Deltas at national convention
Published September 08. 2004 7:30AM
Thelma Parker
Westside Scene
Approximately 15,000 Deltas were in Las Vegas recently for the 47th National Convention. The 22nd National President, Gwendolyn E. Boyd, presided and gave an eloquent and spiritual message on helping the connection, building on the past and focusing on the future.
There were many vitalizing events. The Ecumenical Worship Service was presented by the Inspirational National Chaplain Bishop Vasti M. McKenzie. Regional President Cynthia R. Boyd presided at the Southern Regional Luncheon (all wore red hats). Awards were given to past National presidents. Erica Dunlap, Miss America 2004, spoke about her travels and activities. The keynote speaker for the Social Action Luncheon was Roderick Paige, U.S. Education Secretary; and Stacy Stewart, President and CEO for the Fannie Mae Foundation, spoke for the business workshop.
The Program and Planning Development Workshop featured a leadership Delta graduation - a signature program for collegiates who are juniors and seniors in the field of math and engineering. Some other workshops were attended by Ocala members: Gwendolyn Haynes, June Dailey, Tonya Epps, Grace Corbett, Shirley Wright and others.
Honorary members inducted included Sheryl Lee Ralph, actress, producer and AIDS activist; Johnnie Blakeney-Rowlinson, the first woman and African American to serve on federal district and appeals courts in Nevada, and Suzzanee Douglas, actress in "Parent Hood."
Special music performances included a gospel concert featuring the Rev. Hezkiah and the Love Fellowship Choir and Signature gala, Frankie Beverly and Maze. Camille Cosby was hostess for the celebrity debut for Author Soror Edna Lee Long Green's book of Delta-style recipes, "Occasion Savor."
The announcement was made the 47th National Convention Banquet will be added to the Guinness World Book of Records for being the largest group to be served at a sit-down dinner.
Here is the link to the article:
http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...08/1015/news01