CENTRAL REGION
Central Hosts First Virtual Regional Conference Packed with Celebrations
On April 22 , 2021 , the members of Central Region logged in to kick off the 87th Central Regional Conference ( CRC ). With this being the Region ’ s first virtual conference , Soror Sonya L . Bowen , Central Regional Director , set a goal to ensure that Sorors would have the full conference experience .
In 2020 , the 86th CRC in Louisville , KY was abruptly adjourned during the first plenary session as the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic . Following the stress and disappointments of 2020 , the 87th CRC steering committee was dedicated to planning a conference to not only handle sorority business but also celebrate the Region ’ s successes . Members of the Charmed Leadership Team and other Central Region sorors worked diligently to ensure that the Virtual 87th CRC would be relevant , easy to access , and memorable .
3,703 sorors gathered virtually April 22-25 , 2021 in true Central Region style for “ Charmchella : Showcasing a Legacy of Excellence .” Charmchella was Central Region ’ s version of the Coachella festival . The four-day conference featured three plenary sessions ; a public meeting highlighting community excellence ; the highly acclaimed Leadership Training Institute ; a variety of workshops and forums ; and several celebrations .
The Public Meeting highlighted each of the Sorority ’ s International Program Targets . Five Community Awards were presented by Target as follows :
• Target 1 : Dennis Bland and the Center for Leadership Development - Indianapolis , IN
• Target 2 : Coach Valerie Turner and VF Health and Fitness Solutions - Minneapolis , MN
• Target 3 : Mary and Jeff Clay and Popeye ’ s BBQ - Springfield , IL
• Target 4 : Dave Christopher , Sr . and the Academy of Music Production Education and Development ( AMPED ) - Louisville , KY
• Target 5 : Arrey Obenson and the International Institute of St . Louis - St . Louis , MO
During the public meeting , Central Region also recognized and provided support to two of the Region ’ s HBCUs : Harris Stowe State University and Simmons College of Kentucky . The recognition concluded with a special award being presented to Dr . Lori S . White , 21st President of DePauw University in Greencastle , IN . Dr . White is the first woman and first person of color to hold the position since the University was founded 184 years ago .
Charmchella was also packed with celebrations . The conference began with the traditional Welcome Reception which featured highlights of each Central Region Undergraduate and Graduate Chapter by cluster . New Diamond , Pearl , Golden and Silver Sorors were celebrating during their Crowning Moment which was hosted by 29th Supreme Basileus and 26th Central Regional Director Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson . Central Region ’ s Undergraduate Sorors were celebrated at “ R . E . A . C . H . ella : Excellence in Achievement ” which featured keynote speaker Soror Jasmine Williams , Undergraduate Member-at-Large and remarks from Soror Jasmyne McCoy , 2nd
Supreme Anti-Basileus and Soror Alysse Guerrier , Undergraduate Member-at-Large . Legacy families were celebrated during a highly energetic virtual Legacy Parade . The closing celebration was themed “ Before I Let Go : Para , Chucks and Pearls ” and included a concert by R & B Singer Will Downing and multiple DJ ’ s .
The final day of the conference began solemnly with a touching Ivy Beyond the Wall Memorial Tribute . The tribute highlighted each Central Region soror that became an Ivy Beyond the Wall since the 85th Central Regional Conference . Special tributes were made to Soror Faye B . Bryant ( 21st Supreme Basileus ), Soror Eva L . Evans ( 24th Supreme Basileus ) and Soror Johnetta Randolph Haley ( 17th Central Regional Director ). The 87th Central Regional Conference concluded with the Soror Linda Marie White “ Sunday ’ s Best ” service . The worship service was led by the Cluster Chaplains and featured a message delivered by Soror Pamela Bates Porch , International Chaplain and 26th Central Regional Director . “ Sunday ’ s Best ” also included several musical performances including a concert by the renowned Grammy Award winning gospel group The Clark Sisters .
The Virtual 87th Central Regional Conference was truly enjoyed by all Central Region Sorors and guests attending . The virtual platform was easy to navigate , the business sessions were engaging , and the celebrations made all sorors feel connected despite the distance . Congratulations to the Confident , Charismatic and Charmed Central Region for hosting a successful conference !
26 I vyL eaf ® Spring 2021 Centennial edition