BENNETTSVILLE — March is national Sisterhood Month. It is a time set aside to pause, reflect, renew, and rekindle the bonds of sisterhood. In Celebration of this bond, members of the Bennettsville – Cheraw Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held the following events: Workout Wednesday, Soul Care Sip and Paint session, fellowship service, and African American Women Health Disparities workshop.
The series of events began with Workout Wednesday that was held March 11th at the Clio Opera House. Chapter members and community participants gathered for a session focused on improving overall fitness, strength, and health. The instructor was Ms. LaRhonda Alford, a chapter member and S.O.U.L Fitness instructor. Participants started with warm-ups, leading into glute focused workouts that included squats, leg kickbacks, side lunges, and single leg RDLs. The session included round table discussions on the benefits of GLP-1s and exercise, highlighting the instructor’s message that consistent movement changes your body, attitude, and mood.
The next event, Soul Care Sip and Paint session was held Thursday, March 19th at the Bennettsville Community Center. It was an evening designed to encourage relaxation, creativity, and meaningful connection. The event led by chapter member Ms. Daishanna Pearson, welcomed members and guests to gather in a warm and uplifting environment centered on sisterhood and self-care. The theme “Soul Care,” offered a pause in daily routines, allowing participants to declutter their minds and embrace the power of creativity. Participants created personal canvas pieces that symbolized renewal, reflection, and growth. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and shared moments of encouragement as participants connected through art and fellowship. The night concluded with more than just beautiful handcrafted art, but also a renewed energy, joy, and a deeper sense of sisterhood.
Chapter members attended a fellowship service Sunday, March 15th at the Pageland United Methodist Church in Pageland, S.C. The service gave opportunity for members to strengthen, renew, and celebrate the bonds of sisterhood, commitment to community service, scholarship, and social action. In addition, the fellowship fostered a sense of belonging, enabling members to share experiences, offer mutual respect, and elevate each other. In the spirit of fellowship, Lynn Cassidy Henry and Vanessa Pearson attended services led by Braber Spell, local pastor of Pageland United Methodist Church. Pastor Spell’s message was based on Psalm 23:5 and titled, “God Uses Our Mockers to Bless Us.”
The month long events concluded with the African American Women Health Disparities workshop held Saturday, March 21, at the Marian Wright Edelman Library. Guest presenters were Mrs. Kendra Fling, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C and CEO and Founder of “At Your Place Health Care” in Marion, S.C. and Mrs. Daphne Jasmeen Garrick, Certified Doula Consultant and CEO of 7 May Roses LLC in Columbia, S.C.
Mrs. Kendra Fling highlighted World’s Down Syndrome Awareness Day and racial disparities in prenatal care. She emphasized that African Americans represents 13% of the population, and lacks prenatal care to manage and improve outcome. She suggested that participants have a provider that understands them, and to be aware of symptoms and family history. She also urged participants to analyze the underlying meaning of their symptoms and be willing to share information with their healthcare providers and people that may be navigating similar conditions, by doing this, it creates a powerful tool to save lives. Mrs. Fling emphasized symptoms not to ignore and shared her personal health experiences. She warned that persistent symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and chest discomforts – are all signs not to ignore, as they can signal severe underlying health issues. She stated that nurse practitioners can bridge the knowledge gap left by doctors by ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment. She noted that African American women are three times likely to die from pregnancy-related complications and are diagnosed at higher rates of diabetes compared to their white counterparts.
Mrs. Fling identified five factors that contribute to health disparities. They are as follows: Dismissed symptoms-complaints of patients not taken seriously, lack of access to care: including staffing issues and a shortage of hospitals, chronic stress, mistrust in health care providers driven by poor communication or perceived discrimination, and lack of diversity within the healthcare field. She concluded her presentation by sharing contact information and encouraging participants to reach out as needed.
Mrs. Daphne Jasmeen Garrick, opened by asking, “Have you shared your birth stories?” She emphasized that sharing these experiences is crucial for educating others and helping them navigate similar challenges. Mrs. Garrick focused on components of postpartum wellness: mental health education and practical care strategies to foster a supportive environment for mothers. She urged participants to get rid of the super hero responses such as, “it’s just and I’m okay,” instead, she emphasized acknowledging symptoms and seeking support when needed. She stated that awareness, educating ourselves and our communities are key. She asked participants to raise their hands if they were mothers or knew someone that is a mother. Seeing the high response, she emphasized the importance of supporting one another. Mrs. Garrick discussed the importance of nutrients and how big differences can be made by taking small steps. She also discussed the postpartum recovery timeline and gave guidelines on how to rest, activities to avoid, and essential care for long-term health. Participants engaged in dialogue throughout each presentation, with the session wrapping up by distributing informational resources.
Since chartering in 1983, members the Bennettsville-Cheraw Alumnae Chapter continues their commitment to serve the Marlboro and Cheraw communities through the sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Today, with a sisterhood of over 350,000 initiated women and over 1,050 chapters worldwide, the Bennettsville-Cheraw chapter has 31 members. Chapter president is Gina Owens, vice-president is Margaret Q. Primus, and Physical and Mental Health Committee members are: Braber Spell-Chair, Daishanna Pearson, Lynn C. Henry, LaRhonda Alford, and Margaret Q. Primus. Events were opened to the public.