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The Newsletter for the State of New Jersey

Soror Mary B. Wright,

April 2015

Volume 5, Issue 4

International President
Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq.,

Atlantic Regional Director

Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.,

New Jersey State Director

Building on the Principles of Zeta
While Blazing New Paths!

Inside this issue:

Z-Lessons

Expulsion Policy

New Members

Zeta Youth Corner

NJ Chapters

The Spotlight

13

Recognizing Our Own

15

Dates to Remember

16

S t a t e o f N ew J e r s ey

Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.

New Jersey State Director
325 East Jimmie Leeds Road
Suite 7 PMB 144
Galloway, NJ 08205
Phone: (609) 748-1470
Website: www.zphibnj.org
E-mail: NJStateDir@aol.com
www.facebook.com/zphibnj

Message from the State Director

Forsaking Our Future: the Impact of
Hazing and MIP Violations
It is always a joy to see Brother State Director Nigel Coelho I am proud to
stand with him as we serve Blue Jersey and we both consider it a privilege. However, at a recent event we discussed one of our most trying tasks
the investigation of violations of our organizations membership intake
processes.
There have been many constants in my five years as State Director, with
one being the investigation of at least two MIP violations every year followed by the imposition of significant penalties by the college/university
and/or the Sorority. With many Sorors and chapters currently under disciplinary action, it is imperative that we review our processes.
As Ive said on many occasions, I cannot control individual behavior, but I
will do everything in my power to protect our organization by educating
and reminding everyone that Finer Women Do Not Haze and that to be Finer, you must obey all of Zetas rules, including those that govern the intake
of new members.
Take the quiz on the Z-Lessons page (page 2 and 3) to remind yourself of
the law and rules. Please remember that you and your chapter are subject to
discipline for any activity that falls outside of Zetas process.
I look forward to certifying your new members at the State meeting. All are
welcome to sit in for a refresher and I am available at any time to answer
questions. Be sure to review your MIP manual and go to http://
www.zphib1920.org/finerwomendonthaze/ for more information!
Thanks to all that attended the events for Zeta Delta Zeta, Eta Omicron
Zeta, Gamma Nu Zeta and Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapters! Be sure to support Chi Rho Zeta, Sigma Zeta Zeta and Xi Tau Zeta in April. See you at
the State Executive Board Meeting/Day of Training!

Z-Lessons
Monthly Embellishment & Training for
the Sorors of New Jersey

April 2015

Building on the Principles of Zeta

While Blazing New Paths!

Soror Mary B. Wright, International President

Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq., Atlantic Regional Director
Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., New Jersey State Director

Finer Women Dont Haze

In addition to the imposition of sanctions under Zetas rules, participation in hazing activities is also a crime. 44
states have anti-hazing laws and other criminal statutes are applicable to certain behaviors. Under NJ law, a person
is guilty of hazing, a disorderly persons offense, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a
student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates or engages in any
conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF ZETAS RULESANSWERS ON PAGE 4

1. Multiple choice: The 7 steps of Zetas intake process are:
A. Observation; Membership/Invitation Program; Selection/Interview; Membership Intake; Instruction/
Orientation/Education; Embellishment
B. Interest Meeting; Community Service Activities; Fundraisers; Interviews; Selection; Induction; New Member Presentation
C. Informational Interest Meeting; Formal Observation; Interview; Formal Invitation for Membership Intake;
Introduction Meeting; Course of Study; and The Induction Ceremony and Presentation to the Community
D. 90 day observation; Informational Interest meeting; Invitation to Membership; Interview; Ritual 1; History
Sessions; New Member Presentation

2. Fill in the blanks: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority defines hazing as any action or activity which:
A. brings about _______, _________, ________ or ________ harm to the potential member or is
humiliating in its intent;
B. is _______, abusive, physically ________ or dangerous;
C. materially disrupts an individuals ________, professional and ________ endeavors;
D. _________ a persons moral, ___________, or dietary beliefs;
E. compels an individual to break the rules and regulations of her _________ or _________, Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Incorporated or other ______; or
F. is defined as hazing under applicable _____.

