ebony pearl - Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.

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EB ON Y PEA R L
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Incorporated®
Spring 2009
I NSIDE 40 TH A NNIVERSARY I SSUE
Life Begins At Forty - P.2
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Celebrating a Powerful Past - P.3
Phyllis Jeter Nunn
Editor-in-Chief
Sharon Chandler
Copy Editor
Founders’ Expectations - P.4
Building a Brighter Future - P.6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chapter News - P.7
Linda M. Smith
Chairperson
Vanessa Gibbs Hilliard
Vice Chairperson
Sharon Chandler
Mona Evans
Raquel Rouse
Beverly Dorn Steele
Tanya McKoy Sutton
Anita Chase Watson
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Tanya McKoy Sutton
President
Marilyn Berry
Vice President
LaVerne Wilson
Treasurer
Sandy Cayo
Recording Secretary
Krystal Coston
Corresponding Secretary
Brenda Noble
Graduate Officer
Dorothy Slaughter
Undergraduate Officer
Melissa Wilson
Undergraduate Representative
Stephanie Turner
Special Events Officer
Phyllis Jeter Nunn
Media Affairs Officer
Maya McGeathey
Parliamentarian
Brenda Torrence
Historian
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
Nneka Shoulds
Mid-Atlantic Region
Michelle Williams Muhammad
Mid-Western Region
Lori Gittens
Northeastern Region
Sharon Chandler
South-Central Region
Ellen Tomlinson Carter
Southeastern Region
Health Awareness - P.9
Dare To Dream - P.11
OLA Sisters and Happy 40th Anniversary! While the road has not always been easy for Swing, our
motto has stood the test of time. Perseverance is our virtue. There is no better time than the present
to come together to honor our founders and rededicate ourselves as Swings as we celebrate our past
and build a powerful future for our organization. I challenge each and every one of you to recommit
yourself to Swing, uphold its charter and purpose, continue to fulfill its mission in community service
and always set out to support women in need of growth. Continue to be strong and united in the
name of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® The Ebony Pearl, Editor-in-Chief
FROM THIS
DAY
FORWARD
From the National President
It is hard to believe that Swing
Phi Swing is forty years old? As
I reflect on her past and her
present, I can definitely attest to
the fact that SWING has
flourished like the seasons,
LEFT TO RIGHT: Faye Dyson, Marguaree Durden, Founder Ellen
constantly changing and forever
Tomlinson, Founder Beverly Dorn, Sharon Ferguson, Cynthia Warner
and Founder Marilyn Reid
evolving.
From the very
beginning our Founders exemplified courage and the sheer essence of finer Black womanhood. Our
Founders, a cohesive group of dynamic Sisters who consciously effected social change were rebels
on a mission. The Founders paved a foundation that has transcended into an organization that holds
true to its purpose.
th
As Swing Phi Swing convenes in Winston-Salem, NC on April 1 – 5, to commemorate the 40
Anniversary of our beloved organization, we must remain cognizant of our Founders’ mission and
continue to build a concrete foundation for the future; and in doing so we must give unselfishly in the
development of our communities and continue to serve as a catalyst in society.
Sisters of Swing will train and cultivate generations of young women of color, instill in them the
confidence to feel like they are the next doctors, lawyers, businesswomen, celebrities and activists.
When we build and cultivate our Sisters it’s like running a small business, its hard work but the
rewards are greater than any profit. As parents, educators, mentors, tutors, guardians and givers we
are the village that it takes to cultivate an organization. Swing must build dynasties so that will have
lasting legacies.
From this day forward, let’s continue to fulfill our Founding Sisters’ dream and perpetuate an
organization that exemplifies the true essence of Sisterhood, community service (continued on page 2)
40 YEARS OF
MONUMENTAL
MEMORIES
(of Perseverance)
April 4, 1968. A shot rang
out in Memphis, Tennessee
that was literally heard and
felt all around the world - the
assassination of the Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. During
that time in history, many
young ladies across the
nation were also thinking,
planning and dreaming about
their own lives as they
explored college life, freedom
of speech, the latest fashions
and of course the path that
their young lives would
embark upon during the next
few years.
April 4, 1969. Exactly one
year later, in the midst of the
somber first anniversary of
the assassination of Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr., the
founding of Swing Phi Swing
Social Fellowship, Inc. took
place on the campus of
Winston-Salem State College,
in
Winston-Salem, North
Carolina.
Twelve young
ladies, not fully realizing that
they were about to create a
legacy that would consciously
uplift
women
of
color,
empower many to be leaders
and formulate a lifelong family
connection,
thrust
themselves into the forefront of
others at the peak of the
Black
Power
Movement,
fighting for rights, daring to be
different,
while
still
maintaining
their
dignity,
faithfulness, courage and
young womanhood.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY
Life begins at 40 because
that’s when we as women
finally “get it”. That’s when we
as women have the guts to
take back our lives…to stop
hiding out, stop making
reluctant
choices
that
compromise us and our lives. I
guess it’s because something
almost
magical
occurs,
something
liberating,
rejuvenating and exhilarating.
We acquire a healthy disregard
for what other people think…
gain the confidence to define
ourselves
on
our
own
terms…to move in new
directions and try new things.
Sisters, that’s exactly where
we are today as a 40-year-old
organization. Historically, we
have defined ourselves in
terms of how we differ from
other organizations; that we’re
not a sorority, but we are a
fellowship.
That we’re not
sorors…we’re sisters. We’ve
consistently
attached
ourselves to others…defining
ourselves in terms of our
origin,
as
the
sister
organization to Groove, or
through affiliations with other
women’s organizations. As I
recall, after four years we’re
still waiting to be recognized by
the National Council of Negro
Women.
