Titessa D.

Smith, New Jersey State Director

Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, International President Gina M. Merritt-Epps, Esq., Atlantic Regional Director

The Zeta Call

June 2019
Volume , Issue

The Official Newsletter for The State of New Jersey

Inside this issue:

Emanual Movie 2
Greetings from the State Director

G
ALRC Reminders & Due Dates 5
reeting Sorors, Amicae and Youth
NJ Youth Corner 6
NJ Chapters Working 10
of the State of New Jersey!
Drive N 2 Centennial 21 I want to express my many thanks
Dates to Remember 22 for an awesome fiscal year! We have
continuously highlighted New Jersey
within Zeta and our communities.
Congratulations on a fantastic job re-
State of New Jersey claiming our Sorors and bringing them
Titessa D. Smith
home! Let’s keep up the momentum!
Address
PO Box 748 Thank you for your support and encouragement of me and
Clementon, NJ 08021
your sister chapters. I hope you all have an amazing
Email summer and remember to practice self-care. See you all in
NewJerseyStateDirector15
@GMail.com September!
Phone Number
(609) 254-5067 Yours in service,
Facebook
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
The State of New Jersey
Titessa
Newsletter & Social
Media Coordinator
Soror Kiana Lawhorn
ZPhiBNJSocialMedia
@GMail.com

One Zeta: Unified, Mobilized, ZetariZed!

 Page 2

NJ News - Social Action

#ZetasGetEngaged #NJ
#SOcialACTion #theONLYfamily
#ZetaPhiBeta #PhiBetaSigma
#EmanuelMovie
Page 3
Page 4
 Page 5

Undergraduate Award Submission 8/5/2019

Deadline for Receipt of Dues (see the attached) 8/18/2019
ARLC REGISTRANTS ONLY – 8/31/2019
Supplemental Registrations and Crab Feast
(extended!!)
National Candidate’s Inquiry Form Submission 9/1/2019
Digital Scrapbook (Zeta & Amicae) 9/15/2019
Necrology Form Submission (Zeta & Amicae) 9/15/2019
ARLC Cancellation & Refund Requests 9/15/2019
Zeta Male Network Registration 9/15/2019
Digital Ads 9/20/2019
ARLC REGISTRANTS ONLY – 9/30/2019
Image Enhancement and
#SelfiesAreNotHeadshots registration
ARLC Z-HOPE Initiative Participation (Zetas 10/17/2019
and Amicae)
ARLC Requested Cancellations & Refunds Pro- 12/4/2019
cessed
 Page 6

NJ News - Youth Corner

Zealous Engaged Talented Awesome

(ZETA) Youth Corner

“Zeta Youth with Dreams become Zeta Women with Vision”

Gamma Omicron Zeta Archonettes Visit Headquarters
On Thursday, June 6, 2019, the Gamma Omicron Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Incorporated took a bus trip to Washington D.C. to visit the
International Headquarters. Along with the chapter, were thirteen members
of Archonette Club from East Orange Campus High School. They were
excited to tour and experience such an empowering and profound place.
They are inspired to continue their hard work in their communities, proudly
representing their club.

Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter

Youth Affiliates

Zeta Delta Zeta Youth Affiliates held their annual Mother Daughter Brunch. NJ State
Youth Coordinator, Soror Zoey Ashley was in attendance for this annual event.

#ZETAYOUTHAFFLIATES
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NJ News - Youth Corner cont’d

Congratulations!!!! to ZDZ Archonettes

Zeta Delta Zeta Youth Affiliates partnered with St.
Paul Baptist Church on Sunday, June 9, 2019 for
Children’s Day. ZDZ ZYA participated in the
worship service and cookout to end the year.
Pearlettes Nyla, Stevie, Sophia, and Tianna;
Amicettes Ella, Leilani, and Zari Archonette Sierra.

Omega Mu Zeta Chapter

Scholarship Luncheon
Archonette Recognition
Archonette Kaxiah Betts graduated from Plainfield High School and
will be attending Rutgers University in the Fall. She will be majoring
in Psychology. Archonette Naveah Ferguson graduated from West
Windsor/Plainsboro High School North and will be attending Nor-
folk State University in the Fall. She will be majoring in Drama &
Theater.

