This Is A Serious Matter

We're moving!

2010-05-07T09:45:00.003-05:00

This blog has moved to http://www.thisisaseriousmatter.com/. See you over there.

Soror Crystal Kuykendall to host new internet talk show

2010-02-10T13:40:00.011-05:00

Soror Crystal Kuykendall --an educator, attorney, renowned speaker, and author of the national bestseller, "From Rage to Hope: Strategies for Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students" -- has a new internet talk show.

The show, Magnifying the Power of Merchants of Hope, airs every Friday at 7 p.m. (EST) on Voice America Internet radio. Crystal and her guests will share success strategies related to youth violence, social justice and education in an upbeat and entertaining forum. It will provide the understanding, information, motivation and passion needed to facilitate the personal growth and positive youth development.

Listen to the show by logging on at http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vshow.aspx?sid=1662

She is a current member of Xi Omega chapter in Washington, DC.

Source

Psi Kappa Omega chapter to hold a Mardi Gras celebration

2010-02-04T10:30:00.004-05:00

The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Psi Kappa Omega Chapter
Battle Creek/Albion
1st Year Anniversary

Mardi Gras Celebration

You are invited to put on your mask and disguise.

When you come to our party you will fool everyone’s eyes.

It’s Mardi Gras time in the spirit of fun.

Food, dancing, and drinks, so say you’ll come.

Saturday, February 27, 2010
8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Holiday Inn Battle Creek
12812 Harper Village Drive
Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-979-0500

Hotel Accommodations: At your own leisure

Tickets $30.00 in advance
$40.00 @ the door
Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Mardi Gras Favors, and Cash Bar Available

Attire: Semi-Formal

For more information call: 269-317-4656

Divine 9 Online to hold step show in New York City

2009-12-31T19:27:00.005-05:00

Come Represent Your Organization and See the Best Step Teams from the Tri-State Area and Beyond!!!

SUNY Queens
Louis Armstrong Gym (ElmCor)
107-20 Northern Blvd
Queens, NY

DOORS OPEN AT 4:00PM
SHOW STARTS AT 5:00PM

Hosted by Iota Phi Theta's Own Celeb Comedian...
Drew Fraser

First 500 Tickets are ONLY $12

To Purchase Tickets: Log Onto http://www.divine9onlinestore.com/
NYC Step Coalition: 646.479.9587
KB: 917.804.0261
or visit our ticket sale location at Quiznos of Harlem
2530 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
135th and 8th Ave
212.926.7849

Founders Day 2010: Pretty Girls in Twenty Pearls...102 & Still Not Through

2009-12-23T09:59:00.007-05:00

Come join the "Pretty Girls" as we celebrate 102 years of sisterhood and service to mankind!

Divine Nine! Friends! Admirers! All are invited!

Free Parking!

No cover charge (but we're requesting a donation of one canned good)
Drink specials & great food!

Featuring DJ Tron of Urban Legends

And, yes, all Pretty Girls will be getting another sisterly token this year!

Founders Day 2010
Friday, January 15th

Space Atlanta
1310 White St.
Atlanta, GA

Soror Tenae' Howard Crowned Second African-American Homecoming Queen at Appalachian State University

2009-12-11T14:55:00.011-05:00

For the second time in history at Appalachian State University’s Homecoming Ceremony, an African-American Homecoming Queen was crowned. Soror Tenae’ A. Howard, a junior elementary education major, expressed excitement at the announcement and want to continue their tradition of success through the rest of the year. “It’s an honor to be picked to represent the campus,” said Howard on her win. “It didn’t matter what color I was or what anyone was. We all love App State and we all bleed black and gold.”

In addition to the sorority, Howard also serves as president of the National Panhellenic Council, the captain of the Marching Mountaineers color guard, is a member of the Council for Cultural Awareness (where she helps organize different parties and functions to bring multicultural activities for minorities), and Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).

“I think I’ve left my legacy in a big way,” Howard said. “It was more than just African Americans who voted. It shows the campus is moving in the right direction.”

Source

Soror Crystal Bright gives trial sermon

2009-12-09T16:10:00.005-05:00

Crystal Bright, MD, a native of Swainsboro, North Carolina, recently had her trial sermon at Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, N.C. Her sermon was entitled “Ready or Not, Here I Come.” The text was taken from Matthew 13:24-30. Dr. Bright is a member of First Baptist Church in Stillmore, where she now serves on the usher board as a member and secretary.