Well, today sisters, I say,
40-year old Swing is
enough. We don’t have to
couple, consort or compete
with anyone to be complete.
We are not an appendage
of any other organization.
We are whole and complete
in and of ourselves. It’s
time to liberate ourselves
and
From the Board of Director Chairwoman
I’ve always heard that
for a woman life begins
at 40. It wasn’t until I
reached 40 that I finally
understood and
embraced this belief.
Linda M. Smith
and boldly define who we are and where we’re heading on our own
terms. Now is the time to take a deep breath, stick out our
collective chest and strut our stuff. Over the last forty years we’ve
gone from straight collegiate to a combination of collegiate and
professional women from all walks of life all over the country. We
have, in fact, through this accomplishment defined ourselves, and
we need to press forward:
• We need to identify a signature program and aggressively seek
funding.
My vision is for us to pursue our Mentoring Program as our
signature. Such programs are already in place in half of our
chapters. Let’s work toward having a program in every chapter
by Symposium 2010 also identifying a central pool of funding for
mentoring initiatives.
• We need to let go of the P.O. Box and start looking for a
permanent home (office space).
It is said that by the time a woman is forty, she should own some
property of her own…our forty-year old women’s organization,
still standing and still strong, is surely deserving of a place to call
her own.
• We need to staff SWING with at least one paid employee whose
responsibility is to execute our policies and deliver our program
with accountability and consistency.
After all, isn’t every forty-year old woman absolutely entitled to
pay someone to come in and help out around the house every
now and then at least?
In closing I suggest that we establish a Fabulous Forty Swing
Commission and charge this body with the serious pursuit of these
goals, `cause at forty every woman needs a dream and a plan to
make it come true.
From This Day Forward (from page 1)
and finer black womanhood. Let’s continue to have passion centered on
enthusiasm for noteworthy causes; and what better cause, than the
advancement of our people, through the achievement of our youth.
The Sisters of Swing are more than conquerors, we are trailblazers and
trendsetters addressing social ills that plaque our communities. Let’s continue
to celebrate a powerful past and build a future far beyond anyone’s
expectations!
Tanya McKoy Sutton
Winston-Salem State University
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 2
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
SWING PHI SWING®
BE THE CHANGE
By Sister Sharon Chandler
Mahatma Gandhi once profoundly stated “You must be the change you want to
see in the world.” This simple quote speaks volumes about Ghandi’s view of the
universe, and in fact, how I myself view it as well. When I decided to pledge
Swing Phi Swing back in the Fall of 1976, I did so because I saw an opportunity to
effect positive change – change that would permeate the status quo at the college
I attended, in the community in which I resided, in the nation and yes, in the world.
More than three decades later, I am more determined than ever to fulfill this
ongoing destiny to bring about a positive change in the land of SWING. Therein
lies the sole motivation for my campaign for National President of our beloved
organization. I firmlyorganization.
believe that I must be the change that I want to see in this organization.
As we embark on a new era in the United States and world history with the Obama administration
just days from coming to fruition, our newly elected President has redefined our perception of
‘change’. Barack Obama has challenged us to re-examine where we are, who we are and how we
each can contribute to improving the world we live in. With his ‘Change we can believe in’ mantra,
President-elect Obama has inspired millions across the globe to take heed to Ghandi’s charge to ‘be
the change they want to see in the world’. It is because of his historic election, we have come to
understand that every vote counts and every person contributes to our collective achievement.
Although Swing Phi Swing is a mere grain of sand on the beach, we must realize and appreciate the
fact that we can and should do our part to bring about much needed change. Improving the
environment, the economy, and the health, education and welfare of this and future generations
must be goals which we vehemently pursue. Our leadership must in no uncertain terms set the pace
and our membership must be encouraged to march forward with a sense of unity and commitment.
With the first forty years of our existence behind us, Swing Phi Swing is certainly at a pivotal juncture
in our history, a point at which change is eminent. You see, the number forty holds particular
significance across religious boundaries - in the Torah, the Bible and the Quran, the number 40
signifies change and new creation. Noted scholar, Hillel Ben David (Greg Killian) explains “Every
time one finds the number forty in Torah (the first 5 books of the Hebrew scriptures), its inner
meaning is the ascent from one level to the next higher one. We get a new mission at forty. But the
attainment of a higher level can come only after first reaching and fulfilling all aspects of the previous
level, and then making emptiness in the middle to allow for the emergence of something entirely
new”.
So I implore you, my sisters, to join me on this new mission for Swing Phi Swing. A new paradigm
has come to pass and we must embark on this next journey with God as our navigator, Change as
our vessel, Unity as our fuel and Success as our destination.
CELEBRATING A POWERFUL PAST
April 4, 2009. Forty years in
the making, Swing Phi Swing
celebrates and observes it's
40th Anniversary. As the
organization
raises
the
curtain on a new era of hope,
dreams, aspirations, mentorship and community service,
we are bonded by many other
magnificent mile-stones also
taking place….
Earlier this year, the United
States of America elected its
first
African
American
President, Mister Barack
Obama and we embraced our
first African American First
Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama.
At the same time, we
observed
the
40th
Anniversaries of the ATM
machine, Public Broadcasting
Service (PBS) and Arthur
Mitchell's founding of The
Dance Theatre of Harlem.
May you each be educated,
informed
and
even
entertained as you enjoy,
love, cherish and explore this
organization through our
eyes.
