Sorority honors black community members

Staff report

LIBERTY

The Youngstown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrated the contributions and milestones of individuals in the Mahoning Valley.

The chapter is marking 64 years of service since it was founded in May 1951, well after the national sorority was established at Howard University in 1913. The organization provides public service through its five-point programs thrust: economic development; educational development, international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; and political awareness and involvement.

“We try to continue their values and commitment to public service,” said Nikki Davis, who has been a member of the sorority for 55 years.

The chapter honored six black Americans in the community, said chapter president Susan Moorer. Proceeds will benefit the Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Fund along with voter education and registration, health and financial training and mentoring young people. Since the inception of its scholarship fund, the chapter’s has awarded more than $300,000 to deserving students in the Mahoning Valley.

Additionally, the tribute also honored David Denovchek, 29, of Niles. Denovchek was recognized for donating 25 percent of the left lobe of his liver to Jamie, 4, a foster child in Trumbull County. He said he never expected such a positive response from the community.

“It was the right thing to do,” he said.

The six other honorees of the chapter’s 14th annual “Tribute to Black Excellence,” are:

Ernie Brown, regional editor at The Vindicator: Brown, a graduate of East High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and teacher’s certification from Ohio and Youngstown state universities. He has worked for The Vindicator for the past 39 years. “I’m just happy that Delta singled me out for this particular honor,” Brown said, adding that he appreciates being recognized by his peers in the community.

Guy Burney, coordinator of Community Initiative to Reduce Violence: Burney continues to carry out its mission to offer individuals support to enable them to choose a non-violent path in life. For more than 20 years, Burney has worked with law enforcement, youth organizations, businesses, students and churches.

June Ewing, for service in community outreach and nutrition education: Ewing was supervisor of Mahoning County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program for OSU, where she worked 33 years before retiring. She said she still teaches nutrition and the award means a lot for her contributions.

Annie Gillam, Youngstown councilwoman, D-1st: Gillam, a graduate of Youngstown City Schools, retired from Delphi Packard Electric after working there 30 years. She succeeded her husband, Artis Gillam, on council in the 2007 general election. She is also vice president of A. Gillam and Assoc. Inc.

Rosalyn Hill, owner of 5 Grands Clothing, 164 High St. NE, Warren: The Warren native graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in business administration. She worked for Sweet Meat Barbecue and Lampley’s Travel. Her current position as program manager of Sunshine Inc., for nearly 18 years, inspired her to start 5 Grands Fashions LLC. The boutique specializes in women’s and men’s apparel and accessories.

Pastor Christopher McKee Jr. of Tabernacle Baptist Church: McKee became a Christian at a young age at Antioch Baptist Church in Youngstown. In 2003, he was licensed into Gospel Ministry and ordained in 2007. During that time he served as an associate minister at Christian Revival and Discipleship, now Christ Centered Church, in Youngstown and Akron. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Youngstown State University. He became pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in June 2013. “As a pastor you try do good work,” he said. “[The award] means a lot.”