as speakers to address the impact of civil rights in 2021 . Community Services Awards were presented to XGO members acknowledging outstanding service to the community . The recipients were Soror April Spikener for her acclaimed poetry and book publication , Butterfly ; Golden Soror Marilyn Varnado who advocates for education in technology and technology job programs to transition minority students and women into the workforce ; and Soror LaNiece Jones for her leadership in the political arena to increase the number of black women elected to office and sitting on local and state boards and commissions . Soror Julie Hadnot inspired the participants singing the National Black Anthem , Lift Every Voice and Sing . The undergraduate chapter presented a tribute to Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr . led by Basileus Nicole Stokes . XGO ' s Historian , Lois Walker explained the history of AKA ' s Service to Mankind followed by a poem written especially for the occasion by XGO ' s poet Soror April Spikener . The event surveys commended the chapter for the celebration and information .
Eta Lambda Omega Celebrates 60 Years of Service
Pasadena , CA – Soror Mary Campbell Latimore will never forget the day in 1959 when her neighbor Mildred Robinson knocked on her front door and said , " Let ' s start an AKA chapter in Pasadena !" Mary had been initiated at Sigma Chapter ( California State University , Los Angeles ) in 1953 , married and moved to the Pasadena / Altadena area , just north of downtown Los Angeles . She would discover there were many sorors in the area — educators , social workers , therapists , doctors , government workers and school counselors — who were eager to be a force for change and community service in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement .
Eta Lambda Omega Chapter celebrates 60 years of service . Photo shows the chapter then and now .
On March 6 , 1960 , Eta Lambda Omega ( ELO ) Chapter was chartered as the 11th graduate chapter in the Far West Region and the second in Los Angeles County . ELO had 32 charter members , including Soror Robinson , ELO ' s fourth president and the 14th Far Western Regional Director ( 1974-1978 ). ELO was engaged with the community and members fought for justice , established themselves in the fabric of Pasadena and would go on to produce many firsts : from the first black woman principal in Pasadena in 1971 to the first black woman Queen of the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1985 . Today , ELO is thriving with 124 members who collectively contribute to an historic community . Happy anniversary ELO .
Epsilon Eta Omega and Sigma Rho Co-Host MLK , Jr . Day of Service
Pomona , CA – The 10th Annual MLK , Jr . Day of Service virtual Sunday Supper was hosted by Epsilon Eta Omega and Sigma Rho Chapters and their 501 ( c )( 3 ) charitable arm , PEARLS of Service , Inc . A diverse group of nearly 50 community members from the Pomona Valley , CA , and across the country gathered to reflect on the legacy of Dr . King , while discussing issues that affect our society . As the pandemic prevented us from gathering in person , the conversations fed our minds and souls . Opening words from Michelle Serrano , Managing Consultant for The Callinz Group , offered a meditation on Dr . King ' s legacy , noting that while there are the goals to be met , keeping the ideals of Dr . King ' s legacy front of mind is our key to success . As people gathered and departed , we listened to Dr . King reading his " Letter from a Birmingham Jail ," which resonates today . Following the collective reflections , Executive Director Mattie T . Johnson provided an overview of PEARLS of Service , Inc ., and presented scholarships to Jaylen Barrios and Morgan Watson , both juniors at Etiwanda High School , Meisha Sharp , a junior at Chino High School , and Daysia Kee , a senior at Elsinore High School . Instead of our commemorative photograph , the afternoon concluded with a group screenshot of our virtual participants .
Eta Gamma Omega Honors Black Arts Movement Champions
Sacramento , CA – Continuing their partnership with Sacramento ' s B Street Theater , Eta Gamma Omega Chapter and the EGEEO Foundation hosted a beautifully curated , virtual showcase of Black excellence in the arts with " BlackHerHistories : In the Midst of it All ." Putting education at the forefront , the showcase was preceded by a " Black facts quiz " inviting viewers to learn about Sam Cooke , the Black Arts Movement ( BAM ) and a variety of BAM luminaries , including its founder Amiri Baraka . " World stage " artists from August Wilson and Nikki Giovanni to Faith Ringgold and Marvin Gaye were highlighted . Informative local content included a chat about Sacramento ' s Black Arts Movement between Bertha Gorman and Martha Tate Glass , key players in bringing Kwanzaa celebrations and Black arts and history education to local youth as part of Saturday schools in the 1970 ' s ; and interviews with visual artist Shonna McDaniels , and sculptor Akinsanya Kambon . Vocalist Nic Jackson ' s live performance of several Sam Cooke hits provided a 90th birthday tribute to the extraordinary artist . Additionally , iconic actress , model and author Cicely Tyson was honored through a moving video summary of key moments in her inspirational public life . Chapter Basileus Soror Wanda F . Williams reflected on the event and the work of the Chapter ' s arts and education committee as a tribute to Black excellence , as evidenced by the engaged audience and active chat room discussion throughout the showcase .
Eta Rho Omega Hosts 1st Virtual Pink Goes Red Health Workshop
CHAPTER NEWS
San Jose , CA – Eta Rho Omega ( ERO ) Chapter , in partnership with five local community agencies hosted its tenth annual , first virtual Pink Goes Red Health Workshop . This interactive virtual program featured two African American speakers , Dr . Rochelle Woods on brain health and the emotional effects of COVID and Dr . Sienna Leatherwood on autoimmune disease and its effect on overall well-being . Both presenters discussed impacts and risk factors that affect African American women , general heart health , signs of
Celebrating 100 Years of Ivy Leaf ® Magazine
Summer 2021 I vyL eaf ® 107