February 2008 Online Newsletter
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Epsilon Chapter holds second Gold Presentation >>more
Epsilon Chapter Holds Second Gold Presentation in Philadelphia
Two prospective members of Epsilon Chapter
(center, light and dark dresses) with GGChi Epsilon Chapter sororsEpsilon Chapter members held a Gold Presentation in December in order to meet and greet more prospective members as they work to increase the membership in their chapter. On hand for the Gold Presentation were Epsilon Chapter members: Coniqua Abdul-Malik, President; Ameenah Muhammad, Vice President; Marsha Komara, Secretary; Hajah Komara-Donzo, Treasurer; and Rashidah Khalifa.
The Gold Presentation is a traditional, formal meeting designed to provide information about the sorority, to answer any questions that prospective members may have, and to give everyone an opportunity to socialize. Attendance at the Gold Presentation is a requirement for consideration for membership. It does not commit either the prospective member or the sorority for further consideration.
The Epsilon Chapter serves the Philadelphia metro area.
Co-Founders Honored as History Makers
Gamma Chapter Sorors (L-R) Kimberly Harper, Tahira Subuda, and
Robyn Abdusamad celebrate co-founders Dr. Althia F. Ali and
Imani Canty's being honored as history makers at
Historian Day Recognition Banquet in GreensboroCo-founders Imani Canty and Dr. Althia F. Ali were among several people honored by Masjid Al-Ummil Ummat of Greensboro, NC, in their first Historian Day Recognition Banquet. The February 9 event was designed to recognize and celebrate "the less-known history makers whose achievements demonstrate that they are among those who strive to 'Promote Ethical Excellence through Spiritual Values.'"
The co-founders were recognized for their establishment of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority. Among those also honored were: Dr. Muriel Howard, President of Buffalo State University and Imam W. Deen Muhammad.
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National Headquarters Applies for Expansion at St. John's University
GGChi President and Executive Director Dr. Althia F. Ali announced that the sorority has applied for expansion at St. John's University Queens campus. If approved, this will be the first collegiate chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc.
In making the announcement, Dr. Ali said, "We have been watching interest build at St. John's for some time. After several months of effort by Hira Mughal, a St. John's student, we now have what we believe is a committed group of 14 students at the University, and we were pleased to respond to their request to move toward being recognized as a sorority on the Queens campus. We are already recognized on the University of Kentucky campus; however, we have not moved to build membership there yet because we have not found the critical mass of students that is needed to ensure continuity into the future."
The St. John's University expansion application process requires the sorority to: present materials related to the organizational structure of the sorority, demonstrate National's commitment to establishment of the chapter, provide detailed information about the member education process, and present other important information. The purpose is to ensure that the sorority can fit into the university's existing structure and that the students will be protected during their involvement in sorority activities.
If the expansion packet is accepted, members of National Headquarters will be invited to make a formal presentation to the campus committee.
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>>click here >>click here President and Executive Director Dr. Althia F. Ali recently announced the new date for GammaFest 2008. The annual event has been changed to October 10-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.
In making the announcement, Dr. Ali said, "We conducted a survey and received an 80% response rate. Based on the input we received, we found that the majority of our sorors preferred to have GammaFest 2008 later in the year. This allows them to have more time for planning. As a result, the GammaFest Planning Committee agreed to move the 2008 celebration to later in the year. Future GammaFests will return to the original date of the first weekend in April to coincide with the founding of the sorority."
GammaFest is a weekend of fun and sisterhood for the sorors of Gamma Gamma Chi. Activities during the weekend include events for sorors only as well as some events that are open to the public.
GammaFest 2008's public events are:
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Soror Imani Canty Gets Certified in Four Key Areas
Soror Imani Canty (National Grand Chapter, Gamma Chapter) recently completed four special certificate programs that qualify her to perform several key functions that are designed to help improve the safety and quality of life for others. She has completed programs in Mediation, RAD, CPR, and NIMS.
Certificate in Mediation Training-conducted by the Guilford County (NC) Mediation Services and One Step Further, Inc. Now that she has completed this educational program, Soror Imani is qualified to provide mediation services to people going through the courts or community referrals.
Certificate in RAD (Rape Aggression Defense)-conducted in partnership with Guilford College and Wake Forest University. Soror Imani is now qualified to teach self defense tactics to women.
Certificate in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)-conducted by the American Red Cross in Greensboro. Soror Imani is now qualified to help people in emergency situations.
Certificate in NIMS (National Incident Management Systems)-conducted by the FEMA Emergency Management Institute on National Preparedness. Through this program, Soror Imani became qualified to address several functions: Incident management, public disaster communications, operational planning, disaster logistics, emergency communications, service to disaster victims, hazard mitigation, integrated preparedness, and continuity programs.
Soror Imani is a graduate of Liverpool High School in Liverpool, NY. She has attended Syracuse University, Mankato State University, and United States International University with a major in Women's Studies and a dance minor. She is currently completing requirements for a degree in Community Justice at Guilford College. She also works at the college in public safety.
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Soror Christine Ortiz Starts New Business Venture
In January, Soror Christine Ortiz (National Grand Chapter, member, Board of GGChi Board of Directors) opened The Knowledge Laboratory, a tutoring and test preparation company designed to "transform education" for students in Seminole (Florida) County.
According to Soror Christine, "The Knowledge Laboratory (The Lab) is an alternative twist to tutoring and test preparation. It aims to make learning cool and reinvigorate social perceptions of education. The Lab offers new opportunities for regional teens to take control of their future."
The company's 1,700 square foot facility is located at 585 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 127, Longwood, Fla. Soror Christine says The Lab is more than a brick and mortar extension to the classroom. "The Lab embraces youth culture, lacing the walls with murals painted by young artists from around the country, modern furniture and a fully stocked kitchen. Effective learning is interactive; it's critical that students want to come to The Lab and that they're comfortable asking questions.
More information about The Lab is available at the >>company's website.
Soror Christine is a Longwood, Florida, native with more than eight years of youth education and social change research experience. She became involved in youth empowerment and education at an early age when she assisted in the development and implementation of youth tobacco prevention and control programs across the nation, including Florida's renowned Truth® initiative and the American Legacy Foundation's national "truth" campaign.
After graduating from Lyman High School in Longwood, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she also completed the teacher certification program for High School Chemistry. She is currently pursuing her master's in education from University of Central Florida. Soror Christine also serves as president and CEO of Allen Ortiz Consulting, a social marketing consulting firm specializing in inspiring youth empowerment.
Beta Chapter members are set to have a Gold Presentation, followed by their first Tea and Art Show on Sunday, February 17, at 2:30PM. The deadline to RSVP is February 15, 2008. For more information, send an email to: events@ggchibeta.org.
Monthly Muslim Wisdom
"Those (i.e., believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, `Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.' But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: `Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)'. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty." (3:173,174)
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