President’sMessage
SOROR PERCY LY KABIR
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5
Dear Beloved Sorors,
Welcome to a brand-new chapter year one brimming with possibility, purpose, and the unmistakable glow of our collective SPARK As your 2025-2027 Chapter President, I’m thrilled to kick off this season with gratitude in my heart and fire in my spirit. The SPARK isn’t just a theme it’s our rhythm, our rally cry, and our reminder that every member carries a light worth sharing. Whether you are a longtime leader or newly ignited, your presence fuels our momentum Together, we are shaping a chapter culture that is bold, inclusive, and deeply rooted in service
Percy Ly Kabir
2025-2027 Biennium
Chapter President
So what is the HMAC SPARK?
Sisterhood and Service that uplifts and empowers Pride in our chapter's legacy and our shared journey Action that turns vision into impact Resilience through challenges and change Knowledge that grows and inspires This year, we will gather not just to meet but to move To celebrate not just milestones but moments From our Catch the Spark: The Rhythm of HMAC Retreat to our monthly gatherings and committee meetings, every touchpoint is a chance to connect, create, and champion one another. Kudos to all the committee chairs and elected leadership for answering the call to serve and sharing your SPARK!
Let this newsletter serve as your guide, reminder, and invitation. Dive into updates, celebrate sisterhood and service, and stay close to the heartbeat of our chapter. As we journey forward, may we each carry the SPARK that lights the way for others
Let Your Spark Shine,
Soror Percy Ly Kabir Chapter President 2025-2027
Dr. Lynell Tippen Wright
1st
Vice President Chair, Membership Services
Dear Sorors,
Welcome to the 2025–2027 Biennium! I am filled with excitement and gratitude as we step forward together into a season full of promise, purpose, and sisterhood. The energy and enthusiasm we experienced during the “Catch the Spark: The Rhythm of HMAC” retreat have set the perfect tone for all that lies ahead, and I know we will carry that momentum throughout this biennium.
As Chair of Membership Services, I am especially thrilled about the opportunities ahead to reclaim, retain, and rekindle our bonds as sisters in our beloved Sorority. My heart is full thinking about the joy we will share, the connections we will strengthen, and the memories we will create. This biennium is all about us celebrating the power and beauty of our sisterhood while deepening the ties that unite us.
Membership Services is here to uplift you, celebrate you, and ensure that every soror feels connected in every season of this journey. I believe these next two years will be marked not only by growth in numbers but also by growth in spirit, joy, and impact. Together, we will honor our legacy while embracing new traditions that carry us forward.
Every soror matters. Every voice counts. Every presence is a blessing. Let us move ahead with sisterly love and the determination to make this biennium truly unforgettable. Just as we sparked with purpose at the retreat, let’s continue to keep that rhythm alive in our service, in our sisterhood, and in every moment we share as members of HMAC and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
With Sisterly Love
Dr. Lynell Tippen Wright
1st Vice President
Continuing Our Momentum in Program Planning & Development
As we embark on another exciting sorority year, I am both humbled and energized to serve as HMAC’s Second Vice President and lead our Program Planning and Development Committees for the 2025-2027 biennium. Under the leadership of HMAC’s prior administration, we have built remarkable momentum delivering award-winning programs that uplift our communities across Houston and beyond, and that set a standard of excellence for others to follow. Now, our charge is to not only sustain this momentum but to ignite it with renewed energy and purpose.
One of my core goals this year is to keep our focus on impact—quality over quantity. It is not about how many programs we host, but how deeply those programs touch lives and address the needs of our community. Our aim is to ensure that every initiative is intentional, wellexecuted, and meaningful, creating measurable change that resonates throughout Houston.
Another priority is strengthening cross-committee collaboration. The power of Delta is amplified when our committees work together, combining ideas, talents, and resources. By fostering collaboration, we unlock creativity, improve efficiency, and extend the reach of our service. I am excited to see new synergies develop that will enrich our programming and deepen our impact.
Finally, alignment with the Delta Sigma Theta Strategic Plan will remain central to our work. Partnering closely with our Strategic Planning Committee, we will ensure that our chapter’s programs reflect the priorities of the Grand Chapter advancing organizational health, social action, community impact, empowerment of women and girls, and appreciation of our culture. This alignment keeps us focused, accountable, and connected to the broader vision of our sisterhood.
Sorors, we have proven what excellence looks like, but our best work is still ahead of us. Together, with intention and collaboration, we will continue to deliver programs that honor our legacy, uplift our communities, and position HMAC as a leader in service. The HMAC Spark has been ignited, and our momentum is strong let’s make it unstoppable.
