Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held their Mississippi Joint Leadership Conference on April 19-21, 2024 at the Cadence Bank Conference Center in Tupelo.
This year’s theme was “The Mighty Mississippi: United We Stand in Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Friendship. The three-day event began on Friday morning with registration, workshops, educational sessions and certifications. A luncheon was held for Life Members, Crystal Doves, and Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region. The evening was concluded with the Opening Program and the Step Show/Stroll Off.
Saturday events included Necrology and Rededication, Plenary Sessions, Awards Luncheon and the Magnolia Ball. Special Performances throughout the weekend included the World- Renowned Rust College A’Cappella Choir, Award Winning Gospel Artist Vickie Winans, and Award-Winning R&B/NEO Soul Artist Eric Benet.
The conference concluded on Sunday with worship service. Dr. F. Bernard Mitchell was the speaker with a special performance by Crystal Aiken, Stellar Award-Winning Gospel Artist and first winner of BET’s Sunday Best.
Attending the conference from Rho Nu Zeta Chapter were Charlotte F. Miller (chapter president), Arnita Riley, Virginia Thomas, Ilona Saffold, Stephanie Jackson, Latonya Hardy, Malinda Winters, Luandra Banks, Bessie Skinner, Kawana Horton, Yolanda Talley, Talisha Sandier, Lawana Woodard, Annie Rimmer and Tiffany Smith.
The chapter received the following awards – scrapbook – 3rd place and Royal Founders Sponsor. Other awards and special recognition received were Charlotte F. Miller – Life Member of the Year, 40 Year Service Award, and Platinum Magnolia Sponsor; Arnita Riley – Mighty Mississippi Sponsor; Ilona Saffold, Stephanie Jackson and Janie Jones received 5- year service awards; Tiffany Smith - Royal Founders Sponsor. Committee participation included Charlotte F. Miller – Budget Committee; Arnita Riley – Scholarship Committee; Latonya Hardy – Hospitality Committee, and Tiffany Smith – Awards Committee. Malinda Winters and Ilona Saffold participated in the Blue and White Family Choir. The chapter also participated in the State ZHOPE project by donating 100 basic needs and toiletry items to S.A.F.E., Inc. and the Mississippi United to End Homelessness.
Mississippi is under the leadership of Sedric O. Scott, State Director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and Dr. Portia E. Ellis, State director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
