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JUNE 2021

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

PRESIDENT’S MONTHLY MESSAGE

It is hard to believe that we are days I know that when future genera ons read about our
away from comple ng our first ever, chapter’s history, the record books will show our tenacity
completely virtual sorority year and my and foritude.
first year serving as your chapter
president. These months have shown In this final issue for the 2020-2021 sorority year, we
me how strong, resilient and highlight the work that our commi ees have done over
innova ve our sisterhood is. We the year, celebrate our outstanding youth programs that
con nued to make a difference in the community but have provided a posi ve outlet for teens, and recap our
also found ways to nurture ourselves so that we could May Week Celebra on honorees.
give our best self to others.
During the summer break, I pray that each of you remain
Sorors, looking back on this year fills me with such pride healthy, safe and blessed.
and admira on of the bond that has strengthened even
through social and physical distancing. The unexpected With a grateful heart
phone calls and run-ins at the grocery store have warmed
my heart beyond measure. This truly has been a season
of reflec on and apprecia on.

IN THIS ISSUE Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Commi ee Highlghts . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Stay Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
A Year of Faith, Hope and Love . . . . . 2 Birthdays and Celebra ons . . . . . . . . 12 Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
HAC Year of Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sensa onal Sorors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Educa onal Development . . . . . . . . . 4
May Week Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

HAMPTON ALUMNAE CHAPTER of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

BY LISA CRUMP
Chaplain

When we look back at our 2020-21 chapter year, it's hard to not think about the struggles life brought
us. During those uncertain mes, many of us called the unknown, “our new normal.” None of us ever
imagined our lives being flipped upside down and losing that por on we once controlled. Let's reflect
for a moment on some of the changes we endured:

 Curfews
 Wearing mask
 Loss of life, Loss of jobs
 Hoarding of paper towels and toilet paper (Yes, I was one of those people)
 Virtual learning (the real meaning behind PTA: Parent, Teacher Associa on)
 How we showed affec on: elbow touching
 Racism
 Injus ce and inequality
My sisters the above circumstances changed our lives and many of us are s ll in awe. However, no
ma er what we have endured, we all can agree that in spite of the turbulent mes, God remained in the
midst of it all and by His Grace, He kept us. It was during those mes, we were tasked with daily
reminders to fervently stay connected to the power of having Faith, Hope and Love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
tells us “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This
scripture is not simply a catchy scripture, it's the founda onal tenet.

You see my sisters the past 15 months our allowed us to have confidence in things we hoped
would actually happen (a shi in the atmosphere- a since of feeling normal) and such faith, gave us
assurance of the things we could not see. So our faith aided in our belief that be er days were ahead
and having such faith guided in our direct connect to , the fuel we con nued to pour into our soul
that kept faith alive. Faith has a direct connect to hope, o en iden fied as applied wisdom and the
ul mate way of staying connected to our Lord and Savior during unprecedented mes. Having faith and
hope led us directly to the greatest spiritual gi of them all, ! Sister's love is our never ending goal
and the force that gets us where we are supposed to be. First, it tells us who God is and who we are in
God. Secondly, it's the power that allows us to do the work that Jesus ordained us to do. Love is what
fuels the power in all of us to believe we would get through our unprecedented crisis and restore hope.
Love is the engine that helps to drive our spiritual lives.

Faith, Hope and Love are the things that last forever and it became clear that during our turbulent
season we held too and displayed them all, finding purpose. My sisters my prayer is that during our off
season of chapter business we remain full of Faith, Hope and Love and con nue to seek His purpose in
order to further our fundamental principles of sisterhood, service and scholarship.

Stay Blessed My Sisters

—2—

OF AN AMAZING YEAR

Executive Board Retreat - First Virtual Chapter Meeting
Back to School Project with Bassette Elementary

Adopt-A-Spot Chick With The Stick - March of Dimes Fundraiser
Making Strides Virtual 5K

Delta Day at City Hall - Thanksgiving Baskets for Bassette Elementary
Food Bank Donations

World AIDS Day Panel - Estate Planning Forum -
Holly Jolly Game Night - Poinsettia Distribution

Books and Art Supplies Distribution

Founders Day - Bingo, Bags and Brunch

Delta Dear Technology Training
HAC Authors’ Book Discussion

Sisterhood Month Workshops - Comedy Night
Delta Dash 5K - Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser

