HAPPY 41ST DELTAVERSARY TO ME AND MY LINE SISTERS OF PASADENA ALUMNI CHAPTER

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!

 

I am so happy to be celebrating my 41st DELTAVERSARY 

APRIL 18, 1983!

 

YAAAAY ME - SO PROUD TO BE DST!

AND YAAAY TO MY LINE SISTERS IN THE PASADENA ALUMNAE CHAPTER

 

 

 

Talk about a dream and a wish come true!  My being  part of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY was one of my fondest dreams - but one that I thought was out of my reach.

When I attended Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, it was just making its transition from an all male University to Co-ed - primarily because of financial considerations.

Needless to say, Black then there were no sororities on the campus -  of course there were the Fine Black Men of the Divine Nine:  OMEGA, KAPPA, ALPHA and SIGMA.  And three of my classmates: Carol Black, Sandra McGruder (deceased) and Maxine Stewart (deceased) commuted from Lincoln's Campus in Pennsylvania to Delaware State Campus to pledge DELTA and bring the chapter onto Lincoln's Campus.  And it was Chartered in 1969 - Two years after I had graduated.  

So  I was living under one  of those unfulfilled wishes that I thought I'd never realize.  

But GOD knew my heart's desire and put me on a community development panel with the then president of Pasadena's Alumnae Chapter.  I was an elected official at the time - Town Council Representative of Altadena, CA.  Just a week prior the the panel, one of my staff had taken a personal day.  She was my right hand staffer.  Imagine my surprise (and dismay) when she came back to work emblazoned in Pink and Green!  YIKES!  I remember being somewhat shocked - and expressed my surprise that she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.  When she told me she had pledged through graduate chapter - something I was not familiar with at the time, I immediately set out to find out whether there was a Graduate Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.  None in my circle knew.  But God had my back and set me right next to the President of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter.   After the panel had disbanded, I immediately let her know that I was interested in Pledging Graduate Chapter.   She indicated they were not having a line for some time, but would contact me when they had set a date.   

Two months later she called me for and interview!  I was totally over the moon!  My husband knew how much I loved the Sorors and painted our kitchen Red.  My daughters, who were 16 and 4 at the time, were fascinated.  My son, who was 11 was respectfully curious - it didn't hit him until he entered college the real significance of the Divine Nine.  

I CELEBRATE EVERY DAY THAT I'M A DELTA and Celebrate all the amazing things my Sorors accomplish on a regular basis.  I am, of course, proud of all those who are members of the Divine Nine, and our undying dedication to our chapters and our people. But as a member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter,  I am HAPPY TO BE DST! 

Love and Blessings to all my Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated 

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

STAY BLESSED

GDW EVENT ALERT: Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter to Bestow the Sadie TM Alexander Award on the Hon. Jannie M. Blackwell

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

Many may not be aware of it, but 2022 marks the 95th Anniversary year of the founding the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC.  The 500 Member chapter has dedicated their efforts to a year long celebration, during which they look to honor those who have done much to help others.  

In keeping with the tradition of May Week,  the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter bestows their highest honor, The Sadie T.M. Alexander Award, on an individual who consistently and continuously exemplifies her high standards of quality and dedication.  This year's honoree is none other than the Honorable Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, who has devoted more than 45 years in service to the people of Philadelphia - first as an educator, then as  City Council representative for the 3rd Councilmatic district of Philadelphia, where she served seven consecutive terms.  

During her tenure as a Council Member, Jannie Blackwell served as Chair of the Committee on Finance and Chair of the Education Committee. She was Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, and appointed to the Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, Committee on Disabled & Persons with Special Needs, Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Public Safety. 

She is proud of the legislation she introduced to divest from South Africa. Philadelphia played such an integral role in the ending of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, that he chose Philadelphia as his second stop on his first visit to the United States upon his release. Additionally, she served as a board member for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). 

Jannie L. Blackwell is co-founder and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and co-founder of Echoes of Africa. Their current agenda includes creating Africa Town in Southwest Philadelphia. Most recently she has assumed the role as 1st Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee and also, Chair of the United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color.

In addition to her leadership in the City Council, Ms. Blackwell also hosted an annual Christmas Party free of charge to families who were facing financial challenges. Held at the Convention Center, she would dispense gifts to all the children, provide free entertainment and a banquet to homeless and low income families. To date she is the only elected official to have done so - and kept up the tradition for more than 20 years.

 

The Hon. Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell 2022 Recipient of the Sadie T M Alexander Award

 

The ceremony, which takes place Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:30AM, is open to the public, and is sure to be an inspirational, enlightening and heartwarming. 

To register for the event, please click on the link below:

May Week, Open to public

  click here to register.
#STMA2022PACDST #MayWeek2022PACDST #PhillyDeltasat95

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bc-oJmLxRlqKcmF1gH9Lrw

 

2022 Sadie T. M. Alexander May Week Celebration

May 21 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first Black American to get a PhD in economics; and was the second Black woman to earn a PhD.  She was also a civil rights activist, and, more importantly, served as the First National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from 1919 to 1923.  She received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and became the first Black woman to practice law in Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Raymond Pace Alexander were a dynamic civil rights duo.  In 1946 she was appointed by President Harry Truman to the President's Committee on Civil Rights; served on the Board of the National Urban League for 25 years, and served for 16 years on the City of Philadelphia's Commission on Human Relations.  She paved the way for so many to come behind her, and continued to do so until she made her transition at the age of 91, leaving behind her a lifetime of legacy and inspiration.

In addition to Councilwoman Blackwell, the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter will also honor  three of Philadelphia’s unsung community heroes: Lynette Brown, Sandra Clark and The Twin Sister Docs for their commitment to the the community.  

As with the Hon. Sadie T.M. Alexander, these honorees have distinguished themselves in so many ways, setting the bar higher,  an redefining what means to truly be servants of the people.  

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gloria DULAN-Wilson 

 

 

 

 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TODAY IS - APRIL 18, 2020 IS MY 37TH DELTAVERSARY

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

HELLO ALL!

IT'S MY 37TH DELTAVERSARY - 

37 years ago, I pledged Graduate Chapter with 

the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter in Pasadena, CA

And I am totally happy!

I had wanted to be a Delta all my life

So - even in this era of COVID19 - I am celebrating

I want to let all my Sorors know how much I love and value each of you

and am proud to be part of the world's GREATEST SORORITY

DELTA SIGMA THETA INC. 

 

SO I'M CELEBRATING WITH SOME CELEBRATORY PICTURES

Wearing my favorite Elephant Bracelet, and hat with DST Logo Pin from 2013

THIS WAS TAKEN AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY AT MY EMERITUS CELEBRATION IN 2017

 

Posing IN California 2011

With Soror/Friend Brenda Kyser in Philadelphia at the Philly Alumnae 90th Anniversary

 

With Soror DOROTHY I. HEIGHT 

With  Congresswoman Soror Marcia L Fudge at the Congressional Black Caucus 2018 -Flanked by 2 local Sorors

With Omega/Brother/Friend The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson at Soror Susan Taylor's Birthday Ceremony

 

At the DNC in Philly 2016 after Hillary Clinton's Acceptance Speech - I got buried in Balloons

 With Soror/Friend Susan L. Taylor at the Rainbow Push Coalition in NYC 2019

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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)

 

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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.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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