The Violet Voice| Vol. 2 Issue 2 | Winter-Spring 2021

Violet Voice Team
Dr. Liz Rios
Editor-At-Large
Ericka Collins
Copy Editor
Kerline Jules
Small Biz Tips Columnist
Collis Bell
Contributing Writer
Angela Golden Bryan
Contributing Writer
S. Arleen John
Contributing Writer
Our
Mission
The Violet Voice is a digital publication of the South Broward
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Our mission
is to provide information and inspiration to our membership and
members of our service community. The Violet Voice is published
four times a year. We welcome your feedback on our social media
platforms.

CHAPTER OFFICERS
President
Kim Gaines
First Vice President
Showanda Richardson
Second Vice President
Robin Boclair
Recording Secretary
Lyndell McBride
Corresponding Secretary
Vanady Daniels
Financial Secretary
Charlene Collins
Treasurer
Alicia Hollinger
Assistant Financial Secretary
Chiquita Antoine
Assistant Financial Secretary
Damarshall Moore
Assistant Financial Secretary
Marsha Williams
Assistant Treasurer
Angelique Clark
Assistant Treasurer
Jeanette Fields
Internal Audit Chair
Etta Akoni
Immediate Past President
Cassandra E. Joseph
Chaplain
Rev. Stephanie Bevill
Emergency Response Team
Coordinator
Katrice Jenkins Stubbs
Parliamentarian
Ericka Turk-Moore
Risk Management
Coordinator
Anika Royster-Hardmon
Sergeant-At-Arms
Shellie Thomas
Journalist
Elizabeth D. Rios
journalistsbac@gmail.com
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By Angela Golden Bryan

Everyone in the office knew that Cassandra wanted her boyfriend to
propose. She and her boyfriend had been dating for over a year and, in
Cassandra’s opinion, that was more than enough time for her boyfriend to
know that they were meant for each other. Office conversations were
often centered around her anticipation of a proposal and her wondering
how he would ask for her hand in marriage. One day Cassandra came into
the office and her once empty ring finger now sported a huge diamond.
We all gathered around to hear the story of how her boyfriend had
proposed. Cassandra smiled sheepishly and said that while she was
preparing dinner, she couldn’t take it anymore yelled at him, “You better
ask me to marry you!” Cassandra also casually mentioned that she
happened to have a knife in her hand and pointed it at him while yelling.
The boyfriend looked very annoyed, then unceremoniously pulled a ring
from his pocket, handed it to her, and said, “If you had been patient you
would have had a beautiful and romantic proposal.” They laugh about it
now, but at the time Cassandra’s impatience created many challenges in
their relationship.
Sometimes we feel the same way about God and His timing. We want “it”
now and the answer seems so far away and elusive. We have to remember
that God’s perspective is eternal and He’s always right on time. God sees
the big picture and is more interested in building our character than He is
in making us comfortable. He wants us to embrace His eternal perspective
and to trust Him as our all-knowing, loving Father. When we invest in the
temporary, less important perspective of the world, we lose sight of God’s
perspective. In today’s society we often want microwave results and quick
fixes, making it difficult for our minds to embrace eternity. The good news
is that we can choose God’s eternal view now and learn to trust Him and
His timing. God is on the throne now, and forever, and He knows what’s
best for you and me.
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THE POWER OF THE
By S. Arleen John
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Pivoting on a basketball court is defined as a quick and explosive event, keeping
one foot in place while holding the ball and moving the other foot one step in
any direction, but it does not have to be this way in life. You can turn in any area
of life.
You are not on a one-way road bound for eternity with no turns, roadblocks, or
direction change. At some point in life, you will have to pivot in health, business,
or training. Pivoting is inescapable! How might you successfully pivot? What is
the power that lies within a change of direction?
A pivot is a change of direction. In life, deciding to have a family is a definite pivot
in your life. Starting a membership at a gym or a new job is a pivot. In business,
whether it be a small decision (should I combine my two Facebook accounts) or
a big decision (should I close the academy due to a drop-in student enrollment)
is a pivot. Your health might fail (getting sick) is a pivot. As in my case, in 2014,
when my body completely shut down and doctors had no clue what went
wrong. These were vast pivotal moments, terrifying yet had immense power,
which is something that often happens along with change.
What might lead you to think you need a change of direction? Most times, we
do not pivot because we need to, not saying it does not happen this way.