Youth Literary Event - Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital

May Week Celebration - A complete year of Protocol Tips

—3—

Youth P

Delta Academy Delta GEMS EMBODI
Thrive in Virtual Environments

The Youth Commi ees of Hampton Alumnae demonstrated why they are award-winning programs by
con nuing their tradi on of stellar programming to engage youth in our community. While it would
have been easy to cancel youth ac vi es altogether, sorors of Hampton Alumnae worked diligently
and crea vely to develop monthly ac vi es for Delta Academy, Delta GEMS and EMBODI programs.
Ensuring that all registered children would be able to par cipate, the commi ees either mailed all
supplies for the virtual events or coordinated pick-ups and drop-offs of necessary materials.
Their innova ve thinking allowed them to successfully implement cooking demonstra ons, yoga
sessions, and public service ac vi es. They welcomed guest speakers who talked about personal
hygiene, personal safety and self-care. They incorporated STEM ac vi es crea ng lava lamps and also

par cipated in a joint ac vity with the Arts and Le ers
Commi ee and other local Delta youth groups.
Despite not being able to physically have the
Annual College Tour, they packed their virtual
bags and toured colleges including Hampton
University, Elizabeth City, Virginia State,
Virginia Union, Old Dominion, William and
Mary, VCU, North Carolina Central, Cheyney
State, and Florida A&M.
The culmina ng ac vity for Delta GEMS and
EMBODI was a drive-by celebra on; and
Delta Academy par cipants had an awards
ceremony and paint party. Kudos to the
commi ees for another excellent year!

—4—

Programs

—5—

CELEBRATION

The May Week Commi ee presented its 2021 program on Sunday, May 16 using a virtual
pla orm before several hundred guests. The program included presenta ons of scholarships to
six deserving high school students, acknowledgment of Delta’s Own academic achievers, as well
as recogni on of 25/50/75 year members.

Due to the cancella on of last year’s program, both the 2021 and 2020 Community Woman of
the Year and Delta Woman of the Year Awards were presented. Each graciously accepted their
award and expressed gra ude to the chapter for the recogni on and the stellar work that the
chapter does in the community while serving as role models to young women. May Week Chair,
Cassandra Krah, stated “it is our pleasure to honor their outstanding leadership and service to

our community.”

Soror Anne e Monroe-Mar n, the Ms. Chris Snead is a na ve of
1962 George P. Phenix High School Hampton, a product of Hampton
recipient of the Hampton Alumnae City Schools and has a long history of
Chapter's, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, public service to the ci zens of
Inc. Scholarship, is a 1967 graduate of Hampton. She was first elected to serve on
Hampton Ins tute (now Hampton University). She is a Hampton City Council in 2012. Ms. Snead was re-elected
trained musician and educator; her primary instrument is to a second four-year term in 2016 and a third term in
the flute. A er gradua ng, Soror Monroe-Mar n served as 2020. In her capacity as a Councilmember she represents
band director at Matoaca High School and Rolfe Middle various regional organiza ons on behalf of the City. She
School in Chesterfield County before moving to Henrico currently serves on Virginia First Ci es and recently
County in 1982 as the K-12 music supervisor. She also completed a 2-year term as Chair; Finance Commi ee
received her master's degree from Virginia (Chair 2016-2017) and Legisla ve Commi ee for the
Commonwealth University in Administra on/Supervision Virginia Municipal League; Hampton Roads Regional Jail; a
during this me. gubernatorial appointee to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and
Tunnel where she serves on the Finance, Renewable
Using her strong educa onal leadership skills in Henrico Energy and Tolling commi ees; City of Hampton Finance
County Schools, Soror Monroe-Mar n served as assistant Commi ee (Chair 2014 – present). She serves as a Council
principal, principal, Director of: Instruc onal Opera ons, liaison to the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing
Personnel, Disciplinary Review and Community Outreach, Authority and the Ci zens Engagement Advisory Review
plus the Administra ve Assistant to the Superintendent Commi ee. Councilwoman Snead has also served on the
before re ring in June 2000. Planning Commission as a cer fied Planning Commissioner
and Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

—6—

Soror Jasmine Bobbi was ini ated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Spring 2001
through the Beta Eta Chapter at Alabama State University. A er her ini a on, she served as the
chapter president. Upon gradua ng from Alabama State, Soror Bobbi became an officer in the
United States Air Force and was affiliated with both Montgomery Alumnae Chapter and the
Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter. She holds a Master of Arts in Management, Bachelor of Science
in Biology, and has completed residencies in the Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer
School, Air Space and Basic Course, and Intelligence Officer.