I share with you my passion,
enthusiasm and a life time of
warm memories for Swing
Phi Swing.
Submitted by
Brenda Torrence
National Historian
(Excerpted from the
Foreword of the 40th
Anniversary
History Book)
It all began in the year of 1969 on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. A group of young
women who were gathered in an impromptu setting came up with an idea to strike out against the
traditional organizations and come up with their own concept of a unique and one-of-a-kind
fellowship. The primary focus of this organization would be a symbol of the current times and the
impending change of what was to come. The world was headed in a new direction. The civil unrest
of 1968 that occurred throughout the nation was a rude awakening for many people and somehow
this group of young women knew that the world would never be the same. The traditional
organizations and their concepts were passé and this dynamic group of women set out to do
something that was daring and different. The number of women who were interested in setting out
on a new course was large in the beginning. However, the path to something different and new was
not easy and, in the end, only twelve survived the course.
Jeanette Butler (Deceased)
Anita Chase
Beverly Dorn
Finesia Dunovant
Jane Harris (Deceased)
Rosalind Marshall
Marilyn Reid
Patricia Story (Deceased)
Ellen Tomlinson
Brenda Travers
Lorraine Watkins
Talma Woods
To follow are profiles from each surviving Founding Sisters and their story of how Swing began and
what their expectation of how they would like the organization to continue.
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
Copies of the 40th
Anniversary History Book
can be orderded via the
National Historian.
Visit the national web site
for more information.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 3
FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS
Anita Chase Watson is a veteran teacher
and currently works for the Guilford County
School System. She is also an adjunct
instructor at North Carolina A&T State
University. She has two sons and three
grandchildren. Anita is a member of the
Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate
Chapter. She loves to read, travel and is an
avid tennis player.
Swing began, from my recollection, with a
flyer that was put out on campus by the
brothers of Groove Phi Groove. It was an
invitation to an interest meeting for ladies
interested in starting a new organization on
campus. I, along with a group of friends, went along and the rest is
history.
The pledging process was tailored like the other
organizations on campus. Since we were being pledged by
brothers, the guidelines were somewhat lenient. I have fond
memories of pledging and at times it was a lot of fun. I left WinstonSalem State University soon thereafter. However, my line sisters
began to pledge sisters everywhere on black college campuses
across the state and they made me a part of that experience in their
own special way. Years after, I rekindled my relationship with the
organization at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC. My hope for
the organization is to see us continue to thrive while holding on to
our initial purpose without competing to be like the other women
organizations. We should continue to support and develop strong
leadership within our organization and never forget that the “sister in
me is the sister in you”. Swing, in my opinion, began as a social
connection where we could remain true to individual selves and
share similar ideals and beliefs without pretense, friction or discord.
I’m amazed that this still holds true today.
Rosalind “Roz” Marshall Tandy is the owner and training director
of the Luke Agency, a customer service, job readiness,
entrepreneurial and leadership organization located in Atlanta,
Georgia. She began her company in 1998 after being employed at
Bell South for almost twenty years. She is committed to promoting
attitudes that will raise the standards and expectations a person has
of themselves and others. Her dedication, knowledge and vast
experiences have made her a highly regarded trainer, facilitator,
motivational speaker and presenter. Her teaching and workshops
are designed to meet people where they are and to get them moving
in the direction they are destined to be. Roz has continued to
develop and expand this gift by remembering that the best place to
learn is in the front of the class as the instructor. She believes ‘it is
never too late to be what you could have become’. Roz is the author
of two published works entitled, “Discovering My Greatness” and
Customer Service in God’s House originally published in 2004. Her
next book, Customer Service in God’s House, Leadership Edition is
scheduled for release this year. She is the proud mother of a 33
year old son, Jamal, who has followed in his mom’s footsteps as an
entrepreneur.
Beverly Dorn-Steele is currently the
Director, Educational Services &
Community Engagement at WTVI in
Charlotte, NC where she has been
employed for the past 29 years. She is
married to Tyrone Steele, they have
one daughter, Danielle Toi, and reside
in Charlotte, NC. Beverly is a member
of the Board of Directors, Chairperson
of the Swing Phi Swing Foundation
and a longstanding member of the
Charlotte Graduate Chapter.
I recall the concept of Swing being a joint collaborative effort of all
twelve sisters. A lot of the background information (history, shield,
etc.) was derived from the Groove’s format. Initially, there was no
specific definition of the organization. We began the process as
an alternative to the Greek organizations. Swing was founded
during the peak of the Black Power movement and the civil rights
era. There was a definite need for “change” on the campus of
Winston-Salem State University. Our goal was to come up with a
group that would make a way for black, Afro-centric, women to
empower others. The pledging process for the most part was very
similar to the Greek organizations, some of which I am sworn to
secrecy about. There’s one experience, if given the opportunity, I
would do all over again. As to how I would like to see the
organization progress for the next 40 years; the first thing that
comes to mind is that there are some big shoes to fill – Tanya,
Cheryl, Linda, Carlenia, etc. – your years of effective leadership,
organizational skills and commitment is greatly appreciated.
However, this new day should build not only on some of the
successes of the past 40 years; it should be a time to evaluate
where we want to be in the next 40 years. Success requires new
energy and faith and we have the potential to create a greater and
bigger organization. For so long the organization has leaned on
and depended on a select few. It takes the involvement and
energy of ALL to get us where we need to go as an organization
and community-at-large. Although Swing’s 40th anniversary
celebration falls in the same year America and the world
witnessed the election of the nation’s first African-American
President, we still have an ongoing struggle to succeed. I am
honored to witness Swing’s 40th and applaud the members and
past leaders who have brought us thus far.
