Saturday, April 20, 2024 DOUBLETREE HOTEL NAPA VALLEY, VINTNERS BALLROOM 3600 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM DINNER | ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASE | DANCING 1974 2024 VALLEJO ALUMNAE CHAPTER Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Reunion En Rouge CELEBRATING OUR PAST, EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.
From left, standing: Benetta Hicks, Deloris Parker, Vanita Kenner, Patricia Sweetwine, Sylvia Harris and Cynthia Brooks. From left, seated: Velma Johnson, Lenora Parrish, Andretta Mayfield, Billye Von Blasingame, Xanthia Warren, and Virginia Greer. OUR HISTORY Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is a private, non-profit organization of college-educated women established in 1913 at Howard University to aid and lend support through established public service programs. The sorority has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters in the United States and abroad. The Vallejo Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was chartered on March 9, 1974, as the 30th chapter in the Farwest region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Since its beginning, the chapter has continued the mission of the 12 charter members by serving the local community through the development and implementation of public service programs to meet the unique needs of the American Canyon, Benicia, and Vallejo communities. Today, the chapter’s 60 members continue the vision and commitment of its charter members by further organizing and developing innovative programs that will positively impact and transform our diverse communities. Visit www.dstvallejoalumnae.org for more information. Vallejo Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Charter Members 1974
GREETINGS FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT On behalf of the Vallejo Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I am honored to extend greetings on this momentous occasion – the 50th anniversary of our chartering on March 9, 1974. Fifty years ago, a vision was born, and a legacy began to take shape that would impact the cities of American Canyon, Benicia, and Vallejo. We celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past half-century and honor our charter members' indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication, who have contributed and contribute to our organization's success. As my tenure as chapter president ends, I am humbled by the privilege of serving alongside such passionate, committed, and trailblazing sorors. Together, we have faced challenges head-on, embraced opportunities with dedication and enthusiasm, and maintained bonds that transcend the boundaries of time and space. To VAC members, partners, and supporters – thank you for your unwavering support, tireless efforts, and commitment to our shared mission to reshape our communities for the better good. Working alongside each of you has been a privilege and an honor. As I pass the torch to my successor, I do so with confidence in the future before us. May we continue to build upon the foundation that has been laid. Let's celebrate 50 years of excellence, sisterhood, and impact tonight. Here's to the memories created, the challenges our communities have overcome, and the legacies we each leave behind. In servanthood, Dr. Dela Morris, Chapter President Vallejo Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. GREETINGS FROM THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE On behalf of the 50th Anniversary Committee of the Vallejo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you. We gather here today with great joy and gratitude to commemorate this significant milestone in our chapter's history. For five decades, our sisterhood has stood as a beacon of unity, empowerment, and service within the Vallejo community. We have worked tirelessly to uplift and empower women, promote academic excellence, and advocate for social justice. As we reflect on our past achievements and look toward the future, we are humbled by the legacy we have built and the impact we continue to make. Tonight, we come together to celebrate not only the accomplishments of our chapter but also the incredible individuals who have paved the way for us. We honor the trailblazers, the visionaries, and the change-makers who have dedicated their time, talent, and passion to advancing our mission. Their dedication and unwavering commitment have shaped our chapter into what it is today. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have supported us throughout the years. To our members, past and present, thank you for your unwavering dedication and for upholding Delta Sigma Theta's values. Thank you to our community partners, friends, and allies for standing alongside us and championing our cause. The 50th Anniversary Chair, Marjorie Burton, Co-Chairs, Charlesetta Ford and Valerie Roberts Gray, and the 50th Anniversary Committee Members
