Delta DEAR Sisterhood Luncheon.

Jeannette'sservice-orientednatureis clearinhercommunityinvolvement. She has volunteered with Harvest Hope distribution, Farmers Market Coupon Issuance, and provided toiletries for Housing Authority seniors during Bingo and Christmas celebrations. Her tangible contributionsincludewritingarticles fortheCALLandPanorama,aswell asservingontheBoardofDirectors for YWCA and as treasurer of ChurchWomenUnited.

In her professional life, Jeannette has made significant contributions to education. She has written curriculum guides for Richland SchoolDistrictI,presentedatlocal, state, and national mathematics conferences, and provided free tutoring services to community members. Her dedication to education is further exemplified by her recognition as St. Andrews MiddleSchool'sTeacheroftheYear twice.

Jeannette Dozier's unwavering commitment, leadership, and service makeheradeservingrecipientoftheDeltaDearoftheYearaward. HercontributionshavehadaprofoundimpactontheColumbia(SC) Alumnae Chapter and the broader community. We are honored to celebrate her achievements and look forward to her continued contributionstoDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Incorporated.

Congratulations,SororJeannetteDozier!

Congratulations

SOROR OF THE YEAR PAULETTESALLEY

Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.

SOROR PAULETTE SALLEY

PauletteisaCumLaudegraduateof ClaflinUniversity,holdingaBachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. She has an extensive professional background, having servedasaformersoftwareengineer with Policy Management Systems Corporation and a former software developer. Currently, she is the Director of Human Services Systems withtheSouthCarolinaDepartmentof Social Services, where she has dedicated 22 years of service. In addition to her professional accomplishments,Pauletteisanactive member of the Rehoboth Baptist ChurchinColumbia,SC.

She serves as the co-chair of the RehobothPlanningandDevelopment Committee - Functional Team subcommittee, co-chair of Technology, and is a member of the Child Development Center Board and the KitchenCommittee.Furthermore,she is affiliated with the local Claflin University Alumni Association. Paulettehasdemonstratedsignificant involvementwithDeltaSigmaTheta, Inc.,holdingpositionssuchasChairof theTechnologyCommittee,Memberof theNominatingCommittee,Memberof the Delta Assembly Steering Committee,andFormermemberofthe MayWeekCommittee.

Paulette played a pivotal role in spearheading initiativestotransitionfrom in-person meetings to a virtualplatformduringthe COVID-19 pandemic, ensuringthatallmembers, especially our Delta Dears felt confident in using the technological components of the new platform. Her contributions were pivotal inensuringthatthechapter

continued to function effectively despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Paulettetooktheinitiativetoleadthetransitionfromin-personmeetingstovirtual platforms.Sheorganizedtrainingsessions.Sheprovidedone-on-onesupportand smallgrouptutorialstohelpmembersnavigatethevirtualplatformconfidently.This personalizedassistancewascrucialinempoweringmemberstoengageinmeetings andactivities.Pauletteworkeddiligentlytokeepmembersengagedandconnected. Hereffortshelpedmaintainthespiritofsisterhood,evenwhenphysicalgatherings were not possible. She utilized various communication tools to keep members informed about upcoming meetings, events, and important announcements. Paulettecreatedopportunitiesformentorshipandsupportwithinthechapter.The skillsandconfidencethatmembersgainedduringthisperiodhavehadalasting impact. Paulette's guidance and support have set a precedent for future virtual engagements,andherexpertisewillbeinvaluableasthechaptertransitionstoa newMembershipIntakeplatform.

Paulette'sproactiveleadershipduringthepandemicexemplifiesherdedicationto the Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter and her commitment to fostering sisterhood, leadership, and service within the sorority. While Paulette has the potential to advanceintohigherpositions,herprimarydedicationremainswiththeColumbiaSC AlumnaeChapterofDeltaSigmaTheta.Herpositiveandformativecontributionsto sisterhood,leadership,andservicemakeheranexemplarycandidateforSororofthe Year.

Delta DEARs&

A Steadfast Commitment to Service

“Boots

Ashford,McClerklin,Parker,

The Delta DEARs are a shining example of unwavering dedication to service, a principle that lies at the heart of their identity. Their commitment was recently showcased on June 2nd during the June HarvestHopedistribution.

The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Delta DEARs consistently demonstrate this dedication. Every first Monday of the month, they provideavitalserviceto60seniorsatthe DeltaLifeDevelopmentCenterinRichland County, ensuring they receive essential HarvestHopeboxes.

TheDeltaLifeDevelopmentCenterplaysa crucial role as one of 33 distribution areas in Richland County. It serves eligible residents aged 60 and above who have demonstrated an income need and completedthenecessaryapplicationsteps. The consistent service provided by the DeltaDEARshighlightstheprofoundimpact of selfless action within their community. Duringtherecentdistribution,whilewaiting for Harvest Hope participants to arrive, Soror Weedon taught the group how to danceto"BootsontheGround."

BINGO AT ROSEWOOD HILL HIGHRISE

The Delta DEARs committee wrapped up Older Americans

MonththelastWednesdayinMay with a joyful Bingo event at Rosewood Hill Manor. It was a win-win for everyone, with the DEARsandseniorssharinglotsof laughs, fun, and the thrill of winningprizes!

