Soror Crystal Kuykendall to host new internet talk show

Soror Crystal Kuykendall --an educator, attorney, renowned speaker, and author of the national bestseller, "From Rage to Hope: Strategies for Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students" -- has a new internet talk show.

The show, Magnifying the Power of Merchants of Hope, airs every Friday at 7 p.m. (EST) on Voice America Internet radio. Crystal and her guests will share success strategies related to youth violence, social justice and education in an upbeat and entertaining forum. It will provide the understanding, information, motivation and passion needed to facilitate the personal growth and positive youth development.

Listen to the show by logging on at http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vshow.aspx?sid=1662

She is a current member of Xi Omega chapter in Washington, DC.

Source

Soror Tenae' Howard Crowned Second African-American Homecoming Queen at Appalachian State University

For the second time in history at Appalachian State University’s Homecoming Ceremony, an African-American Homecoming Queen was crowned. Soror Tenae’ A. Howard, a junior elementary education major, expressed excitement at the announcement and want to continue their tradition of success through the rest of the year. “It’s an honor to be picked to represent the campus,” said Howard on her win. “It didn’t matter what color I was or what anyone was. We all love App State and we all bleed black and gold.”

In addition to the sorority, Howard also serves as president of the National Panhellenic Council, the captain of the Marching Mountaineers color guard, is a member of the Council for Cultural Awareness (where she helps organize different parties and functions to bring multicultural activities for minorities), and Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).

“I think I’ve left my legacy in a big way,” Howard said. “It was more than just African Americans who voted. It shows the campus is moving in the right direction.”


Source

Soror Crystal Bright gives trial sermon

Crystal Bright, MD, a native of Swainsboro, North Carolina, recently had her trial sermon at Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, N.C. Her sermon was entitled “Ready or Not, Here I Come.” The text was taken from Matthew 13:24-30. Dr. Bright is a member of First Baptist Church in Stillmore, where she now serves on the usher board as a member and secretary.

She is certainly living up to the title given to her by her graduating class, “Most Likely to Succeed.” She participated in Dual Enrollment with East Georgia College while in high school and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2001. She earned several academic awards while in college. In 2006, she graduated with honors and earned her Doctorate of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennesee and specializes in general surgery.

Source

Soror Cherie Dawn Chandler publishes her first book

Soror Chandler's first book titled "I Am Beautiful" is being released in fall 2009. Follow her as she takes you on a journey to help women recognize their beauty inside and out. She provides lessons she learned from sorority sisters. The book also includes testimonies from women from different religions, ethnicities, and races as well as physical, mental, and emotional limitations. With the publishing of this book, Soror Chandler is on a quest to transform women around the world to be beautiful despite living in an ugly world. Proceeds of the book will go to the SWIM Network, C.L. Scholarship Foundation and i am beautiful organization.

For information, go to http://www.imbeautiful.org/ or contact her at cdchandler@imbeautiful.org.

Soror Camelia Valdes will be sworn in as the first Latina Passaic County, NJ Prosecutor

Soror Camelia M. Valdes, 37, a graduate of New Jersey’s prestigious Rutgers University Law School, will be sworn in on August 20, 2009 as the first Latina District Attorney of a county in the U.S.

Earlier this year, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine designated the Dominican born attorney as the Passaic County Prosecutor. She was confirmed by the NJ State Senate based on her professional merits and judicial career.

Soror Valdes, who presided over New Jersey’s Hispanic Lawyers Association, is part of the new generation of Dominican and Latino immigrants in the United States, who’ve reached relevant positions few ever imagined.

Source
Source 2

UPDATE:
For photos of the sworning in ceremony, visit Pi Xi Omega chapter's official website.

Soror Phylicia Rashad reaches weight loss goal

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ --Jenny Craig Inc., one of the nation's leading authorities on weight management, announced today that actress and current celebrity client and spokesperson Phylicia Rashad has reached her weight loss goal of 35 pounds in eight months.

Walking up three flights of stairs and not being able to catch her breath was Phylicia's moment of truth that made her decide to take action. Success was achieved with the help of her Jenny Craig consultant who worked with Phylicia's busy schedule to design a personalized comprehensive nutrition and activity plan that worked for her. Each week, Phylicia met with her consultant to personalize her program, based on 1,200 calories a day and 30-45 minutes of activity up to four times a week, including a variety of Floor-Barre exercises, light strength training and the use of a recumbent bike.

