Sigma’s local youth symposium held; national conference set
Locations: Rialto and Denver
PALMDALE, Calif.—Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Epsilon Chi Sigma Chapter of the Antelope Valley, along with several other alumnae chapters united under “One Vision, One Path and One Sisterhood,” hosted 14th Annual Sigma Youth Symposium. “It’s in the Bag, H3 It Is all About Me—Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, Healthy Generations” was the theme of the symposium.
Actress Camille Winbush was the official celebrity spokesperson for the event, which was held last month. The symposium provided workshops on helping young people cope with challenges related to improving their self-esteem and making positive choices. Workshops were held on the following topics: “How to Apply Effectively for Financial Aid,” “Teen Pregnancy Prevention” and “Childhood Obesity and Making Positive Decisions.” About 100 high school youth from the AV attended the symposium at Wilmer Carter High School in Rialto, along with youth from other schools.
During the symposium, the sorority received recognition from the office of the State Assembly and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The symposium raised awareness among the youth throughout the community. Chapter President La Tonya T. Nelson said Sigma Gamma Rho shares a commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people and as a result of raising awareness there is hope that “we all will see an increase in positive choices and a decrease in negative choices among our youth across the nation.”
Nationally, members and affiliates of the 88-year-old collegiate service-oriented sorority, which was organized in 1922 by seven school teachers on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., will convene its 59th Western Regional Conference in Denver, Colo., Friday through Sunday. The theme for the conference is “Relationship Ownership Execution: It Starts with Us.” All events will be at the Double Tree Hotel.
The host chapters of the three-day conference are Beta Rho Sigma and Theta Zeta Sigma. Portions of downtown Denver will be draped in the sorority’s royal blue and gold colors, reflecting the image of the setting sun on the snowy mountains. Joann Loveless is international president of the sorority.
Special presentations and contributions to selected charities will be held during a public meeting on Friday, from 7:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Events include the plenary sessions and workshops in the areas of leadership, finance and brain trusts.
Other activities include pageants, luncheons, banquets and awards ceremonies, which acknowledge the accomplishments and achievements of the membership.
The sorority’s website is sgrho1922.org.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the Sigma Public Education and Research (SPEAR) Foundation are teaming up to provide new shoes for disadvantaged children across the nation as the youths head back to school.
The goal of the national drive, “Soles for Little Souls,” is to collect at least 100,000 pairs of shoes and distribute them to children in every community where Sigma Gamma Rho chapters exist.
Distribution will take place nationwide on Saturday, Aug. 13.
LANCASTER, Calif.—The Antelope Valley is swarming with talented women, from those in education to those in power positions like the president of Greek letter organization, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Antelope Valley chapter.
LaTonya T. Nelson, born and raised in Los Angeles, has been with the organization since 1988, when she joined while attending California State University, Long Beach. Attracted to the organization’s commitment to community, social awareness and sisterhood, Nelson had to be part of the movement.
The S.T.A.R. Foundation (Success Thrives Around Respect) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a sense of self-respect within girls and young adults through mentoring, educating and promoting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, which incorporates HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) prevention.
The past few weeks in California have been interesting with the controversy surrounding Proposition 8 and the 14th Amendment. Opening the window for same-sex marriage has been delayed while pro-traditional marriage activists and voters have entered the appeal process of Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision. Where the tide will turn next is up to the courts. In the meantime, it has been an interesting debate as a matter of fact, as we reflect on the words of our experts from last week.