Sometimes a pivot happens in life or business due to unexpected situations like
the force of an actual event (it took an attack on the Capitol for government to
realize corruption, our democracy in crisis, and the need for more security) or a
choice that is thrust upon us. Often, we feel out of alignment, unsatisfied, and
yes, even scared when we are in this place.
But we can also experience some inspiration. You can go to an event or have a
conversation with someone that ignites something in you that you need to take
a new course of action. So, you either experience resistance in an area or
inspiration on the other end of the scale. I have experienced this mostly in
business.
If you are unsatisfied and experiencing a level of resistance, you must look at
why. It would help if you kept laboring, but it is time to pivot? I say that about
work because if we shifted every time, we feel resistance, we would not
complete anything. You could be feeling resistance and may need a day of rest
or a little brain break and then be able to get back to work.

Despite that, deep down inside, I knew I was selling myself short there and
holding myself back. I had found myself having no desire to even arrive on
time or thinking to myself, “There's nothing else to learn here or even aspire for
on the company ladder." That is when it was clear to me that I needed to pivot
YESTERDAY.
When you are out of alignment, it is like a throbbing headache that will not go
away! Alignment is an energetic match for whatever you are believing. It is a
certainty the things you want are coming; which keeps you relaxed and happy.
Once you make a move, it is like a sense of relief, at least from my experience.
We have physical reactions for a reason. It is our body's way to alert us that we
feel dissatisfaction, it is an alarm to push us in a different direction. If that is a
constant companion in your life, then you need to dig a little deeper and
unpack those feelings.
When you have clarity, whether through resistance or inspiration, pivoting may
be necessary. It feels great to be in alignment, to say yes to shift to a new
direction. And that is where the power of transformation comes in. When you
are pivoting in alignment, magical things happen. You are fulfilling that urge
rather than resisting it. And that feels good; much better than you thought
before the pivot happened, at least that is my hope.
Pivoting means a turn round; you must know the difference between an
obstacle and the impossible. When things get hard, ask yourself this question;
Can I solve this problem with more research, funding, customer development,
etc.? If answered no, then you need to seek a different route.
My wish is for you to rediscover your ability to adapt, change, and pivot on your
journey through life. Also, find tactical means and real-life examples to the
changes you wish to see within yourself, your community, and the world.
You are capable of change at any time, regardless of your circumstances. Do
not let your current situation keep you from achieving more; you can get
better, you can learn, you can grow, you can glow, and you can gain
experience. Keep moving!
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MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
Mesha Campbell-Mclemore

In November 2020, Dr. Rios had the opportunity to talk with South Broward Alumnae
Chapter (SBAC) member, Mesha Campbell-McLemore over Zoom to chat about her
passion to help others and her work with the Educational Development committee. It
was at that time that she thought Mesha should be the inaugural SBAC member in the
Spotlight. Mesha was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta through Miami Alumnae
Chapter. She joined SBAC in 2013 and currently serves in the role of Chair of both the
Educational Development and Scholarship Committee.
Her passion is to serve serving the youth and elderly. Mesha states, "I wanted to Chair
these committees to use my platform to make a positive impact in the community."
She has certainly had a positive impact, demonstrated by receiving recognition and
awards from the City of West Park, 46th Southern Regional Conference, and 54th
National Convention for programs executed in the South Broward service area.
A Better Chance (ABC) has allowed her to be a beacon of light to families who have
experienced a hardship due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Many partnerships have
been forged because of this initiative. In addition to supporting the two families the
program has adopted from Collins Elementary School, the ABC program is offering
free tutoring and mentorship services to all students in grade K-12, and they are
providing workshops to their parents to educate them on how they can effectively
assist their children at home during these times of uncertainty.
The Scholarship Committee has provided care packages to recipients, increased the
number of scholarships awarded annually, and presented workshops to parents and
students to help them navigate through high school and obtain scholarships so they
graduate debt free.
When asked what she is hoping for as she chairs these committees, she states, "I am
hoping to accomplish academic prosperity for all children. According to Hosea 4:6, my
people perish for lack of knowledge. My goal is to change the narrative by ensuring
community members are well informed, have access to resources, and are equipped to
succeed in life." Mesha certainly exemplifies a Delta woman!
To nominate a Delta for our member spotlight, send us the name and contact
information of the person you want to nominate with your reasons why she should be
in the spotlight to journalistsbac@gmail.com.
