History OF Epsilon Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
Epsilon Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc was organized in the Nurses Home at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama on May 3, 1939. Epsilon was the third chapter of the sorority to be organized. There were nine candidates present; Julia L. Alexander, Anita Kelly Bass, Edith Demby Baugh, Magnolia W. Campbell, Rosabelle K. Carter, Jewelle R. Crawford, Lucia Rapley, Dura Davis Richardson and Evelyn Skipper Smith, and they became the “Charter Members” of Epsilon Chapter.
The Chapter was sponsored through its first six years under the guidance of Soror Jewelle R. Crawford. Her Leadership has been followed by 18 other strong, capable and dedicated leaders, who have continuously monitored the purposes and motto (Service for Humanity) of the sorority.
In 1950, Soror Anita Kelly Bass became the first editor of the official organ; “ The Glowing Lamp” She planned the first edition to reflect a new ray of light that infused Chi Eta Phi Sorors with courage, determination and hope to live up to its motto and purposes. She saw that the organ was the symbol of the unshakable faith that inspired sorors within Chi Eta Phi and served as a significant milestone in the growth of the sorority to enhance both unity and expansion. Charter members requested and received assistance from Tuskegee Institute (University) in the publication of the organ. The cover designed by Charles C. Dawson, artist/curator of the George Washington Carver Museum remains the same. The first issue of the Glowing Lamp was done by the printing department at Tuskegee Institute.
In 1950 Soror Anita Bass was overwhelmingly elected as Supreme Basileus Chi Eta Phi, Sorority, Inc. She served from 1950-1953. Soror Bass held numerous elected positions at the local, regional and national levels. She also initialed Chi Eta Phi’s first investment program at the former Tuskegee Federal Savings and Loan which is now First Tuskegee Bank.
The members of Epsilon Chapter realized the need for an organization among student nurses which would perpetuate high ideals and service, elevate nursing standards, create a more friendly atmosphere, correlate all branches of nursing, and promote a higher educational standard for the profession. Instilling these ideals enabled the sorority to participate in the growth of tomorrows leaders. On January 26, 1952, Epsilon Beta- the second undergraduate chapter of Chi Eta Phi, Sorority Inc was organized at Tuskegee Institute in conjunction with the school of Nursing. In 1952 the nursing program at Tuskegee was one of only two programs awarding a degree in nursing in the states of Alabama. Epsilon Beta was Sponsored by Epsilon Chapter but organized by the National Organizer, Soror Clara E. Beverly, with assistance from Soror Anita K. Bass, Supreme Basileus and Soror Jewelle Crawford , National Executive Secretary. The eleven Charter members of Epsilon Beta were; Rayelle Booton, Lorraine Chisholm, Agnes Clark, Lillie Henry, Mattie Hill, Jeanne, Johnson, Erma Jean McCree, Toni A. Thompson, Deborah Webster and Thomasine Williams-Braye.
Our leaders recognized early that nursing could no longer be an “art of the hands” due to radical changes in the educational system. One of those leaders was Soror Lillian Holland Harvey. In 1948, she established the first baccalaureate nursing program in the state of Alabama at Tuskegee Institute (University). She also assisted the University of Alabama in establishing their baccalaureate nursing program. Among her many honors were the award for Distinguished Achievement in Nursing, the American Nurses Association Mary Mahoney Award and on March 20, 1999 she was inducted into the Alabama Health Care Hall of Fame. The Alabama State Nurses Association also established the annual “Lillian Holland Harvey Award in her honor.
Other Epsilon Chapter members have served in numerous illustrious positions. In 1959, Soror Minnie J. Whitfield was also elected Supreme Basileus from 1959-1961. Sorors Anita Bass and Warrena Turpin served as southeast Regional Directors.
During National Nurses Week which is held annually in May, we pause to remember and honor those sorors who have excelled in carrying out the programs and projects of Epsilon Chapter. Our motto“Service for Humanity” is demonstrated through our implementation of the following preventive health programs and projects;
1. Hypertension Screening- In conjunction with the American Heart Association blood pressure screenings are held monthly at local churches and one community center.
2. Diabetic health fairs – Sorors participate in annual health fairs within the community where they provide monitoring of blood glucose levels and provide education on the care and management of diabetes.
3. Cancer- workshops on cancer awareness which have included teaching of breast self examination and special emphasis on prevention and early detection of breast, prostate, lung and cervical cancer have been held throughout the year-usually during the months designated for awareness of the particular type of cancer.
4. HIV/ AIDS Education- In recognition of World AIDS day Sorors sponsor an annual workshop on the campus of Tuskegee University in the dormitory settings for students with emphasis on prevention of sexually transmitted disease and the affects of those diseases on the African American Community.
5. Prepared Thanksgiving meals are provided annually for senior citizens.
6. At Christmas each year in the spirit of the season the sorority adopts a needy family to provide meals, toys or clothing that the family may not have received without assistance.
7. The Randolph- Crawford Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Tuskegee University nursing student during the Presidents Essay Contest. The awarding of this scholarship began in 1958 as the Randolph Scholarship in honor a graduate chapter member. In 1969 after the death of Soror Jewelle Crawford the first Basileus of Epsilon Chapter it was renamed the Randolph- Crawford Scholarship.
Epsilon Chapter has continued to demonstrate “Service for Humanity” in the Tuskegee community and surrounding areas for seventy (70) years as active participants/providers of preventive health programs, charitable projects, educational workshops and participants in civic affairs and religious activities. We look forward to serving our community with increased services for years to come.