The Violet Voice| Vol. 2 Issue 3 | Spring-Summer 2021

V O L 2 . I S S U E 3 | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 2 1
T H E V I O L E T V O I C E
IN THIS ISSUE
Women Redefining
Themselves | 8-9
Redefining
Ourselves Post
COVID-19 | 11-12
Member Spotlight|
13-15
Sista Girl Done
Changed | 17
20 Organizations
that Support Black
Women | 18-19
The Last Word | 27
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S O U T H B R O W A R D A L U M N A E C H A P T E R
O F D E L T A S I G M A T H E T A S O R O R I T Y , I N C .

S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 0 4

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
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 community articles as well as advertisements. We love to
receive 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
Get Our Kids
To College!
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 0 6

W e h a v e b e c o m e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h t h e r o l e s w o m e n h a v e p l a y e d
t h r o u g h o u t h i s t o r y , i n c l u d i n g t h o s e o f b i b l i c a l t i m e s w h e n E v e ( t h e f i r s t
w o m a n ) w a s c r e a t e d f r o m t h e r i b o f A d a m ( t h e f i r s t m a n ) . E v e w a s
A d a m ’ s c o m p a n i o n a n d h e l p e r , a n d s h e w a s t h e f i r s t w i f e a n d f i r s t
m o t h e r . H o n o r a b l e r o l e s t h a t w e r e n e v e r m e a n t b y G o d t o b e s e e n a s
s u b s e r v i e n t . Y e t , t h r o u g h t h e a g e s , i n m a n y c u l t u r e s a n d r e l i g i o n s ,
w o m e n h a v e b e e n t o l d t h e i r r o l e s a r e t o b e c o m p l i a n t , s e e n b u t n o t
h e a r d .
W o m e n h a v e b e e n m i n i m i z e d , v i c t i m i z e d , a n d o b j e c t i f i e d ; r e g a r d e d a s
c o l l a t e r a l , p r o p e r t y , s e r v a n t s a n d t r o p h i e s ! T h a n k f u l l y , i n e v e r y e r a ,
t h e r e h a s a l w a y s b e e n r o l e m o d e l s f o r w o m e n t o l o o k u p t o a s t h e y
e n d u r e d t h e s e g e n d e r - b a s e d v i e w s . T h e r e h a v e b e e n w o m e n w h o b r o k e
t h e m o l d s , w h o s t e p p e d u p , w h o w e r e s i c k a n d t i r e d o f b e i n g s i c k a n d
t i r e d . W o m e n w h o d e c i d e d t o b e a v o i c e f o r v o i c e l e s s p e o p l e
e v e r y w h e r e . I a m r e m i n d e d o f S o j o u r n e r T r u t h , o n e o f t h e m o s t
i n s p i r a t i o n a l b l a c k w o m e n i n A m e r i c a ’ s h i s t o r y a n d h e r d e s i r e s a n d
g o a l s a s s h e r e d e f i n e d h e r s e l f . A s a c h i l d s h e w a s s o l d a s a s l a v e a l o n g
w i t h a f l o c k o f s h e e p f o r $ 1 0 0 . T r u t h e s c a p e d t o f r e e d o m a n d t o d a y s h e
i s r e m e m b e r e d a s o n e o f t h e f o r e m o s t l e a d e r s o f t h e a b o l i t i o n
m o v e m e n t a n d o n e o f t h e e a r l i e s t a d v o c a t e s f o r w o m e n ’ s r i g h t s . I t i s