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Recommended Reading:
Five Books on Black Women’s History
Black history month is the ideal time of year to pick up a book on Black
women’s history. As historians Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross
explain in their book, A Black Women’s History of the United States, Black
women are so often marginalized in mainstream accounts of women’s history.
Yet, their ideas and experiences are central to understanding the intersecting
dimensions of race, gender, and class.
As Claudia Jones argued in her classic 1949 essay,Black women are uniquely
positioned to address the problem of inequality. Expanding community
knowledge of Black women’s history is therefore an important step in the fight
for equality in the United States and abroad.
As we celebrate the historical achievements and contributions of all women,
it’s important not to lose sight of the significant role that Black women played
in shaping our nation’s history.
The following books are some recommendations which capture the
depth and richness of Black women’s history in the United States.
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This pioneering study in Black feminist thought tells the story of how
Black women in the United States challenged racism and sexism
from the era of slavery to the 1980s. Drawing on a wealth of primary
sources—including historical newspapers, interviews
and memoirs—the author captures the strength and resilience of
Black women. From the powerful speeches of abolitionist Maria
Stewart to the community work of Black clubwomen and later, the
historic political campaign of Shirley Chisholm, Giddings
demonstrates how these women simultaneously addressed issues
of race and sex.
In this important book, political activist and theorist Angela Davis
offers a nuanced portrait of three leading Black women blues singers.
Employing a Black feminist lens, Davis offers an in-depth analysis of
the creative expressions of Gertude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie
Holiday to demonstrate how these women’s lives and performances
challenged social norms of the twentieth century.
While these women are largely absent in mainstream narratives on
feminism in the United States, Davis makes a compelling case that these
blues women exhibited feminist consciousnesses and, in so doing, laid
the intellectual groundwork for Black feminists to follow. Her attention
to the dynamics of race, gender, sexuality and class result in a deeply
nuanced exploration of these women’s lives and artistic expressions.
This brilliant book highlights the political work of anti-lynching crusader
Ida B. Wells-Barnett. The author places Wells-Barnett in conversation
with white reformer Rebecca Latimer Felton to demonstrate how these
two Southern women’s rights activists addressed the issues of rape and
lynching during the Jim Crow era. While both women held different
views, they were actively engaged in the struggle for women’s rights in
the nineteenth century. Through a comparative approach and with clear
and vivid prose, the book illuminates the politics of race and sex in the
Jim Crow South.

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During this women's history month, we honor five of the many notable women who helped mold a
legacy to make Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a powerful force -- more than a sorority.
For more information on notable Delta women visit https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/notable-members
Osceola Macarthy Adams
a founding member of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was
one of the first Black actresses
on Broadway. She was the
Director of the Harlem School
of the Arts and directed the
theatrical debuts of Harry
Belafonte and Sidney Poitier.
Shirley Chisholm
the first Black woman member
of the U.S. Congress, was the
first African-American and first
woman to run as a major party
candidate for the presidency of
the United States. She paved
the way for what we can
celebrate today, a Black/South
Asian female Vice President.
Ruby Dee Davis
was an extraordinary actress
with performance credits on
stage, in film and on
television. She had also
written a collection of
poetry.
Dorothy I. Height, Ph.D.
10th National President
(1947-1956), was appointed by
President Carter to the
Presidential Commission on
a National Agenda for the
1980s. She served as
president of the National
Council of Negro Women for
more than 40 years.
Carrie P. Meek
served as Congresswoman
for the 17th District of Florida
for ten years. She was the
first African-American
elected to represent Florida
in the United States House
of Representatives since
Reconstruction.
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By Kerline
Jules
With the world going digital, small businesses need to build and cultivate a relationship with
their customers online now more than ever. The good news is it's not too late to develop that
relationship leveraging social media's power. One of the first things you want to do is establish
what is called a Customer Persona.
A Customer Persona is a fictional representation of your ideal customer that allows you to better
understand your customer's background, pain points, desire transformation, and how your
product and services can help them reach that transformation. By creating a customer persona,
you will be able to craft a more robust social media strategy, crafting tailored messaging on your
social media platforms that will capture your ideal customer's attention. You will be speaking
directly to who they are, their challenges, and their aspirations.
We have learned in business that people want to do business with people and not brands.
Customers want to feel that you know them and understand; it is the power of empathy.
Customer Persona is a digital marketing strategy that allows you to humanize your brand and
cultivate authentic relationships. If you can show your ideal customer that you know and
understand them better than your competition, you have an advantage over your competition;
it's a strategy that will separate you.
