Titessa D.

Smith, New Jersey State Director

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

The Zeta Call

December 2018
Volume , Issue

The Official Newsletter for The State of New Jersey

Inside this issue:

Greetings from the State Director
The State Director’ s Letter 2

H
Social Action 3 appy New Year! I pray that you all had an
Zeta Amicae 5 enjoyable holiday season with your fami-
NJ Leadership 7 lies. We have been very busy in the State of
New Jersey inducting new members, bringing Sorors
NJ Chapters Working 12
home, and reactivating Amicae Auxiliaries. I applaud
Support Sister Events 22
your efforts in supporting initiatives and chapter
Save the Dates 25 events. Thank you for the work that you all continue
to do to ensure that our state continues to shine.
State of New Jersey
Titessa D. Smith I look forward to seeing you all at our Founders’ Day
Address Celebration Service at the Campus of Macedonia
PO Box 748
Clementon, NJ 08021 Baptist Church in Neptune, NJ. I am excited about
attending my first National Executive Board Meeting as your State Director in the
Email Bahamas and sharing with you all that I have learned. It is truly and honor to serve as
NewJerseyStateDirector15
@GMail.com your State Director, and I am looking forward to what this year has in store for the
Phone Number State of New Jersey. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!
(609) 254-5067
Facebook
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
The State of New Jersey
Newsletter & Social
Media Coordinator
Soror Kiana Lawhorn
ZPhiBNJSocialMedia
@GMail.com

One Zeta: Unified, Mobilized, ZetariZed!

Page 2
 Page 3

NJ News - From the Desk of NJ’s Social Action Chair

For Immediate Release

New Jersey Women Galvanize for Third Annual
Women’s March on New Jersey

Trenton, NJ - December 2018 - Organizers are in the midst of planning for a third annual Women’s March on New Jersey, this year
in Trenton, its original home. The committee says the focus for the event is commemorating the importance of diversity, inclusion
and hope. Scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2019, in Trenton, NJ. the march kicks off at 11:00 a.m. at the State House Annex on
West State Street and wraps up on the steps of the War Memorial around 1:00 p.m.

In January 2017, massive worldwide protests demanded the protection of women’s rights as well as those of other vulnerable mem-
bers of the LGBT community, African Americans, Latinos, immigrants, low wage workers, religious communities, young people and
others directly affected by the policies of the new occupant of the White House.

As excitement builds for this year’s event, prominent women in New Jersey are making their voices heard about the mission, vision,
and the growing enthusiasm for what has become a must attend event for all who support women’s equality.

“We are excited to bring the 2019 Women’s March on NJ back to Trenton. This March is for ALL women. As we plan and prepare,
every effort is being made to ensure an inclusive, diverse event which will lift women up,” said Erin Chung, co-lead organizer and
Founder, Women for Progress.

Loretta Winters, co-lead organizer and President of the Gloucester County NAACP applauds the effort of Women’s March on
New Jersey in an issued statement, “”The New Jersey Women’s March is focused on closing the many social, employment and crim-
inal gender gaps and promoting values of equality, inclusivity, diversity and the significance of a quality and fair life for all. The
Fight for women’s right is as deep and as wide as the fight for civil rights, which goes hand-in-hand. This is the time of renewed
hope and determination", said Loretta Winters, long-serving president of the Gloucester County NAACP. “At a time in our nation’s
history when our country is deeply divided, it is refreshing to know that here in New Jersey we continue to bridge the divide. We
continue to march in solidarity as one state; one voice; one mission!"

Elizabeth Meyer, co-lead organizer and Founder, Women’s March on New Jersey, who has provided leadership for the past two
Women’s Marches on New Jersey was quick to add, "Our focus this year is strengthening our New Jersey sisterhood - creating path-
ways to understanding, removing barriers for voices that have long been silenced, recognizing histories, realizing commonalities, and
sharing our journeys. On January 19th, we build a powerful solidarity anchored in acceptance and diverse strengths. The only way
we progress is together, shoulder to shoulder. It starts with cultivating empathy and healing in our New Jersey communities."

Kim Gaddy, co-lead organizer and Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action added, "The New Jersey Wom-
en's March stands for uplifting our collective voices for Health and Environmental Equity for all families. We are the Mother's of the
Earth and we will fight for Clean Air to breathe and safe & affordable drinking water for our children.” Our youth voices need to
also be heard!