n o t w h e r e w e s t a r t b u t w h e r e w e e n d t h a t i s m o s t i m p o r t a n t . O u r G o d -
g i v e n g i f t s a n d t a l e n t s a l o n g w i t h o u r d e t e r m i n a t i o n a n d d r i v e w i l l g e t
u s t o o u r g o a l s .
W o m e n o f t h e ‘ s u g a r a n d s p i c e a n d e v e r y t h i n g n i c e ’ d e m e a n o r o f y e s t e r
y e a r h a v e n o t d i s a p p e a r e d , b u t t h e y h a v e c e r t a i n l y d i m i n i s h e d t o a l l o w
g r o w n , e d u c a t e d , k n o w l e d g e a b l e a n d c o n f i d e n t , e m b o l d e n e d s i s t e r s t o
s h i n e t h r o u g h . A s w e r e d e f i n e o u r s e l v e s a s w o m e n , w e c o m p e t e o n a l l
l e v e l s , s h a t t e r g l a s s c e i l i n g s , a n d a s p i r e t o b e a n d t o h a v e m o r e t h a n
o u r f o r e m o t h e r s , w h o w e r e i n m a n y i n s t a n c e s h e l d b a c k b y t h e t i m e s
a n d l a w s o f t h e d a y . W e h a v e n o t a b a n d o n e d o u r r o l e s a s m o t h e r s , w i v e s
n o r d a u g h t e r s . W e d o t h e m j u s t t h e s a m e , b u t w e h a v e c e r t a i n l y a d d e d
m o r e l a y e r s t o o u r g a m e .
R e d e f i n i n g o u r s e l v e s i s a p r o c e s s , l i k e t h e a g i n g o f f i n e w i n e , i t n e e d s
t i m e . A d i f f e r e n t m i n d s e t i s r e q u i r e d . W e m u s t s e t r e a l i s t i c a n d
a c h i e v a b l e g o a l s i n o u r p e r s o n a l a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l i v e s , a c h i e v e t h e m
a n d s e t s o m e m o r e g o a l s . P e r h a p s a c h a n g e o f c a r e e r i s n e c e s s a r y f o r
m o r e f u l f i l l m e n t a n d h a p p i n e s s . O r p e r h a p s , a h e a l t h y d i e t a l o n g w i t h
e x e r c i s e t o d e - s t r e s s a n d r e m o v e t o x i c h a b i t s . I t i s a l s o a g o o d i d e a t o
s e e k o u t p e r s o n s w h o c a n g i v e u s g o o d a d v i c e a b o u t i d e a s w e a r e
c o n t e m p l a t i n g . W e s h o u l d h a v e n o m o r e f e a r s a b o u t h o w w e m e a s u r e
u p a g a i n s t a n o t h e r s i s t e r b u t b e c o m e e x c i t e d a b o u t h o w w e c a n
c o m p l e m e n t a n d c o l l a b o r a t e w i t h h e r . W e a r e s t r o n g e r t o g e t h e r a n d
w i t h o u r p o w e r w e c a n c r e a t e c h a n g e a n d b e c o m e a m o d e l f o r o t h e r s .
W e m u s t b e i n t r o s p e c t i v e a n d k n o w w h o w e a r e . I b e l i e v e t h a t w e a r e
b r i g h t s t a r s w h o s h o u l d n o t b e d a u n t e d b y s o m e o n e e l s e ’ s l i g h t . I n
r e d e f i n i n g o u r s e l v e s , w e m u s t c o m e t o t e r m s w i t h t h e w o m a n w e a r e
a n d d e c i d e j u s t w h i c h p a r t s o f h e r w e w a n t t o a c c e n t u a t e a n d w h i c h
p a r t s w e n e e d t o t o n e d o w n o r e l i m i n a t e .
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 0 8