Did you know if your MIP training was conducted

before 2013 you are NOT up to date with your training?

Volume 5, Issue 4

3. Multiple choice: There are different types of hazing, including:

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

subtle hazing
mental
physical or violent
cyber-bullying
generational
alcohol and drug hazing
safe hazing
all of the above
a, b, c, d, e,& f

4. True or False: The following actions could subject a member of Zeta to expulsion:
A.
B.
C.
D.

theft (identity or otherwise)

destruction of property of the organization
conduct that conspicuously discredits the organization
public dissemination of Zeta confidential information

Page 3

The Zeta Call

Page 4

Quiz Answers:
Answer to # 1: C
Answers to # 2:
a. physical, mental, emotional, psychological
b. vulgar; exhausting
c. academic; personal
d. Abridges; religious
e. college; university; entities
f. laws

Answer to # 3: I
Answer to # 4: True. Zetas Expulsion Policy is below.

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 5

NJ Expanding Chapters

PSI PI CHAPTER
Afua Asante
Nneka Okereke

CHI ALPHA CHAPTER

Naomi Lockett
OMICRON EPSILON
Queneisha Jones
(seated below)

UPSILON TAU CHAPTER

Shanik Gilmore
Wednesday Johnson
Keturah Latimer
Darielle Terry
Charnessa White

ETA OMICRON ZETA CHAPTER

Daria McCall
Lytanda Zellner
Tracey Duncan
Nelta Paul
Ebony Williams
THETA SIGMA CHAPTER
Nisha St. Louis
KAPPA UPSILON CHAPTER
Aaliyah Tyson

Zeta Call

Page 6

Zealous-Engaged-Talented-Awesome Youth Corner

On February 21, 2015, the Epsilon Xi Zeta youth auxiliary participated in a
black history program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Trenton
Alumnae Chapter. The theme of the program was The Harlem Renaissance
with all performances geared toward that era. The youth performed a piece titled I Am Zora,
which paid homage to an award ceremony in which Soror Zora Neale Hurston was a big winner, and also gave a monologue summarizing the life of Soror Hurston. The Sigma Beta Club
of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Lambda Lambda Sigma Chapter assisted with the production by acting as audience members of the award ceremony. The members of Epsilon Xi Zeta
are very proud of the outstanding performance of these Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes.

Writers Workshop
On Saturday, February 14th, Allison Strong, a professional technical writer conducted a writers workshop for the Archonettes
and the older Amicettes of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter. Ms.
Strong offered tips on writing a five paragraph essay which included: defining your thesis statement, topic sentence and conclusion. After providing the girls with tips and examples of good
writing, she challenged the girls to write an essay on Three
Things that Make You Special. This provided Ms. Strong an opportunity to critique the individual girls writing style.

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 7

Zealous-Engaged-Talented-Awesome Youth Corner contd

Gamma Nu Zeta Youth attended Camden City

African American History Celebration on February 27, 2015 at The Adventure Aquarium. The
Youth had the opportunity to speak with Camden
City Mayor, Dana Redd and meet members of
the Tuskegee Airmen.

Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter would like to Congratulate Archonette,

Morgen Backus for participating in the Selma Essay Contest!!

Zeta Call

Page 8

Zealous-Engaged-Talented-Awesome Youth Corner contd

On March 7, 2015, the Archonettes attended a PreCollege Conference At the University of the Science and
Technology Center. The youth Participated in Financial
Aid and Financial planning Workshop

On March 10, 2015 The Youth attended The Center for

American Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Womens
Political Leadership with NPR, Michel Martin at Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapter

would also like to congratulate Pearlette Jaya Doggett
and Amicette Kyra Milligan
on each being named Student
of the Month at the Village
Charter School in Trenton,
New Jersey. Were proud of
the accomplishments of our
young ladies!!!

