Annual Beautillion set for May 17
The Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is proud to announce Vondre’ Whaley as the winner of the 2025 Alfred F. Young Oratorical Contest, held at The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia. The event featured strong speeches from the senior participants in the chapter’s Alpha Academy program, known as “Beaux.”
“The Alfred F. Young Oratorical Contest not only challenges students to think critically and speak confidently, but it also reinforces the values of leadership and academic excellence that Alpha Academy instills,” said Von Moore, Director of Educational Activities.
The next spotlight event for the Beaux is the 2025 Alpha Beautillion, scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the TMPC Banquet & Conference Center in Columbia. Tickets are $40 and available now at AlphaBeautillion2025.eventbrite.com.
Each Beau is currently raising scholarship funds—individual links can be found under their photos on the event page. Visitors are encouraged to check back daily to meet the Beaux and learn more about their goals beyond high school.
Ladies of Distinction Tea honors excellence in mental health
The Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., serving West Columbia and surrounding areas, held its Ladies of Distinction Tea on Sunday, May 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. This year’s event honored four women who are lighting the path toward mental wellness in their communities.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month and during this time, we shine a brighter light on the importance of mental wellness in our communities,” said Charlene Slaughter, president of the Iota Omicron Sigma Chapter. “Each of the women we honored is breaking new ground on how we define, support, and sustain mental health— especially for Black women and families.”
This year’s Ladies of Distinction Tea awardees are:
Christian Jackson, a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of service helping individuals heal from trauma and rediscover their authentic selves. Jackson is the creator of the GRACE Method™, a trauma-informed decision-making model, and the powerful voice behind Daddy Issues and Mommy Issues: Why You Struggle & How to Heal for Good. Through her brand, Couch With Christian, she normalizes conversations around mental health in Black communities, empowers others to protect their peace, and reminds us to choose ourselves—on purpose and without apology
Ashley Young, is the CEO and lead therapist of Everyday Wellness, LLC. A decorated Army Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina National Guard and proud veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, Young brings a unique blend of military leadership and mental health expertise. Her private practice offers compassionate care for individuals facing depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is
also the founder of Women’s Influential Network—a professional mentoring program for minority female soldiers in the S.C. Army National Guard.
Jessica Vann, the founder of InVision Counseling, Consulting & Coaching and the brilliant mind behind the TRASH Mom Movement— where “TRASH” stands for Thoughtful, Rested, Accountable, Secure, and Happy. As a maternal mental health advocate, Vann creates affirming spaces for Black women to thrive in every role they carry. Her work meets mothers where they are—offering therapy, coaching, and reallife tools that bridge the gap between clinical support and personal empowerment.
Dr. Andrea M. Fleming, an educator, clinician, consultant, and pioneer in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. With 30 years of experience and a wall full of credentials, Dr. Fleming is a champion for ethical, culturally responsive care. From her work with the Department of Defense to her leadership as founder of The Gold Standard, LLC, she provides excellence in training, supervision, and advocacy across the state of South Carolina. As Associate Director of the Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program, Dr. Fleming is a vocal advocate and mentor in the
behavioral health field.
The Iota Omicron Sigma Chapter also presented the Mildred Weathers McDuffie Scholarship. McDuffie was a member and staunch supporter of the chapter and a trailblazer in her own right in the Columbia community as an educator, council member, and summary court judge. This year’s winners were Ava Breland of Sumter High School, Alaina Scipio and Jaden Quinn from Spring Valley High School, and Kayla Uwagbai from Westwood High School.
To learn more about the Iota Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., please visit our website at www.iossgrho.org About Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded by seven educators on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sorority has more than 500 chapters in the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Korea, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Members aim to enhance the quality of life within the community through public service, leadership development, and education of youth. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
