TThhee HHiissttoorryy ooff CChhii ZZeettaa OOmmeeggaa

Updated February 2009 by Soror June Boswell, Historian

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC CHI ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER

Soror Linda M. White Supreme Basileus Soror Shirley Fisher 21st South Central Regional Director

Continuing the Legacy

The initiation and chartering of the Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. closely mirrors the visionary and far sighted work of our Founders. What began as a conversation and mutual attraction between women of faith grew into mutual awareness that each shared membership in the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. On December 13, 2001, in true Alpha Kappa Alpha style, a tea was held at the home of Soror Vanessa Johnson to determine if there was sufficient interest to

form an official Interest Group to pursue chartering the first African American chapter of a sorority in Plano, Texas. And indeed there was. On January 21, 2002 thirteen Sorors drafted and submitted a formal letter to the Regional Director, requesting Interest Group status which marked the beginning of the Pearls of Service Interest Group. Pearls of Service Interest Group officers were: Sorors Vanessa Johnson, President; Rosalind Williams, Vice President; Sandra Barber, Recording Secretary; Chandra Melancon, Financial Secretary; Monna Davis, Treasurer; Kimberly Watson, Parliamentarian and Marva Jones, Historian. Consistent with the National Program targets and “In the Spirit” of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. service projects focusing on The Black Family, Arts, Education/Ivy Reading Academy, Economic Development and Health were initiated. With respect for the community and in partnership with established organizations the Pearls of Service Interest Group embarked upon an ambitious agenda. Major service and program accomplishments included:

Collaborated with the Douglass Community Council in the presentation of the Juneteenth Parade and Celebration

Staffed the booth and the registered voters at the Juneteenth Celebration

First Afro American group participation in the Plano Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to promote breast cancer awareness

Tutored after school children at the Douglass Community Center

Taught Vacation Bible School at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Sponsored and took a group of children to the Afro American Museum

Volunteered at Hope’s Door, a battered women’s shelter

Organized and sponsored a Girl’s Clinic to promote the social development and enhance etiquette skills for girls grades seven through twelve, with a formal presentation for graduating seniors

Hosted a Scholarship Reception for graduating area high school seniors and presented two $500 scholarships

After 11 months of exploration and service projects, and in concert with criteria outlined in the Constitution & Bylaws and Manual of Standard Procedures, Chi Zeta Omega was chartered on November 23, 2002. The chartering of Chi Zeta Omega established the 125th chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The 26 extraordinary women who chartered this historic chapter were: Kayla Adams, Monique Barber, Sandra Barber, Ava Pierce Bell, June Boswell, Monna Bratton-Davis, Diane Gauthier, Tayari Floyd Hickman, Diane Hodge, Vanessa Johnson, Marva Jones, Deborah McRae, Michelle Meeks, Chandra Isby-Melancon, Sharon Osborne, Robin Pollard, Linda Reed, Gwen Saunders, Victoria Stevenson, Nyanza Davis Thomas, Cynthia Trigg, Kimberly

Watson, Rochandra Williams, Rosalind Williams, Artisha Wilson and Diana Wynne.

City of Plano Mayor Pat Evans Presenting proclamation to CZO Basileus Vanessa Johnson with Soror Shirley Fisher Immediately following the chartering, Soror Shirley Fischer, Regional Director, inducted the first group of officers of Chi Zeta Omega, with Soror Vanessa Johnson as Chi Zeta Omega’s founding Basileus.

Designing the Blueprint

The chartering Sorors had determined the interest and need for providing Service to all Mankind in the Plano area, and under the leadership of Basileus Vanessa Johnson, the infrastructure for operating a chapter was developed. As the first Basileus, with many Sorors returning to financial and active status, it was imperative to develop an operating framework, train Sorors on chapter operations, implement National guidelines and protocol, and

develop chapter Policies and Procedures. The Executive Committee undertook this daunting task and produced the chapter’s first Constitution and Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, operating forms and other program documents. Simultaneously the chapter leadership was making community connections, building external partnerships, developing service based programs to reflect our National Program agenda and cultivating long lost Pearls to reunite with Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Roster of Officers 2003-2004

