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9.13.2023

GDW EVENT ALERT: ROASA's 10th Annual Leading Within Conference September 16, 2023

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!

Many of us have heard the word and concept of "Synchronicity" but haven't had any real experience with it. Well synchronicity happened to me with my even knowing it when, four years ago, I met Sharon Parker, a dynamic lady at the National Congress of Black Women's Convention in Washington DC. Of course, I was not aware of the synergy between us until recently when she called me to ask if I would write about her upcoming event: ROASA’s 10^th Annual Conference, which takes place this week end, September 16, 2023 in Maryland.

"This is a very significant year for me as it corresponds to my "Civil Right's Baby" journey. Most of you know about my Civil Rights Baby's story, written in my book True Synergy Works - Leading Within...Seven Defining Principles Knowing Self to Birth Greatness and I'm so happy to continue to celebrate my story, especially since this year marks the 60^th Anniversary on the March On Washington."

Per Sharon: "WE HERE AT ROASA, INC., CONTINUE TO ADDRESS CAUSES IMPACTING DISADVANTAGED INDIVIDUALS, BUT WE ARE ALSO CELEBRATING THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS SO MANY HAVE MADE TO MAKE THE WORLD A LITTLE BETTER! I would love for you to mark your calendar and attend ROASA’s 10^th Annual Conference."

According to Sharon, "Again, 'The Big Ask' is that you support me this significant year at ROASA’s 10^th Annual Leading Within Conference. I truly believe my team and I have been consistent and committed our time in keeping the spotlight on productive and positive trailblazers from around the world., in hopes that our next generation follow in their footsteps."

How awesome would it be if we were able to empower our youth and our peers to follow in the footsteps of our many illustrious ancestors! Other cultures do it! Other cultures have celebrated the exploits and successes of their predecessors down through the ages - and while we know about such individuals as Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth, etc.; we also have our own s/heroes: Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, John Lewis, Dick Gregory, and legions more. Our leaders and inspirational individuals are not a one size fits all formulation. They are entertainers, political figures, ministers, every day men and women, who still have nascent in them their residual African spirit of love and courage.

It would be absolutely amazing if our youth, as well as our contemporaries, began to display the courage, resilience, and dedication these, and so many others - past and present - have displayed in our behalf.

And what better time to do that than right now, right here, right when we need them more than ever - to don that inner spirit that led them to take action in our behalf, when we were under threat, besieged by racism, segregation, assaults, mis-education, voter suppression, and become the salvation we are looking for.

Per Sharon, YOU are the Targeted Audience: Professional men and women in all industries, inspiring professionals (especially the next generation), college students, high school students, and the general public. It would be awesome if each and every one of the professionals attending this event would make it their mission to bring at least one youth (ages 12 to 23) with them so they can also be part of this powerful event. In much the same way our parents used to take us to church, the embodiment of those who came before us can begin to inspire them as they develop and grow into adults.

I also highly recommend that you make, sure when you attend the Conference this Saturday, September 16, 2023, that you bring the old fashioned implements of a pen and a note pad so you can take notes, and make comments from the most organic level. Yes, we have all the modern technology - but magic still happens when you physically engage in writing down something that hit your spirit. It has a way of searing it into your psyche - your subconscious mind - and popping back to the forefront just at the time that you need it most.

Speaking of the spirit of synchronicity that I referred to earlier, how amazing is it that the keynote speaker for this event is a very good friend and associate of mine, Dr. Stephanie Myers, who is not only an entrepreneur, but the founder of Black Women for Positive Change - an organization that I also belong to, that is in the forefront of working to bring about peace through activism in our communities.

Keynote Speaker: Stephanie Meyers - Black Women For Positive Change

She has for the past 12 years, claimed October as the Month of Non-violence, has garnered activities, speakers, and a host of others to make each day in October an activity centered around peaceful solutions, community building and other pro-active productive programs promoting positive solutions. No doubt there will be many opportunities to coordinate with her during this week-end conference. And, having interacted with her over the years, I can personally say prepare to be inspired.

If you are finding about this event for the first time, let me give you a quick recap:
What: ROASA’s Destination Celebration 10th Annual Leading Within Conference

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 9100 Basil Court, Largo Maryland 20774

When: Saturday, September 16, 2023 (10am – 5pm)

Host: Sharon Parker, President of ROASA, Inc.

