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79th Debutante Souvenir Booklet

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THAILER RUBY FOX DEBUTANTE 2023

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® BETA PHI LAMBDA PO BOX 1321 | SAVANNAH, GEORGIA | 31402 David Miller, Jr. Marius Davis President Vice President Keon Green Dr. Bobby Jones Secretary Treasurer Happy Holidays, It’s with great pleasure that the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Beta Phi Lambda Chapter present the 79th class of Debutantes. The five young ladies presented this year have completed professional and social etiquette training and have demonstrated that they are ready to enter society and become productive citizens. As always, we thank the parents, guardians, and care givers for their support to this program. Your efforts will pay major dividends and will clearly be seen as these young ladies continue their development. We would also like to thank the sponsors who support chapter programs. Their continued support allows the Chapter to sustain mentoring programs like the Alpha Bears, Project Alpha, and MegaGenesis. It’s events like the Debutante Cotillion and other scholarship events that showcase Beta Phi Lambda’s support and continued commitment to Savannah, Chatham County, and the surrounding community. It’s my hope that you and your families will be blessed with a safe and prosperous holiday season and a happy new year. Again, thanks for your continued support. It's my sincere hope that you are blessed with a happy holiday season and a safe and prosperous new year! Thanks for your continued support. David Miller David A. Miller, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Beta Phi Lambda Chapter Founders Henry A. Callis • Charles H. Chapman • Eugene K. Jones • George B. Kelley • Nathaniel A. Murray • Robert H. Ogle • Vertner W. Tandy Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Develops Leaders, Promotes Brotherhood and Academic Excellence, While Providing Service and Advocacy for Our Communities.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Phi Lambda Chapter • Post Office Box 1361 • Savannah, Georgia 31402 Greetings: We are extremely proud to serve during this 79th annual Debutante Presentation and Scholarship Ball. We are honored to welcome you and to congratulate each Debutante on this most memorable occasion. We sincerely hope that this year’s affair proved to be an enjoyable experience. We commend the hard work of the parents, sponsors, and the Alphabettes for their support of the Debutantes this season. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are dedicated to serving mankind, and appreciate the challenges of the present and look forward to the challenges of the future. The Debutante season activities were designed to enhance the social skills and committed to the educational pursuits of its participants. Our goal for this year’s presentation experience has been to enrich the lives of the Debutantes, not only for today, but for the future as well. Sincerely, Ramon J. Ray, Chairman, Social Committee Elainor B. Ray, Alphabette

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A Brief History of Beta Phi Lambda Chapter, the Alphabettes & The Annual Debutante Presentation Beta Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was established in 1940 in Savannah, Georgia. The members of the chapter serve in various roles in the community. The membership includes: Retired Judge James Bass, Mayor Van Johnson, County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis, Medical Doctors Gary N. Harvey, and Bobby Jones and Dentist Billy Jamerson, III just to name a few. In 1945, the chapter established the Annual Debutante Cotillion, at which the finest young women of Savannah, who were in their first year of college, were presented to society. The wives of the brothers served as “matrons” (chaperons) to these young ladies. In 1958, a group of Alpha wives, through the coordinated efforts of the late Mrs. Richard Moore (Ouida) and late Brother A. E. Peacock, President of Beta Phi Lambda Chapter, met for the purpose of organizing an auxiliary to the chapter. They organized and took the name “The Alphabettes.” The wives have played an important role in support of the chapter from its beginning. The most notable and by far the most pleasurable, is the Annual Debutante Presentation, which in 1945 presented five young ladies, to the current Debutante season planning. They present a program of activities designed to accentuate those qualities which exemplify the most desirable traits of refined womanhood. The Lillie Jackson Ray Scholarships are awarded at the end of each Debutante Season to all the participants. Since, 2017, the chapter has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships. All wives and widows of the brothers are members of the Alphabettes. To list the many contributions from our membership would be impossible. Some of the Alphabettes currently involved include Mrs. John Copeland (Beverly), Mrs. Chester Ellis (Wilmotine), Mrs. T. Martin Flowers (Janet), Mrs. David Miller, Sr. (Dianne) and Mrs. Ramon Ray (Elainor), Mrs. Ranell Williams (Lori).