H o w e v e r , j u d g i n g o u r s e l v e s b a s e d o n w h a t o t h e r s t h i n k i s t i r i n g a n d
c o u n t e r p r o d u c t i v e , s o d o n o t g e t s t u c k t h e r e . S e a r c h i n g f o r p e r f e c t i o n i s
l i k e s e a r c h i n g f o r t h e “ F o u n t a i n o f Y o u t h ” ! L e a v e p e r f e c t i o n t o J e s u s
C h r i s t ; t h e o n l y P e r f e c t O n e e v e r i n h u m a n f o r m . W o m e n a r e a n
e c o n o m i c a n d p o l i t i c a l f o r c e t o b e r e c k o n e d w i t h a n d t o d a y w e
u n d e r s t a n d h o w t o p a r l a y t h a t p o w e r .
T e r e s a C . Y o u n g e r , P r e s i d e n t a n d C E O , o f T h e M S . F o u n d a t i o n f o r W o m e n
s t a t e d “ W e m u s t u s e o u r v o i c e t o f i g h t f o r t h o s e w h o c a n ’ t f i g h t f o r
t h e m s e l v e s . S p e a k u p , s p e a k o f t e n a n d s p e a k l o u d l y . ”
T h e m e m b e r s o f D e l t a S i g m a T h e t a S o r o r i t y , I n c . h a v e r e a l i z e d t h a t w h e n
w e r e d e f i n e o u r s e l v e s a s a d v o c a t e s a n d c h a m p i o n s o f j u s t i c e a n d
e q u a l i t y w e b r i n g a b o u t c h a n g e j u s t a s o u r n a m e i m p l i e s ; D e l t a m e a n s
c h a n g e .
R e d e f i n i n g o u r s e l v e s t a k e s c o u r a g e a n d I p r a y t h a t e a c h o f u s w i l l f i n d
t h e c o u r a g e t o d o s o m e t h i n g t o b r i n g a b o u t p o s i t i v e c h a n g e i n
o u r s e l v e s a n d o u r c o m m u n i t y .
R e m e m b e r t h e F o u n d e r s o f D e l t a S i g m a T h e t a S o r o r i t y , o n w h o s e
s h o u l d e r s w e s t a n d ; t h e y a r e r o l e m o d e l s a n d u l t i m a t e c h a n g e a g e n t s
w h o r e d e f i n e d t h e m s e l v e s . T h e y s t e p p e d u p t o d o m o r e b e c a u s e t h e y
b e l i e v e d t h a t t h e y c o u l d g i v e a n d d o s o m u c h m o r e t h a n t h e y h a d b e e n
d o i n g . T h e y s e t g o a l s a n d a c c o m p l i s h e d t h e m .
T h e y m a d e t h e w o r l d b e t t e r f o r s o m a n y u n d e r s e r v e d c o m m u n i t i e s a n d
h a v e c r e a t e d a s i s t e r h o o d o f o v e r 3 0 0 t h o u s a n d w o m e n w h o c o m m i t t e d
t o a l i f e t i m e o f p u b l i c s e r v i c e . W e w e r e a l l r e d e f i n e d w h e n w e b e c a m e
D e l t a s . W h e n w e t a k e t h e e m p h a s i s o f f o u r s e l v e s a n d p l a c e i t o n c a u s e s
g r e a t e r t h a n o u r s e l v e s w e r e d e f i n e o u r s e l v e s a n d i m p a c t o t h e r s .
"When we take the emphasis
off ourselves and place it on
causes greater than ourselves
we redefine ourselves and
impact others."