In Sisterly Love,
Soror Kameron Brackins, 2nd Vice President PP&D
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
SORORS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AngelaHudson–08/01
DeralynMiller–08/01
DesireeFerrell–08/03
SherellWood–08/03
JewelJohnson–08/04
InikahJones–08/04
TamikaLindsey–08/04
JaimeeCashaw–08/05
SieraSims–08/06
MoniqueWilliams–08/06
NefertariTerrill-Jones–08/07
DonnaScott–08/08
RitaGatson–08/09
MarlaDavis–08/12
JosephineDaniels–08/13
SandraHall–08/13
CervanaShanklin–08/13
LindaWhite–08/14
PorschaBrown–08/15
BessyeClark–08/15
NicoleFlowers–08/15
AntoinetteWilliams–08/17
LaTishaBrooks–08/20
KarylFreeman–08/20
GloriaDavis–08/21
AshleighFritz–08/21
GretchenWiggins–08/21
TeriByrd–08/22
CaseyPreston–08/27
LaKenyaSpriggs–08/27
EricaDouglas–08/28
AriciaThomas–08/29
SharitaWarfield–08/29
AshleyAlexander–08/31
QuamishiaGreen–08/31
BrianaReid–08/31
NafisatAbdulai–09/18
VictoriaLackey–09/18
KatherineBrown–09/21
Conneka Travis-Garmond –09/21
ClaireStevenson–09/22
CydneyStevenson–09/23
ZellaMinter–09/25
JillianHawkins–09/26
LaToyaBolden–09/27
MildredSolomon–09/27
GraceMacklin–09/28
GleneciaGreen–09/29
ZaynahMuhammad–09/30
ValresaWhite–09/30
NzhadaHarris–09/01
DeidraLaFayette–09/01
SandraGreen–09/04
ChimeeAhaiwe–09/06
KarenBledsoe–09/06
KarenSmith–09/06
Jacqre'Stewart–09/07
BarbaraWilliams–09/07
ISATUCONTEH–09/08
BettinaPatterson–09/08
CandiceWilson–09/08
YashicaGebray–09/09
AlexisHoward–09/09
MorganneMukes–09/10
CharlitaBlossom–09/11
MorganLynch–09/11
AllisonMullins–09/11
CherylJones–09/12
TomiraEason–09/13
MaureenGordon–09/13
PaulaMcNeil–09/13
DonnaDickson-White–09/16
MelanieEcterDrake–09/16
DeniseciaKirk–09/17
The Rhythm of HMAC: Moving in Harmony, Sparking with Purpose
What a weekend! Our chapter retreat, Catch the Spark: The Rhythm of HMAC, lit up The Moran in City Centre on August 22–23, 2025. Sorors were engaged and ended the weekend inspired and motivated to continue advancing the work of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated!
Day 1 kicked off Friday evening with fun and fellowship as we gathered in our sundresses and sandals enjoying the beats of Lesley Christmas, steeldrum musician from Tropical Steelpan Orchestra. Sorors gathered to laugh, reconnect, and set the tone for a weekend full of energy and purpose. The room buzzed with excitement as we shared a great meal, stories, hugs, and plenty of smiles proof that when we come together, the spark is always alive.
Day 2 began bright and early on Saturday with stretching and mindfulness sessions to get our bodies moving and our spirits centered. From there, the day unfolded into a lively rhythm of workshops, sisterhood icebreakers, and engaging plenary sessions. The activities challenged us to think creatively, share openly, and of course have a little fun along the way. As one soror shared, “This retreat reminded me why our sisterhood is so powerful. We left not just recharged, but resparked!” The day concluded with a Committee Fair, where sorors convened to learn about the various committees available and volunteered to serve.
Between meals and meaningful conversations that reminded us why we do this work together, the weekend felt like the perfect blend of business and bonding. By the end of the retreat, sorors left with hearts full, spirits lifted, and a renewed spark to carry us through the year ahead. Together, we’re ready to keep the rhythm of HMAC strong, steady, and shining bright!
HMAC Chapter Retreat
Called to Serve: A Homecoming to Remember
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter at the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was more than a gathering it was a radiant reunion of purpose and sisterhood. Under the theme “Homecoming,” this year’s convention in Washington, D.C., brought together thousands of Deltas from across the nation, and the Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) showed up in full force.
With 129 chapter members registered to attend in person and 99 joining virtually, HMAC’s presence was both powerful and deeply felt. HMAC opened the convention with a Sunrise Sisterhood Breakfast in D.C., where in-person attendees gathered to break bread and prepare for the opening plenary. Meanwhile, back in Houston, virtual delegates donned their white attire and gathered at The Collective for a shared lunch and viewing party bridging distance with unity and joy.
Championship Spirit on the Fairway HMAC’s excellence extended beyond the plenary sessions and into the greens, where our golf team brought home 1st Place in the Deltas on the Fairway Golf Challenge. This victory not only showcased athletic skill but also the teamwork and determination that define our chapter.