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda Chapter • The Brotherhood • Allen, Victor Baker, Jerome Bass, James Brown, Willie Bryant, Robert Buckner, Kelvin Bynum, David Carpenter, Mark Cave, Dr. Jimmy Chisolm, Larry Davis, Dr. Deron Davis, Marius Davis, Robert Dawson Jr., Shed Day, Robert Duncan, Eric Ellis, Chester Flowers, T. Martin Foy, Dr. Tony L. Fulton, John Golphin, Charles Green, Dr. Keon Greene, Jerry Haggan, Orie Hall, Thomas R. Harvey, Dr. Gary N. Hutchins, Lawrence Hutchins, Wesley Jamerson III, Dr. John W. Johnson, Geoffrey Johnson, Terrie B. Johnson, Van R. Jones, Dr. Bobby W. Jones, Drevon M. Kendrick, Ollie Larry, Julius Lockett, Bobby Mason, Ron McCall, Christopher M. McGuire, Jr, Alfred D. Miller, Sr., David A. Miller, Jr., Edward Miller, Sr., Edward Mullgrav, Sal Myers, III, Solomon Pittman, Joshua Ramsey, Emmett Ray, Ramon Shinhoster, Richard Silver, Dr. Joe Singleton, Herbert Smith, Billy W. Spikes, Wilcher Staten, Terry J. Stevenson, Dan Swain Herbert Toure, Dr. Jamal A. West, Jr., Elijah West, Tommie Wilhite, John W. Sr Williams, Dr. Frank D. Williams, Ranell Jr Zimmerman, Dr. Leroy Z.

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. 2023 Alphabettes Debutante Committee Left to Right Pictured Analicia Patterson Debuntante Advisory Council Beverely Copeland Alphabette Wilmotine Ellis Alphabette Elainor Ray Alphabette Not pictured: Alphabettes Diane Miller, Janet Flowers, and Lori Williams Debutante Advisory Council Maronda Lotson (1988 Debutante), Dr. Kenya Mosley (Parent: Jermaya Patterson 2015 Debutante), Analicia Patterson (2009 Debutante), & Dr. Laura Wiggins (1988 Debutante)

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda Chapter Manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind are the aims Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda chapter has had a rich history of upholding this rich legacy since 1940 in the Coastal Empire community and continues to move onward and upward toward furthering its services in our community. Below are a few of the continued efforts and initiatives sponsored by the chapter to better our community and support local youth who aspire to achieve higher goals: • Scholarships to deserving high school students in the Coastal Empire area • Male values and teen pregnancy workshops • Guess speakers and presentations to local youth on leadership development and citizen education • Promote and support historically black colleges and universities and their students • Sponsor and providing opportunities for local youth and college students to network at professional events and cultural activities • Promote the Fraternity’s “Go-To-High School-Go-To-College” national initiative • Promote citizen empowerment, civic education, voter registration, voting, and political action in the Coastal Empire • Active engagement in community and civic leadership to influence greater opportunities for local use and citizens in need

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79th Debutantes Zaria Danae Dorsey Albany State University Albany, GA Thailer Ruby Fox (1st Place) The New School University New York, NY Paris Patricia Jackson Savannah Technical College Savannah, GA Channah Patrice Roberson (2nd Place) Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA Indiya Nicole Vereen Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA All Debutantes receive a Lillie Mae Jackson Ray Scholarship

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda Chapter THE MISSION OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. is to develop leaders, promotes brotherhood, and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community. THE OBJECTIVE OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. is to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the cause of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status. THE AIMS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. are manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. In the name of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Beta Phi Lambda Chapter of Savannah, Georgia we PROCLAIM the following: WHEREAS THE BROTHERS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. BETA PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER are deeply sadden and offer our full and inveterate support of our ALPHA BROTHER RAMON RAY in the passing of his adored mother and to ALPHA BROTHER ROBERT RAY in the passing of his beloved wife MRS. LILLIE MAE JACKSON RAY; And, WHEREAS MRS. LILLIE MAE JACKSON RAY faithfully provided leadership and service in the Savannah community for countless years as a human service provider and teacher; and she has served for over 20 years as President of the Alphabets and over 25 years as Advisor to the Beta Phi Lambda Debutante Program and has mentored hundreds of aspiring young ladies who have transitioned through the Debutante program; And, WHEREAS the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda chapter stand beside the Ray Brothers in sympathy of their loss and lament with them in empathy of their bereavement; we look soon towards that day in the near future that we will raise our heads proudly in having known and worked with such a virtuous, loving, caring, and dedicated servant in the uplift of our community and are truly thankful for her assistance and contributions towards the mission, objectives, and aims of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; THEREFORE, the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Phi Lambda in concert with the Beta Phi Lambda Foundation, Inc., do proclaim the: Lillie Mae Jackson Ray Scholarship to be awarded annual at the Beta Phi Lambda Debutante Presentation in honor of Mrs. Lillie Ray’s dedication and service to the development and uplift of Savannah Youth and her work to transition them onward and upward. Proclaimed this fourth day of January in the year of Our Lord 2013.