Although I acknowledge that this pandemic has been tragic, I also want to point out that
many have used this time as an opportunity to spend time alone accessing their thoughts, reinventing
goals, and determining how to continue to survive in a post-coronavirus
environment. There may be beautiful re-calibrations to consider that never would have been
possible during the rat race of the so-called 'normal' life we used to know.
To paraphrase William Shakespeare, "The stars do not hold our destiny; your daily habits
determine your outcome." Essentially, the ability to re-invent and re-define yourself doesn't
just happen; you have to make a bold, daring, purposeful, conscious, and intentional choice
and then follow through. By focusing on our goals, reflecting on ourselves, and thinking
inwardly, we can pass through these trying times of stress, anxiety, and financial hardships.
Because there is no time lost in the rush of in-person meetings and football practices, we now
have the opportunity for personal observation, self-reflection, meditation, and evaluation. Our
sense of self is one of the few things we can control amid the chaos and loss of control (that
many of us may have been feeling).
Where do I start? C. S. Lewis said, "You're never too old to set another goal or dream a new
dream."
Consider evaluating your vision and your goals. Is your dream still valid; are your goals aligned
with your vision, are they reachable? There is nothing worse than being 'stuck!' You are either
pushing through or standing still. Standing still gets you no where and there is always room
for betterment.
We can take some time to comb through our minds, looking at our spending habits and fiscal
well-being, figuring out the new plan for our future, and taking time to gain the knowledge to
make better decisions after all this is over. While waiting on some 'normalcy,' to return, having
more time to reflect allows us to enjoy things we took for granted; like spending time with our
families, the ability to exercise (means you are able-bodied), reading, reconnecting with our
interests. I've learned to embrace the stillness and relearn how to be reflective.
Covid-19 forced us to take a look at ourselves and decide if we would change and completely
overhaul our lives.
We must move with the significant shifts in our lives. It's like a message I listened to the other
day from TD Jakes; A new year doesn't necessarily mean a new you! If you have a new year, it
doesn’t mean jack diddly if you don't have a fresh mind. You can buy a new car, but if you put
the older adult in the new car, you're still going to have the aging experience. A new house
doesn't make a new marriage; A new outfit doesn't make you a new person. A new life comes
from a new mind and a new way of looking at your life. Also, you can't remain selfish and
irresponsible and raise a healthy, well-adjusted child. You can't be promoted to a supervisory
position and keep the same subordinate attitude. The bottom line is, each level of success
requires something different from you. Can you redefine yourself post-covid? YES, but it will
always require a change in mindset.

MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
Angela Golden Bryan
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 1 3

Angela Golden Bryan is the Founder and CEO of the Fireburn Foundation (FBF), a
nonprofit organization working to provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need,
in addition to creating tools for education and cultural preservation.
Bryan is an actor, writer, and producer. For over 20 years, she has performed in
television and film and recently turned to writing and producing. Angela Bryan grew
up on the beautiful island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, in a tradition rich in storytelling.
Her passion for storytelling merged with her desire for human rights advocacy and is
richly displayed in her “Fireburn” projects.
Bryan’s bestseller “Fireburn the Screenplay” focuses on the event known as the
Fireburn, and was inspired by an award-winning speech she gave. After writing
“Fireburn the Screenplay,” Bryan penned “James and the Fireburn,” an award-winning
children’s anti-bullying book that uses the Fireburn as a backdrop.
Angela Bryan also authored “Authorities: Powerful Wisdom from Leaders in the Field,”
which includes NY times best-selling authors Les Brown and Marci Schimoff of “The
Secret.” “Authorities” is an anthology of stories and ideas from individuals who have
distinguished themselves in life and in business.
“Fireburn the Documentary” was recently awarded Best Documentary Short at the
Chicago Indie Film Awards. The documentary will air on PBS in 2022 and make its
global debut at various film festivals over 2021.
How did you get into the industry?
I grew up on the island of St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, and whenever we had
gatherings, the adults were always telling stories and jokes. Storytelling was big when I
was growing up, and I used to love listening to adults. I’d pretend that I was playing
and not listening since it was considered rude to listen to adult conversations.
I guess it’s in my blood because I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to bring
a smile to someone’s face by telling a story, singing, acting, or making them laugh. I
also loved creating things and giving them away or selling them, whether it were
cookies, frozen juice pops, or bread pudding. I would sell them to the other kids in the
neighborhood and then give some away to the kids that had no money.