Now, 35 pounds lighter, Rashad claims, "the most rewarding thing about reaching my goal weight is that I feel so much lighter. There's just an overall sense of well-being. And there's the increased energy as well too. It's nice to have people say you look nice. Who knew losing weight could be so much fun?"

Jenny Craig Sr. Director of Branding and Advertising, Steve Bellach, added, "We are so proud of Phylicia's success. As the public saw her journey unfold on television, Phylicia remarked that the one part of the Jenny Craig program she didn't think she needed, a personal consultant, turned out to be the key to her 35-lb weight loss success. Phylicia exemplifies what is achievable and for that reason, she is truly inspirational."

Rashad will reveal her new figure in a commercial titled, "Uphill Battle", set to air nationally on August 29, 2009.

Source

New undergraduate chapter makes history

Tau Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Chester, PA on the campus of Widener University. This is the first undergraduate Chapter chartered in the North Atlantic Region since 2002 and the first member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on the campus. Fifteen talented and intelligent women were initiated and pledged allegiance for a lifetime. The sorors of Tau Delta Omega Chapter are the supervising chapter. Big things are expected from Tau Alpha as the 60th Undergraduate Chapter in the Notable North Atlantic Region where sorors Feel Good!

Soror Tiffany Black's production company produces stage play

Soror Tiffany Black, CEO and Founder of TIFFANY CLASSICS, will present a full stage production.

Performances will be given on Fridays AUG. 14th, 21st, 28th, and SEPT. 4th, 11th, and 18th at 8:00 p.m. All performances of I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT will be held at The Tre Stage located at 1523 N LaBrea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Founded in 2009, TIFFANY CLASSICS is a life-long dream of its founder, Tiffany Black. While the new production company is focusing solely on the success of I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT, there are several other works the company would like to produce within it’s first year of existence. It’s name originates from it’s founder, Tiffany Black, and her commitment to only producing classics.

I’M AN ACTOR, THEY DON’T GET IT is a comprehensive look into the growing career of a new actor. The show encompasses experiences from moving to Los Angeles, joining an acting class, getting headshots to examining the work ethic required to make it in a competitive industry, the auditioning process, exploring relationships, and even the fear of not reaching success. This is truly a show for every actor and even a show for anyone who wants to better understand the trial of an actor. This show is comedic, dramatic, and incredibly thoughtful. It’s definitely something you have never seen or heard before. A must see!!



For more information about Soror Black go to
http://www.myspace.com/tiffanyblackspeaking

Soror Sharon Bridges is running for National Bar Association Vice President

Soror Sharon Bridges is a Partner at Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes in Jackson, MS. She practices in the areas of product liability, medical malpractice, nursing home and commercial litigation representing national and local corporations. Attorney Bridges draws her litigation expertise from experiences as in-house counsel and a former plaintiff’s attorney. She served as Associate General Counsel for Tulane University Medical Center.

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Attorney Bridges received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, with Honors, from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana.

VOTE!!!

NBA Elections will be held from

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Campaign of Sharon Bridges for the Vice President of the National Bar Association

85th Annual Convention & Exhibits in San Diego, California

August 1, 2009 - August 8, 2009

She may be contacted at sbridges@brunini.com

For more information visit http://www.sharonbridges.net/

Soror Danielle Lee's Urban Science Adventures

Soror Danielle Lee is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University and is now completing her doctorate in Biology. You can follow her on her science and nature blog - Urban Science Adventures! (c) - http://urban-science.blogspot.com/ - that introduces inner-city kids to science and conservation.

Recently, she entered an online contest to become the official Blogger for Quark Expeditions - a polar eco-tourism company. They are looking for blogger to join an upcoming Expedition to the Antarctic! The person who gets the most votes gets to travel to Antarctica February 2010 with the company.

Right now I'm #9 out 350+ people! But my position can and has slipped. So, that is why am asking for my sorors support. With the support of my online sorors I can get in the lead and stay there. Plus, it would be so exciting to be the first Alpha Kappa Alpha woman to visit the South Pole (I assume). The Alpha Kappa Alpha Facebook Fan page has also posted a note in support. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=102785684667&ref=mf


Here’s how the competition works:

1) Visit the contest page - click here. http://tinyurl.com/DNLee-SouthPole
2) Click the vote for Soror Danielle tab under her picture.
3) You will be required to submit your email and register in order to vote. One vote per valid email. Voting ends September 30th! (If you have multiple email addresses, please consider voting from each account.)
4) Check your email and confirm registration..
5) Go back to the contest page (use the link in the email) and confirm your vote.
6) Please spread the word to friends, other sorors (Facebook, Twitter, email), and your blog readers. I also have a widget you could post in your blog's sidebar, if you're interested.