CHERYL HURD, MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES Cheryl Hurd-Perry is in the early stages of becoming a master at personal reinvention as the four-time Emmy award-winning reporter navigates her December 2022 retirement after 25 years at NBC Bay Area. She covered a range of stories, from community events to breaking news. She is credited with being the first to report on the BALCO steroid scandal, the biggest doping event in sports history. Her exceptional reporting over the years showcases her dedication to providing accurate and impactful journalism to her many devoted viewers. After taking a six-month break, Cheryl accepted a job as Public Affairs Manager for the Alameda County Fire Department with the responsibility to develop, implement, and maintain district-wide community engagement and to increase public awareness and educational programs for the people served by the department. Born and raised in Vallejo, CA, Cheryl attended California State East Bay in Hayward, CA. She is married and has one sister. She is one of the founding members of Friends of Faith, a non-profit organization that raises money for women diagnosed with breast cancer in the East Bay. Her hobbies are wine tasting and hiking. You can contact Cheryl by emailing her at [email protected]. This year, he completed his inaugural eight-city tour to gain visibility outside of his immediate community. During this tour, he played with an array of professional musicians around the USA. In addition to the saxophone, he plays the clarinet, bass guitar, and drums and is branching out into music production, where he's beginning to lay original tracks. AYO BRAME, SPOTLIGHT ARTIST Ayo Brame is an up-and-coming 16-year-old Tenor Saxophone Jazz musician from Oakland, California. He is a student of Jazz Great Richard Howell through Oaktown Jazz Workshops and considers himself a purist in jazz, channeling late greats such as John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. Embraced by the jazz community, he has acquired additional mentors who influence and challenge him, such as Kev Choice, Ayinde Webb, Stacy Dillard, Stabe Wilson, and Eric Wyatt. He has shared the stage with many accomplished musicians at venues including the Black Cat in San Francisco, CA; Brownstone Jazz in Brooklyn, NY; Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland, CA; the Nash in Phoenix, AZ; Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Room & Sour Mouse in Manhattan, NY; and Small’s Legendary Jazz Club in The Village, NY. He currently has a sold-out performance at Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA.
Opening Remarks Cheryl Hurd, Mistress of Ceremonies Emergency Response Team Announcement Cheryl Ford, Emergency Response Team Chair Procession Charter Members, VAC Members, & Regional Leadership Welcome Remarks Dr. Dela Morris, President Greetings Joy M. Moore, Farwest Regional Representative Greetings on Behalf of the Regional Director Dr. Dela Morris, President Recognition of Elected Of icials, Special Guests & Community Partners Cheryl Hurd Invocation Chrischele Landry, Chapter Chaplain Buf et Dinner Roll Call of the Nine Historically African American Greek Organizations Tinnetta Thompson, Esq., First Vice President Musical Spotlight Ayo Brame, Guest Artist Video Presentation & Historical Reflection LaShonda Wallace, Immediate Past President Special Musical Presentation Rirginia Brooks, Soloist Acknowledgments Marjorie Burton, 50th Anniversary Committee Chair Presentation of Gifts Dr. Dela Morris, President/Valerie Roberts Gray, 50th Anniversary Co-Chair/Charlesetta Ford, 50th Anniversary Co-Chair Closing Remarks Dr. Dela Morris, President “Sweetheart Song” Members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc./Andrea Ellis-Lackey, Lead 50th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
The 2024 Vallejo Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Membership
Sylvia Harris, Chartering President 1974-1976, 2000-2002 Brenda Johnson Portis 1992-1994 Xanthia Warren 1976-1978 Sadie Kiel 1994-1996 Benetta Pilate Hicks 1978-1980, 1982-1983 Linda S. Combs 1996-2000 Emma Holmon 1980-1982 Eva M. Coley 2002-2006, 2008-2012 Sue King 1983-1988 Susanna Pilate Barnes 2006-2008 Dorothy Crawford-Duncan 1988-1990 Nona Cohen-Bowman 2012-2016 MaryAnn Adkins 1990-1992 LaShonda Wallace 2016-2020 Dr. Melvinia King (Acting) 1990-1992 Dr. Dela Morris 2020-2024 Remembering Our Departed Sorors who Have Gone on to Omega Omega. They will be Forever in our Hearts. Vallejo Alumnae Chapter Presidents
Cheryl Hurd – Mistress of Ceremonies Ayo Brame, Saxophonist – Guest Artist Rirginia Brooks – Soloist Auintard Henderson – Photographer-at-Large Percy Scott – DJ Brenden Reiss - Reiss Fims Haute Balloon Designs by Radiah DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley Hotel Staff Mark Crane - Promotional Products 50th Anniversary Committee Elected Officials/Representatives, Special Guests & Community Partners Acknowledgments Thank you for making our event a success!