Lorraine Watkins Phillips is a
member of the Rukiya Busara Triad
Graduate Chapter. She works for the
Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. She
has one daughter, Tiffany, and a
grandson, Jordan.
She also feels
blessed to still have her 85 year old
father. Lorraine currently resides in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
It was the brothers of Groove Phi
Groove that encouraged me to go on line. To me, becoming a
Swing represented something that was real and I didn’t feel I was
just being a part of another clique. I wanted to be a part of
something different and not be associated with the traditional
Greek organizations. During my pledging experience, I felt an
abundance of assurance from the brothers as it was scary at
times. My hope for the organization is that it continues to grow on
both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I would like to see
our inactive sisters come back and become active again. I would
like to see our obligation to community service continue in strong
numbers in that the community expects our organization to be
there in the forefront when needed.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 4
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS
Brenda Travers Satterfield is the
proud daughter of Mary L. Wilson,
mother of Terry L. Satterfield, Jr. and
grandmother to Taylor Leigh, an
adorable three year old.
She
currently resides in Washington, DC
and attends Covenant Baptist
Church under pastors Drs. Dennis
and Christine Wiley.
Gardening,
travel and the Washington Redskins
are her passions. She makes a
mean corn pudding and is always
thinking up nutritious seafood dishes.
Her initial foray in working with the
less fortunate began when she took
a position as Director of a homeless
shelter in the District of Columbia.
As a member of the DC Metro
Graduate Chapter, Brenda has fulfilled a lifelong dream of
community service by partnering with Daughter For The Day. As a
Daughter For The Day, Brenda assists seniors in the community with
medical appointments, shopping and home visits. It is truly a
blessing to give back to the community. Brenda's scripture to live by
is Hebrews Chapter 13 which is the guide on how we should live to
please God.
The concept of Swing was originally bought to us as a group by the
brothers of Groove Phi Groove. The idea of becoming a part of the
sisterhood was exciting, exhilarating and unknown territory since I
had no sisters and had not belonged to a girl group since the
Campfire Girls. The thought of a new and DIFFERENT organization
where sisters would have the chance to mold it into something that
could benefit the community was challenging especially for persons
within the immediate community area that was not affiliated with the
campus life. There was a need to help others because everyday life
and meeting basic needs was a struggle back in 1969 for many
people. While the brothers wanted to give us a memorable pledging
experience, they seemed to focus more on mental stimulation vs.
physical exertion. Being the control freak that I am, my pledging
experience that involved unknown requests and activities helped me
to rely on others to meet the common goal of becoming a member of
Swing. I would like to see the organization progress in being at the
forefront of filling the service needs of the community that
government programs were responsible for in the past. We should
stress the importance of volunteering and giving back to the
community.
Finesia “Slick Sam” DunovantWalker is a high school social studies
teacher and has been for the past 32
years. She has been teaching at
Essex County Vocational Technical
High School for the past 18 years. A
former resident of Montclair, NJ, she
now resides in Irvington, NJ. She is
the mother of three, Jimmy (35),
Karana (31) and David (21), and the
grandmother of 5 (and another one on
the way). She is presently completing
her Masters in Administration and
Supervision and hopes to become a
principal of her own school.
I remember we were all sitting around in the dorm discussing the fact
that we were not interested in being an AKA nor a Delta but we
wanted to belong in an organization of sisters. We continued talking
and one of us said, ‘hey let’s start our own’. The Grooves on
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
campus needed sisters, so we talked to the brothers and got their
input, found an advisor and wrote a make-shift charter. The
brothers agreed to take us over. I was a Freshman and active in
many things (including partying). I had to be a member because I
was right there from the beginning in the midst of all the planning.
I was pushing the idea to [some of] the other girls. This was an
opportunity to do something great at my young age. Never did I
think this would be so successful. The pledging process was
something else. The brothers were tough on us yet some did
show us mercy. I don’t think they thought we were serious at first.
We had to learn the history of Groove Phi Groove and that was
not easy. We were not allowed to date any of the brothers during
pledging (if you happened to be dating a brother). Eventually the
brothers realized that we were in it for the long haul. Many of us
were tough and took no flack from the brothers. One sister that
comes to mind was Jeanette Butler. She would curse you out so
fast. Hell Week was not real pleasant … some females actually
dropped out. The best of the best hung in there and of course the
rest is history. I am so proud of how the organization is
progressing now.
Marilyn Reid Hill is currently a
school counselor at Morgan Village
Middle School in Camden, New
Jersey. She received her Master’s in
School Counseling from Wilmington
College in 2002. Prior to that for 22
years she was a Health and Physical
Education Teacher. Her passion was
coaching girls Track & Field. She has
worked for the American Red Cross
as a Health Educator and is also a full
time licensed realtor. Marilyn has
been married to Harold Hill II for 30
years. She has two sons, Harold III
and Jason, both of whom received full
football scholarships to the University of Richmond and
subsequently received Masters Degrees. She is the grandmother of
one, Harold IV, age 2. Marilyn is one of twelve children, 6 brothers
and 5 sisters, and says that she is blessed to say all are living.
