Monthly Newsletter

March 5, 2022

At Sister-to-Sister, Inc., today and every day, but especially during the month of March, we pay homage to women in history! March was first declared “Women’s History Month” in 1987 after five years of petitions to make Women’s History Week (original proclaimed March 7, 1982) a full month. Women’s History Month was declared a time to commemorate, observe and celebrate the achievements of women in American history. We would like to take an opportunity to honor all trailblazing women and girls who have worked tirelessly in sacrifice of equity and equality, to ensure our daughters have the same opportunities as our sons. Despite systemic barriers, exclusion, gaps in opportunities and discrimination, women remain faithful – willing to carry the torch to open doors of opportunities for all women and girls. While our burden is heavy, we know the consequence of doing nothing is considerable. Therefore, we stand firmly on the shoulders of the heroines who come before us and recognize the women advocates, activists, and agitators who continue to remain in the trenches today!

To begin, we start by recognizing our beloved founder and board chair, Sister Velveta Golightly-Howell! On March 30th, Velveta along with five other living and four deceased brilliant women will be formally inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame (CWHF). CWHF’s mission is to inspire by celebrating and sharing the enduring contributions of Colorado’s distinctive women. To achieve this, CWHF educates the people of Colorado about the stories of the women who shaped our state and the nation’s history with courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion, and creativity. Their talents, skills, struggles, and contributions form a legacy that the CWHF is dedicated to protecting. The women inducted into the Hall of Fame come from diverse backgrounds such as: Pioneers, Politicians, Educators, Entrepreneurs, Minority Leaders, Lawyers and more. 

It is no surprise CWHF has elected to bestow this prestigious honor on our dear Sister. Velveta’s dedication to community and her ability to give more of herself, whenever and wherever an opportunity presents, is remarkable. She is also a woman of firsts! She is the first University of Colorado School of Law graduate to receive CWHF induction and the first Black attorney to receive this honor. Last May, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association named Velveta its highest recognition, when presenting her with the 2020 Mary Lathrop Trailblazer Award. Sister Velveta gives all honor to her Lord and Savior, who guides her footsteps.

Please join Sister-to-Sister, Inc. in congratulating Sister Velveta Golightly-Howell, a Colorado Woman in History!

Cynthia Jones, Esq.

Associate General Counsel (Retired)

Cynthia Jones has joined Sister-to-Sister, Inc. as Sr. Contributor. Sister Cynthia earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Denver Law School (now University of Denver Sturm College of Law). Upon passing the Colorado bar exam, she became an Assistant Attorney General in the Colorado Attorney General’s office where she advised state government agencies about employment, personnel, and civil rights issues. Later, she served as in-house counsel for the Denver Housing Authority for several years. She was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Legal and Human Resources Departments. Cynthia also advised the Board of Commissioners regarding various employment and housing issues. Subsequently, she served as Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment for the following multi-national engineering, construction, and consulting companies:  CH2M HILL, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. and Worley Parsons Limited (rebranded Worley). In this role she provided trusted legal guidance and support to business partners and the executive leadership team. She is a past board member of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, The Haven Addiction Research Treatment Services and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Alumni Counsel. In her role as Sr. Contributor, Sister Cynthia is a valued member of our executive leadership time, responsible for several critical areas.

Last month was a time for celebrating Black history and our progress in the fight against racism and injustice. During our celebration, February 24th marked a new day in justice. On this day, the three white men found guilty of the modern-day lynching of Ahmaud Arbery were also found guilty of federal hate crimes. As well, the three former officers convicted for murdering George Floyd were found guilty of violating his civil rights. While some took time to rejoice and celebrate the historical significance of February 24, 2022, many of us sat quietly in prayer - thanking God for both his grace and mercy. While it is important to celebrate the outcome, it is equally important to remember the verdicts do not mean the battle against racism and injustice has been won. Sadly, racism and injustice are like the dust that settles on the top of a bookcase – building and collecting more and more as the days pass. It is only a matter of time before the dust causes a reaction and while it may feel like a chronic effect, we all know it is temporary. If Black history has taught us anything, it is this – it is ok to stop and acknowledge how far we've run – but it is important not to linger for too long because the marathon must continue.

“I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom…I want to be remembered as one who tried.” 

 - Dorothy Height

Activist and former president of National Council of Negro Women

Black women have and continue to play an integral role in the fight against racism and injustice. Although we face a multitude of injustices ourselves, we continue to serve as “leaders and trailblazers in our respective countries and communities,” as can be seen in this United Nation’s article Inspirational Black Women You Should Know. Despite our accolades and the vital role that we play in helping to shape progress, our efforts continue to be marginalized and overshadowed by mainstream narratives often written by and tailored towards men. But we are keenly aware of our achievements, just as we are aware of the many Black women who have yet to receive a semblance of justice.