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Acknowledgments Candle lighters: Amari Jones – 2019 Debutante Deja Gillians – 2020 Debutante Taylor Brown – 2021 Debutante Andre’l Shuman – 2022 Debutante Debutante Alphabette Committee Debutante Advisory Committee Taqwaa F. Saleem – Polished Pearl Productions, LLC Photography by Middleton & Riley Photography Cynthia Hall – Corsages, Boutonnieres, & Stage decorations Music by DJ Cotton Kimberly Gunn Off Hall Catering Jackie Downs The Savannah Tribune Men’s Warehouse Formal Wear Minuet & Waltz music pre-recorded by Mrs. Mertha Maddox (1988 Debutante) Savannah State University Whitfield Center Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Delta Eta Chapter (SSU) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Xi Tau Chapter (GSU)

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Zaria Dorsey Zaria is the daughter of Kariesha Huff-Dorsey and the late Shawnta Dorsey. Zaria is also the oldest of four siblings. Zaria is the only girl out of the siblings with three little brothers Zavier, Zachary, and Kyrie. Zaria is the second person in her family to become a debutante after her cousin Ariel Daniels in 2017. Zaria Dorsey was the last graduate of Grace Ashtin Christian School for Girls in Savannah, GA in 2023, graduating with honors and a 3.37 GPA. In high school Zaria won The Teacher Merit Award her first year,Student Of The Year twice and Best All Around four years in a row. Zaria also cheered in high school for the Hurricanes of the Private School Association and then the Blazers of Bethesda Academy her last year. In her free time Zaria enjoys dancing, listening to music, shopping, and going out with friends. Zaria Dorsey aspires to be a teacher. She got her first job in 9th grade as a student leader at Urban Hope. Urban hope is an after school program that focuses on helping kids with homework, behavioral problems, and more. Zaria would continue to work there all four years of high school. Today, Zaria has been working for YBase at Butler Elementary School as a Pryme Tyme teacher. Zaria will start the second generation of educators in her family following in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother, aunts, and uncle. After skipping a semester and carefully deciding on a university to attend, Zaria will be matriculating to Albany State University and majoring in education in the spring of 2024.

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Thailer Ruby Fox Thailer, the daughter of Mr. Mic Charles Fox and Ms. Tatia Adams Fox is a 2023 graduate of Columbia High School in South Orange, New Jersey. At Columbia High, she was a member of the Junior Varsity Volleyball team. An aspiring filmmaker, Thailer made history as the youngest student to receive the 2023 Gordon Parks Foundation Scholarship for Film. Selected as one of thirty GFS New York Fellows from a pool of 300+ applicants, Thailer debuted her first major production and independent short film at the Museum of Motion - New York. Her next short film feature will air on Criterion Collection streaming services in 2024. Her community service includes The Phuket Orphanage in Thailand, New Jersey Animal Shelter, Savannah Salvation Army, and Adopt-A-Family New York, NY. Thailer currently attends New School University in New York, majoring in Screen Studies. Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts, she plans to explore opportunities in film, T.V. and entertainment industry. She is the granddaughter of retired educator Janice B. Henry, and Savannah’s jazz historian and musician, Dr. Teddy Adams and retired seamstress, Bubpa Adams. Thailer enjoys spending time with her sister, Sumari, her dogs Charlie and Leo, friends, and family. She also loves music, fashion, and travel.