Basileus Vanessa Johnson

1st Anti Diana Wynne*

2nd Anti Rosalind Williams

Grammateus Sandra Barber

Tamiouchos Diane Hodge

Pecunious Grammateus Chandra Melancon

Hodegos Deborah McRae

Epistoleus Artisha Wilson

Ivy Leaf Reporter Kayla Adams

Parliamentarian Robin Williams

Philacter Kamili Carthledge

Chaplain Linda Reed

Member-at-Large Michelle Meeks

Member-at-Large LaShonda O’Neal

*Replaced by Cynthia Trigg

Major service and program accomplishments included:

Development of the first chapter strategic plan setting targeted milestones for the next 3-5 years

Assumed an active and visible role in the delivery of the Martin Luther King Weekend in Plano with a voter registration drive, city-wide ecumenical service and attendance at the Plano Community Forum’s King Breakfast and discussion

Formally adopted the Pearls & Ivy Clinic, from the Pearls Of Service tenure, to become a major emphasis for program delivery

Joined the Founders’ Day planning committee of the five Metroplex Chapters (OMO, ZTO, TRO, ULO, BMO) to become a part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Founders’ Day celebration

Joined the Greater Dallas Pan-Hellenic Council

Partnered with Texas Instruments and hosted the first Black Family Technology Day in Plano

Established the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, a National target program, at the Douglass Community Center

Implemented the AKA Coat Drive with the recipient being the Samaritan Inn, only shelter for the homeless in Collin County

Became a supporting sponsor of the Feed the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Douglas Community Center

Sponsored the chapter’s first Scholarship Luncheon and gave two $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors

Partnered with the City of Plano to identify and support families in need and donated a washer and dryer as part of the Economic Development initiative to a Habitat Family in Plano

Attended our first Boule as a Chapter; Nashville, TN

Held the chapter’s first reactivation social to reclaim Sorors and expand the chapter

Celebrated the recognition of Chi Zeta Omega’s first Silver Stars with Sorors June Boswell, Vanessa Johnson, Linda Reed and Diana Wynne

Chapter II – Building on a SOLID Foundation

Ivy Basics: Building on a SOLID Foundation (Service Organization Leadership Integration Dedication) Soror Sandra Barber 2005-2006 Basileus Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director Soror Linda M. White 26th Supreme Basileus On November 13, 2004 a new slate of officers was elected by the membership, installed in December, and under the leadership of Soror Sandra Barber the growth of the chapter

continued. The chapter continued in Service to All Mankind, increased its presence in the community, expanded implementation of target programs and operated with a finely honed focus on effectively delivering programs and chapter operations. Emphasis was placed on becoming extremely knowledgeable of our National documents and other published program materials. While the internal focus sharpened our skills in protocol, program planning and implementation and chapter operations, the external focus remained strong. Major service and program accomplishments included:

The implementation of a graduated planning process on a 30-60-90 day and 6 month time table

Centralized coordination of chapter activities through a CZO Planning calendar

Comprehensive program coordination and reporting which captured and highlighted Targeted programs

New officer training and Committee Chair training was developed and conducted

Workshops on Parliamentary Procedure and chapter protocol were developed and conducted

The chapter hosted its first White Linen Reactivation Social

The Chapter played a key role in hosting the 74th South Central Regional Conference in Dallas serving as Regional Tamiouchous and constructing the Prayer Room and Sanctuary for conference attendees

The chapter held its first Membership Intake Process in September 2005 and 8 new Sorors were initiated

Chi Zeta Omega’s First MIP September 2005

Sorors Kesha Wynne, Dewanna Jefferson, LaWanda Massey, Christine Hawkins, Monica Hawkins, A’Isha Malone, Tiffanie Gladden, Bridgette Cush

Secured the chapter’s first program grant and expanded the Ivy Reading AKAdemy to include Malvern Elementary School in McKinney as well as expand its operation at the Douglass Community Center

Implemented the National Target Young Authors Program

Expanded Chapter membership from the 26 chartering Sorors to 60 and received regional bronze level recognition for retention

Developed and presented its first Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn followed by a full cotillion season and the first Pink Ice Ball

Increased awards from $2000 to $5000 in scholarships to graduating seniors

Developed the chapter’s first website and Data Base Management System and created the Ivy Pride chapter newsletter as a means of communication