As I recall the primary concept of Swing was to be the sisters of
the Grooves. I remember assuming that every campus that had
Groove had Swings. Upon venturing out to find our “sisters” at
other campuses, we were embraced as the new kids on the block
and with the questions, ‘what do we need to do to become Swings
like you all?’ Special memories include helping to design the
shield, my dorm room being filled with a sea of white and black
gorgeous Swing pillows from pledgees from many campuses,
carrying around a custom painted white and black stick,
challenging Ladybugs with mentally creative games and being
treated very, very special. It is my desire to see Swing continue to
prosper and grow. I love the bonds of fellowship the sisterhood
possess. Dedication to community service, academic excellence,
and cultural awareness will always be in style. The more love you
have for yourself, the more you can give away to others. I am in
awe of the organization’s longevity and success. I pray God’s
blessings upon each and every one of you.
Ellen Tomlinson Carter is a member of the Rukiya Busara
Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter located in Winston-Salem, NC.
Ellen has been happily married to James A. Carter for 22 years and
they are the parents of four and the grandparents of 13. Employed
by the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, she works at
Mineral Springs Elementary School with exceptional children.
She also has three brothers and two sisters, one who is
deceased.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 5
FOUNDER’S PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS (from page 5)
deceased. I recall someone asking a couple of the Groove brothers why they did not have a sister
organization on campus like other organizations. After stating they did not know and inquiring if we wanted to
be their sisters they stated they had to talk to their National Office and get back to us. As the saying goes
'the rest is history'. In the beginning, the organization had no idealistic form. The concept began as a sister
organization to the Grooves, the mission and purpose came about after the pledging process was over.
Guidelines for pledging were set by the administration thus the pledging process the brothers used was the
one followed in establishing this organization. Tired of conforming to the 'establishment and society' the
twelve of us stepped out to express our afro-centricity and individualism. We really 'dared to be different’. In
1969 no organization on campus fed our afro-centric level of consciousness. Once word of the existence of
Swing Phi Swing on our campus spread we received calls just about every week and the organization spread
like smallpox. It reinforced our feelings that sisters were tired of being expected to be carbon copies of other
organizations and that they wanted the vehicle to express themselves, be themselves and prove themselves.
It’s hard to believe that 40 years later sisters are still heeding the call for expressing their desire and right to
be different. I would like to see the organization continue to grow and for the name of Swing Phi Swing to be
more widely recognized as a viable serious entity by the communities at large, politically and educationally on
a national level. People are starting to realize that Swing Phi Swing is not a fly by night organization, but a
serious service oriented force to be reckoned with.
Ellen Tomlinson Carter
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
From an Undergraduate Perspective
By Sister Autumn Rowles
Building a stronger future within an organization is always a primary goal. Particularly with Swing Phi Swing, our future is so
important because of the history that comes from the root of our organization. Something so precious as Swing deserves to have a
flourishing future in our communities around the world. One of the major factors within building a stronger future is definitely
leadership. It is imperative to have strong leaders that possess the qualities of honesty, integrity, service, as well as a nurturing
spirit. Our leaders must lead by example to set the tone for those leaders of the younger generation. Swing Phi Swing is still young
compared to most organizations and requires that undivided attention.
The future of the organization is the current undergraduate sector of Swing. The undergraduate sector possesses those qualities
which are needed at the national level. As most know, Swing Phi Swing has a generational gap within the organization due to the
stagnation of intake for years. Because of this gap, it has been questioned by some members if there is something lacking within
the organization that resulted in the low intake numbers. Building a stronger future starts with overcoming this hurdle. It is important
to incorporate the ideas and qualities that the undergraduate sisters have, as well as provide them with the necessary access to
implement those tools and ideas.
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. is such a precious organization. The bright future of this organization
can be very successful with the added values from the undergraduate sector and its leaders. Membership
would increase, acquiring necessary funding for events would be much more accessible, and most
importantly, Swing will continue to live. As Sisters With Interest Never Gone, nothing is impossible. Swing’s
future is history in the making.
(Autumn Rowles is a senior and an engineering student at North Carolina A&T State University in
Greensboro, NC. She became a member of Swing Phi Swing in August 2007
and was a member of the Five Degrees of Grace undergraduate line.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 6
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
CHAPTER NEWS
DC METRO WHITE
AND BLACK
INAUGURAL BALL
The World is still standing in awe of our
country's newly elected president, Mr.
Barack Obama, and more importantly the
way that our country has finally come to a
place where CHANGE has come in a more
positive manner.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our newly inducted sisters into the Fellowship.
On Sunday, February 22, 2009, seven dynamic and beautiful women were inducted as
members of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter. These seven women
chose their line name as ‘Ashanti Baderinwa’ which means ‘Strong African Woman Worthy of
Respect.’
Let us all continue to be mindful and
prayerful of our own individual responsibilities as we all contribute to THE CHANGE!
Let's work on doing things we may not have
done before, go places we may not have
visited, support in ways we may have only
talked about or wished that we would have
before.
Work harder to stay in touch with friends,
family, co-workers and loved ones. Make a
new commitment or a higher commitment to
engage in more community service. There is
plenty of work to be done by all.
Karol Gilmore, Tokeaya Spivey, Dollette Stowe, LaTanya Cole, Cristal Gilmore, Bernice Dolby and Sherry Rogers
I am taking this opportunity to THANK those
of you that attended and supported the
White and Black Inaugural Ball on Monday,
January 19, 2009 at the Lexington Hotel in
Oxon Hill, MD hosted by the DC Metro
Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social
Fellowship Incorporated. This grand event
was a HUGE success with well over 350
guest who enjoyed dancing, dining,
celebrating and fellowshipping. Of course
being able to celebrate the birthday of Rev
Dr. MLK, Jr. AND "The Inauguration" with so
many good people from as far away as
Germany was simply wonderful.
So what's next?....Take a look in the mirror
and SEE the change, DREAM the change
and most importantly BE THE CHANGE!