She is certainly living up to the title given to her by her graduating class, “Most Likely to Succeed.” She participated in Dual Enrollment with East Georgia College while in high school and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2001. She earned several academic awards while in college. In 2006, she graduated with honors and earned her Doctorate of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennesee and specializes in general surgery.

Source

Rho Kappa Omega to hold Pink Holiday Soiree

2009-11-28T22:50:00.004-05:00

Pink Holiday Soiree
Feel Good Restaurant & Lounge
December 11, 2009

For more information visit http://akarhokappaomega.org/Events.html

Pi Xi Omega hosts A Kristmas Affair

2009-11-28T22:27:00.005-05:00

Thu, December 10 2009 – Fri, December 11 2009
A Kristmas Affair
7:00 pm – 1:30 am
D'Classico's Restaurant & Lounge,

58 Ellison Street, Paterson, NJ, USA (MAP)

Divine 9 Online Holiday Mixer

2009-11-25T15:56:00.001-05:00

Popular paraphernalia store catches on fire

2009-10-08T13:28:00.012-05:00

Willingboro, NJ-----On October 8, 2009 at 3:37, a 3-alarm fire broke out in the Country Club Plaza where Fraternal Regalia by University Apparel, a popular greek and masonic paraphernalia shop owned by Soror Wendi Hamm and her husband, is housed. The fire in the plaza resulted in substantial smoke damage for the business. As of 7:00am the fire was still burning, but under control. However, the windows are in-tact and there was no gas explosion on scene.

Please send your prayers and support to:

Wendi Hamm
UNIVERSITY APPAREL, INC.
320 Beverly-Rancocas Rd, Suite 1-G
Willingboro, NJ 08046
phone: 609-871-3601
THEMAAC@aol.com
http://www.fraternalregalia.com/

Alpha Kappa Alpha awarded NGO status from United Nations' ECOSOC

2009-09-25T14:10:00.005-05:00

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority established its position as a global influence with the announcement by the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that it had granted AKA Special consultative status. This status is granted to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have a special competence and are concerned specifically with certain fields of activity covered by the ECOSOC.

In earning this status, Alpha Kappa Alpha joins an impressive roster of global organizations whose record of achievement has earned this high honor including AKA partners, CARE International and The National Council of Negro Women. It also joins other prestigious NGO organizations like Africare, Amnesty International, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Global Fund for Women, Habitat for Humanity, Human Rights Watch, The Links, Inc., National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. and The National Bar Association.

This powerful designation enables Alpha Kappa Alpha to promote the aims and objectives of the UN and to further the understanding of its work to AKA members and communities they serve. This status also means Alpha Kappa Alpha can now actively engage and consult with the ECOSOC, its commissions and subsidiary bodies. The status also allows Alpha Kappa Alpha to access ECOSOC's provisional agenda, attend public meetings, make oral presentations, submit written statements for circulation by the UN Secretary-General, participate in preparatory meetings and attend international conferences relevant to its expertise.
Achieving this consultative status gives AKA the leverage to insure that the United Nations' human rights mission gains another voice.

Conferring this designation on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority represents the successful culmination of a campaign by a team of members - led by International President Barbara A. McKinzie with AKA member and international consultant Alice M. Dear, as the key facilitator. AKA was able to plead its case through a presentation of its programs and activities relevant to UN work, and win back its designation, which had lapsed some time ago.

Alpha Kappa Alpha's president put the significance of this designation in perspective: "Alpha Kappa Alpha has added another achievement to its international portfolio. It also moves our brand squarely into the global humanitarian arena."

McKinzie appointed Ambassador Dear as AKA's NGO representative. As Alpha Kappa Alpha's representative, Ambassador Dear will head a five-member team that will focus especially on gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. They will also strengthen international cooperation for social development with particular attention on the core issues of poverty eradication, employment generation and social integration. Ambassador Dear will also continue the Sorority's support of its member, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her mission to rebuild the economy and strengthen governing institutions in the war-torn country. As a board member of Africare, of which AKA president McKinzie is also a member, Dear and her team will reinforce Africare's resolve to address needs in health, agriculture and water resource development. Alpha Kappa Alpha will also add voice in the ECOSOC to the message of its programmatic partner CARE as it addresses the global poverty crisis that is burdening many countries worldwide.