2006 Debutantes and their Escorts

Roster of Officers 2005-2006

Basileus Sandra Barber

1st Anti Danniella Gladden-Green*

2nd Anti Felicia Layeni

Grammateus Monna Davis

Tamiouchos Linda Reed

Pecunious Grammateus Deborah McRae

Hodegos Victoria Stevenson*2

Epistoleus Shundrian Green

Ivy Leaf Reporter Kecha Canty*3

Parliamentarian Vanessa Johnson

Philacter Kamili Carthledge*4

Chaplain Tayari Floyd

Member-at-Large Danielle Johnson

Member-at-Large Rosalind Williams *Replaced by June Boswell; *2Replaced by Alicia Gray;*3Replaced by Tonelli Hatley;*4Replaced by Fannysteen Mays

Chapter III:

Strengthening Our Foundation

Continuing to Build on a SOLID Foundation and Core Values: Integrity, Respect and Accountability Basileus: Soror June Boswell 2007 Soror Barbara McKenzie 27th Supreme Basileus Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director The third slate of officers for Chi Zeta Omega assumed leadership in January 2007 amidst a season of change. The new International Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara McKenzie, presented a new program agenda and focus for the Sorority. The ESP program with an emphasis on Economics, Service and

Partnerships shifted the paradigm. The program planning moved from chapter and service focused to a wider universe. Area chapters were given a program agenda to implement collectively and in tandem with the new national program agenda. Economics became AKAnomics and each chapter was mandated to focus 15 minutes of every chapter meeting educating the membership on AKAnomics. The national target programs bore some resemblance of programs in the past but with an economic underpinning. Economics of the Black Family with emphasis on black males, emphasis on the entrepreneurial component in the community and support of the businesses, Health Resource Management with emphasis on mental health support and AKAnomics Keys to Success with education of the youth, adults and the community became the new program platforms. A major Regional milestone event was observed during these two years with the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the South Central Region in Austin, TX. The year’s activities were also centered on paving the way for the Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. On the operations level chapter standards and financial accountability became two key areas of concentration for the new National administration, and chapters received their first National Office Heritage Evaluations. Chi Zeta Omega showed its resilience and at the same time flexibility in adapting to the changes, taking on the full implementation of the new program thrust, flawlessly executing its leadership role as chair of the Metroplex Founders’ Day, and transitioning a number of key positions during this time, including Basileus.

Major service and program accomplishments:

Full transition and implementation of the new National Target Program platform with partnership with the Kappa League and focus on young males

Developed the Passport System and program performance system for program accountability

Adopted a family with male children and supported going back to school, holiday needs at Thanksgiving and Christmas and focused the coat drive on their needs

Expanded focus on Feed the Community at the Douglass Community

Center with the addition of health screening and AKAnomics presentations

Significant expansion of the Pearls & Ivy Clinic with refined documents, defined responsibilities, social activities, personal development and ball presentations

Fully collaborated and participated in metroplex programs with Economic Smart Fair workshops and the Mental Health Town Hall Forum culminating in Boule Recognition for the work on the Mental Health Town Hall Forum

Chaired the metroplex’s most successful Centennial Founders’ Day luncheon increasing sales from 300 to 500 attendees

Had record Soror participation (1/3rd of chapter) in attendance at the 75th Regional Conference

Expanded fundraising approach with the development of a data base for foundations, companies and contacts; had CZO’s most successful fundraising season generating $9,000

Achieved the chapter’s first appearance and two articles in the Ivy Leaf, Fall 2007 for “An Evening of Enchantments and Winter 2007 Mental Health Town Hall Forum

Celebrated the chapter’s 5th Year Anniversary

Updated all operating documents to reflect new Constitution and Bylaws and Policies and Procedures to reflect the new program direction and chapter expansion

Secured a permanent meeting place for chapter and Pearl & Ivy meetings ensuring chapter stability and continuity

The ESP logo, as designed by Supreme Basileus Barbara McKinzie.

