I-Witness Milwaukee’s Number One Community Column "Droppin' It Like It's Hot!"

by B. White

You can touch I-Witness at IwitnessMCJ@aol.com, Milwaukee Community Journal, 3612 North Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212, (414) 265-5300, (414) 463-8590-fax, www.communityjournal.net. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. "From the buds come Beautiful Flowers"

Miss Shavon Tucker (center wearing crown) was crowned Miss Yellow Tea Rose during Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s first Annual Buds of Spring Pageant at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel. (B. White photo)

Jailyn Allison (I-Witness Jr. and Hip-Hop Princess) with her mother Michelle Allison, her father, Welmon Barriere; and her brother Marquis. (B. White photo)

The Iota Psi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. presented their First Annual 2008 "Buds of Spring Scholarship Pageant" at Sheraton Four Points Hotel.

Since its inception in 2005, the Iota Psi Sigma Chapter has executed their mission in accordance to the Grand Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.: "Promoting community growth and development through professional, social and educational activities, as well as exemplifying sisterhood, scholarship and service in all endeavors." Sigma Gamma Rho have a membership of over 85,000 and 500 chapters worldwide.

Iota Psi Sigma Chapter has launched and participated in numerous ventures where they have met and exceeded many of their three, five and seven year projected goals in a two-year period.

The president of Iota Psi Sigma Chapter is Tasha M. Sledge, the pageant chair was Soror Maya Smith and our Mistress of Ceremonies was Dr. Aronica Williams.

The First Annual Buds of Spring Pageant showcased Shanteria Martin, Jailyn Allison (I-Witness Jr. and Hip-Hop Princess), Stephanie Mayes, Tori Phillips, and Shavon Tucker.

All of the young 2008 Buds are academically talented. All had GPAs of 3.0 or better, except for Shanteria Martin, a ninth grader at Brookfield East High School, who was carrying a GPA of 4.0. All of the 2008 Buds are active in after school activities and in their community.

The Buds were introduced to us in a cafe dance. They were really good.

The attendees were welcomed by Maya Smith. Tassany Prasoethsy shared the history of Sigma Gamma Rho. Iota Psi Sigma Chapter and the Buds of Spring pageant, which will be crowned "Miss Yellow Tea Rose."

Tassany is Asian. She told the audience that she is often asked why, being Asian, she joined a Black sorority. She answers by telling them about the executions in India and her being Asian, relating that to the lynchings of Blacks in America. She then said, "To whoever, why not." I liked that, Holla!

The Yellow Tea Rose is the official flower of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Miss Yellow Tea Rose is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a participant in Miss Buds of Spring, as a symbol of ever lasting friendship.

The Yellow Tea Rose has and always will evoke friendship, trust and loyalty.

We fellowshipped with a wonderful lunch, compliments to Chef Jeff Andryauskas and his staff at the Four Point Sheraton.

They out did themselves on the chicken. It was perfection. The Sheraton has found a way to accommodate Black people in their taste of foods and service. They have really stepped up their game and it’s a good thing.

Shavon, Shanteria and Tori entertained us. Shavon with ballet, Shanteria with a modern dance mixed with Tae Kwon Do (she’s a Karate champ). Tori did a praise dance.

I loved the fathers who came to support their daughters. Jailyn Allison’s dad, Welmon Barriere came all the way from Dallas, Georgia to see his daughter go through her "Rights of Passage" as he and her mom, Michelle Allison together introduced her to society. I loved it.

All the young ladies were formally introduced to us in their flowing evening gowns looking gorgeous. Each Bud’s bio was shared with us. As stated before, all are extremely talented in their own right.

Maya Smith did the beautiful tribute to all the young ladies as she called them up naming their spirit in flowers:

Miss Gardenia--Stephanie Mays

No flower can lift spirits quite like gardenias can. Bright and cheery, bold yet comfortable, the gardenia reflects warmth and caring. The name is taken from its namesake, the garden. It’s a flower that reflects so many of the positive characteristics. It is little surprise that people enjoy basking in the gardenia’s warming glow with the sense of brightness and warmth that gardenias naturally impart. A $100 scholarship award was awarded to Miss Mays, who was also Miss Congeniality.

The third runner-up--Miss Jasmine (Grace and Elegance)--Tori Phillips

In ancient times, Jasmine was known as the queen of all flowers. The Chinese referred to Jasmine as the "fragrance of kings."

In the Philippines, it is known as a symbol of purity, humility, and strength. She has withstood time, crossed seas, and never compromised her beauty and elegance.

Miss Shanteria Martin--Iris (Inspiration)

The famous French painter Claude Monet said: "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." Monet was referring to the Iris also known as the "Keeper of the Rainbow."

The Iris’ history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth.

During the Middle Ages, the meaning of Irises became linked to the French monarchy and the Fleur-de-lis (which is shaped like an Iris) eventually became the recognized national symbol of France.

Through its intricate history, the Iris has come to symbolize faith, hope and wisdom. A Scholarship of $350 was awarded to Martin.

The First Runner-up, Miss Orchid (Delicate Beauty)--Jailyn Allison

The beauty and diversity of orchids have fascinated people for ages.

Five centuries before Christ, Confucius compared the pleasure of seeing good friends to entering a room full of fragrant orchids.

With an exotic appearance, orchids have come to a represent rare and delicate beauty, inspiring the most scholarly people to write poems about it. The flower has influenced many with her beauty and resilience. A $500 scholarship was awarded.

Maya had all the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., stand.

It was then that Miss Shavon Tucker, on behalf of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Iota Psi Sigma Chapter, was presented with seven yellow Tea Roses, representing the seven founders of the illustrious sisterhood and a $1,000 scholarship.

Everyone applauded and saluted all the young ladies.

The Iota Psi Sigma Chapter members all took center stage in a circle joined hands and sang the Sigma Hymn.

All the families of the young women came to photograph the court and give hugs of joy.

Hey, The Iota Psi Sigma Chapter, it takes special people to work with children and I love the way you do the things you do. Keep advancing that next generation, I love it!