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Paris Patricia Jackson Paris is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Jackson (Tara Bynes) is a 2023 honor graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia. She was crowned Miss. Homecoming Queen for the 2022-2023 school year, she was on the school Varsity Volleyball team and a member of the FBLA club. She has a varied personality including ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness. She is also a well determined and vigorous individual, yet pleasantly calm. Her community involvement includes involvement with #CAP affiliated with The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA). She is a member of The New Historic New Ogeechee Church Inc. where Chief Apostle Zinnia L. Williams is pastor. Paris currently attends Savannah Technical College where she will major in Surgical Technician. Her plans are to travel with her career to further her future endeavors. Paris fights for what she believes in and does it through God because nothing great comes easy and with God everything is possible. She is also the 3rd generation of her family to become a debutante.

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Channah Patrice Roberson Channah is the daughter of Pastor Charles and Yolanda Roberson Sr. She has one sibling Charles Roberson Jr. Channah is an 2023 honor graduate of Savannah Early College High School where she participated in several extra-curricular activities and clubs to include: Secretary of Skills USA, beta club, Student leadership program, FBLA, student council, and law program. She was also honored with the outstanding senior award. Channah was a receipt of the 2023 Junior league Community Scholarship award Channah also is very active in her church, Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, where her parents serve as the Pastors. Channah volunteers in youth ministry, community outreach, and an avid Dance team member Channah currently attends Georgia Southern University as a freshman majoring in elementary education with a minor in non-profit management. Her plans are to receive a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in non profit management and become an elementary school teacher and later obtain her master’s degree in education and open her own non-profit organization for youth.

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Indiya Nicole Vereen Indiya is the daughter of Mr. Romel Petit-Frere & Ms. Felicia L. Vereen, is a 2023 Honor Graduate of St. Vincent Academy in Savannah, Georgia. Her school activities included volleyball and track. She is also a 2023 Hope Scholarship Recipient. Indiya’s community involvement includes being a member of Savannah Jack and Jill of America, Inc. which includes cultural, academic and civic activities, volunteers’ projects and other worthwhile endeavors. She also held several offices as a teen in Jack and Jill. She is a member of the Church of Christ, where Bro. Hall is the minister. Indiya currently attends Kenessaw State University where she will major in Sports Management. Her plans are to become a Sports Agent.

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The Alpha Bears congratulate the 2023 Debutantes

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Congratulations to my beautiful, sweet, and steadfast daughter, Zaria Dorsey! We wish you all the best! Know the Lord is with you always! Your Family, Mom, Zavier, Zachary, and Kyrie. We Love You! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

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Congratulations Zaria Dorsey! Good day family and friends. My name is Charles Delarge and I’m from Senior Benefits services, located here in Savannah off Dean Forest Road. Our Company motto is “Putting People First.” This is what we do best when it comes to finding additional health benefits at no cost to you, senior retirement protection, affordable final expense coverage and life insurance. A no cost review of all your current coverage is the best way to know if you and your family are protected against life’s biggest financial hardships. Knowledge is power, so allow me to give you the power that the insurance companies do not want you to have. Consultations are completely free. Please call 803-387-3411 to book an appointment. Grace Ashtin Christian School for Girls Congratulates our 2023 Graduate: Ms. Zaria Dorsey The No Excuse for Abuse Program extends Congratulations to Debutante Zaria Dorsey! Spirit and Truth Full Gospel Church extends Congratulations to Zaria Dorsey Congratulations Zaria! From Micheal Johnson and Family We are very proud of your accomplishments! Continue to put God first in all of your endeavors! If you believe, you can achieve all of your dreams and goals! Way to go my very special granddaughter! Love, Mimi and Papa Congratulations Zaria! Mr. Steve Dantin, Executive Director of The Whitefield Center

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Thailer Ruby FoxCONGRATS!!!K. KANTRELLHOW ARD PAULJOSHUA ADAMSLAZENIA HARRISMORESHA KIMBERGENA PEMBERTONLEON & PAT ROBERTSLEON & PAT ROBERTSLATISHA ARRINGTON & FAMILY

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ANTHONY JONESSANDY REESEANTHONY JONES  SAMUEL TRUELL JASON CHARACTER  JOUSETTE SERVICECongratulationsThailer Ruby Fox

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Thailer FoxNEW GENMEET WRITER,DIRECTOR & PRODUCERE X C L U S IV ERising Star & Filmmaker DEALMAKINGGLOBAL FILM INSIGHTS ISSUE 19TRENDS CEOFUTURE