Today, this translates into being an entrepreneur, actress, writer, producer, and
philanthropist. I still love to tell stories, but now my methods are a bit different. Rather
than speaking to my dolls, or family members, I’m writing books and producing film
projects or acting and helping tell someone else’s story. I plan on producing more
documentaries, and I am in pre-production for a new animation project and a feature
film.
Inspiration for the idea/mission and your vision for the Fireburn Foundation?
The inspiration behind the Fireburn Foundation was based on my desire to help the
underserved in my Florida community, in the Virgin Islands, and globally. I wanted to
work with an established institution where people would feel comfortable
contributing.
I was so busy promoting my books and writing that I wanted to be able to simply
name the fund, donate some money, and invite others to do the same. In my mind, the
organization that I partnered with would keep track of the funds, be accountable, and
disseminate the money as appropriate. When I researched what was necessary, the
established foundation asked for $10,000 to open an account with them – something I
did not have at the time.
That was when I decided that I’d open my own nonprofit and help people that way. I
knew that it meant starting from scratch, but I also knew that it would be worth it.
That’s how the Fireburn Foundation, INC. was born. Out of an “obstacle” or a “closed
door,” something really wonderful was created.
I truly believe that the Fireburn Foundation has helped more people than I would have
been able to help had I simply opened an account and created a fund through another
organization. My nonprofit just produced our first educational documentary and
received a major grant from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands with
funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. We see this as validation
that the Fireburn Foundation is helping make a difference in the community. You can
find about more about this dynamic Delta at AngelaGoldenBryan.com
*reprinted in part from Natfluence.com read more here
To nominate a Delta (or yourself) 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.
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 1 5

S i s t a G i r l D o n e C h a n g e d !
By Collis Bell
S i s t a G i r l d o n e c h a n g e d h e r w a y s ,
S h e ’ s k i n d a n d c o n s i d e r a t e .
S h e ’ s s a y i n g “ T h a n k Y o u J e s u s ! ”
A n d “ M y G o d i s s o g r e a t ! ”
S h e i s i n t h e c l u b s n o m o r e ,
N o t h a n g i n g o u t a t n i g h t .
S h e h a s a c e r t a i n a i r a b o u t h e r ;
S h e i s n o w h e r m o t h e r ’ s d e l i g h t .
S i s t a G i r l d o n e l o w e r e d h e r h e m s
T o s h o w s h e ’ s r e a l l y c h a n g e d .
H e r j e a n s a n d t o p s a r e n ’ t a s s n u g ,
H e r p r i o r i t i e s a r e a l l r e a r r a n g e d .
S h e ’ s a t B i b l e s t u d y o n W e d n e s d a y s ,
C h o i r p r a c t i c e o n T h u r s d a y n i g h t s ,
S u n d a y s c h o o l a n d e a r l y M a s s ,
S i s t a G i r l s a y s s h e ’ s l i v i n g r i g h t .
N o m o r e ‘ h a p p y h o u r ’ ,
I t ’ s m e d i t a t i o n a n d s e l f i m p r o v e m e n t .
S h e i s s t i l l o n t h e p h o n e w i t h f r i e n d s
B u t n o w s h e ’ s g i v i n g e n c o u r a g e m e n t .
“ S h e d o n e f o u n d r e l i g i o n ! ”
I s w h a t t h e o l d f o l k s s a y .
S h e ’ s s t i l l o n t h e s t r e e t c o r n e r
B u t n o w s h e ’ s t e a c h i n g o t h e r s t o p r a y .
H e r o l d f r i e n d s c a n ’ t b e l i e v e i t .
T h e y s a y s h e a i n ’ t f o r r e a l .
B u t s h e a i n ’ t l i s t e n i n g t o t h e i r t a l k ,
S h e k n o w s w h a t s h e f e e l s .
W h e n p e o p l e t r y t o t e m p t h e r
O r c a u s e h e r t o l o s e h e r c o o l
S h e j u s t s m i l e s a n d w a l k s a w a y .
S i s t a G i r l k n o w s ‘ t h e J e s u s r u l e ’ .
S e e , s h e d o n e h e a r d w h a t h a p p e n s
W h e n p e o p l e p l a y w i t h t h e L o r d .
S h e k e e p s h e r e y e s o n t h e p r i z e ;
H e a v e n i s h e r s w e e t r e w a r d .
P e o p l e a r e a m a z e d b y h e r t r a n s f o r m a t i o n
F r o m a w o r l d o f s h a m e a n d s i n .
S i s t a G i r l o p e n e d u p h e r h e a r t ,
S h e a s k e d J e s u s t o e n t e r i n .
T h e y s a y a l e o p a r d c a n ’ t c h a n g e i t s s p o t s ,
Y o u c a n ’ t t e a c h o l d d o g s n e w t r i c k s .
B u t i f y o u a s k G o d f o r f o r g i v e n e s s
H e w i l l g i v e y o u t h e p e r f e c t f i x .
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1
P a g e 1 7