Chapter III Continues:

The Year of Refinement

The Year of REFINEMENT: Chi Zeta Omega Sorors will be defined as: Results-Oriented, Effective, models of Finer Womanhood, Innovative, Enthusiastic and Diligent Soror Felicia Layeni Basileus 2008 Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director Soror Barbara A. McKenzie 27th Supreme Basileus Soror Felicia Layeni, 1st Anti Basileus, gracefully

and flawlessly transitioned in the role of Basileus completing the term of 2007-2008. While the strategy had been set, she brought an enhanced agenda that focused on refining the operations of the chapter and positioning Chi Zeta Omega for a new set of accomplishments. As the Centennial Basileus, she led the way in ensuring high visibility for the chapter, while connecting sorors to tools, resources and each other.

A comprehensive Boule Report Book provided a blueprint of the National agenda for moving through the next four years. As a result, Chi Zeta Omega’s preparation for the July 2008 Centennial Boule was unmatched in preparation, organization, presentation and attendance.

The historic national presidential campaign and election, which followed in the fall, provided the Connections Committee an opportunity to make a difference while leveraging the strength of the chapter, other Black Greek Letter Organizations in Collin County, the minority entrepreneur, the Black Family and the leadership of Chi Zeta Omega. Chi Zeta Omega led the way, as the primary organizer. A series of debate watch parties, registration and an

election night party rejuvenated and connected the local political machine with women of color in Collin County. The program activities of 2008 hit all major targets and significantly expanded the chapter base.

Yes, We Did! Sorors and guests watched the historic elections returns and announcement that Barack H. Obama was elected 44th President of the United States in November 2008. Other major service and program accomplishments:

Established the chapter’s 501 (3) non profit corporation for charitable contributions

Created and deployed the CZO Skills Database, an online tool that serves as an inventory of chapter talent.

Instituted the chapter’s first cascaded strategic planning process that maps committee-level plans up to the Basileus who, in turn, connects to the agenda of the Supreme Basileus.

Introduced quarterly State of the Chapter Reports that provide candid feedback to the chapter on successes and improvement areas in order to provide continuous improvement.

Formalized conference attendance to build the chapter’s presence on the regional and international levels. New tools include the online database that connects sorors, conference-planning workbooks and comprehensive delegates’ reports.

Soror Monica Hawkins was named “Neophyte of the Year” by South Central Regional Director Tari Bradford.

Negotiated the chapter’s first collaborative service activity with another NPHC sorority.

Conceptualized and led the initial planning for a series of Election Watch Parties, which helped register voters and incite enthusiasm for the election process. This series of events helped position Chi Zeta Omega as a

thought-leader among members of the Pan-Hel, and built visibility for the chapter with local political officials.

Another first: A series of guest speakers were invited to chapter meetings to build connections between CZO and the community. In 2008, board member of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Fred Moses, Chairman of the Collin County Republican Party presented to CZO.

Led the chartering efforts of the North Dallas Pan Hellenic Association, further cementing CZO’s position as a community leader

Introduced “Refinement” Workshops that refreshed sorors on Alpha Kappa Alpha’s structure, mission, protocol, processes and rituals.

Instituted a formal awards and recognition program, featuring the Soror of the Month and the annual Soror of the Year Award

Soror Felicia Layeni presents 2008 Soror of the Year Award to Dewanna

Jefferson, 2007 honoree Soror Patrice Withers accompanies

Roster of Officers 2007-2008

Basileus June Boswell*1

1st Anti Felicia Layeni*2

2nd Anti Veta Parker*3

Grammateus Tayari Shaw*4

Tamiouchos Lynne Coleman*5

Pecunious Grammateus Asheley Odom

Hodegos Mary Dedeaux-Swinton

Epistoleus Tracee Wysinger

Ivy Leaf Reporter Bridgette Cush*6

Parliamentarian Shundrian Green-Stoker*7

Chaplain Pat Hartman*8

Member-at-Large Patrice Withers *9

Member-at-Large Shelby Reece *10 *Replaced by Felicia Layeni; *2Replaced Patrice Withers; *3Replaced by Pat Hartman; *4Replaced by LaShawn Johnson;*5Replaced by Linda Reed; *6 Replaced by Monna Davis;*7 Replaced by Shelby Reece; *8 Replaced Janet Bell-Odom; *9 Replaced by Veta Parker;*10 Replaced by Alicia Gray

The Legacy Continues….