Tri-State Graduate Chapter
and The College of New
Rochelle welcomed new
members: Tirza Buelto to TriState
Graduate
Chapter;
Shari Archie and Jazzlyn
Farrell to the Undergraduate
Chapter at College of New
Rochelle.
The following sisters of the Phenomenon line were inducted into the Maatkare Hatshepsut
Bulldog Chapter at Bowie State University on Sunday March 15, 2009.
Rochelle Hall
“Enigma”
CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT!
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
Jasmine Parham
“Eclipse”
Chelsea Mays
“Evolution”
Lincoln University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Morgan State University
all inducted new members in mid-March as well.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 7
CHAPTER NEWS
Welcome New Members (from page 7)
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter took
over Crystal F. Kearney as a new
graduate member on March 15, 2009.
Her line name is "A Queen Among
Many”. The Raleigh Graduate Chapter
also took over two undergrads from
Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s
College. Tia Morgan was inducted as
a member of the Muntu Chapter on
November 14, 2008 at Shaw
University. Her line name was "Future
Reference”. Whitney Hickman was
Whitney Hickman
Tia Morgan
inducted as a member of the Nkijah
Chapter at Saint Augustine's College on April 3, 2008. Her line name was “Retro Lightning”.
The Philadelphia Grad Chapter
welcomed The Six Degrees of
Separation line in to the Swing
family on Saturday, March 14,
2009.
Dawn Simmons, Nicole
Braxton, Alycia Wright, Judy Ivory,
Renee
Joyner,
and
Donna
Daniels.
TWENTY YEARS
OF
PERSEVERANCE
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter has
persevered through obstacles and joy since
its inception in 1989. Founded by sisters Kim
Williams-Capers, Teresa Bell Edmundson,
Arlena Groves, Veronica Mack-Cohen,
Patricia Sampson, Arnetta White, Debbie
Burt, and Gwendolyn Whitley, the chapter
has never ceased to exist or to be a
progressive force in their community.
The Raleigh Graduate Chapter holds the
distinct honor of initiating the very first
Graduate Line inducted into the Nation of
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®
With sisters Teresa Bell-Edmundson and
Veronica Mack-Cohen at the helm as Dean
and Assistant Dean of Pledgees respectively,
“Three the Hard Way” successfully completed
their journey into Swingland on April 7, 1990.
That line consisted of Stephanie Becoat,
Mamie Branch, and Jenelle Crump.
Following this progressive tradition, Raleigh
Grad never ceased to intake, subsequently
inducting the following lines:
The Central Carolina Graduate Chapter is proud to welcome two new members: Audrey
Hicks and Jennifer Bannister. Audrey and Jennifer were the second graduate line sponsored
by CCG. In conjunction with the SWING EXPLOSION, Audrey and Jennifer began their
journey on March 3, 2009 and entered our beloved organization on March 8, 2009. In
addition to worshiping with Chapter members, Audrey and Jennifer did an outstanding job
tutoring at the After School Program sponsored by Maple Temple Church. Because of their
contribution, the members of CCG have been asked to become regular tutors for this
program.
While the members of CCG are elated to have two new members, we also are proud to have
three blood sisters as members of our Chapter. Audrey Hicks is the sister of Antoinette Hicks
and Cheryl Hicks Boddie. Both of these ladies bring a wealth of knowledge and information
to the organization as they are both highly regarded practitioners in the Mental Health
profession in the state of North Carolina. Let us all join together in sending an OLA’ out to
the two newest members of the Central Carolina Graduate Chapter, Audrey Hicks and
Jennifer Bannister.
HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES
Congratulations, to Sisters Crystal Gilmore and
Yasmin Gay. Based on their strong academic
record, they have been selected for
membership into Alpha Kappa Delta
International Honor Society for Sociology
and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic
and
Professional
Honor
Society
International, respectively.
Both sisters are
members of the Rukiya Busara Piedmont Triad Graduate Chapter.
WAY TO GO SISTERS !
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 8
1991- Then There Was One
1992- Five Have Arrived With One on the
Side
1993- Thirty Something and Tired By Nature
1994- Breathless and After Math The
Explosion
1995- Setting A Precedence
1996- Thee One
1997- Nia
1999-Against All Odds
2002- This Too Shall Pass
2004- Double Take and Bloodline
2007- Heaven Sent
2008- And Still I Rise -The Nkijha Rebirth and
Future Reference
2009- A Queen Among Many
The chapter also took over sisters Rylanda
Nickerson, Ladonna Barnes, Anza Mitchell
and Angela Williams but all the details are
not recorded at this time.
From these intake periods two motherdaughter legacies were born, Franchelle
Evans, daughter of sister Cheryl Kornegay
(2004) and Jewlyn Dunn, (2002) daughter of
sister Jewyl Dunn. There was also a sister to
sister legacy; Antionette Hicks, sister of
Cheryl Hicks Boddie entered into the house
of Swing in 2004.
The chapter went about the business of
making a name for itself in the community
and has done a job (continued on page 10)
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
DARE TO DREAM
SWING Take A Historic Journey through Winston-Salem
One of Swing Phi Swing S.F.I. main thrusts is promoting cultural
consciousness. Winston-Salem, NC boasts a rich African American
History, thus we felt it was important for members of our fellowship
family and our guests to be enriched by learning the extraordinary
stories of the people that worked to build, enrich and unify WinstonSalem’s Black community.
NY Tri-State Graduate Chapter, in partnership with the National
Office of SWING, is hosting an exploration of the city’s historic sites.