2 0 O r g a n i z a t i o n s T h a t
S u p p o r t B l a c k W o m e n
1. Black Mamas Matter Alliance advocates for research and policy changes in order to advance Black
maternal healthcare. Their mission statement reads, “We envision a world where Black mamas have
the rights, respect and resources to thrive before, during and after pregnancy.”
2. The Loveland Foundation. Founded in 2018 by activist and educator Rachel Cargle, The Loveland
Foundation provides financial support to Black women and girls seeking therapy and mental health
support. Their goal is to provide 1,000 women with enough support for 4-8 therapy sessions in 2020.
3. Buy From a Black Woman. Annual sales for Black female business owners are five times smaller
than other female-owned businesses. To remedy this disparity, Buy From a Black Woman aims to
empower, educate and inspire Black female business owners, as well as provide them with tools and
resources to succeed.
4. Black Girls Code. This San Franscisco organization works to empower girls ages 7 through 17 by
exposing them to computer science and technology. They hope to increase the number of women of
color in the digital space and train 1 million girls by 2040.
5. GirlTrek. GirlTrek’s mission is to “pioneer a health movement for African-American women and girls
grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership and
health advocacy.” The goal of these walking groups is to promote self-care and help Black women
reclaim the streets of their neighborhoods.
6. The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. This Wisconsin-based nonprofit is committed to
eliminating the health disparities that impact Black women and girls. Its multi-faceted approach
focuses on physical health, building community and providing COVID-19 relief for Black women and
their families in the Madison, WI area.
7. The National Black Women’s Justice Institute. The National Black Women’s Justice Institute is
dedicated to eliminating racial and gender barriers for Black women, girls and their families. The
organization addresses issues like criminalization, economic marginalization, domestic violence and
more.
8. Black Women’s Health Imperative. For 35 years, Black Women’s Health Imperative has been the
only national organization solely dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black women and
girls. They run a number of evidence-based programs and campaigns to support physical, maternal
and reproductive health for Black women. They are also leading the effort to establish the first
National Health Policy Agenda for Black women.
9. The Black Women’s Agenda. Since 1977, this D.C.-based nonprofit has been educating the public
about economic, social and civil liberties issues that affect Black women. They also recommend
data-based policy changes in the interest of Black women’s rights.
10. Black Women’s Blueprint. The Black Women’s Blueprint focuses on putting Black women and girls’
issues on the forefront. They create "blueprints" in areas that are lacking their voices, like healthcare,
education and the economy. In the wake of COVID-19, the organization launched the Sistas Van,
which is traveling across NYC providing support services like grocery delivery, crisis counseling,
reproductive aid and more to underserved communities.
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2 0 O r g a n i z a t i o n s T h a t
S u p p o r t B l a c k W o m e n
11. Black Youth Project 100. The Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) fights for justice and freedom for
all, specifically Black women, girls and the LGBTQ+ community. Created after the verdict of Trayvon
Martin’s murder, BYP100 developed chapters across the country for others to learn about how to
organize, advocate and understand policies at a local and national level.
12. Girls For A Change. For ten years, Girls For A Change has helped young girls (from elementary to
young adulthood) design and develop projects to make social changes in their communities. The
organization's goal is for the participants to develop problem-solving, leadership and financial literacy
skills while teaching them about policies, movements and current issues (i.e. racism, sexism, etc).
13. The Okra Project. The Okra Project provides meals and resources to Black trans people. Aside
from distributing healthy food, they also offer mutual aid for rent, unemployment and/or medication. This
year, the organization will introduce the Direct Chef Services program to hire Black trans chefs to
prepare these very meals.
14. Black Girls Smile Inc. Black Girls Smile Inc. offers mental health support, resources and education
to young Black girls. They work to uplift and empower them through activities and workshops for up to
12 weeks.
15. Essie Justice Group. Essie Justice Group provides support to women with incarcerated love ones.
From mental health services (to heal, grieve, etc.) to resources on fighting the injustice of the criminal
system, the nonprofit's mission is to create a community and a safe space for women impacted.
16. Marsha P. Johnson Institute. Inspired by the late activist Marsha P. Johnson, the institute honors
her legacy by continuing to fight for the Black trans community. They organize, advocate and defend
the human rights of all Black trans people. The nonprofit offers fellowships and programs centered
around the arts and social activism to uphold Johnson’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
17. The Black Feminist Group. The Black Feminist Group fights for food and reproductive justice for
Black women, girls and non-binary individuals. Programs like Black Joy Farm, Corona Relief Food Box,
and Sis, Do You! are designed to foster a safe and inclusive space for the Bronx community.
18. For The Gworls. For The Gworls raises funds for Black trans people to pay for rent, travel
assistance and/or gender-affirming surgeries. Before COVID-19, founders Assani Armon and Maahd
were hosting live, grassroots fundraisers to celebrate trans lives and support the needs of their
community. Today, they're bringing awareness virtually (with campaigns reaching over $142,000 in
support).
19. The Black Trans Travel Fund. The Black Trans Travel Fund supplies Black trans women with
resources and services for a safer journey. Per their mission statement: "[Wen want to] create a world
where Black trans women are valued and no longer face harassment and violence." While it's only been
in service since 2019, the organization has already distributed over $90,000 to Black women in need in
NYC and New Jersey (and are looking to expand to other states in the future).
20. Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. Black Trans Femmes in the Arts assists Black trans artists by
highlighting, uplifting and supporting their projects. The organization hosts events for artists to
showcase their work, network with others and attend workshops.
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PHYSICAL & MENTAL
HEALTH COMMITTEE
The Physical and Mental Health Committee of South
Broward Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Incorporated hosted their Fourth Annual
Virtual Walk/Run/Cycle on Saturday, April 3, 2021. The
event for wellness raises money to assist in bringing
awareness, education, and research for the Lupus
Foundation of America/Florida Chapter, March of Dimes,
and South Broward Alumnae Chapter Community
Projects.
There were 222 registered participants in the run on the
beautiful Saturday morning. The South Broward
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
strives to raise awareness about the importance and
benefits of a healthy lifestyle by developing healthfocused
programs within South Broward community.
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 2 1

MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Talk about getting the VIP treatment! The Membership Committee
had special deliveries for all Deltas who registered for the annual
retreat. An entire spa apparel package to chill and unwind in the
luxury of their own homes.
A total of 117 were registered for the three day event which started on
Friday, March 26 with a Movie and Popcorn night where the Deltas
watched The Black Sorority Project.
On Saturday, the SBAC Retreat began with a relaxing, but effective
morning stretch to get the Deltas in tune to their mind, body, and
spirit. This invigorating start to the day was followed by the featured
event for the day, a "Conflict Management" Delta Internal
Development Workshop. The workshop was presented by our very
own Florida State Coordinator Brenda Bryant, along with the
Southern Region Conflict Resolution Committee Member, Elizabeth
Massey. Other special guests included the Southern Region
Compliance Coordinator and President of the St. Petersburg Alumnae
Chapter, and the Dade County Alumnae Chapter Financial Secretary.
The DID offered much needed insight on Conflict Navigation,
Management, and Resolution.
The event ended on Sunday, March 28, 2021 with a powerfully moving
ecumenical service that included three (3) soul stirring sermonettes
on the "pleasing aroma of Christ" that we should present and leave
behind as Christian Sorors. The sermons were delivered by ministers
from our very own SBAC family; Elisa Baptiste, Vanady Daniels, and
Stephanie Bevill. The service also included an expressive liturgical
dance by Trameka Wade, and a compelling Spoken Word by Phyllis
Williams.
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 2 2

