The Truth Staff
The 64th Northern Region Conference of the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc, was held in Toledo at the Glass City Center, April 17 – 19, as hundreds of sorority members gathered “to continue to build upon a rich legacy of sisterhood, service and academic excellence,” wrote Karen Streeter, Northern Regional Director, shortly before the conference.
The local chapter, Beta Phi, was the host for the Northern Region Conference – the Northern Region consists of chapters in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia.
The theme of this year’s conference was “We Are One,” which reminded those present “of the continuous need to fight for unity in all aspects of our organization, communities and families, while advancing the ‘Gamma Way’ vision,” said Streeter.
The three-day event began in the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, with registration, Bendor set-up and a meet and greet for first timers.
The program began in earnest on Friday morning with a general session in the morning – seating of the delegates, acceptance of the agenda, reading of orders, committee recognition, among other parliamentary necessities.
The highlight of the afternoon was the community luncheon which started at 2:30 p.m. Along with the sorority pink and blue colors, attendees were adorned in sneakers and pearls for luncheon. Rise, Reflect and Move Forward Pearls of Wisdom, were the catchwords for the luncheon.
Michelle McCaster, co-chair of the Community Luncheon served as the mistress of ceremony for the luncheon. A welcome was offered by Sherry Collins, a performance followed by the National Youth Talent Show Winners with a poem – “I Am Black and Beautiful.” The blessing of food was presented by Louise Parker and lunch was served.
After lunch, Charles Green was the keynote speaker. Green, a long-time Toledo resident, Scott High School graduate, who earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Jackson State University, has worked with the Zepf Center for the past six years as an Integrated Care Specialist, a Shelter Residential Specialist and a SUD/Mental Health Case Manager. For the past two years he has been serving as the manager of the only youth shelter for homeless youth in northwest Ohio – Safety Net, which is what his address focused on.
After Green’s remarks, Joyce Lewis-Johnston, chair of the Community Luncheon presented the donations and closing remarks were offered by Streeter.
Streeter spoke with The Truth about the purpose of the Regional Conference. “It’s a business conference,” she explained. “We want to engage all generations for one good – to show strength and love in the lives of others while being about business.”
On Friday the general session reconvened during the morning as the business of the day – financial records, vendors’ reports, election results and the installation of newly elected officers were held.
A VIP Awards Luncheon was held at 3 p.m. with the colors being pastel butterfly and pearls.
Gamma Phi Delta, a historically African American service sorority for businesswomen, professionals and students was founded in 1943 at the Lewis College of Business. The Beta Phi Chapter was charted on May 1, 1999. The sorority is an affiliate of the National Council of Negro Women.
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc, fosters a sisterhood supporting women in career and vocational endeavors, emphasizing lifelong relationships, personal growth and positive impact within communities.
