By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority’s Northern Region hosted a Founders’ Day celebration on April 9, 2022 at Brandywine Country Club in Maumee. Official sorority colors of baby pink and baby blue with hints of masks decorated the facility and coordinated with the masquerade ball theme.
“We’re here to celebrate the occasion, the 35th Northern Region founders’ day,” shared Jennifer Lewis, sorority’s Northern Regional Director.
The sorority members and guests opened the event with social networking before the official program began at 7:00 p.m. The occasion also included a photo corner, vendors, a dessert bar and various menu options.
“We’re celebrating our 35th founders’ day of the Northern Region, and tonight’s theme is, “Unique Women Empowered with a Vision to Serve. As a black business sorority, we are willing to work in our communities through our service, focus on economic development and social action,” said Joyce Lewis-Johnston, Beta Phi chapter president.
A procession featuring the family of sorority founder and one of the 13 original pearls, Violet Lewis, national and regional officers and recognized guests opened the celebration’s program. The program continued with a meditation and an introduction of master of ceremony, Nikyle Fitzgerald. Guests were officially welcomed, the National Negro Anthem was sung, and a community service presentation to Bethany House was conducted by Anna Turner, the sorority’s community engagement coordinator.
Immediately following dinner, the program continued with a tribute to the sorority’s founders, and a presentation of awards and recognitions, before special guest speaker, Violet Ponders, delivered words to the audience.
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. was founded in February 1943 by Elizabeth Garner and Violet Lewis, owners of Lewis Business College in Detroit. The sorority’s founders, along with 11 other members are known as the sorority’s 13 original pearls.
The headquarters in located on West Grand Blvd in Detroit. The college, which is the first and only historic black college in Michigan, closed in 2013. Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, signed two bills that will reopen the college in 2022 and will include a name change to Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design.
For more information about the sorority visit www.gammaphideltasorority.com.