The South Broward Alumnae Chapter prides itself on its sisterly acts
of kindness, and we think the 2021 Virtual Retreat clearly
communicated the heart, character, soul and spirit of sisterhood . . .
"The Essence of the SBAC Sisterhood"
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 2 3

INFORMATION &
TECHNOLOGY
COMMITTEE
The Information and Technology
Committee had one of its own,
Kerline Jules, host a free Social
Media Webinar for small business
owners. Kerline is a Certified Digital
Marketer, Founder of Jules
Management Group and Assistant
Chair of the South Broward
Alumnae Chapter Information and
Technology Committee.
This mid-week event attracted more
than 100 attendees. The purpose of
this event was to empower small
business owners and those
impacted by the pandemic by
providing them with tips and
strategies to increase
their social media presence to
generate business leads and sales.
This webinar was especially of interest to those who were looking to start,
expand or optimize their website or internet marketing strategy. Some of
the topics covered were:
1. The ways in which social media and the pandemic has dramatically
changed businesses.
2. A brief overview of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Tools
3. Types of content that nonprofits can share on social media
4. Sample metrics to measure the ROI on your social media efforts
We thank all of those who participated near and far. We hope to hear how
you implemented what you learned and how it has helped!

Greenlight Advance Corp.
www.LendAmerica.com
Hiram Rios
Transaction Manager|Loan Consultant
Office: 954-289-2040
Mobile: 954-600-9379
NMLS# 1594476

The Last Word
Journalist
If you take the time to really pay attention, you will find
people who let life happen to them and others who took
life by the horns and said, "I ain't going down like that!" In a
very real way, I feel that has been my story. You see, when
my second son was born at 26 weeks (micro-preemie) they
told me many things even that he might not leave the
hospital and if he did he would be "like a vegetable." Now
while he did get to leave the hospital, it wasn't the way I
imagined or prayed for but it also wasn't "like a vegetable."
I was crushed. I had a crisis of faith and me and God
certainly had moments together.
Yet, it was right there in the hospital corridor after imagining my life as a "special needs mom" as
someone who would not supposedly be able to do the things I hoped for because of my child's
condition, that I determined that God and I hold the pen to my story and I was going to redefine the
woman, the mom, the wife, that many had already imagined I would be because of this unplanned,
flip of the script in my life. As I looked at the other moms on the floor, so many looked angry,
depleted, spent and I just knew I didn't want that to be me. I remember telling God, "God, I don't
want to be a bitter woman. I don't want to serve you angry. I don't want to have a chip on my
shoulder. I want to live life fully and with joy." And God has been faithful to me. While I have had my
share of disappointments in life even after this, I have been able to keep my focus on the God that
enables me to be all I can be and do it joyfully.
Redefining yourself as a woman when others have counted you out, when life has not been what
you hoped for is not an easy task. However, as others have noted in this edition, it just requires a
mindset shift, an attitude adjustment where you believe God designed you to be the victor not the
victim. He never said we wouldn't have tribulation in life, He said, he would be with us through it!
How have you allowed others to define you? How has life hurt you that has pigeon-holed you?
Remember this, you are always free to change your mindset and create a different future, but you
can never go back and make a different past. The beauty of this life we have been given is that YOU
along with God, get to co-author the story of your life. No one else has that power. Go ahead!
Redefine yourself the way you know God designed you to be. Be your beautiful, confident, creative
self. The world will adjust.
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 P a g e 2 7