GREEK DAY CELEBRATED ON SUNDAY

BY C.S. HOWARD

Fraternity and sorority members with 50 years or more of ser vice.

Members of the “Divine Nine” Greek organizations came together on Sunday, September 8th at Greater Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church to celebrate “Greek Day”, and to recognize members of the sororities and fraternities who have served for 50 years or more. Called “A Worship Experience with the Divine Nine”, nearly 150 were in attendance to honor the men and women for service to their organizations and to the community at large. The Divine Nine is comprised of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta. All comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council Manasota, a unified body of the local Greek organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Those recognized with 50 years or more service were: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Lacy Ray and Dr. George Mims; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Rev. Keturah Pittman, Christine Clark, JoAnn Martin Hughes, Corene Richardson, Dr. Jacqueline Ray, Dr. Lonnetta Gaines, Doretha Pratt, Dr. Edwina Stanley, Dr. Patricia Grimsley, Shirley T. Shaw, Barbara B. Withers, Rev. Dr. Joreatha Capers and Barbara A. Harvey. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Fred Binion, Steve Lewis, Henry Marsh, Cleveland Pearcey, Ray Taylor, Arthur Bryant and Alfonso Baker; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: Jeanette Potts and Dr. Irene E. Elmore. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority: Kathryn Houston Jones, Joyce Kerce, Beverly G. Bryant and Nancy L. Bragg. All were presented with a gift. Kappa Alpha Psi and Zeta Phi Beta were recognized for having the most members in attendance. Both received a donation for their programs. The keynote message was given by LaWanda Harper of Belle Glade, Florida. Harper works for the School District of Palm Beach County and has spent the past 22 years in education. She currently serves as the Instructional Support Team Leader for the Glades Region within the School District of Palm Beach County. Paula Beard served as worship leader. Other program participants were Reginald Wood, Ronnique Major-Hundley; Linda Carnes, Robbie Edwards, Dr. Edwina Stanley, Rev. Dr. John W. Walker, Jr., Johnny Anderson and Rev. Keturah Pittman. Rev. Keturah Pittman is pastor at Greater Hurst Chapel and Christine Clark was program coordinator. Greek Day is an annual celebration held on the second Sunday in September.