The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorority gives $37,500 to 11 graduates
Since it was chartered in 1988 to serve Cobb County, the Rho Zeta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has awarded $385,000 in scholarships to African American high school seniors in the county.
Though sorority members and the student scholars could not hold their 31st annual scholarship recognition in person, they met online in June to give $37,500 to 11 seniors with assistance from The PEARL Foundation, a nonprofit that serves as the chapter’s philanthropic arm.
Attended online by about 100 people, the students heard from Angela Sumbry, Rho Zeta Omega president, who said, “We are excited about the future and the changes you will bring to our world.”
Then Dr. Anya Bazzell, event speaker, recalled how she earned many advanced degrees but also failed many attempts to pass her medi- cal licensing exams.
Even though she was dismissed from medical school, Bazzell said she successfully appealed the decision.
Bazzell encouraged the students to have a flexible plan, a strong support system
Who’s doing good? Each Sunday, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com. and tutoring in test taking.
“Never give up on what God has called you to do,” she added.
Hopefully in December and in person, chapter members are planning their fifth annual fundraiser — Dashing through the Square at the
Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, at 8:08 a.m. Dec. 19.
The 5K/Virtual Race/1K Rudolph Run will open for day-of registration at 6:45 a.m.
Registration is taking place at active.com/marietta-ga/running/distance-run- ning-races/dashing-through
Item: Atlanta
Bill Worth sent us a question last week about the city’s public works priorities.
“Could you answer, why are we spending money on new traffic lights in the city when the ones currently are doing an adequate job? Couldn’t the money be used elsewhere, such as pedestrian crosswalk with lights at Renaissance Parkway NE and Piedmont?” Worth wrote.
We heard back quickly from the city.
“I’m not sure which bucket of funds is paying for those to change. It may be DOT money, not the city or Midtown Alliance. Piedmont is slated for a redo in the coming years and will improve the pedestrian safety at that crossing,” said Atlanta spokesman Amir Farokhi.
Days on the list: 1
Who’s looking into it: City of Atlanta Department of Public Works Commissioner James Jackson, 404-330-6240, jamesjackson@atlantaga.gov the-square-5k-walk-run-med- al-t0-all-finishers-12-19-2020.
Eighty years before the chartering of the Rho Zeta In April, we told you about Omega Chapter in Marietta, Kim Woodland’s issue at 1224 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Stillwood Drive that featured was founded in 1908 at Howlarge holes and steel plates. ard University as the first “About three weeks to a African American Greek-let- month ago, a DeKalb road ter sorority.
This international sorority has greater than 1,000 undergraduate and alumnae chapters that focus on academic excellence and community service.
Item: Atlanta (DeKalb)
We want tips from across metro Atlanta. Send your tips and photos to johntct1212@gmail.com. crew placed large metal plates over the holes. The plates are on a slope and have started to move as cars pass over them. They also make a terrible racket as cars drive over them,” she wrote.
We heard back from Woodland two weeks ago.
“The road still hasn’t been paved, and the holes in the road are bigger than before, although they now aren’t covered by plates, so the gravel is being pushed and washed down the road,” she said.
Last week, we heard from Woodland again.
“Since my e-mail, DeKalb sent a paving crew to pave over the hole ... finally. We now need the county to remove the two large steel plates covering the hole,” she said.
Days on the list: 75
Who’s getting it fixed: Communications Manager Andrew Cauthen, acauthen@dekalbcountyga.gov