The Women's March on NJ is being planned by a coalition of organizations representing advocacy groups from across the Garden
State. The steering committee this year contains 50 members and continues to grow as they incorporate as many diverse voices into
the planning process as possible, from all races (the voices of black and brown women make up more than 75% of the core leader-
ship team), ethnicities, orientations, faiths (five faiths and counting), ages (from youth to 80s), and abilities. Committee members
represent issues ranging from the environment, voting rights, immigration, and gun control to Black Lives Matter, healthcare, sexual
assault, criminal justice reform, education, LGBTQ rights, and more. The coalition does not receive any financial or organizational
assistance from, nor is not affiliated with, the national Women's March, Inc.
Save the Date! January 19, 2019
Women's March on NJ 2019
Core Leadership Team
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, State of New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey
 Page 5

NJ News - Zeta Amicae

On December 9, 2018 Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter of Jersey City initiated 7 new members into the Zeta
Amicae of Jersey City. These new members represent the reactivation of SZZs Auxiliary Club original-
ly chartered in 2012. SZZ acknowledged the occasion with a Blue and White celebration. The New Jer-
sey State Director Titessa D. Smith, the NJ State Amicae Coordinators Shelly Freytas and Eunice S.
Lewis, Chapter Sorors, visiting Sorors and Amicae, family and friends all attended to congratulate and
welcome the new members to the Blue and White Family. We are pleased to announce that four of the
new Amicae are sisters of Sorors. We are so very proud to welcome all of these women as our
FRIENDS and are excited to work in unity with them as we promote the ideals of Scholarship, Service,
and Finer Womanhood in Jersey City.
 Page 6

NJ News - Zeta Amicae

Eta Omicron Zeta’s Plainfield Amicae are in the

holiday spirit! The Amicae participated in their annual

service project: December Angel Trees with The

Salvation Army. Their goal was to take on 20 Angels

on the tree. With each angel, there was a special

request from a child for Christmas gifts. The Amicae

were able to donate and get volunteers to donate the

items requested by each Child. They were able to

provide 20 children with their requested gifts for

Christmas! Very proud of our Amicae!

 Page 7

Karen R. Odom
NJ State Parliamentarian
Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter

Lynette N. Harris
NJ State Corresponding Secretary
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter

Titessa D. Smith
15th State Director
Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter

Stacy Simmons
NJ State Treasurer
Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter

Salaine Atkins-Little
NJ State Representative to the
Regional Elections Committee
Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter

Shavon Chambers
NJ Financial Secretary
Rho Tau Zeta Chapter

Tracey Arrington
NJ State Representative to the
Regional Nomination Committee
Sigma Zeta Zeta Chapter

Una Jenkins
NJ State Recording Secretary
Omega Mu Zeta Chapter
Page 8
Page 9
 Page 10

Alpha Alpha Chi Beta Alpha Rho Zeta Chi Rho Zeta Eta Omicron Zeta
Zeta Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
Chasity L. McDonald Kiana Lawhorn Cherie McCann-Williams Jamila Easton

Epsilon Xi Zeta Gamma Nu Zeta Gamma Omicron Omega Mu Zeta

Chapter Chapter Zeta Chapter Chapter
Rosita S. Henley0Purnell Lauwana C. Martin Salaine Atkins-Little Janelle Williams

is the demonstrated ability to

innovate, make decisions,
influence and motivate to
Omicron Omicron Rho Rho Zeta
achieve results.
Zeta Chapter Chapter
Irene Richardson Adrienne Goldsboro
 Page 11

Rho Tau Zeta Sigma Zeta Zeta Xi Tau Zeta

Chapter Chapter Chapter
Zinnia Johnson Andrea Todman Danielle Epps

Zeta Delta Zeta

Chapter
Geneva C. Moody
 Page 12

N.J. Chapters Working

Gamma Nu Zeta Welcomes
Fall 2018 Intake class
Tania Hall
Soror Hall has two beautiful children, Nia and KJ. She
is a Juvenile Court Liaison.

Jessyca Harper, MSW

She is a School Social Worker as well as a Volunteer
Firefighter for the Lawnside Fire Company.

Shardé Singleton
Soror Singleton is aTechnology Consultant based in New
York City. As well as a Programs Chair for the National
Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

Na'Sha (Shay) Smith

Soror Smith is a Habilitation Plan Coordinator, She is en-
gaged and preparing for her wedding next Summer. Soror
Smith is also the sister of our Madame State Director,
Titessa D. Smith.