Good Luck to the Youth

that are participating in
New Jersey State Youth
Essay/Poster Contest 2015
STEM Science,
Technology, Engineering,
and Math
Poster Board Competition
Pearlettes, Amicettes &
Archonettes

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 9

NJ Chapters at Work

Saturday, January 31st, 2015, the lovely ladies of Epsilon Xi Zeta

Chapter hosted its Annual Scholarship Z-HOPE Luncheon, at the
Westin Forrestal Village, in Princeton, New Jersey. Epsilon Xi
Zeta also celebrates its 60th anniversary and honors the legacy of
the 5 Pearls, who founded and established Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on the grounds of Howard University, in Washington, D.C. back in 1920. The chapter is proud to share 95 years
of Service, continued Scholarship, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. Honorees honored at the luncheon were Ms. Retha Snow,
Woman of the Year, Mrs. Jessie Tossie, Humanitarian of the
Year, and Mr. Jerell Blakeley and Mrs. KaNeda Bullock, Leadership Awards.

On Monday, January 19th, Zetas and Amicae of Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter conducted a Global Day of Service passing
out the NAACP brochure The 411 on the 5-0 to all the attendees at the DOT Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Program
in Turnersville. Each year the Amicae of Gloucester County
sponsor four children to the breakfast program.

On Monday, January 19th, OOZ Chapter and the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Zeta Rho Sigma chapter conducted a MLK Day of Service at the Food Bank of South
Jersey in Pennsauken.
L-r: Amica Terisa Miller, Soror Priscilla Wims-Green,
Soror Regina Andrews-Collette, Soror JoAnn Miller and
Soror Cynthia Solomon at the Food Bank. The local TV
station interviewed Soror Priscilla Wims-Greene about
the important of this day of service.

Zeta Call

Page 10

NJ Chapters at Work- Contd

On March 2nd, several members of Chi Rho Zeta participated

in the International Sorority Badge Day. The hashtag was
shared on twitter and Facebook (#badgeday15) to show how
"We wear our letters on our hearts".

The ladies of Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter wore Blue to bring

awareness to Colon Cancer on Dress In Blue Day, Friday,
March 6th. March is National #ColonCancerAwareness
Month; please follow us on Social Media for information
regarding this disease. Follow us on Facebook GammaNu
Zeta and like us on Twitter @ZPBGammaNuZeta.

The Z-Hope Committee of Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter

spent their Saturday morning, at the Shoprite of
Brooklawn, shopping for the little babies of Camden/
Camden County, NJ. These basic items will offered
to mothers in need. Please remember to sign up for
the March of Dimes walk in your respective areas!
#MarchofDimes #MarchforBabies #MaternalHealth
#StorksNest #ZHope #GNZ19148

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 11

NJ Chapters at Work- Contd

The President

The Committee

Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter, under the leadership of Lynette N. Harris, celebrated 56
years of a Life Time Commitment, When You Say I Do. Over four hundred
and seventy attendees joined in the celebration at The Merion in Cinnaminson to
help the Moorestown Chapter serving Burlington County as they bestow honor
on five Burlington County residents serving the community and the organization.
The committee of eight along with the Basileus worked tirelessly for months to
bring this phenomenal day to fruition. We are most thankful to God for a very
successful and financially blessed event.

The Chapter
The Amicae

The Sigma of the Year,

Bro Holmes

The Youth

From left to right, Reva Foster, representing Willingboro Senior. Center; Angelica Russell, Zeta of the Year; Martha Brown, Amica of the Year, Honorable Carolyn Chang,
Esq., Mayor or Westampton and our esteemed New Jersey State Director, Soror Gina
Merritt-Epps, Esq.