VIP Sponsor: Lynn Davis Simpson, Travel Agent for Travel4U

Theme: Your Next Legacy Destination...Level Up M.O.R.E. (MORE stands for Making Opportunity Reachable for Everyone)

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Stephanie E. Meyers, PhD, R.J. Myers Publishing Consulting Co., Author, Speaker

Register via ROASA’s Square account: https://checkout.square.site/buy/VCDOMOGQCXP3IGQ4R5DTCGL2

Or contact:

Sharon Parker aka Sharon Lee (Civil Rights Baby)

President of ROASA, Inc.

202-365-8277

sharon@themakingofu.com

ccparker123@aol.com

http://www.roasalives.org

ROASA’s 10^th Annual Conference takes place Saturday, September 16, 2023 in Maryland.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

10.20.2022

GDW EVENT ALERT: BLACK WOMEN FOR POSITIVE CHANGE CELEBRATES OCTOBER AS A MONTH OF PEACE

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

1.13.2020

HAPPY 107 DELTAVERSARY TO MY DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORS EVERYWHERE

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Today in January 13, 2020, the 107th Anniversary of the Founding of

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

I am so grateful that 107 years ago 22 beautiful, intelligent, conscientious, dedicated Black women came together in Washington, DC to form a sorority dedicated to social services and the upliftment of Black people. On January 13, 1913 DELTA SIGMA SORORITY was officially formed on the campus of Howard University. And here we are 107 years later continuing the legacy of a Sisterhood Called to Serve. It's in our very DNA, because it was in their DNA, and we continue to attract the brightest and the best who are also devoted to the betterment of our people.

Delta Sigma Theta participated in the first women's march on March 3, 1913, when they joined in the Suffragette's March for women's right to vote in Washington, DC. The first time Black and white women worked together - something that didn't happen again for decades.

I am so grateful to be a member of such a Sorority that has wonderful luminaries, including:

Ruby Dee, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeon Bethune, Dorothy Irene Height, Dr. E. Faye Williams, Mara Brock Akil, April Ryan, Kim Coles, Aretha Franklin, Betty Shabazz, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Cicely Tyson, Roberta Flack, T'keya Crystal Keymah, Joyce Dinkins (First Lady of NYC, wife of Mayor David Dinkins), Patricia Roberts Harris, Elizabeth Catlett, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Alexis Herman, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, Mary Church Terrell, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Tina Allen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Nancy Wilson, Angela Bassett, Nikki Giovanni, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, NY Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, Phylicia Fant, Cherise Lillie, Camille Cosby, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Johnetta Cole, Keisha Lance-Bottoms (Mayor of Atlanta), Susan Taylor, A. Shaunise Washington, among so many, many, many others. The list is monumental, ever expanding, and as we continue to grow and expand, it will do so as well.

On April 18, 1983, I Pledged Delta Sigma Theta, and fulfilled a lifelong dream. Growing up in Oklahoma City, OK, almost all my teachers and positive influencers from Kindergarten through High School through college were Deltas. And I absolutely admired them, even though, at that time, I was not even aware of the Sorority itself, I was aware of the wonderful qualities they displayed. They have inspired me throughout my life, through challenges and victories. And when I discover that someone I admire is also a Soror, it basically comes as no surprise - because they almost always epitomize the qualities and standards we aspire to that were codified by our illustrious beautiful Founders.

We have accomplished much and have so much more to do - as we continue to carry forward the vision of our wonderful founders.

So I want to wish to all my Sorors

HAPPY 107th DELTAVERSARY

I AM SO HAPPY TO BE DST
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson '83

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10.30.2019

Guest Article: Philly Gets New Voting Machines to be used in November 2019 Election

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I had an opportunity to see the new voting machines first hand when they were demonstrated for the Sorors of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The touch screen is easy to use, but I had some concerns about the paper ballot - in terms of whether or not it truly provided privacy and accuracy. I was assured by the trainers that everything was totally secured. It is totally high tech. They are trying to avert a repeat of what happened in 2016 when Russians hacked polling machines and changed votes to give T-rump a bogus victory.

I teasingly asked if we would still be receiving our "I VOTED" STICKERS, and was assured they would definitely be handed out as usual.

Philly Gets First New Voting Machines in Nearly 20 Years, Will Be Used in November

The machines have large touchscreens that are accompanied by a paper ballot inserted into the machine by a voter. The new technology was chosen to increase security and maintain a familiar look for city voters.

By Brian X. McCrone and Lauren Mayk

Published Apr 30, 2019 at 3:56 PM | Updated at 7:05 PM EDT on Apr 30, 2019

The first new voting machines in Philadelphia since 2002 will begin counting votes in the November election. City Commissioner Lisa Deeley gave NBC10 an exclusive first look at the features of the new machines. (Originally Published Tuesday, April 30, 2019)

  

What to Know

The
 first voting machines arrived on Monday. Eventually, 3,800 new machines
 will replace the old ones, starting with the November election.

