National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.-Epsilon Alpha Chapter, Celebrates Black History Month

The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., an educational sorority, was founded in Jersey City, NJ in 1923 by eight educators desiring to establish a sisterhood among teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession. It is currently organized under five regions, all lead by a Regional Director.  Its mission statement is “To Foster a Spirit of Sisterhood Among Teachers and to Promote the Highest Ideals of the Teaching Profession” and the Y. E. S. (Youth, Education, Service) program guides us in the work we perform. We provide workshops for teacher development and mentoring; parent workshops on the new trends in education and how to help children succeed with the Common Core Standards.  Also, youth in grades 9-12 are eligible to join the Xinos (girls) and Kudos (boys).

Located in the Eastern Region in Somerset, NJ, the Epsilon Alpha Chapter held its Annual Black History Program at Maxson Middle School in Plainfield, NJ on February 15, 2020.  This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Vote.”  The program took the audience on a journey, first giving tribute to the founder of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  Dr. Woodson dedicated his life to ensure that the contributions of African Americans to the landscape of America were recognized and celebrated.

Members of the organization, Regina Lynn Lowery, Ayesha Howard and Passion Moss-Hasan, shared with the audience the reason for the theme, giving the audience a mini history lesson on the timeline of the voting history, noting the struggles African Americans have endured to secure the right to vote. The presenters noted that 2020 marks 150 years since the black man secured the right to vote and 100 years for the black woman.

Two short videos were shown giving personal accounts of “Bloody Sunday,” the first from Rep. John Lewis and the second from Sheyann Webb, the youngest freedom fighter.  The first video showed Rep. John Lewis being interviewed as he stood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, 50 years later, giving a first hand, heart wrenching account of that Sunday. Sheyann Webb delivered a second moving account of that day.  Only eight years old at the time, she pleaded with her teacher, Mrs. Margaret Moore, to allow her to march.

The program continued when third grader, Saari Allen from Emerson Elementary, Plainfield, NJ, delivered a heartfelt rendition of the poem, “I Vote.” Kudos, Kevin Luck and Cyprianni Stewart, mesmerized the audience with “Spoken Word” accompanied by a precision choreographed dance.   Emerson Theatre Group performed a dramatic tribute to Alex Ailey.  Xinos Toni Wright sang, “I need Your Blessings,” a cappella. The Vessels of Praise of Shiloh Baptist Church performed a liturgical dance to the gospel classic, “I’ve Been Buked.” Other members of the Epsilon Alpha Xinos showcased their talents in a spectacularly choreographed Unity Step. The Xinos and Kudos of Epsilon Alpha Chapter are under the direction of Dr. Cassandra Holcomb and Tamiko Neal.

Sorority member, Carolyn Jones-Irving, engaged the audience in the importance of voting.  She disseminated voter registration forms for those needing to register or to take to family members and friends who may also require forms to register.

Audience members reflected on their first voting experiences.  Those who shared how they felt empowered upon pulling the lever for the first time and encouraged the audience to involve the youngsters as soon as possible by taking them along to the polls when voting.

To close the program, Eleanor Worrill, Chapter President, provided closing remarks by thanking attendees for their presence.  Special thanks were given to Principal Kevin Stansbury and the Maxson Middle School family for their efforts in strengthening our partnership.  Thanks were also provided to the Black History Month Committee, including Brenda Hackett and Deborah Celestand, Co-Chairpersons, along with Laura Davis, Ayesha Howard, and Regina Lynn-Lowery.  Additionally, President Worrill thanked Plainfield City Council members, Joylette  Mills-Ransome and Charles McRae for their support and sorority members for their continued dedication and commitment to improving humanity.