#SayHerName

Introducing...The Fisk Jubilee Singers 

In February, Sister-to-Sister, Inc. had the pleasure of supporting several Black history events including a Black Experience in Art and a performance of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, both hosted by our affiliate NAACP Boulder County. The Fisk Jubilee Singers® are vocal artists and students who sing and travel worldwide. The original Jubliee Singers® introduced ‘slave songs’ to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving this unique American musical tradition known today as Negro spirituals. They broke racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad in the late 19th century and entertained Kings and Queens in Europe. At the same time, they raised money in support of their beloved school. The Fisk Jubilee Singers® continue the tradition of singing the Negro spiritual around the world. This allows the ensemble to share this rich culture globally, while preserving this unique music.

Please take a moment to watch a clip of the incredible performance below!

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. 

 - Susan L. Taylor

Editor, Writer & Journalist

It is rare to find a Sister seeking the limelight. We go about our day-to-day work tirelessly and selflessly giving. Nonetheless, a pat-on-the back is rewarding. So, we want to give a shout-out and recognize some amazing Sisters!

Alyssa Chapital, M.D., Ph.D.

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. congratulates Dr. Alyssa Chapital on recently being named chair of the Arizona Clinical Practice Committee. Dr. Chapital, daughter of Sister Martelle Chapital, joined Mayo Clinic in 2006. Since then, she has held numerous leadership roles while managing significant clinical responsibilities. Dr. Chapital chairs both the Mayo Clinic Hospital Practice Subcommittee and the Arizona Hospital Practice Subcommittee. She also is co-vice chair of the Arizona Executive Operations Team and vice chair of the Arizona Space and Capital Committee, and a member of the Arizona Personnel Committee, the Arizona Grievance Subcommittee, and the International Clinical Practice Committee. She is an associate professor of surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

After earning an undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and a medical degree from Wayne State University, Dr. Chapital completed a residency in general surgery at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. She completed a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship and earned master's and doctoral degrees in biomedical sciences and clinical research at the University of Hawai'i. Dr. Chapital also earned an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Prior to joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Chapital was a staff physician in trauma surgery, general surgery, and critical care at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the Arizona Medical Association, The Society of Black Academic Surgeons, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Far too often, Onyx Sisters walk among us, sharing little known treasures. These Sisters do not seek any expressions of appreciation. They simply live their purpose, while quietly bettering the world through their wisdom, love, and leadership.

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. is honored to recognize its 2021 SHEROEs and their beautiful spirits, with remembrance.

2022 SHEROEs NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW

Paid members are invited to nominate 2022 SHEROEs. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Sister-to-Sister, Inc. will honor a SHEROE each month. Nominee's may be living or deceased. 

SHEROEs Overview: Click here

Nomination Requirements & Criteria: Click here

Nomination Form: Click here

!!! SPECIAL OFFER !!!

Sister Teri Sewell is providing FREE wellness classes for Sister-to-Sister, Inc. paid members! Join Sister Teri in a series of Zoom sessions on How to Be Well on the third Thursday of the month for the next six months. The first session will focus on Eating, where we start with Composing the Perfect Plate.

FIRST CLASS - March 17, 2022, at 6 pm MST

Login to ZOOM

Meeting ID: 835 9824 9662

Passcode: 248073

Are you looking for more ways to tap into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. affiliate Diverse Talent has you covered. Check out three upcoming events and share with your networks!

The Privilege Institute presents…The White Privilege Conference

The Privilege Institute (TPI) is a 23-year-old foundational learning community that is committed to action and accountability related to issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership. TPI provides challenging, informative, and practical strategies, programs, and resources. TPI is hosting White Privilege Conference from March 9-12, 2022, in Charlotte, NC. It is important to note that this is no ordinary “conference.” It is a place to renew and empower oneself on the journey of social justice and human rights, to gain skills in leadership, and strategies for collaborating with communities and in the process, connect and network with others doing the same, including some of the most renown leaders in these fields.

Friends and family can attend in-person in Charlotte, NC or virtually.

The Great Resignation is REAL! 

From the ashes of the pandemic crisis, Black women rose seemingly undefeated and ready to start anew. No longer willing to wait until they are invited to take a seat at the table. Instead, using their hands and brilliant minds to build the table! More than ever before, Black women are electing to define their own path by quitting their day jobs and becoming CEOs of their own companies. All the while, fueling the creation of record-breaking numbers in new businesses.

Check out these articles to learn more about the great resignation and Black women’s contributions to small business.

"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations."

- Dr. Mae Jemison

First African American Female Astronaut 

Sister-to-Sister, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax-ID 85-1053563) and an alliance of Black women dedicated to enhancing Sisters’ lives and resilience through comradery, connectivity, education, and nurturing.  

Your support will impact, enhance, and enrich the lives of Black females around the globe.

For newsletter content and inclusion, contact editor

Carrie T. Warren 

carrietwarren@gmail.com