On this three hour bus tour, conducted by representatives of the
Winston-Salem Visitors Center, we will learn of local African
American contributions.
We hear the personal stories of many people who have made a
positive impact on the city and see many historical sites. We will visit
the Delta Arts Center to see creative displays of prominent local and
national re-known artists, stop at Body and Soul bookstore and enjoy
a complimentary reception while acclaimed jazz musician Joe
Robinson renders a soulful serenade at Winston-Salem Visitor
Center. A lunch break to sample local soul food is planned and of
course we will tour Winston-Salem State University—the birthplace of
SWING!
Please join us for this exciting cultural event which will take place on
Thursday and Friday afternoons during our national convention. The
cost is $12 advance purchase and $19.69 @bus boarding times.
There will be a ticketing table in the vending area of the host hotel on
st
nd
rd
April 1 , 2 and 3 . RSVP to [email protected] or call 973464-0173 to reserve a seat.
Other Highlights Include:
OLD SALEM: A restored Moravian community. In 1766, Moravians
founded Salem. Enslaved Africans lived in the community from its
founding. They contributed substantially to building the town, even
as they struggled to maintain lives of dignity. There we will see the
campus of Salem Academy and
College, the 13th-oldest college
in the nation and the oldest
dedicated to the education of
women.
Located in the
Moravian Slave Quarter is a log
building, the original structure for
the St. Philips Moravian Church
complex, it is the site of the first
African
Moravian
worship
service. As early as the 1820s,
the Log Church served not only
as a house of worship, but the
Sunday school served as a
center for education in the community.. On the church grounds you
can see the 1815 African Burial Ground as well as the remnants of a
footpath behind the brick church. The path leads across the creek to
Happy Hill.
NEIGHBORHOODS & BUSINESS: The Happy Hill neighborhood
began 1815 and is the oldest African American neighborhood in
Winston-Salem. Here is where in the early 1800s, seventeen freed
men and women, together with seven others, embarked on a journey
to Liberia as a part of the back to Africa movement. The main
thoroughfare in Happy Hill is Liberia Street.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive was the center of activity for many
years. It was not only home to many African American owned
businesses, but also a hub for entertainment and social life with
theatres, dining and shopping.
On New Walkertown Road, you will see some of the first businesses
in Winston-Salem that were started by African American
entrepreneurs. One of these is Winston Mutual Life Insurance
Company. It began as the Winston Industrial Association in 1906 and
merged with another company in 1915 to become Winston Mutual
Life Insurance Company. Since 1906 it has served the African
American Community in Winston-Salem. You will also see Mechanics
and Farmers Bank. Opened in 1981, it is the only African American
bank in Winston-Salem. By 1914, there were more than 300 Black
owned and operated businesses in the city.
CIVIL RESISTANCE: On 4th Street, see the Historical Marker for the
First Sit In Victory in the state. This nonviolent protest ended 107
days from its beginning on February 8, 1960.
EDUCATION: In 1867, Happy Hill residents started the first school to
serve African Americans.. 1883, Winston-Salem organized its first
school board, and the decision was made to create two public school
systems. We will see the site of The Depot Street School; the first
public school for African Americans, opened in 1887.Progressive
education gave Winston-Salem a unique quality that was sought by
after not only blacks but also investors in the late 1800s.
TRANSPORTATION:
Historic
Union Station Train Depot was
originally completed in 1926 for the
Winston-Salem Terminal Company
and served as Winston-Salem’s
passenger train station further south
on Liberty, you will see the Hampton
D. Haith Public Transportation
Center. The center is named for the
last general manager of Safe Bus
Company, which was started in
Winston-Salem in 1926, became the
largest
African
American
transportation company in the world.
HEALTH AWARENESS
What’s the 411 on Heart Disease?
You’re driving down the highway; you feel discomfort in your neck, shoulders and upper back. You feel nauseated and begin to sweat
profusely. You brush it off always because you’re in a hurry to get to a meeting or you have to take the children to their next event or get to
the store to pick up dinner. But this time, you can’t brush it off. You’re likely having a heart attack.
Although many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, women can and do get heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number
one killer of women in the United States. According to the Women’s Heart Foundation:
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 9
HEALTH AWARENESS (from page 9)
9
9
9
9
Worldwide 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year
8 million women in the U.S. are currently living with heart disease
435,000 American women have heart attacks annually
Under age 50, women’s heart attacks are twice as likely as men’s to be fatal
Heart-wrenching facts, but something no less to consider and weigh the recourse if we don’t take a stand on this fatal disease.
Research shows that women are six times as likely to die of heart disease as of breast cancer. With
research geared towards women and heart disease, women have more options available in taking steps
to understand the symptoms and begin a regimen to reduce the risk of heart disease.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Classics symptoms are:
9 Squeezing chest pain or pressure; tightness in chest
9 Neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
9 Shortness of breath
9 Nausea or vomiting
9 Sweating
9 Light-headedness or dizziness
9 Unusual fatigue
These signs and symptoms are more subtle than the obvious chest pain associated with heart attacks
but nevertheless no less lethal. According to the Mayo Clinic, many women tend to show up in the
emergency room after much heart damage has already occurred because their symptoms are not
typically associated with a heart attack. If you feel or think you’re having a heart attack seek medical
assistance immediately.
What can women do to reduce their risk of heart disease?
We are so use to what is comfortable and familiar and so we tend to shy away from change. Lifestyle change is the key to reducing the risk of
heart disease. Here are some lifestyle changes to consider to reduce your risk of heart disease:
9 Exercise, exercise, exercise. Make an effort to do at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise a
day. Whether walking, aerobics, yoga, running, dancing – take the time and get out and exercise.
