~~Free Special Event News ~~
Contact: Dana Hughes
313.778.1550
For Immediate Release
Rho Sigma Foundation, in partnership with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Rho Sigma Chapter, presents its fifth annual SPIRIT (Sigmas Promoting Inspirational, Resourceful and Insightful Torchbearers) Awards Presentation/Literary Jam. The exciting free event is set for Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm. in the Southfield Public Library’s Meeting Room (26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI, 248.796.4200). This year’s event spotlights local poets/authors through readings and book signings plus salutes SPIRIT Awards winners who are “innovative educators”. Spotlighted authors/poets include Janaya Black, Dr. Lanny Green, Dr. O. D. Groves, Sylvia Hubbard, Ariana Jackson, Gwen Lewis, Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard, Lois T. Wheeler and Terri F. Williams. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 313.778.1550.
The 2009 Class of SPIRIT Award Winners is a distinctive group selected from nominations matched with attributes of the sorority founders. The Charitable SPIRIT Award winner is Detroit Association of Black Storytellers. The Creative SPIRIT Award recipient is Inkster Public Schools Educator Barbara Jean Donald. The Enterprising SPIRIT Award will be given to Detroit Symphony Orchestra Education Programs. The Nurturing SPIRIT Award winner is Dress for Success. The Guiding SPIRIT Award recipient is Dr. Thomas M. Flake, Jr.. The Transcending SPIRIT Award winner is Women’s Health Boutique Owner Mariam Searcy. The Triumphant SPIRIT Award winner is Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom.
House of Communications Owner and SPIRIT Awards Originator Darlene House explained the awards recognize “innovative educators” who are individuals, companies, non- or not- for profit corporations/organizations that have carried on the legacy of the visionary seven founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. The focus calls for recognition of entities that have not pledged to help realize the sorority founders’ dreams but are doing so.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded in 1922 by seven school teachers. Rho Sigma Graduate Chapter was founded in 1936 by 17 graduates. The Chapter consistently donated hundreds of dollars each year for scholarships and other activities to support the efforts of undergraduate chapters and high school Rhoers. Rho Sigma Chapter members
–more–
participated in national community projects as well as local initiatives and community service projects. They worked together to accomplish the major goal of the founders – to provide “Greater Service, Greater Progress”.
Rho Sigma Foundation (RSF) was established in 1999 in Detroit as the non-profit, tax-exempt community service arm of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The mission of RSF was to organize, promote, and implement charitable and educational activities in the areas of lessening neighborhood tensions, eliminating
prejudice and discrimination, defending human and civil rights secured by law, combating deterioration of communities and juvenile delinquency and such other activities as may be authorized by law.