➢ On November 17, Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter celebrated

National Prematurity Awareness day. The Sorors of GNZ
created a mock baby shower display at their Blue Extrava-
ganza Day Party and provided guests with facts and infor-
mation on the importance of prematurity awareness.

➢ Gamma Nu Zeta ZHOPE - Elder Care in December with

Pearlettes. We helped some of the residents make Christmas
cards, ate cookies and samples egg nog and apple cider. We
all had a great time!

➢ The work of Blue and White is never done. Gamma Nu

Zeta alongside Zeta Rho Sigma serving dinner to the
homeless on Thanksgiving day.
 Page 13

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Thanksgiving Day Dinner at
The Plainfield Senior Citizens Service Center
On Thanksgiving Day, the Electrifying Ladies of H.O.Z.
along with our Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Inc., our undergrad Sorors from Gamma Kappa, our
Plainfield Amicae, our Youth Affiliates: Archonettes,
Amicettes & Pearlettes and the Sigma Betas served
Thanksgiving Dinner to the Plainfield NJ Senior Citizens.
We love our Plainfield Seniors! Every year, we partici-
pate in this service event in the name of eldercare and to
make sure the Seniors of Plainfield, NJ have a nice home
cooked holiday meal to enjoy. What a joy it is to fellow-
shipped with the Seniors. This is a tradition we love to
partake in and we include our Blue and White Friends
and Family.

HOZ Welcomes New Members

On December 1, 2018 Eta Omicron Zeta welcomed fourteen new Sorors into Zetaland! Please help us welcome
our #Finer14! We are very excited to have our new Sorors in our chapter and are looking forward to them
working and performing service throughout Middlesex and Union Counties in New Jersey.
 Soror Amani Abdellah
 Soror Michelle Bailey-Brown
 Soror Stacey Battles
 Soror Janea Clark
 Soror Courtney Cottle
 Soror Jo Ann Gilmore
 Soror Latanya Johnson
 Soror Shakia Mervilus
 Soror Stefannie Nicholson
 Soror Gail Ponder
 Soror Ryisha Porter
 Soror Alina Stewart
 Soror Kaina Veillard
 Soror Kheesha Walls
 Page 14

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Women Veterans Rock!! And we are proud to say our Soror

LaShan Hayes Rocks!! Zeta’s International President, Valerie
Hollingsworth-Baker, Atlantic Regional Director Gina M. Mer-
ritt-Epps, NJ State Director Titessa Smith and the National Mil-
itary Attaché' traveled to Chestnut Hill College in
Philadelphia, PA to celebrate the Graduating Class of
the 2018 Women Veterans Civic Leadership Insti-
tute. The keynote speaker for this event was Interna-
tional President Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker.

Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter,

Archonettes of Irvington High
School 2018-2019 induction

Congratulations Ladies!!!
 Page 15

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

GOZ Thanksgiving Day Service

The ladies of Gamma Omicron Zeta Essex County chapter
started off our day of Thanks by providing service to the
Greater Newark community. We volunteered to feed the
homeless in partnership with The HUBB for their annual
Thanksgiving event in Lincoln Park, Newark NJ. Over 100
of those that are less fortunate were served with hot meals.

GOZ Hurricane Service Project

The southern east coast region was hit pretty hard by Hurri-
cane Florence and Michael with some areas experiencing
some massive flooding. The ladies of Gamma Omicron Zeta
Essex County chapter, in partnership with The Diaper Bank of North Carolina collected and donated a total of 50
items composed of feminine hygiene products and baby products. These items were donated to help women and
children that were experiencing being displaced by the storm or going through a temporary setback.

GOZ Engaged in Social Action

Since September 2018, the Gamma Omicron Zeta chapter social action committee has hit the ground running.
We began election season with partnering with the NAACP to provide voter registration for the greater New-
ark community. We also volunteered our time for several local elections, while also attending Get Out The
Vote Rallies. In December 2018, we volunteered and donated toys for 3 toy drives. Overall, the GOZ social
action committee has been working to accomplish the Zeta's Get In Engaged Objectives:

1. Drive individual and community engagement in the underlying issues that are destroying our com
munities and augment an understanding of the benefits and consequences of action or inaction.
2. Empower citizens through knowledge sharing and fostering collective responsibility among
community members.
3. Cultivate a culture of mutual respect in our communities.
 Page 16