Ambassador Dear has a long and impressive history in the international human rights arena. An Africanist, banker, and businesswoman, Ambassador Dear's strong international ties are paralleled by her extensive experience as a business consultant and investment advisor. Appointed by former President Clinton to serve as Ambassador/U. S. Executive Director to the African Development Bank (1994-2000). She is now CEO of A.M. Dear & Associates, an advisory boutique that promotes private sector investment in Africa and strategies to support small and medium size enterprises.

Dear played a critical role in assuring that Alpha Kappa Alpha gained the consultative status through her influence, passion and conviction that AKA's powerful network of committed members could effect worldwide change.

Serving in this key role continues Alpha Kappa Alpha's long and storied relationship that is rooted in its commitment to human rights. It is a dedication that was inspired by one of its founders, Norma Boyd whose activism laid the foundation for AKA's participation in the earliest activities of the United Nations. In 1938 Boyd led the sorority in creating the National Non-Partisan Lobby for Economic and Democratic Rights, charged with building awareness of the broader social needs of all minority groups and helping these groups participate fully in employment, education and public services. Later renamed the AKA National Non-Partisan Council on Public Affairs (NPC), it was the first full-time congressional lobby for minority group civil rights.

Through the NPC, in October 1946, Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first sorority to obtain observer status at the UN Economic and Social Council. Boyd represented the Sorority as Observer to the Council.

Alpha Kappa Alpha helped craft the highly-heralded Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was consummated in 1948 and became the document around which the mission was defined. The Declaration was inspired by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who so admired AKA's vigorous advocacy and passion for speaking out against human rights violations that she accepted honorary membership into the Sorority.

Since 1948, Alpha Kappa Alpha has leveraged its collective power to help correct the human rights indignities. International President Barbara A. McKinzie and three other AKA delegates journeyed to Paris in September 2008 to attend the Conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Source

Soror Cherie Dawn Chandler publishes her first book

2009-09-23T13:52:00.013-05:00

Soror Chandler's first book titled "I Am Beautiful" is being released in fall 2009. Follow her as she takes you on a journey to help women recognize their beauty inside and out. She provides lessons she learned from sorority sisters. The book also includes testimonies from women from different religions, ethnicities, and races as well as physical, mental, and emotional limitations. With the publishing of this book, Soror Chandler is on a quest to transform women around the world to be beautiful despite living in an ugly world. Proceeds of the book will go to the SWIM Network, C.L. Scholarship Foundation and i am beautiful organization.

For information, go to http://www.imbeautiful.org/ or contact her at cdchandler@imbeautiful.org.

Alpha Chapter wins first Sprite Step Off qualifying challenge

2009-09-18T10:50:00.003-05:00

In a dazzling display of talent, members of Howard University's Alpha Chapter stepped to victory during the first of Sprite Step Off 's regional qualifying competition. The debut event, held in Washington, D.C., was one of the many highlights of the 24th annual Black Family Reunion Celebration.

In winning the first leg of the competition, the Alpha Chapter claimed a share of the $1.5 million prize pool, participated in service challenge-and secured first bragging rights!

Competing against ladies from Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta, the four talented AKA steppers fired up the crowd. Donned in black skirts and pink-and-green tops, the ladies reenacted AKA's history through the step format. With precision and in a synchronized style, Chapter members wowed the judges.

The talented Alpha team included Cilicia James, Kimberly Clincy, Jasmine Carroll, Lauren Gordon, Kiondra Fisher, Liliane Bedford, Jaimie Bowman and Ashley Maltbia.

To showcase the service dynamic of the competition, Alpha Chapter members that didn't step volunteered at the Children's Pavilion, where they entertained the children by reading stories, watching over them and attending to their needs.

Members of the sponsoring chapter, Xi Omega, were also on hand to praise and encourage the winning team. They demonstrated the Sorority's commitment to service by manning a booth where free school supplies were presented.

With members exhibiting their step skills and their dedication to service with the passion that marks the organization's ideal, it was no surprise that Alpha Kappa Alpha captured the top prize.

When the winners were announced later that evening, the Chapter erupted in cheers.

International President Barbara A. McKinzie applauded April Gaines-Jernigan, Graduate Advisor, and the Alpha Chapter members for emerging triumphant. "Alpha Kappa Alpha is proud of your accomplishments as steppers and as service providers. We look forward to supporting the team as it continues through the competition."

Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau also saluted the team in a message in The Hilltop, the University's official publication.

Because the women placed first, they will bypass the regional semi-final and head directly to the regional final in New York City, November 6-7.

The National Finals will be held on January 19, 2010 in Atlanta.

