Page 7 - New Bern Alumnae History-63 Years 8-1-16

The History of New Bern Alumnae Chapter

Best Public Program
In celebration of May Week Observance in 1983, Soror Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman from
Brooklyn, New York, was the guest speaker. Congresswoman Chisholm also became the first African-
American woman to run for President of the United States.

Anniversary Celebrations
 1958: A public program was held at St. Peter=s AME Zion Church in New Bern with Dr. Helen

G. Edmonds as guest speaker. This event occurred during May Week.

 1963: A public program, followed by a reception, was held at the newly opened First Citizens
Bank on Fort Totten Drive in New Bern. This marked the first use of
this facility by African-Americans.

 1968: A public program and dinner were held in the Garden Room of
the Palace Motel in New Bern. This was followed by a social hour at
the home of Soror Eliza M. Dudley, who many years later was named
Treasurer Emeritus by the chapter.

 1978: The chapter worshiped at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in
New Bern. Twenty-five-year plaques were presented to Sorors Ida S.
Franks, Frances W. Moore, and Polly O. Richards, charter members Charter Members Ida Franks
who were still active in the chapter. Certificates were presented to and Polly Richards.
charter members Sorors Annie S. Donaldson, Jeannette S. Hayes, and Naomi W. Ryder, each of
whom resided in the Craven County area. A dance was held at the Shrine Club, followed by
breakfast at the home of Soror Mary C. Dove.

 1983: The chapter worshiped at Free Will Baptist Church in Pollocksville with Soror Ida S.
Franks. In recognition of her then 30 years of service, Soror Franks was presented an engraved
silver tray. Following the service, Soror Franks hosted a brunch in her home. A special
anniversary luncheon was held at the Holiday Inn in New Bern during May Week.

 1988: The chapter worshiped at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church in New Bern, followed by
lunch hosted by Clinton Chapel sorors. A dance was held at the Omega Center, after which,
breakfast was held at the home of Soror Fern D. Cotton.

 2001: A celebration of the chapter=s history was held at the home of Soror Norma Sermon-Boyd.
During this program, a chapter periodical, coordinated and written by Soror Carolyn M. Bland,
was presented to the chapter by Soror Ida S. Franks, Soror Norma Sermon-Boyd, Soror
Demetrics D. Davis, and Soror Carolyn M. Bland. After the program, chapter members
rededicated themselves.

 2002: A series of events leading to the celebration of the chapter=s 50th Anniversary was planned
by a committee chaired by Soror Carolyn M. Bland. Beginning the celebration in September
2002 was a worship service at Free Will Baptist Church in Pollocksville, where Charter Member
Soror Ida S. Franks was recognized for 50 years of continuous membership in the chapter. This
was followed by a luncheon at the United Senior Services Center in Trenton, hosted by the
chapter. The worship service and luncheon were also attended by Charter Member Soror Polly
O. Richards.

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