Soror Bobbi has been an ac ve member of the Hampton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the
past eleven years. She is the commi ee chair for Delta S.I.Z.E.D., a member of Delta Academy, Social Ac on Commi ee,
and the May Week Commi ee. Soror Bobbi coordinates quarterly chapter fitness sessions, volunteers with yearly
Round-Up ac vi es, recently served as the Virginia State Mee ng Coordinator, and assisted with the Spring 2019
Membership Intake Ac vi es. For several years, Soror Bobbi has served as a Career Fair presenter for EMBODI, Delta
GEMS, and Delta Academy

Dr. Margaret G. Lee is a na ve of Lynchburg, VA and was the first in her family to a end college. She
earned a Bachelor of Science in French and English and a Master of Arts in English Educa on, both
from Hampton University. She earned a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Linguis cs from Indiana University of
Pennsylvania. She taught in Manassas, VA, Hampton, and Newport News Public Schools, and re red
from Hampton University as a full professor of English and Linguis cs a er 29 years.

She is the co-author of two edi ons of two English textbooks, Pathways: A Text for Developing Writers
(Allyn & Bacon, 1999) and Heritage: African American Readings for Wri ng (Pren ce Hall, 2002), and is the author of
several language-related journal ar cles. In addi on to presen ng her research at various conferences, she has served as
a reviewer or consultant for numerous language and culture-related books and ar cles. She was featured in Jet magazine
(August 7, 2006) in an ar cle regarding African American names and naming. She is a member of the American Dialect
Society, the American Name Society, and served on the Editorial Advisory Board of Names: A Journal of Onomas cs of the
American Name Society.

*Please note in the 25 Year Member sec on, Lajuana Collins is the correct name.

NAJA MCFARLAND MAIA J. PATTERSON MADISON R. HAYNES

Bethel High School Hampton High School Kecoughtan High School

TATIANA WHEELER JANEE' E. THOMAS AYNSA GOURDINE $10,600 AWARDED

Phoebus High School Phoebus High School Kecoughtan High School

—7—

Highlights

PROTOCOL TEMPERANCE by Lola Rainey

PURITY by Keisha Samuels Temperance is the virtue that moderates our a rac ons of
pleasures and provides balance in the use of things of the world.
“A pure soul is like a fine pearl. As long as it is hidden in the shell, It ensures the will's mastery over ins ncts and keeps desires
at the bo om of the sea, no one thinks of admiring it. But if you within the limits of what is virtuous. It is modera on, skillful self-
bring it into the sunshine, this pearl will shine and a ract all eyes. control, the inner power of will, desire, restraining strength in the
Thus, the pure soul, which is hidden from the eyes of the world, face of tempta on.
will one day shine before the Angels in the sunshine of eternity.”
by John Vianney Thomas Aquinas defines Temperance “as the virtue tasked with
withholding the appe te from those things which are most
Purity is the quality of being unmixed, uncontaminated, or seduc ve to man. Those who prac ce temperance are self-
wholesome. Absolute purity involves believing you are a controlled and show restraint in their passion and behavior. They
redeemed child of God. Purity describes who you are and what control their own behavior, such as not drinking or ea ng too
you do. Character and conduct are cri cal components of purity. much, and have control over excess.”
The pure one chooses to live life transparently and free from
compromise of your values or character. Living a pure life affirms Scriptures on temperance:
the excellence of your ac ons. The value of purity serves others
with sacrifice and love in a manner that is pleasing to God. Purity  Temperance as Emo onal Restraints and Self- Control:
will be evident in every aspect of your life through your ac ons Remind them to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to
and when you are recep ve and embracive of the process. A be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
pure heart is evident in your words, ac ons, and rela onships. Titus 3:1-2.
The virtue of purity allows you to respect the order ordained by
God in your life. Purity produces harmony and peace, which  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
promotes joy and a sense of authen c love. Living your best life become angry. James: 1: 14
through a pure lens requires focus and being inten onal in word
and deed.  All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful, all
things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by
anything. 1 Corinthians: 6: 12

There are four primary moral Virtues, which are called the four
Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, For tude, Prudence, and Jus ce.
These are regarded as such because they are the key virtues
upon which the others hinge.

