Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

  • Annual Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting held

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Eutaw held the annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, Tuesday December 9, 2025. Eutaw Mayor Corey Cockrell served as Grand Marshal. Cockrell is the 4th African American to serve as Mayor of Eutaw, Alabama.
    This year’s Christmas Parade theme, Festival of Lights, featured a variety of decorated trees on the Old Courthouse Square, sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. Many businesses also decorated their storefronts lifting the Spirit of Christmas.The lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Thomas Gilmore Courthouse Square followed the parade. Many gathered to view this special event.
    Other parade participants riding on beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, or walking in unison, included elected and appointed officials, representatives of churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, housing authorities, local school band, fire departments, ambulance service, and Debutantes sponsored by the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and more. Even Santa and the Grinch rode in the local parade. The children enjoyed all the candy thrown from the floats.
    An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.

  • Delta Chapter urges education and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS

    Delta Alumnae Chapter distributes educational information on HIV/AIDS. Ms. Fatima Robinson serves as Chairperson for the Chapter’s International Awareness and Involvement Committee. Mrs. Phillis Belcher is Chapter President.

     


    Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated observes International World AIDS Day.
    World AIDS Day, observed on December 1, is a global day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic and supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS. The 2025 observance calls on us to reflect, recommit, and take action to ensure that no one is left behind. People around the world unite to honor the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses and to continue the fight for prevention, awareness, and advocacy.
    Greene County Alumnae Chapter supports World AIDS Day 2025. on World AIDS Day, we stand together—not just to remember, but to ACT. It’s time to raise our voices, raise awareness, and show up for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
    Let’s reflect on how far we’ve come, but more importantly, let’s recognize the urgent need for continued progress. This is not just about awareness—it’s about education, advocacy, and dismantling the stigma that continues to hurt people living with HIV.

    WHAT IS HIV?
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Taking HIV medications does not prevent transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms can help protect against other STIs.
    HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF HIV?
    Use condoms when engaging in sexual activity
    Ensure that your partners, who are living with HIV, are taking treatment
    Use medications (like PrEP) to prevent getting HIV if you have ongoing risk, including during pregnancy
    Use sterile needles and syringes for all injections
    Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. We offer reproductive health services (like STI testing) every Thursday. Appointment required. Call 443-523-1700 to schedule.
    WHAT WE DO:
    HIV/AIDS EDUCATION:
    Public presentations are given upon request to community agencies including schools, churches, social organizations, and businesses. The Health Department regularly participates in community health fairs as a means to provide outreach. HIV information is provided regularly through our Substance Abuse, Family Planning, Healthy Start and Sexually Transmitted Infection programs.
    HIV/AIDS COUNSELING & TESTING:
    HIV rapid testing is available for eligible clients. Anonymous and confidential testing is offered to the public at no charge. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. Each client receives client-centered pretest counseling to promote behavior change to prevent infection, or if infected, to prevent transmission to others. All clients who test positive are referred and assisted in accessing HIV specialty medical care, partner notification and referral services, case management, and any other available supportive service.
    HIV/AIDS CASE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT:
    Medical and/or non-medical case management services are available to all HIV infected clients in Somerset County. Medical case management is a collaborative, ongoing process that assists clients in gaining timely and coordinated access to medical care, psychosocial, and other supportive services as needed. Non-medical case management provides assistance in accessing appropriate services on an as-need basis without regular follow-up. Referrals are accepted from providers or patients themselves.
    HIV/AIDS CASE SEROPOSITIVE CLINIC:
    The Health Department hosts a monthly clinic to provide HIV specialty medical care. Services are provided by Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. Fees are based on a sliding scale for non-insured clients. Private clinicians may refer clients for consultation as needed. Residency in Somerset County is not required.

    For more information on our HIV/AIDS services, call 443-523-1700.

     

  • Deltas sponsor 39th Debutante Ball

    L to R: Kayla Nickson Miss Debutante 2025, Madison Thompson 1st winner up and Alyce Josephine Hill 2nd winner up.

    Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its 39th Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Eutaw Activity Center in Eutaw, Alabama. Twelve lovely young ladies made their debut to their family and guests. The 2025 Debutante and Escorts were Debutante Sanaa Braxton escorted by Thomas Fritts; Debutante Jakayla Brown escorted by Indaglis Hunter; Debutante DeMya Chavers escorted by Mekhi Bragg; Debutante Nichyia Cook escorted by Christian Lewis; Debutante Alyce-Josephine Hill escorted by Christopher K. Williams; Debutante Zamiyah Hughes escorted by Nicholas Henley; Debutante Aniya McMillian escorted by her brother Anthony McMillian, Jr.; Debutante Kayla Nickson escorted by Jaron Lavender; Debutante ZoToria Petty escorted by Kameron Landrum; Debutante Jasmine Simpson escorted by her father Steven Simpson; Debutante Madison Thompson escorted by Joseph Ian Jones; Debutante Diamond White escorted by James Eatmon.

    Debutante Kayla Nickson was crowned Miss 2025 Debutante. First Runner up was Debutante Madison Thompson and Second Runner up was Alyce-Josephine Hill.

    The guests enjoyed an elegant affair that had “A Storybook Ending”. Phillis Branch Belcher is the chapter President and Nancy Cole was the Debutante Ball Chair.

  • Community Service: “The way in which we ourselves grow and develop” Greene County Alumnae Chapter Members host annual Feed-A-Family in Greene and Hale Counties

    EUTAW, AL — The Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has consistently served Greene and Hale Counties since 1978. Our legacy of services is best captured in a quote by our sister, Dorothy Height. She said, “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” This spirit of service has guided our chapter since its chartering in 1978. Today we are doing more for the community and enlarging our circle of service,” said Phillis Belcher, President of the Greene County Alumnae Chapter.
    Each November, families across Greene and Hale County enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner together. We typically share words thanks for the meal and count the many blessings in our lives. Unfortunately, there are families in our community who struggle daily to get a meal each day. Our goal is to ensure that every large family who wishes to receive a traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings does so. 
    A long-standing project of the Greene County Alumnae Chapter this service began over 46 years ago and has grown to feed six families in Greene County and Hale County. Three families of 5 members or more are identified by the Greene County Department of Human Resources and three families of 5 members or more, are identified by the Hale County Department of Resources. Our objective is to help families while creating optimism for a brighter tomorrow. Chapter members Miriam Leftwich and Loydleetta Wabbington lead this service project.

  • Chamber of Commerce and City of Eutaw sponsor annual Christmas Parade

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Eutaw held the annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, Thursday, December 5, 2024. Greene County District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne served as Grand Marshal. Judge Osborne is the first female and African American female to serve as District Judge of Greene County, Alabama. She was appointed District Judge in 1999 by then Alabama Governor Don Siegelman to complete a term held by her late husband, Richard Osborne. Through re-elections she has held that position for the past 25 years.

    This year’s Christmas Parade theme, Festival of Lights, featured a variety of decorated trees on the Old Courthouse Square, sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. Many businesses also decorated their storefronts lifting the Spirit of Christmas.

    Other parade participants riding on beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, or walking in unison, included elected and appointed officials, representatives of churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, housing authorities, local school band, fire departments, ambulance service, and Debutantes sponsored by the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and more.

    Even Santa rode in the local parade. The children enjoyed all the candy thrown from the floats.

    An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.

    The lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Thomas Gilmore Courthouse Square followed the parade. Many gathered to view this special event.

     

  • Local Delta Chapter, with community partners, holds Annual Impact/Fun Day

    Shown L to R with DST International Awareness and Involvement Banner:  Nancy Cole, Chair of Political Awareness/Social  Committee; Phillis Belcher, IAI Committee Chair; Dr. Florence Williams, DST Chapter President; Rebecca Coleman DST Chapter Vice-President; and Carolyn Young, IAI Committee member.