They
 have large, computerized touchscreens on which voters tap their 
choices, and also include a paper slip that records each ballot cast.

The Commissioners' office is forging ahead with the machines despite criticism and concerns over transparency and security.

Philadelphia's first new voting machines in nearly 20 years arrived Monday following months of debate over their security, accessibility and the process by which they were chosen.

New machines were required of all counties by Pennsylvania ahead of the presidential election next year. Russian meddling in the 2016 election and ongoing concerns over voters' rights put a keen focus on the selection process by the three City Commissioners in recent months.

Eighty-three of an eventual 3,800 new machines, manufactured by Nebraska-based ES&S, are being tested at the City Commissioners' offices, with some of them expected to be shown to the public by the summer.

All told, replacing the old voting machines could cost up to $60 million. The new versions are the first for Philadelphia since 2002. Prior to that, the city used the same machines for more than 30 years.

Philadelphia's new voting machines, the Nebraska-based ES&S ExpressVote XL, will be used in the November 2019 municipal election. The new machines will replace old machines in use since 2002.
Photo credit: NBC10

City Commissioner Lisa Deeley, who gave NBC10 a first look Tuesday at how the new large, touchscreen machines work, said the city's 8,500 poll workers will be trained in the summer. The machines will be used for the first time in the November general municipal election.

Deeley's demonstration was the first for the ES&S ExpressVote XL machines since the City Commissioners, who oversee elections, chose the company in February following a bid process.

Critics have accused the Commissioners of lacking transparency and claim the touchscreen, paper-audit machines are not as secure from hacking as another certified option that requires voters to fill out a handwritten ballot, which is then scanned into a voting machine.

"I believe this is the best system for Philadelphia voters," Deeley said as she cast some demo ballots through one of the machines. "These ensure everyone can vote on the same system. And it provides a full-face ballot screen, which Philadelphians are accustomed to."

Deeley, who is running for her elected Commissioner position against 12 other Democrats in the May 21 primary, said both accessibility and familiarity were key components in choosing ES&S's touchscreen machine.

In addition to a computerized touchscreen, the machine requires each voter to insert a paper slip into the right side before casting their vote.

Once a voter chooses his or her candidates and ballot question answers on the touchscreen, they are then prompted to cast their ballot. The machine then prints out their selections on the paper slip for the voter to make a final check.

Philadelphia's new voting machines come with a paper ballot that records each voter's choices, and is stored inside the machine for auditing purposes.
Photo credit: NBC10

If the paper ballot is correct, the voter officially casts the ballot. The machine registers the voters electronic responses and deposits the paper ballot into a locked container inside.

Those paper ballots can be audited in ballot challenges.

The timing of the selection of the ES&S machines has raised concerns among some members of the public. Deeley and another City Commissioner running for re-election, Republican Al Schmidt, chose the company — which also has its voting machines in use in Delaware and New Jersey — at a Feb. 20 meeting. The next day, they recused themselves from further deliberation over the procurement of the machines.

State law requires elected Commissioners who are campaigning for office from being involved in decision-making related to an upcoming election.

The third commissioner, Anthony Clark, is not running for re-election. Clark is presiding over ongoing Commissioner meetings along with two Philadelphia judges who were chosen by the city's president judge as replacements for Deeley and Schmidt.

Despite ongoing protests from some members of the public, as well as City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart, Deeley said the new ES&S ExpressVote XL machines will be utilized in the November elections — and future elections.

The old machines will be decommissioned following the May primary.

On April 1, Rhynhart subpoenaed records from the Commissioners' offices related to the selection process. As of Tuesday, the subpoena remains in contention between attorneys with the city Law Department and the Controller's office, according to an official familiar with the litigation.

Rhynhart indicated in a statement she will continue to investigate the process that led to the selection of ES&S ExpressVote XL machines.

"The delivery of these 83 machines before a contract has been signed or funding approved by City Council shows just how broken this process has been, every step of the way," she said. "I’m deeply concerned about the legality of this process, and as City Controller, I will not release $1 of payment while these questions go unanswered."

According to the trainers, they have been providing training in churches, community centers, schools and other areas. "The idea is to make sure that all Philadelphians understand that we are doing our best to ensure their votes are counted."

If you need training or information on these machines, polling places, or anything else, be sure to contact the Philadelphia Board of Elections 215.686.3460 or The Committee of Seventy 215.557.3600.

There should be no reason for you not turning out in record numbers to vote on November 5. It's your right and responsibility.