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Gamma Omicron Zeta Stork’s Nest
What is the Stork’s Nest Program? One of the expectant
moms asked this question at her first educational session. She
came to the program because a friend told her about it and she
wanted to learn more about Stork’s Nest. This expectant
mom enjoyed her first session so much that she attended every
educational session and told her expectant friends about the
program.
Gamma Omicron Zeta’s Stork’s Nest program has provided
expectant moms in Essex County, New Jersey with prenatal
educational sessions on topics that included: You and your
pregnancy, Prenatal care, Eating healthy during pregnancy
and Stress during pregnancy. The sessions were presented by
members of Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter and Ingrid Bruce,
Assistant Director of Nursing for Labor and Delivery and the
Mother Baby Units at University Hospital in Newark, NJ.
During the interactive and engaging educational sessions ex-
pectant moms enjoyed nutritional smoothies, and learned how
to take care of their body and reduce stress during pregnancy.
At the completion of each session the moms were able to shop
for incentives in the Nest. The incentives included baby wipes, disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, blankets and
many more items that the expectant mom would need for her baby. One of the moms had this to say about the
incentives “ The different incentives that I received at Stork’s Nest is very helpful for me and my baby. I will use
these items for my baby and it has been a financial help to be able to get incentives from this wonderful program.
My baby and I are thankful for all the incentives. There is a large variety and great selection.”
The committee is proud to announce that two of the expectant moms in the program gave birth to healthy baby
boys. The Stork’s Nest program is located in East Orange, NJ in the Bessie Mae Women and Family Health Cen-
ter and the educational sessions take place monthly. I found each session to be very informative. Each presenter
gave their presentation in an easy to understand way.” - Stork’s Nest Mom

Our youth learned some valuable

lessons during their cooking
demonstration at their November Youth Meeting. The
Food Bank of South Jersey taught the Archonettes and
Amicettes about Tofu. They were able to cook, taste, try,
and understand how TOFU can be used in a stir fry in-
stead of meat. Our youth also gained knowledge in using,
cutting, cooking, and tasting fresh vegetables such as car-
rots, broccoli, celery, onion. As well as how to use ginger
root. The girls learned about plate balanced proportion-
ing when eating.
 Page 17

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Omicron Omicron Zeta chapter joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and
March of Dimes in “turning the world purple”. November is Prematurity
Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance
of the health of mothers and their babies. Omicron Omicron Zeta chapter
started the month at the home of Soror Priscilla Wims-Greene to prepare
over 200 informational neonatal bags for new mothers. We had an assem-
bly line - both ZETAS & Zeta Amicae of Gloucester County, NJ side by
side, SISTER/FAMILY.

On November 17 - World Prema-

turity Awareness Day OOZ Zetas
and Amicae took on the challenge
of our International Grand Basileus
and “Painted” our meeting rooms purple! “Purple Reigned” from the tables, to the walls, to the floors and even
the members. OOZ was covered in purple to demonstrate our support of women having healthy babies. We
were joined by Shannon Seibert Kappre, Gloucester County March of Dimes Representative.

On Prematurity Awareness Sunday, Zeta and

Amicae gathered in worship at Christ Care Unit
Missionary Baptist Church and Cathedral where
Bishop Robert F. Hargrove is Pastor. Sorors
Priscilla Wims-Greene, Yolanda Jenkins, Lynn
Taylor, Stephanie Hawkins and Makeesa John-
son along with, Amicae Annie Greene, and
Raemona O'Neal setup a display and distributed
literature and Prematurity Awareness fans!!
 Page 18

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

 In November, BAPZ kicked off the Holiday season with their annual
Thanksgiving Community Dinner service project. This year they
were able to provide over 170 plates of food to the community.
Supporting them in their efforts again this year was the Mayor of
North Plainfield Michael Giordano and some Council members.
 Between the Thanksgiving dinner and the Agape House Church in
North Plainfield, BAPZ was able to educate the community on the
perils of premature birth and death with our Prematurity Awareness
presentation. Sorors Lawhorn, Jackson, McDonald & Hampton all
left with the sermon's topic, "Purpose over Position" in their hearts.
 During the last meeting of the year for the National Pan Hellenic
Council of Central Jersey, BAPZ was surprised with two awards
(Chapter and Member of the Year). Soror Jackson and the chapter
was acknowledged for their hard work and embodiment of the Pan
Hellenic spirit of support for other organizations.
 BAPZ had the pleasure of preparing and donating our now signature
Blue Box Specials to several families for Christmas. They made
their first appearance at our Thanksgiving Community Dinner. Since
they were so well received, the chapter decided to create an event
just for them. With the help of The National Pan Hellenic Council of
Central Jersey, the staff of the Agape Church in North Plainfield, the
Salvation Army in Bound Brook, Feeding Hands Pantry in Somer-
ville and the Agape House Shelter in Somerville, BAPZ was able to
surprise 8 families throughout the county with Blue Box Christmas
Dinners.
 BAPZ joined the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and So-
rors of OMZ, HOZ and GOZ in bringing Christmas Joy to the city
of Plainfield. Every year the chapter donates food, toys and time to
the event.
 Page 19