Zeta Call

Page 12

NJ Chapters at Work- Contd

Omicron Epsilon Chapter at The College of New Jersey, highlights

Soror Kaitlin West! Soror West received Ambassador of the Month from the
College of NJ!
Kaitlin, who is a Senior majoring is Sociology and pursuing double minors in
Spanish and Women's & Gender Studies, received Ambassador of the Month
for February. As well as providing daily tours and assisting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), she is also the Programming Assistant for the Ambassador Program. Through this position, Soror
West has scheduled over 100 student Ambassadors for various Open Houses,
has designed and implemented a 2-day training retreat, and has worked closely
with various Admissions Counselors to ensure the overall success of the department and the Ambassador program.
http://ambassadors.pages.tcnj.edu/2015/03/06/february-ambassador-of-themonth-3/

We are so pleased to announce that Xi Tau Zeta Chapter will be 25 years old in
April! You are cordially invited to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration,
which will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015. The event will be held at the Renault Winery Resort and Golf Club (72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City,
New Jersey) and begins at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event go toward an
academic scholarships.
At the celebration, the chapter will honor charter member Rhonda Farmer and Geraldine Johnson, the State Director at the time that our chapter was chartered. The tickets for the event are $55.00 per person. Digital ads can
be purchased for $50.00 each and patron ads can be purchased for $5.00 each. All tickets, ads and patrons are
due by Friday, March 20, 2015. Listed below are payment options.
Mail In: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Xi Tau Zeta Chapter
PO Box 1955 Absecon, New Jersey 08201

Electronic payments via PayPal, please use the following email address:
xitauzetachapter@gmail.com

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 13

NJ Chapters at Work- Contd

Omega Mu Zeta participates in South Brunswick
High Schools Annual Prom Dress Event.

Center for American Women in Politics Event on March 10th.

Zeta Call

Page 14

The Spotlight contd

General Assembly recognition of the Divine 9

on Feb 23rd. Thank you Soror Eunice Lewis!

Madame State Director Gina Merritt-Epps and Sorors supporting

Zeta Delta Zeta and Eta Omicron Zeta during their Finer Womanhood Luncheon.

Volume 5, Issue 4

Page 15

Recognizing Our Own

Dove Soror Dolores Smalls, who

recently turned 80 years old, is a member of
Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapter and the only
surviving charter member of Chi Alpha
Chapter at Rider University (formerly Rider
College). She is a Diamond-Life member of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and has served
in various capacities in her chapter. In 2010
at the Grand Boule she and the late Odessa
Ball were presented the Zeta Dove award
For their legacy of more than 50 years
membership and service to the sorority.
Soror Smalls has been named Zeta of the
year by her chapter and also honored by the
Princeton-Trenton Amicae group.

Soror Smalls has been working full-time (and still does) for 57 years as Supervisor in the
Health Management Department at St. Francis Medical Center and has received numerous
awards at the hospital, i.e. Value Practice and the Mercer County March of Dimes Foundation Award. She is the mother of three, grandmother of three and great grandmother of five.
Her son and nephew are both members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Soror Smalls is a
very active member of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. She is an avid
card sender, letter writer, loves to read, and loves all sports, especially Tennis. She enjoys
attending the tennis matches held in New York every year. Her motto in life is pray to God
all the time, be happy and always smile and say hello and live your life to the utmost.

Upcoming Chapter Events

Chi Rho Zeta
Sigma Zeta Zeta
Xi Tau Zeta
Rho Rho Zeta
Omicron Omicron Zeta
Omega Mu Zeta

Scholarship Luncheon
Finer Woman Scholarship Dinner & Dance
25th Chapter Anniversary
Marlene Kelly Finer Womanhood Scholarship Breakfast
Scholarship Awards Brunch
All White Party Finer Womanhood Event

04/11/15
04/11/15
04/17/15
05/02/15
05/02/15
05/30/15

Key Dates

New Jersey State Executive Board Meeting

ZOL - Washington, DC

04/24 - 25/15
07/09 - 11/15

Did you know the Amicae now have a newsletter?

It is called
National Amicae
in Action

CHECK IT OUT!

scholarship
sklrSHip
noun
1. academic study or achievement; learning of a high level.

Newsletter maintained by Soror Kiana Lawhorn, State Publicity and Social Media Coordinator