Few Youth Reminders:

 During the month of August, all ZYA should be hosting an open house.
 Remember to partner with schools and organizations in your community.
 Parents’ meeting is to be held in August.
 Sorors must be Youth Certified, complete NCSI background check and CPR Certified
 All Sorors must mentor for 1 year.
 Page 8

NJ News - Youth Corner cont’d

Epsilon Xi Zeta Youth Induction Ceremony

Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter held a Youth Workshop

entitled "I Am Who
I Am" that focused
on Self-esteem, lov-
ing yourself, and
Social Media
Caught up.
 Page 9

NJ News - Youth Corner cont’d

“Family Ties Award”

This year Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter’s youth theme was Family Ties. The
theme tied into the National Centennial Blue and White Family Theme. The
youth explored and discussed background information on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The Youth created a display of family pic-
tures and had the opportunity to present at the Family Ties Luncheon in front of
family and members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The youth were presented
with community service, ZHOPE, and Social Action Awards. Congratulations to
Archonette Annaya Baynes for receiving the $300 Scholarship Award.

Congratulations on a Successful Year!!!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Youth Advisors & Youth Coordina-
tors for all the AWESOME work you do with our Youth.

Have a Safe Summer

Zoey D. Ashley
 Page 10

N.J. Chapters Working

Omicron Omicron Zeta

Chapter’s community involve-
ment at Evergreen Elemen-
tary School, Woodbury NJ is
85 % student focused. On
May 7, 2019 the members
of OOZ changed their focus
and recognized the Teachers
and Staff who are committed
to the academic success of
the students of Evergreen.
OOZ Zetas and Amicae as-
sembled at Evergreen Ele-
mentary School to serve
lunch and distribute tokens of
our Appreciation during
Teacher Appreciation Week.

OOZ also joined the commu-

nity of Woodbury, NJ as
they welcomed their new
Superintendent of Wood-
bury Public Schools – Mr.
Andrew Bell!! Members of
OOZ attended a Meet and
Greet where we introduced
ourselves to Mr. Bell as a
community action oriented
partner in the community. Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter members with Woodbury Public
School District Superintendent Mr. Andrew Bell.
 Page 11

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

OOZ REPRESENTED
On June 9, 2019 the members of Omicron
Omicron Zeta chapter joined other NJ
Zetas at The Campus at Macdeonia
Church for “Greek and Grad” Sunday.
Rev. Tommy Miles took us back to school
and told us the four fast track courses we
need for a “Higher Learning” Luke 15:11
-20……Finances 101, Sociology, Psychol-
ogy and Theology. What a great Sunday
of scholar recognition and Divine 9 fel-
lowship. OOZ along with the NJ Zetas
were very well represented amongst the
other Divine 9 organizations & you know
“Finer is ALWAYS First!

The Cinemark Theatre in Somerdale, NJ was full of

#theONLYfamily for the movie “Emmanuel”. A poignant
documentary of the killing of nine church members attend-
ing bible study - a story of the victims & the survivors.
Omicron Omicron Zeta chapter along with members of Rho
Rho Zeta chapter, Xi Tau Zeta Chapter, Phi Mu chapter,
Rho Delta Sigma chapter, and Theta Pi Chapter organized
and came together to view the movie on June 17, 2019.
Together we learned of race relations, pain, healing, for-
giveness and faith in Charleston, South Carolina.
 Page 12

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Eta Omicron Zeta Annual Health and

Wellness Fair
On June 1st Eta Omicron Zeta conducted
our Annual Health and Wellness
Fair. Since this is the year of the Family,
we partnered with our Brothers of Phi
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Chi Sigma
Chapter, to make this a true family affair
and worked alongside the City of Plain-
field, NJ. The Health and Wellness Fair
was a huge success! We had over 34 dif-
ferent providers that serviced our community! The Health and Wellness
Fair took place during the Rhythm and Blues by the Brook Festival. The
promoter, City of Plainfield and Union County Officials were amazed at the
number of providers that attended. They are looking forward to working
with us in the near future and will support us in our community efforts.

Hillside Community Clean Up Day!

Service is what we do! Soror Dahlia Vertreese, The Honorable Mayor of
Hillside, NJ and Soror Andrea Mullen participated in the Hillside Commu-
nity Clean Up Day! It was a great opportunity to clean up the town they
live in but to also get some sisterly bonding in.

Congratulations Soror Dana Hobbs!

The Sorors came out to support Gamma Omicron Zeta’s - Zeta Amicae
Auxiliary of Oranges/Newark at their Annual Scholarship and Awards
Luncheon. Our very own Soror Dana Hobbs received the award for “People
in Action”.

Congratulations Soror Vesta Godwin Clark!

Congratulations to Soror Vesta Godwin Clark for being selected by Project
Re-Direct / Youth & Family Services to receive their Lifetime Achieve-
ment Award for Excellence In Business & Community Service.

Congratulations Soror Shenequa Coelho!