A Customer Persona will consist of the following attributes that you will need to define:
*Background (Job, Career, Family, etc...)
*Demographics (Gender, Age, Income, Location etc..)
*Goals (Short term and long term goals)
*Challenges (Primary challenges)
*Common Objections (Why wouldn't they buy your product or services)
*Hobbies and Interests
Here is your action item:
1) Research your ideal customer using tools like Google, Amazon Reviews, Facebook Groups,
Facebook Audience insights, or just browsing through industry hashtags on your social media
platforms.
2) Outline your customer persona by answering the following items in the list above.
3) Craft your social media content and messaging around that customer persona's pain point
and desired goal.
To learn more about Customer Persona, visit -> How to Create Detailed Buyer Personas for Your
Business at https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/buyer-persona-research
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THE
Lord knows it’s been some kind of year
Not many days without shedding a tear
The life I knew has been taken away
I lost hope for a brighter day.
On and on, then some more
“Ground hog syndrome”, the same as the day before.
Trapped in this new world at 65 years old,
Everything seemed out of control!
Stay put, don’t mingle, social distance, wear your mask,
Wash your hands, sanitize, this too shall pass.
Sizzling, sickening summer of police violence and brutality, Black Lives must
matter to all humanity!
Covid-19 added insult to injury
Black lives impacted and lost in a higher degree.
Broadcast and social media pounded my mind
Peace and comfort I couldn’t find
A spectator at a train wreck, I couldn’t look away
But it wore me down day by day.
Tossing in haunting and restless sleep
I realized that my grief was deep
The country I love, slipping, sliding into an abyss
The normalcies of life are what I missed.
Proud Boys, bad boys, mad men of mayhem to me,
Fueled by a fool, tried to overthrow our democracy.
To the one constant in my life
Is where I turned after so much strife.
To my God, Savior, Comforter, the Three in One,
Divinity, always the best answer under the sun.
To ease the pain, to stop the rain of anxiety, depression and doubt
My prayers for peace and comfort tumbled from my mouth.
God, why did I wait until the brink of despair
Knowing that You are always near?
I had the power in me all along
But I paused as Satan sang his song
Of doom, of gloom and anarchy
Telling me that God didn’t love me.
So Satan, the joke is now on you!
My Father God always comes through.
My God’s promises hold me strong
I profess him to others all day long
New thoughts, new actions and a new attitude,
Yep, that’s just what I now exude!
I pivoted from fear to faith, from despair to hope, from darkness to light,
My God is in control and now I’m at peace day and night.
PIVOT
By Collis Bell
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Greenlight Advance Corp.
www.LendAmerica.com
Hiram Rios
Transaction Manager|Loan Consultant
Office: 954-289-2040
Mobile: 954-600-9379
NMLS# 1594476
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The Last Word
Journalist
Have you seen the series the Mandalorian on Disney Plus? It
is the first live-action series in the Star Wars franchise,
beginning five years after the events of Return of the Jedi
(1983). It stars Pedro Pascal as the title character, a lone
bounty hunter who goes on the run after being hired to
retrieve "The Child" Grogu, who everyone has come to love
as "Baby Yoda." It's a great series and I loved it. But what I
want to bring your attention to is the fact that we aren't
always sure of what "the way" is for us.
While the Mandalorian is always certain that his plan of action is the Mandalorian "way,"
we often aren't full of such certainty, especially when life presents us with a pivotal
moment. I have had to pivot numerous times in my life as the mom of a special needs son
who has had 30 surgeries, as a wife who came near divorce, as a minister trying to be what
people wanted me to be, as an employee choosing what was best for my "career," etc. You
get the picture. If there is something we CAN be certain about, it is that life will present us
with moments where we will have to decide to decide. Do I let this situation get the best
of me or do I pivot? Do I stay stuck in what has always been or do I open myself up to the
possibilities that change can bring? Will I allow this to break me or will my next move
usher in the breakthrough?
For me, what has given me peace in making pivotal decisions is my reliance on God's
guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust God, because He is the one who will make
our path straight. Psalm 32:8 also reminds us that He will instruct us and tell us where to
go! Often in those times when life caught me by surprise, it was God that I turned to. I
prayed before a pivot.
Beloveds, we are not alone on this journey and while this pandemic has certainly tested
our human capacity to have patience, tolerate new things, and give grace to people who
often don't seem to deserve it, one thing is sure, we can count on God to whisper, "This is
the way!"
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