Because Sprite Step Off will showcase the multicultural college experience through stepping, scholarship and service, it is destined to be a historic and unprecedented tournament.

Source

National step show makes stop in Philadelphia

2009-09-14T19:10:00.011-05:00

Sprite Step Off is the largest national step competition. With 30 events in 20 cities, undergraduate Greek teams from all over will be able compete for a share of a $1.5 million scholarship prize pool. Competing teams will also be participating in service activities throughout the competition to help the community – all with the overall objective to inspire the youth to attend college. At Saturday’s event, competition starts at 10am and as the prize pool wasn’t enough -- winning fraternity and sorority teams from each of the qualifying round events may have a possible part in the upcoming "Stomp the Yard" sequel, "Stomp the Yard: Homecoming".

The day is still going to be lots of fun for those not competing -- step fans are more than welcome to bring their families to watch the competing teams, the McDonald's Flavor Battle with the hottest DJs and a couple of special musical performances. Folks can also participate in the Sprite Step Off Service Challenge, a collaboration between the National Pan-Hellenic Council and The Boys & Girls Club of America to activate the youth to give back to the community through service. Teams competing in Sprite Step Off can perform and work with the local Boys & Girls Club as well as the youth in attendance – teaching step routines and managing art projects throughout the day.

UPDATE: Check out the promo video from Sprite!

Rho Eta Omega hold afterwork networking event

2009-08-25T08:50:00.002-05:00

Soror Camelia Valdes will be sworn in as the first Latina Passaic County, NJ Prosecutor

2009-08-20T08:32:00.010-05:00

Soror Camelia M. Valdes, 37, a graduate of New Jersey’s prestigious Rutgers University Law School, will be sworn in on August 20, 2009 as the first Latina District Attorney of a county in the U.S.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine designated the Dominican born attorney as the Passaic County Prosecutor. She was confirmed by the NJ State Senate based on her professional merits and judicial career.

Soror Valdes, who presided over New Jersey’s Hispanic Lawyers Association, is part of the new generation of Dominican and Latino immigrants in the United States, who’ve reached relevant positions few ever imagined.

Source
Source 2

UPDATE:
For photos of the sworning in ceremony, visit Pi Xi Omega chapter's official website.

Soror Phylicia Rashad reaches weight loss goal

2009-08-18T08:45:00.007-05:00

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ --Jenny Craig Inc., one of the nation's leading authorities on weight management, announced today that actress and current celebrity client and spokesperson Phylicia Rashad has reached her weight loss goal of 35 pounds in eight months.

Walking up three flights of stairs and not being able to catch her breath was Phylicia's moment of truth that made her decide to take action. Success was achieved with the help of her Jenny Craig consultant who worked with Phylicia's busy schedule to design a personalized comprehensive nutrition and activity plan that worked for her. Each week, Phylicia met with her consultant to personalize her program, based on 1,200 calories a day and 30-45 minutes of activity up to four times a week, including a variety of Floor-Barre exercises, light strength training and the use of a recumbent bike.

Now, 35 pounds lighter, Rashad claims, "the most rewarding thing about reaching my goal weight is that I feel so much lighter. There's just an overall sense of well-being. And there's the increased energy as well too. It's nice to have people say you look nice. Who knew losing weight could be so much fun?"

Jenny Craig Sr. Director of Branding and Advertising, Steve Bellach, added, "We are so proud of Phylicia's success. As the public saw her journey unfold on television, Phylicia remarked that the one part of the Jenny Craig program she didn't think she needed, a personal consultant, turned out to be the key to her 35-lb weight loss success. Phylicia exemplifies what is achievable and for that reason, she is truly inspirational."

Rashad will reveal her new figure in a commercial titled, "Uphill Battle", set to air nationally on August 29, 2009.

Source

New undergraduate chapter makes history

2009-08-15T09:19:00.008-05:00

Tau Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Chester, PA on the campus of Widener University. This is the first undergraduate Chapter chartered in the North Atlantic Region since 2002 and the first member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on the campus. Fifteen talented and intelligent women were initiated and pledged allegiance for a lifetime. The sorors of Tau Delta Omega Chapter are the supervising chapter. Big things are expected from Tau Alpha as the 60th Undergraduate Chapter in the Notable North Atlantic Region where sorors Feel Good!

