O.Z.O. Sorority sponsors Walk
Omicron Zeta Omega Chapter members participated in the Mental Health Awareness Walk. Pictured are Shemel Thomas, Destiny Burns, Victoria Lowery, Naja Freeman, Felicia Leak, Ova Brown-Gillespie, Sophia Waymyers, Irene Cassidy, Lucinda Barksdale, Jamila Hudley-Harrington, Karen Freeman, Sade Ransom, Camalah Bittle, and Rhonda Gwynn. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness of mental health and mental illness, is typically observed by the nation in May. However, due to the inclement weather, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omicron Zeta Omega Chapter, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the cause by rescheduling the walk for Saturday, June 15th, at Arrowhead Park. The chapter and community members participated in the walk to bring awareness to mental health.
Mental Health Awareness has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has five initiatives. One of the initiatives is Empowering Our Families, which focuses on Mental Health. The walk opened with a welcome and a purpose by Destiny Burns, chairperson of the committee. Dr. Samuel Richardson, III, Pastor of Pee Dee Union Baptist Church, followed with a prayer. The chapter is deeply grateful to our sponsors, Tri-County in Bennettsville, South Carolina, SPC Credit Union (Majik Lowery), CareSouth Carolina- Chesterfield (Sequeena Burns), and Davis Temple Lodge #481, for their generous donations that made our walk possible.
Each participant received a nice bag with trinkets. “The walk was a success, and we hope to continue to spread awareness about Mental Health,” said Burns. The chapter will continue to strive to raise awareness and educate the community to remove the stigma of mental health issues. Members of the committee are Destiny Burns, chairperson, Jackie Slayton, Jamila Hudley, Lisa Cannon, Naja Freeman, Rhonda Buchanan, and Louise David. Camalah Bittle is president of Omicron Zeta Omega Chapter.