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THAILER RUBY FOX“A DREAM PERSONIFIED”Dupre “Du” Kelly

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CONGRATULATIONS THAILER FOX SHANTI DASHarold Jackson | Broker912-604-6263TFI REALTY LLCTFIRealty.comToll Free(855)TFI-REALCONGRATULATIONS THAILER FOX TABARI STURDIVANTCONGRATULATIONS THAILER FOX UNCLE CHANCE, AUNTIE ERICA, KAYLAH, LIL’ CHANCE

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THAILER RUBY FOX You are a true “Jewel of the Nile”. We could not be more proud of you. Keep chasing your dreams, blazing new trails and being a beacon of light for all to see. We love you always and forever. Uncle Azim, Auntie Taia, Lauryn, Alex, Abby

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THAILER RUBY FOX Congratulations! You have an entire village cheering for you! LOVE & BLESSINGS, Dickie Jones & Family Katrina Adams & Family Sandy Reese & Family Auntie Margie & Shannon Nelson

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CaptionTHAILER RUBY FOXCongratulations To Our Eldest Granddaughter. You have always made us proud and continue to do so. You are legacy personified and a generation anew.It is impossible to love you more.Love Always & Forever,Papa & YaiDr. Teddy and Bubpa Adams

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THAILER RUBY FOXCONGRATULATIONS KIM GUSBY, REGINALD FRANKLIN, KENYA CABINE

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CONGRATULATIONS THAILER FOX OTIS JOHNSON EDNA JACKSON SHIRLEY & ROBERT JAMES CORDELL HALL

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THAILER You are !LIGHT and LOVE!Your!PRESENCE Is a blessing Your Spirit is !BEAUTIFUL Your Heart is!PURE Continue to !DREAM!big!Continue to !CREATE your own path!Continue to !speak your !TRUTH You are!LEGACY Your are !LOVED Congratulations!MOCHA BUNNY Love Always MOMMY

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THAILER RUBY FOX CONGRATS!!THE KENNEY FAMILY JAMES, CONNIE, JASMINE, HEATHER!“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”!- Maya Angelou You are surrounded by amazingly profound women in your family who are shining examples of all that life can be. !It’s in your destiny.

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CONGRATULATIONS THAILER RUBY FOX With Love, Dr. Hector Cummings & Family

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CONGRATULATIONS !THAILERRUBY FOXYour success in life will be measured by your character, remain steadfast in showing up as your most authentic self. Don’t just exist in the world, instead experience life, living each moment with the poise and grace instilled in you from your Mom, Dad, Grandparents and Family. May God cover you with abundant blessings of good health, prosperity and protection as you walk the life journey you are purposed for.The Barrow FamilyCaption

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CONGRATULATIONSTHAILER FOX ‘23FROM UNCLE AULSTON

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CONGRATULATIONSTHAILER FOX ‘23FROM YOUR NANNAJANICE B HENRY DELTA ETA ZETA OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED ‘ 63

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Thailer FoxDWAYNE, NELLY & FAMILY

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Congratulations Paris Jackson Davis Family Daniels Family Ms. Katrin Marshall Mr. & Mrs. James & Yolonda Wright Ms. Frenchye D. Bynes & Nasir Ms. Ciearra Weston & Mason Mr. & Mrs. Dexter & Shakira Scott Willis/Davis Family Minister Brian Furman Reid Family Mrs. Gloria Parker Ms. Vanessa Jones Mrs. Erica Pinckney-Adams Mr. Kareem Hill Johns Family Brown Family Jackson/Fulcher/Johnson - Family

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Dana N. Frasier Therapist and Owner of Reaching Beyond LLC Congratulations Channah Roberson

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Congratulations Channah Roberson from Owenthia Moore

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Congratulations Channah Roberson from Gwen David Congratulations Channah Roberson from Warren and Shirley Cheek

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Congratulations Channah Roberson from Bishop Eric Mason & Jesus First Community Church Congratulations Channah Roberson from Pastor Rodney Cutter Congratulations Channah Roberson from The Lane Family Gabrielle, Brian, and Brielle Congratulations Channah Roberson from Tamika Knowles Congratulations Channah Congratulations Channah Roberson from April Cobb Congratulations Channah Roberson from Jacqueline Tomlinson The Davis Family John, Jackie, and Sherrell

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