Global Impact Recognized
In a moment of profound pride, the International Awareness and Involvement Committee, led by Moniki Mason and Casey Preston, was honored with the Exemplary Programming Award in the Large Chapter category. This prestigious recognition, announced during the Virtual Awards Ceremony hosted by the National Program Planning and Development Committee, celebrates HMAC’s commitment to global engagement and transformative service.
Saluting Our National Leaders
We extend heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected and reelected officers and national committee members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Join us in a special salute to the 2025–2027 National Executive Committee:
International President: Cheryl W. Turner
National First Vice President: Rosie Allen-Herring
National Second Vice President: Courtney Taylor
National Secretary: Wendy Johnson
National Treasurer: Rosalyn L. Glenn
As we look ahead to the new biennium, HMAC remains committed to advancing Delta’s legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. The 57th National Convention was indeed a homecoming to remember and a powerful reminder that when Deltas unite, we ignite.
The Membership Services Committee is dedicated to acknowledging and supporting sorors throughout this biennium by designing and executing various programs for sorors. The overarching goals for the Membership Services committee are to :
Reclaim & Retain Members
Reach out to inactive sorors and encourage reactivation. Strengthen retention by providing meaningful experiences for current members.
Enhance Soror Engagement and Integration
Offer year-round opportunities for fellowship, sisterhood, and participation beyond business meetings.
Create multiple touchpoints for sorors to stay connected (events, communications, recognition).
Promote Wellness, Connection and Foster Sisterhood
Cultivate a warm, welcoming environment for all members, especially new, transferring, and visiting sorors
Ensure every soror feels seen, valued, and supported
Help sorors find their place in the chapter by connecting them to committees that match their interest and talents
Develop Recognition and Appreciation Programs
Celebrate milestones, achievements, and contributions (birthdays, anniversaries, and service spotlights). Incorporate creative recognition (digital shoutouts, monthly highlights, etc.).
Support Collegiate Transition to an Alumnae Chapter
Ensure a smooth transition of recent graduates from collegiate to alumnae chapters.
Our efforts will be implemented through several subcommittees, each overseen by talented and creative sorors who will bring innovative approaches to membership services this year.
Chairs and Co-Chairs
Awards & Recognition
Chair: Jacqre’ Stewart
Co-Chair: Carnetta Griffin-Daniels
Collegiate Connection
Senior Chair: Carletta Nance
Chair: Morgan Smith
Co-Chair: Antoinette Williams
Delta DEARS
Chair: B’setta Curry
Co-Chair: Santa McKnight,
Co-Chair: Courtney McVea
Special Projects: Monica Hill
Membership Ambassadors
Chair: Yashica Gebray
Co-Chair: Melanie Drake
Co-Chair: Katherine Brown
New Member Orientation
Chair: Joyce Handy
Co-Chair: Valencia Fletcher
Member Integration
Chair: Lakenya Spriggs
Co-Chair: Karolyn Disdale Williams
Reclamation
Chair: Benita Russell
Co-Chair: Gayle Pierce
Co-Chair: Andrea Riles
Sisterhood Connections
Chair: Debra Slider
Co-Chair: Cynthia Nemons
Sisterhood Month
Chair: Tiffany Harris
Co-Chair: Katrina Cotton
Co-Chair: Erinn Fleeks
Sisterhood Retention
Chair: Katrice Galloway
Co-Chair: Moniki Mason
Co-Chair:Rasheedah Farooq
A spark shared is a spark multiplied; let’s keep the flame alive!
If you are interested in serving on a Membership Services Committee, please email 1stvicepres@hmacdelta org
2025-2027 Biennium Officers
2025-2027 Elected Positions
EmailForum
HMAC has three forums for communicating to membership:
Chapter Email Addresses
Arrive by 8 a.m. to set up and greet early arrivals.
HOSTESSCOMMITTEE
Spirit of the Crimson and Cream Connect
This is more than just breakfast. It’s a chance to spark sisterhood, joy, and nourish connections, starting our meetings with warmth and gratitude. Thank you for being part of it!
St. Jude Walk
HMAC NEWS
YOU CAN USE!
Volume I |
September
Social Action DELTA IS SOCIAL ACTION!
2025 The Torch
Say it LOUD! Say it PROUD! Delta is Social Action!
Have you been sitting on the sidelines? Does “POLITICS” scare you? Social Action touches every single part of our lives, and we need YOU to get engaged. Do you have a passion for Education or Health Equity? After you join the committee, consider participating in one of our subcommittee meetings where we welcome expertise to SPARK change!
