Beta Lambda Chapter represented during the 79th Eastern Regional Conference
Pictured are (left to right): Anthropos Ernest Squire, Jr., LaDonna Mickens, Renna Giles, Valeria Edwards, Donna Mickens, President; Dr. Patsy Squire, Cynthia Russell, Mae Burner, Monica Newell and Anthropos Michael Edwards, Sr.
Eight African American teachers in Jersey City, New Jersey, started the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. in 1923. Since that time, the sorority has expanded throughout the United States with many educators as active members. Donna Mickens serves as the president of the local Beta Lambda Chapter.
National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. 79th Eastern Region Conference was held in Richmond, Virginia, April 25 – 28. Alpha Zeta Chapter of Richmond, Va. served as the host chapter. Eastern Regional Director Noreen Little of Brooklyn, New York, presided over the conference. National President Dr. Etta Carter of Little Rock, Arkansas, was also in attendance.
The theme was “Meeting The Needs of The 21st Century Learner.” The conference was most informative, productive, fulfilling and enriching. Educators from Beta Lambda Chapter attending included the President, Donna Mickens; past presidents, Dr. Patsy Squire and Valeria Edwards; and members Mae Burner, Renna Giles, LaDonna Martin, Dr. Monica Newell and Cynthia Russell.
During the same time, the Anthropos, the male affiliate group under the leadership of Eastern Regional President Charles Watts, convened for their 50th Eastern Regional Conference. Beta Lambda Chapter Anthropos president, Earnest Squire, Jr. and treasurer, Michael Edwards, attended the conference.
The conference included leadership and officers’ workshops. They were very timely and helpful to us in serving our chapters more effectively. We were given new procedures and strategies needed for increasing our membership, recruiting, reclaiming and retaining members.
Our lives were enriched and daily living made peaceful by the offering of workshops helping us to deal with stress and sharing strategies in dealing with these stressful experiences to domestic violence and human trafficking. We were given the opportunity to improve our skills in technology, rather than fear them. Financial Literacy – Preparing for Retirement helped us in managing our financial habits in order to change the quality of life in retirement and beyond.
Our Vital Issues breakfast speaker, Dr. Michelle McQueen Williams, a chaplain, preacher, teacher, counselor and motivational speaker, delivered a powerful message. She reminded us that teaching is a gift from God and we must teach each child, each day, according to the grace given to us through the love of God. She reminded us of the power that we have to make changes in our children entrusted to us, and in our communities, schools, cities, states, country and our world. She challenged us to use this power.
As a result of attending these professional development workshops and being inspired by all of our presenters, facilitators, guest speakers and preachers who challenged us, we left fired up and ready to do what it takes to make a difference in our schools. We pledge to continue encouraging our students to hold fast to dreams and never stop until they become a reality, for all things are possible.
A highlight of the conference was when our own member, Dr. Patsy O’Neal Squire, was elected Eastern Regional Director for 2019–2023. She will be installed in July at National.