FOODBANK $5,000 DONATION

“Thank you again for the wonderful

dona on. This is going to make such a big

impact in our community to help those

facing the fears of food insecurity. Delta

Sigma Theta is making our mission possible.

Partnerships are important to our work. It

makes all of us stronger.”

Pictured presen ng a $5,000 dona on to the Foodbank from Hampton Alumnae Chapter are: -Donna Tighe,
Anne e Monroe-Mar n HAC First Vice President , Lucy Overton, HAC Foodbank Commi ee Chairperson, Director of Development,
Karen Joyner, Chief Execu ve Officer, Z Janez Pace, HAC President, Donna Tighe, Director of Development Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

—8—

Highlights

HAC’S ADOPTED DAUGHTER

The chapter's new adopted daughter, Miss Janee' Thomas is a senior
and excep onal student at Phoebus High School with a 4.9 GPA who
ranks 4th in her gradua ng class. Janee' is part of the first gradua ng
class of Hampton's Academy of Advanced College Experience. Prior to
receiving her high school diploma in June she received an associate
degree from Thomas Nelson Community College.
She was recently featured in a Daily Press ar cle where she said,
“Coronavirus in general just changed the whole way the whole world
viewed things, and it introduced new struggles to a lot of parents, which
put new stress on a lot of students … I had to start working because we
just couldn't afford living during coronavirus, and then we were laid off.
“It was a lot going on, let alone that the school was now virtual.”
Virtual also put more on the plates of older students, some mes le in
charge of watching younger siblings during the school day. Thomas, the
class president, described sharing a three-bedroom house with her
family as a “very loud experience.”
“There were at least four students on the computer at the same me,”
she said. “We all had to find a space.”
Just before the pandemic, Thomas got her first job at Marshalls — just to
make some pocket change. But when COVID-19 hit, she and her mother
were laid off from their jobs. Over the summer, she worked 40-50 hours
a week trying to make ends meet and take care of her brothers.
With the challenges students faced, all three credit the school
community — from teachers and counselors to their principal — for
helping get through it.
When Thomas was homeless, she said academy Principal Patrice
Williams was there to help her.
“She was there for me when I didn't have anywhere to go, and I didn't
even know if I would get into school, and I didn't know if I was able to
eat,” Thomas said. “It was just so hard, and the whole school was here
for me.”
They also credit the support of school staff in finding scholarships and
ge ng into college during an unusual applica on season. Thomas is
going to the College of William & Mary, and will major in interna onal
business marke ng.

PLEASE SUPPORT

To support our adopted daughter as she begins her college educa on at the College of William & Mary, please send
dona ons to the chapter mailbox with checks wri en to HAC DST, 26 Towne Center Way, #711, Hampton, VA 23666.
Please feel free to contact Soror Sharon Chappell at [email protected] or (757) 329-5515 with any ques ons
concerning this effort.

—9—

Highlights

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS -
BASSETTE ELEMENTARY

During teacher apprecia on week the School Partnerships
Commi ee members honored the teachers at Basse e
Elementary school for their reless work throughout the year.
They were pleasantly surprised with an apprecia on sign
displayed on the school grounds and an assortment of desserts
from strawberry cake to cinnamon rolls. As the teachers
selected their treats, chapter members expressed gra tude for
their commitment to educa ng the youth in our community
during such an unpredictable and challenging year.
Through all the challenges faced this year, educators and
families have stuck together to show students a bright path
forward.
Hampton Alumnae appreciates all educators who ensure every
student has the tools to learn, grow, and thrivand wish you each
a safe summer break!

Last spring when chapters were directed to stop
meeting, it changed how everything operated within the
Sorority. In September when the Publicity Committee
under President Pace’s administration began planning for
the year, goals were established and an outline was
created to provide content for the upcoming newsletters.
We are forever grateful for the support and content
provided by individuals and committees to provide a
monthly newsletter throughout this sorority year.

— 10 —

Highlights

SOCIAL ACTION

The Social Ac on Commi ee collected items to donate toiletry
bags to several organiza ons in Hampton to include the Office of
Proba on and Parole, Hampton City Schools’ “Helping the
Homeless” project, and the H.E.L.P. organiza on.

