National Conference to focus on key domestic issues
Southern California plays host to Zeta Phi Beta biennial conference for the first time in 20 years; raises focus on health care, education
WASHINGTON, D. C. (PRWEB) June 14, 2004 -
– In 1984, thousands of women gathered in Anaheim to address important domestic issues of importance to African Americans. Twenty years later, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority returns to Southern California with a week-long agenda designed to address health care and legislative issues, and to honor men and women who continue to fight for positive change in the lives of Southern Californians.
Zeta women, their adult and youth affiliates, corporate leaders, and community officials from across the nation will gather in Hollywood during the Zeta Phi Beta 84th Anniversary Grand Boule, July 1-7 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and the Kodak Theatre. The Los Angeles-based Alpha Psi Zeta Chapter is hosting this yearÂ’s conference.
The Grand Boule will provide opportunities for attendees to address critical health care, economic and political issues faced by African American and Hispanic/Latino families.
"This event is the premier forum for Zeta women to learn about cutting-edge ideas, discuss new and innovative strategies, and chart a new era of progress for our communities," said Barbara C. Moore, International President.
"Our Grand Boule has been dubbed the 'Boule of the Stars' because of its location and the number of 'star-studded' events we have planned," said Moore. "While I am certain that our convention attendees will take time to enjoy the many wonderful Hollywood attractions, we also realize that there are important issues facing our nation, and will certainly spend considerable time addressing strategies to help our communities with the residents and leaders of Southern California," she continued.
In addition to the leadership and educational forums, the women of Zeta and their affiliates will launch a community initiative in support of Angel Harvest.
Personal care items collected by Zeta chapters and affiliates from around the country will be presented to Angel Harvest on Friday, July 2 at 10 a. m. at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. At the conclusion of each day, the Sorority will make donations of excess food items and personal care products for distribution to social service agencies throughout greater Los Angeles.
The Sorority will host a public gala honoring Southern California's community pioneers on July 2, 8 p. m. at the Kodak Theatre. Honorees nominated for awards include Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks, and community activist “Sweet” Alice Harris. The event is free and open to the public.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded in 1920 in Washington, D. C., on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission of progressive organizations—to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day.
The international organization's more than 100,000 initiated members and affiliates have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities and promote legislation for social and civic change. Zeta Phi Beta has more than 800 chapters in the United States, Japan, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and the Caribbean.
In addition to its membership of college-educated woman, the Zeta Phi Beta umbrella include Amicae (adult women), Archonette (teen girls), Amicette (pre-teen girls), Pearlette (elementary age girls), and the Zeta Male Network auxiliaries.
For more information on Zeta Phi Beta, please visit the Sorority web site at www. zphib1920.org.