Sorority's American delegation visits Liberia, West Africa

2009-08-15T09:11:00.004-05:00

Pictured above are Sorors Loann Honesty King, Barbara McKenzie, Evelyn Sample-Oates, and Her Excellency, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson

On June 8, 2009, a delegation of sorors went to Monrovia to visit with Africa’s first elected female head of state, Liberian President, Soror Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Soror Sirleaf was a charter member of Eta Beta Omega chapter in Monrovia. She invited the sorors to visit and be a part of the ribbon cutting for several Women Market Places. Soror Sirleaf has vowed to empower women during her administration by strengthening their entrepreneurial skills and enhancing their level of education. Her Excellency hopes that her beloved sorority, especially the North Atlantic Region, will be a part of the women’s initiatives. Supreme Basileus McKinzie has committed to assist Soror Sirleaf. More information will follow on how you can take part in this global project.

Soror Tiffany Black's production company produces stage play

2009-08-14T13:54:00.007-05:00

Soror Tiffany Black, CEO and Founder of TIFFANY CLASSICS, will present a full stage production.

Performances will be given on Fridays AUG. 14th, 21st, 28th, and SEPT. 4th, 11th, and 18th at 8:00 p.m. All performances of I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT will be held at The Tre Stage located at 1523 N LaBrea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Founded in 2009, TIFFANY CLASSICS is a life-long dream of its founder, Tiffany Black. While the new production company is focusing solely on the success of I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT, there are several other works the company would like to produce within it’s first year of existence. It’s name originates from it’s founder, Tiffany Black, and her commitment to only producing classics.

I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT is a comprehensive look into the growing career of a new actor. The show encompasses experiences from moving to Los Angeles, joining an acting class, getting headshots to examining the work ethic required to make it in a competitive industry, the auditioning process, exploring relationships, and even the fear of not reaching success. This is truly a show for every actor and even a show for anyone who wants to better understand the trial of an actor. This show is comedic, dramatic, and incredibly thoughtful. It’s definitely something you have never seen or heard before. A must see!!

For more information about Soror Black go to
http://www.myspace.com/tiffanyblackspeaking

Atlanta Area Skee-Phi Alumni Event

2009-08-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

Introducing The NEW & IMPROVED MARIETTA OFFICE PARTY:

The # 1 Urban Professional & Social Networking Extended Happy Hour On The North Side!

Friday's @ DaVinci's
Featuring:

THE GREEK LOUNGE
All area Alumni Greeks Welcome

Hosted By:
BET, TV1, & MTV's FUNNY MAN
"KARLOUS MILLER"
Check Him Out For Your Self:

Hosted By:
BET, TV1, & MTV's FUNNY MAN
"KARLOUS MILLER"

Pearls With A Purpose - Benefit

2009-08-01T10:14:00.001-05:00

Soror Sharon Bridges is running for National Bar Association Vice President

2009-07-28T20:40:00.007-05:00

Soror Sharon Bridges is a Partner at Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes in Jackson, MS. She practices in the areas of product liability, medical malpractice, nursing home and commercial litigation representing national and local corporations. Attorney Bridges draws her litigation expertise from experiences as in-house counsel and a former plaintiff’s attorney. She served as Associate General Counsel for Tulane University Medical Center.

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Attorney Bridges received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, with Honors, from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana.

VOTE!!!

NBA Elections will be held from

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Campaign of Sharon Bridges for the Vice President of the National Bar Association

85th Annual Convention & Exhibits in San Diego, California

August 1, 2009 - August 8, 2009

She may be contacted at sbridges@brunini.com

For more information visit http://www.sharonbridges.net/

Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex Chapters of AKA host Third Annual Economic Smart Fair

2009-07-28T20:31:00.003-05:00

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
Richland College
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75243
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

All Activities are Free of Charge
Vendors - Exhibitors - Children's Activities - Door Prizes and More

The Economic Smart Fair is designed as an informative economic empowerment hub in collaboration with vendors that challenge individuals, families, and communities to seize the reins of entrepreneurship, financial education, and wealth building as paths to economic survival during this economic downturn. The Fair will supply information for all participants to understand and utilize, available opportunities for financial enhancement. Small and Soror owned businesses will also be onsite promoting their services.

The theme, “Elevating Success for Prosperity: Creating Your Own Economic $timulus Package,” embraces the Sorority’s International Platforms: Non-Traditional Entrepreneur and Economic Keys to Success. The fair’s target audience is for anyone who wants to become “SMART” to make informed financial and health decisions. The Economic Smart Fair is a free event open to the entire D/FW community.

For more information or to register visit www.EconomicSmartFair.info