JANS – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter, celebrated its 85th year in existence on October 14, 2023. The chapter scheduled several events to recognize its charitable contributions to the Metro Jackson area which included community service initiatives, a historical marker unveiling, and other chapter membership-related activities. To culminate this special occasion, Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter, in collaboration with the R.O.S.E3 Foundation, hosted its 85th Chapter Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the elegant Westin Hotel in the downtown Jackson area. The theme, “Timeless Reflections of Service,” honored the rich legacy of serving the community using the foundation set by the charter members, and recognized the partnerships and accomplishments made since the chapter’s inception.
The celebration started with the unveiling of a historical marker at 723 Rose Street in Jackson, Mississippi. The process for the historical marker started under the 25th Alpha Delta Zeta President Latisha M. Skinner and completed under the 26th President E. Faye Peterson. Dr. LaVerne Gentry was the program guide for the morning. In attendance was past International President Valerie Hollinsworth Baker; International Secretary La’Kitha B. Hughes, who is also a member of the Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter; South Central Region Director Kenya L. Washington; and State Director Dr. Portia E. Ellis. Also in attendance were the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Sigma Chapter; City Councilman Kenneth Stokes (Ward 3); Senator Sollie B. Norwood (District 28); Representative Zakiya Summers (District 68); Charlotte Miller; Dr. Helen Denne, Director of Community Engagement at Jackson State University; along with chapter members, other Zetas chapters, family, and friends.
The 85th Chapter Anniversary Gala was outstanding. The program guide was Christiana Williams, Account Manager, Promotions Director, and WJMI 99.7 on-air personality. Alpha Delta Zeta chapter members attended, along with other members from other chapters around the state and members of Divine Nine. Special guests included Past International Grand President and Zeta National Educational Foundation President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker; Ginna Merritt Epps, International 1st Vice-President; Kenya L. Washington, South Central Region Director; Dr. Portia E. Ellis, Mississippi State Director; Sandrena Durr, Mississippi State Executive Board Chair; Vanessa R. Banks, Past State Director and Executive Board Chair; the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba. Dinner was served while the auction winners were announced.
Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter was chartered at 723 Rose Street in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 14, 1938. By becoming the first chapter of Zeta Phi Beta to be charted in the state, this action gave birth to establishing a state level for the sorority. Supported by a membership of over 200+ professional women with diverse backgrounds and skills, the chapter leads the way in orchestrating and implementing top-tier service initiatives and programs within the Metro Jackson area in partnership with undergraduate members of Zeta, its Youth, Amicae, and Zeta Male Network auxiliaries. Alpha Delta Zeta members are committed to providing Sisterhood, World-Wide Wellness, Extraordinary Service, and Legacy. For more information, visit www.adz-1938.org.
The R.O.S.E3 (Raising Opportunities for Service, Education, and Economic Empowerment) Foundation is the charitable arm of Alpha Delta Zeta established in 2021. It is a ground-up organization that has at its core a commitment to raising opportunities for families and communities to build economic and educational independence. The foundation plans, develops, and implements program services, in partnership with other organizations, to provide connected services for individuals and families through its volunteers.
(Photos: Jay D. Johnson)