9 Maintain a healthy weight. This is a challenge for some of us. Obesity is a serious health risk among
us and we have to take our weight seriously, especially as we aged. Cut down on your food
intake, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and stay away from fatty and
processed foods. Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
9 Quit or don’t start smoking.
Ask your healthcare provider for more information of women and heart disease. Make the commitment today to become heart healthy and
heart smart.
BOOK CORNER
If you’re looking for a good book to read this Spring, check out the latest new books available
Expect to Win … Proven Strategies
for Success from a Wall Street Vet by
Carla A. Harris
Accountable … Making America as
Good as Its Promise by Tavis
Smiley
While Wall Street is in a financial mess,
one of its star veterans, Carla A. Harris,
has come out with a book on lessons
she’s learned during her twenty years as
a Wall Street professional.
Each
chapter outlines an inspirational ‘pearl of
wisdom’ on how to deal with the day-today complexities and challenges of the
workplace.
This book is the third in a series by
Tavis Smiley.
Tavis, along with
Stephanie Robinson as a contributor,
puts forth a guidebook with which the
community
can
evaluate
the
successes or failures of its political
leaders and of itself.
Basketball Jones by
E. Lynn Harris
E. Lynn Harris is
back to entertain you
with
his
colorful
characters and a
page-turning
story
line.
Spotlight on reading…be a star @ your local library!
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – 10
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
WEB SITE HAS A
NEW LOOK
The newly re-designed national web site of
Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.®
was launched in early March of this year.
The site adopted a standard format design
and is dramatically different than the former
version—brighter color tones, pictures, a new
banner and re-organized content.
The new home page calls attention to four
focus areas that are important to members—
national announcements, national events,
national news and national publications: (1)
Announcements include advertisements,
broadcasts,
bulletins,
communications,
disseminations, expositions, expressions,
messages, notices, statements, etc.; (2)
Events consist of affairs and happenings i.e.,
conventions,
sym-posiums,
special
occasions, etc.; (3) News highlights
informational coverage of recent events,
reporting of newspaper and periodical
articles or writings, or radio or television
appearances; (4) Publications in-clude
newsletters, magazines, books, journals,
periodical, etc.
The web site has two means of navigation—
a main navigation bar and a secondary
navigation menu. The secondary navigation
menu is located on the left margin of every
web page to help users easily locate
information and guide them quickly
throughout the website.
As an added
surprise, the Regional Administrators map
has hotspot hyperlinks.
As the content has been reorganized, users
will have to navigate to web pages and reset
“favorites” or “bookmarks.” The home page
link, http://www.swingphiswing.org remains
the same, but all other internal links has
changed. Links to external web sites were
not affected other than being located in new
areas of the web site.
Your thoughts and ideas can
change the future of
®
Swing Phi Swing
VOTE
WITH YOUR DOLLARS
Make a difference by paying your
national and local chapter dues.
Uphold the SWING PHI Banner
for another 40 years!
Spring 2009 – 40th Anniversary Issue
Twenty Years of Perseverance
(from page 7)
worth recording in the history of our beloved
organization. They are lifetime members of
the NACCP and the National Council of
Negro Women. They have been involved in a
host of community venues such as Women’s
Empowerment, Operation 27610, Latter
House, Interact, Inc. Worthdale Community
Center, Helping Hands Mission, Tarboro
Road Community Center, RBC, Cystic
Fibrosis, FamFest, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tom
Joyner Morning Show, Aids, UNCF, DAPPA,
Inc., AME Shelter, Sister Study, The
Eugenics Awareness Program, Triangle
Urban League, Friends of Black Children
Conference, WRAL Coats for Kids, Race for
the Cure, North Carolina Legislative Black
Caucus, Martin Luther King Committee and
Parade, and The North Carolina Office of
Minority Health and Health Disparities to
name a few.
Along with helping the community they also
answer the calls of our fellow chapters by
supporting their causes. The chapter
annually supports the Sharon D. Coleman,
Willie J. Brown and Walter Armstrong
Scholarships funds, DC Metro, Detroit Grad,
Mid South Book drives, and the National
Ebony Pearl Pageants.
In 2008 they were responsible for the rebirth
of two undergrad chapters, Saint Augustine’s
College and Shaw University.
Currently, the chapter holds a roster of
approximately thirty five sisters and as many
organizations and chapters deal with the
retention of its members, Raleigh Grad is no
different. In spite of indifferences, changes
and mood swings; the Raleigh Graduate
Chapter continues to strive.
Serving the community was extremely
fulfilling and rewarding to the reputation of
the chapter and the women in the Raleigh
Graduate Chapter always involved their
children in all that they did. They realized as
their children grew up that there was a calling
for mentoring others.
They began their
mentor program, Swing Society in 2004. Ms.
Sheri Jo Swain, niece of Sister Tammy
Russell-Meadows began the program with
the chapter’s assistance at Wakefield High
School in Wake Forest North Carolina. In
2005 the community component of the
program began under the direction of sisters
Franchelle Evans and Anita Johnson. Today
the program is a thriving part of the
community with girls ages 9-17.
For twenty years the Raleigh Graduate
Chapter has made all efforts to live by its
mission statement and make an impact on
the community that it serves.
The Ebony Pearl Newsletter – Page 11
Celebrate...Good Times, C’mon!
Contact the National Special Events Officer for more information.
SWING PHI SWING
Social Fellowship, Inc.®
P.O. Box 50371
Washington, DC 20091-0371
Place
Postage
Here
Place Address Label Here