Submitted by Phyllis E. Hill
On June 7, the Wilmington (DE) Alumnae Chapter (“WAC”) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated sponsored “Delta Night at the Hope Center.” The center, located in New Castle, DE., provides temporary shelter to homeless individuals and families.
In February, soror, The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with local politicians, visited the center. Soror Fudge was graciously and warmly welcomed by several members of WAC and other Delaware Delta alumnae chapter members. In recognition of her visit, and to kick off “Delta Night at the Hope Center,” Matthew “Matt” Meyers, New Castle County Executive, presented Glenda C. Brewington, president of WAC, a framed keepsake picture. Appearing in the picture, along with Soror Fudge, are the members of WAC, Dover Alumnae Chapter and Middletown (DE) Alumnae Chapter, who greeted Soror Fudge during her visit.
Activities for the June 7 event were divided into groups for adults and children. Adult activities included a “Mindfulness” experience, line dancing and a powerful message from our immediate past chapter chaplain, Rev. Dawn Christopher, titled “Keep Hope Alive!”. Music was rendered by the “Violet Voices,” a group comprised of sorors from different Delaware Delta chapters. The children enjoyed reading activities and each child received a book. Books were also left for the library at the center. The residents, including some children, played BINGO and the winners were awarded $20 Wawa gift cards. Throughout the evening, a total of 53 Wawa gift cards, valued at $10 each, were given out as “door prizes.” At the end of the evening, each child and adult received a “Treat Bag” filled with snacks.
There were 90 committee members and six co-chairs for this event. The co-chairs were Phyllis Hill, Pamela Loatman, Kanesha Brown, Lorin Dale-Pierce, Tequel Hager and Tracy Pearson. Dolls, Divas, and DEARS were equally reflected in the make-up of the co-
chairs. Each group was also well represented on committees and worked hard together to make this a very successful event.
Many of the residents at the Hope Center expressed gratitude for receiving a hot meal. The menu consisted of baked and fried chicken, chicken nuggets, green beans, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, rolls, iced tea, cake, cupcakes, brownies, and ice cream.
A disc jockey provided music throughout the event. We ended the event and evening by joining hands, forming a circle, and singing “I Need You to Survive,” by Hezekiah Walker. That was a very powerful moment!