Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Angela M. Coggs
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On Saturday, October 6, the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held their 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Bernardino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s theme was, “For Such a Time as This.” The keynote speaker was Pastor Barry E. Knight. He is the Founder and CEO of BEK Impact Company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success.
Rafaela King, President of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, received the attendees with a warm welcome and provide a brief introduction of the history of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. The sorority began on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 brave and motivated African-American women. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
The Mistress of Ceremonies, Ashley Williams, commanded the spotlight with ease. The event began with a positive tone with a fervent Call to Worship by Yolanda “Angel” Cohill. The room was filled with members from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., friends, family, and members of other fraternities and sororities. For the Praise and Worship at the beginning of the morning was executed by Led by Christ.
An inspirational and spiritual praise dance was gracefully performed by the Delta Praise Dancers, a divine trio comprised of DST members Antoinette Bailey, Michelle Reed, and Princess Jones. Their performance was flawless, intentional and purposeful. The dance told a story and it captivated the entire room. “The praise dance was truly a faith walk and a testimony of what God will continue to do in our lives,” exclaimed Reed. “God is so real in my life and we gave him the glory.”
The audience was delighted and entertained by the Mime Presentation eloquently performed by group of youth known as Unspeakable Praise. It was a joy you witness the dedication and professionalism of the young performers. Their message was deliberate and purposeful. Their performance was unblemished.
Keynote speaker, Barry E. Knight, has committed his life to helping leaders massively impact their world. He is the Founder and CEO of his own company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success. With his impeccable ability to discern the needs of those he serves, he delivers life-changing strategies that were relevant and useful information that encouraged attendees to be prosper and thrive.
Knight deliberated on several topics of importance in the world today. He challenged the attendees not to give up and to stay faithful to God gifts and his presence. He dove into the realities of shifts in our daily living and to rejoice in it. He emphasized midlife transitions and how God still delivers. He recharged and renovated questions that serves as a daily reminder of how “life happens.” When is it going to happen?” Wondering if we have missed opportunities and grasping the idea that we have “no time to waste time.” Do we relentlessly demand? No. We comprehend, simply “no it is my time.” He maintained that opportunity is coming…again. Stop praying out of lack of patience. Our time is now.
“It was a true blessing to start our sorority year with this prayer breakfast,’ added Erica Short, current 1st Vice President.
The chapter looks forward to hosting and participating in numerous upcoming events within the chapter as well as in the community. The San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter was charted on December 6, 1959, at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in San Bernardino. The chapter will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2019.