GoldenYearsAward

The Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter recognizesTHEGOLDENYEARSAWARD honors a citizen who, in their retirement years, continues to make an outstanding contribution to the community.

For25remarkableyears,Harrisonhas woven a tapestry of service throughout the Columbia community, earning her a well-deserved nomination for the Golden Years Community Service Award. Her unwavering commitment has touched thelivesoftheyouth,theelderly,and the homeless, a dedication that persisted even through three battles with cancer, the last of which in 2013 resultedinaphysicaldisability.

Retirementfrom48yearsofdedicatedservicetoRichlandSchoolDistrictOne has only amplified her volunteer efforts. Currently, she dedicates her Wednesdays to nurturing the mathematical minds of 16 sixth graders at E.L. WrightMiddleSchool.OnThursdays,sheinspiresaloveofreadingin8third gradersand7fifthgradersatWebberElementary.Herimpactinthe2023-2024 schoolyearincludedclassroomsupportatSt.MartindePorresSchoolandE.L. WrightMiddleSchool,alongsidetutoring16thirdgradersinmathatWebber Elementary.Eventhesummerof2024sawherguidingyoungreadersthrough achurch-sponsoredprogram.

Harrison's long-standing commitment is further illustrated by her active participation in numerous vital projects and organizations: empowering citizens through Voter Registration and Education with the Midlands VoterConsortium(2024)andColumbiaSCDST, spreading kindness through "Boxes of Joy" with the Rosary Altar Society (5 years), supportingvulnerablepopulationsbycreating Health Kits for migrant workers with Church Women United, and improving living conditions by renovating and cleaning homes with HOMEWORKS of SC (7 years), where she also supervised youth during Spring Blitz builds (5 years) and provided essential meals (3 years). For over a decade, she has offered comfort and support at the St. Martin de PorresChurchsoupkitchen.

Her dedication to literacy is evident through her involvement with the Mayor's Reading Program(4years)andReadAcrossAmerica(10 years). She championed student success by establishing the Shining Diamonds Hall of Fame with Lower Richland SIC (3 years) and supported crucial health initiatives through BreastCancerWalkswithSt.MartindePorres Church (3 years) and Lower Richland High School (5 years). Harrison has also provided essential resources through Backpacks for Students with Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter, clothing donations to the Family Shelter, and furnituredonationstoHabitatforHumanity.

A true embodiment of Delta Sigma

Theta's commitment to service, Harrison'stirelessefforts,especiallywith young people, serve as a powerful inspiration. Undeterred by physical limitations, she continues to offer her time and talents wherever needed. Her motivation is simple yet profound: "God didn'tleavemeheretodonothing.Soas longasIcan,Iwillserve."Thisenduring spiritofselflessservicemakesHarrisona trulyexceptionalnomineeforTheGolden YearsAward.

CongratulationsSororHarrison

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

A few of the resonsibilties of this committee are to prepare press releasesprepare a chapter newsletter-coordinate with committee chairs regarding newsworthy activities-submit chapter news to regional and grand chapter publications

ANGELIA TEMONEY

As the Journalist and Chairperson of Communications and Public Relations Committee it brings me joy to highlight the hard work that defines our chapter. Whether it’s an issue of the Delta Call, a social media post or an article in the local newspaper, I see each medium of communicationasanopportunitytostrengthenor member to member connections and connect our chaptertothecommunity.

EFFIE PATRICIA WILLIAMS

My role & vision is to strengthen the chapter’s communications infrastructure by implementing clear, consistent, and strategic messaging that enhances visibility,fosterscommunityengagement,andpreservesthe chapter’s legacy, service, and highest standards of excellence.

My efforts also extend to submitting key highlights to regionalandnationalpublications,positioningthechapter as a model of innovation, sisterhood, and impactful service. With a strong commitment to strategic communicationandbrandintegrity,mydedicationtothe chapter drives me to amplify its voice, expand its reach, andhighlightitscontinuedimpactinthecommunity.

TONIEA DENTON

Social Media Manager - Spring ‘18

Social Media is a platform that allows us to highlight the great work we do in our sorority. Our chapter has a deep routed history of community involvement and my goal as Social Media Manager is to help capture and share those moments. I love that through social media weareabletoconnectwithourfollowerstobring awareness to important issues, provide educational opportunities, and promote communityengagement.

KIMBERLY SUBER

Social Media Contributor - Spring ‘99

I love the excitement when Sorors eagerly share their committee events and take pride in being highlighted. It’s inspiring to see our online community actively engaged, celebratingoureventsandtheimpactwemaketogether.As asocialmediacontentcreator,myvisionistoauthentically showcase the true meaning of sisterhood and community service. Our page should tell a compelling story that the world can see—one that goes beyond highlighting events to spotlight the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes. With a rich chapter history and a legacy of inspiring leaders, both past and present, it’s essential that wesharetheirstoriestomotivateandupliftothers.

TARCIA N. FLEMMING

Contributing Editor - Spring ‘07

My roleistocraft,createandcontributecontent to The Call. My vision is to capture the great work that we do and present and preserve that work in an aesthetically pleasing format and a joy to read. As a contributing editor, I find it's alwaysapleasuretoseethefinalpublication.So much collaboration goes into it – from brainstorming content and working with committees, to editing and refining the pieces –andtheresultisalwaysasourceofpride. 35