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta’s Service

AAXZ Takes On World Prematurity Day!
On November 17th, AAXZ wore purple to their chapter
meeting in honor of World Prematurity Day as a symbol of hope for
a healthy start for more babies. They then spent the following Sun-
day spreading awareness about prematurity and their partnership
with the March of Dimes during their annual ZPAP event held at
Triumphant Life Church!
Service on Thanksgiving!
The ladies of Monmouth County started their Thanksgiving Day off
with the brothers of Monmouth County serving the residents of
Neptune at Mount Olivet SDA Church. They were thankful to put
smiles on the faces of all of whom they encountered!
Holiday Caroling at Monmouth Care Center
On Saturday, December 8th, the ladies of AAXZ brought laughter
and joy to the lives of residents at Monmouth Care Center in Long
Branch, NJ. The ladies sung holiday favorites, as residents and staff
made requests and chimed in. All were delighted and engaged in the
festivities. Residents were overjoyed to hear their childhood carols
and even more thankful to see AAXZ return another year to spread
holiday cheer!
 Page 20

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

Omega Mu Zeta Chapter is Every Woman!!

Over the past month, Omega Mu Zeta has had the opportunity to celebrate
others, celebrate one another, inspire our youth and be a helping hand to our
community. In support of Xi Tau Zeta in Atlantic City and our Regional
Director-Gina Merritt Epps we traveled to attend their holiday event and
recognize the appointment of our Regional Director. We had an amazing time
as we danced the afternoon away! We were also able to donate $500 to the
scholarship fund of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens as we worshipped
and recognized Prematurity Awareness Sunday. Moving through the month,
several chapter members were recognized for their work and achievements.
These include, Soror Tylene Williams for recently obtaining her Master of
Science in Nursing degree, Soror Temi Ajibade as an honoree for the Mid-
State Black Nurses Association where Soror Tjwana Dennis Jenkins was the
event chair and Basileus Janelle Williams who was honored as a Woman of
Distinction in Education by the Zakee Bowser Education Foundation. Many enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at the
movies with our youth affiliates with our youngest seeing ‘The Nutcracker’ and older ladies viewing ‘The Hate
U Give’. Last but certainly not least, we had the honor to be visited by our State Director, Titessa D. Smith at
our December chapter meeting. She is photographed with us as we display our Z-HOPE initiative ‘Red Hats for
Little Hearts’--hand-crafted hats by Omega Mu Zeta members and friends to be given to premature infants. We
are every woman and enjoy being a part of many endeavors and activities…all which uplift the name of Zeta!!
 Page 21

N.J. Chapters Working cont’d

From October - December 2018 Rho

Rho Zeta chapter served the
community of Bridgeton, NJ.
 Soror Dianna participated in Wrath’s Across America at
the Veterans Home on Dec 1 and at our adopted school
Quarter Mile Lane elementary Christmas store.

 Rho Rho Zeta Prematurity Awareness Presentation at

John Wesley Church.

 Rho Rho Zeta with the NJ State Police and Mayor of

Bridgeton Albert Kelly during food bank .

 Costume party winners with Rho Rho Zeta members.

 The Rho Rho Zeta Chapter held its very own costume
party to raise funds for our scholarship program.
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
 Epsilon Xi Zeta 1/26/19
Beta Alpha Rho Zeta 2/16/19
Rho Tau Zeta 2/23/19
Zeta Delta Zeta 3/2/19
Eta Omicron Zeta 3/9/19
Gamma Nu Zeta 3/16/19
Gamma Omicron Zeta 3/23/19
Omicron Omicron Zeta 4/6/19
Sigma Zeta Zeta 4/13/19
Chi Rho Zeta 4/13/19
Rho Rho Zeta 5/4/19
Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta 6/1/19
Omega Mu Zeta 6/8/19

Newsletter Submissions are due on the

15th of every month to
Soror Lawhorn at
ZPHIBNJSOCIALMEDIA@GMAIL.COM