Congratulations to Soror Shenequa Coelho who was honored as the Zeta of
the Year at the 14th Annual Chi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraterni-
ty, Inc. - Sigma Beta Club Scholarship Luncheon.
 Page 13

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d Omega Mu Zeta Chapter

Scholarship Brunch
Omega Mu Zeta Chapter held its annual scholarship brunch to
celebrate the 2019 scholarship recipients. Young women from
Middlesex County received awards for their academic efforts as
they move on to pursue college careers. Nearly $15,000 was given
out through Omega Mu Zeta Chapter’s fundraising efforts,
endowed awards from chapter Sorors Deborah Muse Carty and
Tylene Williams and the
chapter’s Archonette Youth
Group. In addition, book
awards were given to the
children (young women and young men) of Sorors with graduating
seniors. The brunch was held in Bound Brook, New Jersey with our
honored guests proud to become extended members of the chapter’s
family through the awards.

There’s An Author Among Us!!

Omega Mu Zeta chapter member, Deborah Muse Carty, celebrated the launch
of her new book series The Adventures of Puff and Curl in the company of
Sorors, youth and community members. Soror Muse Carty has worked
diligently on this project and looks to touch young
girls of color with her uplifting and self-affirming
book. This book series is sure to be a hit…especially
amongst our youth group members! Omega Mu Zeta
recognizes the amazing Sorors we have within our
great Sisterhood and is glad to celebrate their
achievements. For more information and to purchase
your copy visit: www.puffandcurl.com.

Sisterhood Counts!!
Members of Omega Mu Zeta Chapter and it’s Amicae Auxiliary
enjoyed a night full of laughter, fun and artistry at a Paint and
Karaoke event. Sorors and Amicae celebrated the joys of sister-
hood by bonding together throughout the evening. As Omega
Mu Zeta Chapter continues to grow, being able to successfully
work with your chapter members and
Amicae means getting to know them on
various levels. This evening was truly
an opportunity to find common bonds
and connections which will only
strengthen our Sisterhood.
 Page 14

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Service…It’s What We Do.

Each month, members of Omega Mu Zeta Chapter in collaboration with 1st
Presbyterian Church of South Amboy, New Jersey meet the needs of the local
community at the church’s food pantry. Chapter members donated items as well
as facilitated the dispersing of food and toiletry items to visitors. Sorors enjoyed
this time servicing the community as well as the time they spent together.

Omega Mu Zeta Welcome’s New Leadership

As the 2018-2019 Sorority year
ended, Omega Mu Zeta
welcomed incoming President
Linda Robinson and Congratu-
lates Immediate Past President
Janelle Williams on a job well
done!!!!
Omega Mu Zeta Chapter 2019-
2020 elected Presidents Trio,
left to right 1st Vice President
Dawn Spicer, President Linda
Robinson, 2nd Vice President
Maxine Robinson.
 Page 15

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Members of Chi Rho Zeta along with

Gamma Nu Zeta participated in
Heritage day in historical, Lawnside
New Jersey. We were able to share
information with some and talk to
friends we hadn’t seen in yes.

Rho Rho Zeta Chapter Serving Cumberland Counties

 PPZ attended the premiere of “Emanuel” Movie! A blue
and white family event with several Zeta and Sigma
chapters in South Jersey.

 On Saturday, May 5, 2019. Rho Rho Zeta held their 17th

Annual Scholarship Award Breakfast. Two young ladies were
selected to receive a $1,000.00 scholarship.
 On June 2, 2018, two new members to the Sisterhood.
Welcome Soror Jackson and Soror Green!
 Page 16

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

On June 1, 2019 Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter hosted its first

Community Baby Shower. Ten expectant Jersey City Moms were
invited to attend. To start the event, each of the expectant Moms
participated in a blessing ceremony facilitated by SZZ Soror
Christina Jacquez. Then each Mom and their guests played
traditional baby shower games to compete for prizes.

A presentation from a Doula was conducted as well as a discussion

on healthy delivery, supporting Mom though her labor, and helping
Mom and family adjust to life with a newborn. After lunch each
Mom received a Baby Shower Basket filled with a diaper caddy, dia-
pers, wipes, detergent, bottles, books, onesies, bibs, toys and other
items to ensure that Mom and baby were off to a great start. Each
Mom present was entered into a drawing for a chance to win a brand
new car seat. Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter was honored to celebrate these expectant Moms as they welcome the
newest addition to their families. We look forward to continuing this Community Service Initiative and ulti-
mately establishing a Storks Nest in Hudson County in the future.
 Page 17

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

On May 24, 2019 Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter supported a local

Jersey City Charitable Organization, Angela Cares, Inc. on its
8thAnnual Senior Prom. This was SZZ's second year participat-
ing in this event. Angela Cares, Inc. is dedicated to advocating
and meeting the needs for seniors and their caregivers to live
their lives to the fullest. The Senior Prom is an annual event
that celebrates Senior Citizens and is an opportunity for them to
have an evening of dinner, dancing, and fun. To add to the en-
tertainment of the evening SZZ
Sorors provided and raffled off
door prizes. This is a fantastic
community event for our
Seniors to dress up, dance and
feel special. Sigma Zeta Zeta was proud to be included amongst the
community partners helping to make this years event a success!