OFFICE OF PROBATION AND PAROLE

H.E.L.P. ORGANIZATION

HAMPTON CITY SCHOOLS

Special thanks are extended to the following for writing, Michelle Lewis, Chapter Journalist/Chair
editing, proofing and providing monthly content: Staysi Blunt
Wanda Gatlin
President Z. Janez Pace
First Vice President Annette Monroe-Martin Jeane e Grase
Delcenia Hobson
Corresponding Secretary Karen Albany
Chaplain Lisa Crump June Javier
Debra Vance
Arts & Letters Committee (Alice Capehart, Chair) Sheila Williams
Protocol Committee (Milly Swann, Chair)

Membership Services - Cheryl Griffin and Hillary Brown

— 11 —

Jenier Mitchell Michele Hammond Gail Jones
Debra Gray Amaris Rice Jemecia Braxton
Hillary Brown Tonisha Darrell Alethia Gardner
June Javier Jennie Williams LaTonya Parker
Akhira McFarland Janice Mitchell Sylvia Rose
Audrey Greenlee Lillian Kline Makeba Channel
Melissa Gomes Goldie Malloy Pamela Ellio
Maria Watkins Rhonda Rhodes Andria Chapman-Taliaferro
Anita McCray ------------------------------------------------------- Carla Batchelor
Dorethas Bracey-Bean Wanda Gatlin Bri ney Spells
Reatha Montgomery Karen Orie Alva Barre
Frances Mann Elaine Eatman Nicole Lewis
Kathleen Mann Mary Vick Marion Johns
Joyce Harden Susan Hamilton Karen Albany
Sharon Wilson Lajuana Collins Tatrece Swann
Evelyn Anderson Jasmine Bobbi
Shari Love Solomon Alice Brower

Congratula ons to on her marriage. The couple

is expec ng a baby girl in July. Her daughter's name will be Kodi Loraine

Bean.

,

Where are you? Share your accomplishments,

so can celebrate !

Although the Spotlight will take a break during the
summer months, we know that you will con nue to
thrive in your professional and community service
lives! Please con nue to email your accomplishments
and we will share them when we resume in the fall!

[email protected]
— 12 —

— 13 —

CALENDAR OF EVENTS STAY CONNECTED
(V)-Virtual Event
Execu ve Board Mee ng (V) Hampton Alumnae Chapter
Chapter Mee ng (V) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Na onal ERT Pandemic Webinar (V) 26 Towne Centre Way #711
(Informa on sent from Grand Chapter) Hampton, VA 23666
DST and WW Juneteenth Happy
Hour (V) (Informa on sent from Grand Chapter) hamptonalumnaedst.com
Relay for Life- Drive By Luminaria [email protected]
Registra on opens for Na onal
Conven on
Na onal Conven on
Atlanta, GA and Virtual

The Publicity Commi ee would like to thank all Sorors who contributed to the content of the Hampton
Spotlight Newsle er. We welcome comments and sugges ons to help us improve our publica on for you.
Please email comments, correc ons or sugges ons to [email protected].

SUBMISSION – Ar cles submi ed for this sec on
GUIDELINES should provide a unique aspect of a program, event or person
and/or ps and resources. Logis cal details (date, me, place,
Does your commi ee have a successful service project, event or cost) of an event should be secondary to the story aspect. Clear
program to share? Are you a subject ma er expert on topics ac on photos are desired and given preference.
relevant to the Sorority? Do you have a personal accomplishment
to announce? If so, we want to hear from YOU! (150 word maximum) – Ar cles submi ed for
this sec on should highlight the soror's recent accomplishment
and also include a headshot or ac on photo.

Our chapter newsle er is your opportunity to share program
stories and ideas to spotlight commi ees and members. The
newsle er's purpose is to keep sorors informed of current issues UPCOMING ISSUES
and events, strengthen chapter rela onships and empower
members with resources and profiles. Each monthly issue will have All ar cles and photos are . Send
a feature topic, as outlined in the Upcoming Issues sec on. submissions to [email protected] or any commi ee
member.

 Third-person narra ve Michelle Lewis, Chapter Journalist/Chair
 Microso Word format (do not send as a pdf) Staysi Blunt, Wanda Gatlin, Jeane e Grase,
 Limit of three high-resolu on digital photos (jpeg or png) Delcenia Hobson, June Javier, Debra Vance, Sheila Williams
 The Publicity Commi ee reserves the right to edit submissions WRITERS  DESIGNERS  EDITORS  PHOTOGRAPHERS

– Ar cles submi ed for this sec on should align JOIN OUR TEAM!
with the issue topic and provide a personal experience, ps,
ac on items, and resources.

— 15 —