    The Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, in partnership with Rural Alabama Preventive Center, National Association for the Prevention of Starvation, and New Generation Outreach Center, sponsored Impact/Fun Day on May 25, 2024, from 10:00a.m.-2:00 p.m. at New Generation Outreach Center in Eutaw, Alabama.

    Ms. Jacqueline Allen presided, Mrs. Nancy Cole gave the Invocation, and Greetings were presented by Dr. Florence Williams, President Greene County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Incorporated, Mrs. Loretta Wilson, Director of Rural Alabama Preventive Center, and Rev. Joe Webb Pastor of New Generation Church. Alabama State Representative Curtis Travis, of District 72, gave updates on current legislative issues and encouraged the audience to get out to vote and get others to vote as well.

    Various agencies, vendors, and presenters were in attendance, including Dr. Tiffany Mayo with UAB Department of Dermatology; Wings Across Alabama Mental Health; CJ Resources; Comprehensive Care Behavioral Health; Hear-Hear Alabama; UAB Epiphany, Community Health Education and Resource Center; and Healthy Haven-Lead-Free Home.

    Door prizes, gifts cards, children’s school supplies and complimentary food were available for all attendees. The day ended with fun activities for the children. Thanks to all who made the community engagement Impact/ Fun Day a success.

    Dr. Florence Williams, Chapter President, Mrs. Nancy Cole and Ms. Jacqueline Allen Co-Chairs, Chair of Political Awareness/Social Action Committee.

     

  • Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. makes donation to Greene County Health System

    Eutaw, AL – Ms. Miriam Leftwich, on behalf of the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., presented a donation to Dr. Marcia Pugh, Chief Executive Officer, for equipment and supplies. Greene County Health System appreciates and welcomes all community support. Pictured center: Dr. Marcia Pugh and Miriam Leftwich.

    Back row left to right: Vera Rice, Ashley Polk, Lakisha Gill, and Marquita Walton. Photo Credit: Andrea Woods

  • Deltas continue annual Thanksgiving Sharing

    On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provided a Thanksgiving Dinner for families in their service area. The dinners were coordinated through the respective county’s Department of Human Resources (DHR), whose staff selected the recipient families. The Thanksgiving Sharing is an annual service provided by the DST Alumnae Chapter. Schiquetta Burrell and Glenda Hodges serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Chapter’s Thanksgiving Sharing the Senior Citizen Celebration Committee. Loydleetta Wabbington is a committee member. Dr. Florence Williams is Chapter President. Also Present at the the event was DHR Representative Beverly Vester.

  • Deltas provide myriad of Christmas gifts from the wish lists of community children

    Thursday,  December 12, 2019, The Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented Christmas gifts for the children of two families selected through the Greene County Department of Human Resources Adopt-A- Family Program.

    The Sorority Chapter members gave toys, including bicycles, electronic games, books and board games, as well as items of clothing for the children. All the gifts were selected in attempts to fulfill the Christmas wishes of each child in the respective families. The various lists of the children’s wishes were provided by the staff of DHR.
    Mr. Wilson Morgan serves as Director of the Greene County DHR office.
    Mrs. Carolyn Young is Chairperson and Ms. Jacqueline Allen is Co-Chair of the DST Chapter’s Adopt-A-Family Committee. Mrs. Isaac Atkins serves as Chapter President.

  • Greene County DST holds 9th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness event

    The Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its 9th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Saturday, October 5, 2019 in Eutaw. The event began with a continental breakfast held at the fellowship hall of Second Baptist Church in Eutaw. Dr. Marcia Pugh, CEO of the Greene County Health System, delivered inspiring remarks on the impact of the disease cancer as one of the greatest killers. She cautioned that education and early detection are most significant in combating the disease. The sorority members and community guests proceeded in an awareness march from the church to the Thomas E. Gilmore Square in the center of town. Prayers were lifted and balloons were released in honor of all affected by cancer. The event was a project of the Physical and Mental Health Committee of the Greene County Chapter, where Johnni Strode-Morning serves as Committee Chairperson, Miriam Leftwich as Committee Co-Chair and Isaac Atkins as Chapter President.