Subcommittee Meetings
Reproductive Freedom & Health Equity – 1st Tuesdays
Economic Justice – 1st Thursdays
Voting & Civic Engagement – 2nd Tuesdays
Environmental Justice – 2nd Thursdays
Education – 4th Tuesdays
Reimagining Public Safety – 4th Thursdays
All Meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Join the Social Action Committee GroupMe for Zoom links
With 500 members in our illustrious chapter, our goal is to have 20 - 30% of the membership certified as Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars. After a short hour of your time, you will be empowered to register your friends, family and community to register to vote.
November Elections
On November 4th, we’ll head to the polls to make our voices heard on the 17 Texas Constitutional Amendments, a majority of which will determine how our taxes are spent for years to come. In addition, residents of TX-18 will elect a representative to fill the late Mayor Sylvester Turner’s seat.
September 16th is National Voter Registration Day. Stay tuned for more information on how you can engage voters with us
What’s Up With Gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group, and has long been a contentious issue in American democracy.
The most recent redistricting cycle followed the 2020 Census. Texas gained two additional congressional seats, reflecting its population growth. In October 2021, Texas lawmakers approved new maps for the state legislature and congressional districts. Critics immediately alleged these maps further entrenched Republican power, even as demographic changes suggested greater competitiveness.
Immediately after the new maps were approved, civil rights organizations, Democratic lawmakers, and minority groups filed lawsuits, alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Department of Justice also sued Texas over its congressional and state House maps, arguing that they discriminated against Latino and Black voters.
As of mid-2025, the litigation is ongoing. Federal courts have yet to rule definitively on the new maps. Some cases may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, but for now, the maps drawn in 2021 remain in use. The unresolved lawsuits continue to fuel debate and uncertainty ahead of the 2026 elections. After the conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Governor Greg Abbott called for a special session to redraw the current maps. In protest, opponents of the early redistricting efforts left the state to deny a quorum on the House floor. The Governor cut the special session short and called for a new session to begin on Monday, August 18th. During the session, the the new maps passed the House, Senate and were signed into law by the Governor.
ARTS & LETTERS
CelebratingArtasCreativeExpressionandSocialChange
As the sorority year begins, the HMAC Arts & Letters Committee is excited to unveil a calendar designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate art as a powerful tool of political expression, commentary and social change. This year promises an array of opportunities for members and friends to engage with the arts in meaningful and memorable ways.
The Novel Idea: An HMAC Book Club
Third Saturdays with Arts & Letters is back and with it “The Novel Idea: An HMAC Book Club” returns. On the third Saturday of September, November, January, March, and May, be ready to have lively discussions with fellow bibliophiles on topics that range the diaspora of our rich culture. This year’s reading list includes: A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly, 107 Days by Kamala Harris, and, in anticipation of the cinematic masterpiece that is sure to be a hit in early 2027, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Check out the full list and scheduled dates below.
At The Smith Neighborhood Library
A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly
September 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
107 Days by Kamala Harris
November 15 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Time and Location TBD
We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry
January 17
Zeal by Morgan Jenkins
March 21
A Delta Matinee with HGO’s Porgy and Bess
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter is continuing our partnership with Houston Grand Opera. This year’s season opener is the long-awaited return of Porgy and Bess We are delighted that, in collaboration with Houston Alumnae Chapter, we will be having a Delta Matinee at the Opera on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details!
ERT COMMITTEE
Are YOU Ready?
Recommended Disaster Supply Kit
Emergency Identification (place in waterproof, portable container):
Duplicate identification for all family members
Duplicate prescription for medication and glasses
Contact numbers of family members and meeting point location map
Duplicate residency verification
List of valuables for insurance claims
Basic emergency supply kit
could include the following:
Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit and thermometer
Battery-powered or hand crank radio; NOAA Weather Radio w/ tone alert & extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Personal hygiene items
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Tool kit, matches and lighter
Manual can opener for food
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and Pencil
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Cash, travelers checks and rolls of change
Change of clothes per family member (long sleeves, long pants, extra shoes)
Sleeping bags or blankets and pillows
7-day supply of medications
Childs comfort kit: books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter P O Box 56108 Houston, Texas 77256-6108
ABOUT HMAC
The Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) was chartered by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc , in October of 1974 Since its inception, HMAC has been actively involved in supporting national and local service agencies, all while sponsoring and presenting community workshops, awareness forums and health fairs HMAC members and partners have provided over $750,000 in scholarships, directly benefiting the youth of the greater Houston area
SEPTEMBER CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHY: Cassandra Brooks, Canva com, HMAC & Facebook page CONTENT: Percy Ly Kabir, Kristyn Cathey, Jasmine Price, Matiko Austin, PhD , Santa McKnight, Harlisha Homer, and all contributing Committee Chairs