Deadline is September 30, 2009

Soror Raschanda L. Hall named as Business Wire's Global Media Relations Manager

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Raschanda L. Hall, has been promoted to the position of Global Media Relations Manager at Business Wire. Hall has been with Business Wire for more than nine years in various media relations positions.



In her new role, Hall will lead the largest, dedicated, worldwide media relations team in the wire industry, leveraging their relationships with external audiences and influencers. Hall's focus will be on strategies to further establish and expand Business Wire's media reach and advantage to both traditional and social media audiences.



"Raschanda exemplifies Business Wire's commitment to dedicating our best people and resources to media relations as a vital component to the services we provide on behalf of our members to the media in this quickly evolving communications environment." said Laura Sturaitis, Business Wire's SVP Media Services and Product Strategy. "Raschanda's experience and her long-time professional relationships with traditional and new media, as well as journalism organizations demonstrate her ability and vision to bring together the best of print, broadcast, online and social media for the benefit of both audiences we serve at Business Wire, our members and those who communicate our client's news to their viewers, listeners, readers, subscribers, friends, fans and followers, wherever they are and whatever language they speak."
Hall works closely with journalism organizations and has served on the boards of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the Black Public Relations Society of Chicago and The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) She has been a sought after speaker and panel moderator on topics such as media relations best practices and social media tools for communicators.



Prior to joining Business Wire, she worked as a Field Producer and Studio Crew Supervisor for Fox and WB affiliates in San Antonio, TX. Hall earned her BA in Mass Communications from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA.
You can follow Hall on Twitter: http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fraschandahall&esheet=6010745&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fraschandahall&index=3 and on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/raschandahall



About Business Wire
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is utilized by tens of thousands of member companies and organizations worldwide to functionally enhance and communicate investor relations and public relations content to target audiences. As a recognized disclosure service in the United States, Canada and a dozen European countries, Business Wire facilitates the simultaneous flow of market-moving press releases from corporations to financial markets and their audiences, including regulatory authorities, media, investors, financial information systems and consumer news services. Business Wire also handles XBRL tagging, document formatting and regulatory filing into EDGAR, SEDAR, FSA and other systems.
Communications professionals turn to Business Wire to optimize and issue press releases, photos and multimedia to news organizations, journalists, trade publications, search engines, and individuals, with full-text posting to web sites, online services and databases. A range of distribution options enables members to target by geography, industry, news theme and audience demographics.



Founded in 1961, Business Wire has dual headquarters in San Francisco and New York, with 30 bureaus in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Paris, Frankfurt, London, Brussels, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney and reciprocal offices throughout the world. Business Wire's patented NX data platform supports XML, XHTML and XBRL code that enhances news release interactivity, social media sharing and search engine optimization. More information about Business Wire and its services is located on its website at http://www.businesswire.com/.



Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businesswire.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmmg.cgi%3Feid%3D6010562%26lang%3Den&esheet=6010745&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businesswire.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmmg.cgi%3Feid%3D6010562%26lang%3Den&index=16

Soror Constance Pizarro pens article on DiversityInc.com

Soror Constance Pizarro recently shared her thoughts about her experience as an Alpha Kappa Alpha women on the online magazine DiversityInc.com. Click here to read the article.

Soror Townes Debuts Film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival

If any of you are in Los Angeles, Soror Kim Townes is screening her short film 'GAME MASTER' at the Hollywood Black Film Festival on Saturday, June 6 at 1pm at the Laemmle #3 Theatre, 9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA.

For more information visit - Click here or visit http://www.kimtownes.com/

What Makes A Great Backup Singer

In 2007, superstar singer was touring the country on her Beyonce Experience Tour. So what does this have to do with Alpha Kappa Alpha? Well, it came to my attention that one of her background singers is a soror with the Jersey City graduate chapter and in August of 2007, she did an interview with NPR about her life as a background singer. Click here to listen to the interview.

Source