On June 9th Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter was pleased to host its First Scholar-
ship Awards Presentation Event. Traditionally,
SZZ Chapter makes Scholarship Awards presen-
tations at its Annual Finer Womanhood Ob-
servance. This year the Scholarship Committee
hosted “Cupcakes for College”, a separate dessert
reception to present Scholarship Awards to de-
serving graduating High School Students in Hud-
son County. SZZ was proud to award 5 $1,500
Scholarships this year.

During the event, one of the awardees Whitney

Young was named Archonette of the Year. Addi-
tionally, the Amicae of Jersey City also presented Archonette Young with a book
scholarship award as well. This years awardees will attend Howard University,
Rider University, Kean University and New Jersey City University. Sigma Zeta
Zeta is proud to make investments into their education and wish them all the best in academic endeavors.
 Page 18

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

BAPZ and Atlantic Region Sorors (NJ & NY) Chapters

supported some dynamic women for W.A.R.M's Mind,
Body & Spirit Day Retreat in Harlem, NY. The
Keynote Speaker was Collette Smith, NFL's 1st African
American Female Coach. It was a pleasure to be in the
presence of some dynamic women making it happen for
others through their crafts!

Beta Alpha Rho Zeta Chapter had the pleasure of

hosting it’s first Scholarship reception in honor of
3 deserving young women. The 2019 Scholarship
recipients were chosen as our top three among
many applicants from the Somerset Count schools.

BAPZ introduces the newest

member to the BAPZ family
Baby BAPZ
#pearlzinthewild
#nationalfishandwildlife #thefirst
 Page 19

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

BAPZ had a great day of bonding and learning during

their Being BAPZ Chapter Retreat. The retreat
committee would like to thank Soror Atkins-Little for
coaching them through 2 leadership and team building
activities, Soror Krysta Jones for a very insightful
fundraising webinar and each of the sorors for being
present, open and fully committed to building a
progressive chapter. The day included trivia and a
Chopped Cooking Challenge. It was a great day for
building onto our principle of Sisterhood.

BAPZ and friends completed a day of service with side

of fun in Franklin Township. The first stop was at
Franklin Food Bank of Somerset County. After a little
hard work of lifting, packing, moving and labeling, we
joined the community for food and fun at Franklin's
Food Truck Festival. #beingbapz #zhope #workers
 Page 20

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

As Rho Tau Zeta Chapter enters Zeta’s Centennial and their Platinum year, re-elected Basileus, Zinnia
Johnson, knew that reigniting the chapter and its leadership team would be paramount. With the support of
an Installation Ceremony Committee, chaired by Soror Lauren Nance with Sorors Stacey Chambers and
Alexus Vassell, the chapter executed a beautiful, memorable service by which to welcome their 2019-2021
Executive Board. Soror Salaine Atkins-Little, Basileus of Gamma Omicron Zeta, presided over the
ceremony. She bestowed powerful words of encouragement to the chapter with our Grand’s “One Zeta”
message at the forefront. Soror Johnson issued certificates of appreciation to the outgoing board officers and
committee chairs, and gifted a framed, customized print our National Poem for each new Officer, making
this sacred transition extra-special. We look forward to what’s next for Soror Johnson and these new officers
as they undertake her grand vision for the chapter’s next term of greatness.

PTZ Executive Board 2019-2021 pictured from l to r:

Marcia Smith*, Chaplain; Jazmine Smith, Third Anti-Basileus; Trinace Grant, Second Anti-Basileus; Camille Phillip,
First Anti-Basileus; Zinnia L. Johnson**, Basileus; Salaine Atkins-Little (GOZ), Officiant; Melanie Byrd**, Tamias;
LaToya Barker, Tamias Grammateus; Alexus Vassell, Anti-Grammateus; Stacey Lawson**, Grammateus; and Lauren
Francies-Nance*, Epistoleus (not pictured: Loryn Cauthen**, Phylacter)

Zeta Chapters may request PTZ’s Officers Installation Ceremony

Toolkit via email. It includes the digital version of the ceremony, a
planning guide, certificate verbiage, and more. E-mail us
at PTZpublicrelations@gmail.com.
 Page 21

Please email your questions to Soror Jorelle S. Green

at: njzphibprojectcoord@gmail.com.
 Dates to Remember
NJ State MIP Training September 7, 2019

Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference October 17 - 19, 2019

Founders’ Centennial Weekend January 15 - 18, 2020

Centennial Grand Boulé 2020 June 24 - 28, 2020

For all that you do in the name of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated