For Darrius Truss, 15-year U.S. Forest Service veteran, returning home is a dream come true.

A native of Monroeville, Truss was selected as the new district ranger of the Tuskegee National Forest. He has been on the job for moret han a month, providing district oversight of multiple use management, protection and restoration.

Miera C. Nagy, U.S. Forest Service supervisor for Alabama’s national forests, said Truss is responsible for the Tuskegee District’s management of staff who work together to manage recreation, fire, special uses, wildlife and timber programs on approximately 11,252 acres of public lands.

Truss was hired with the Forest Service at the age of 22 as a trainee ecologist. He has served as a soil scientist in national forests located in South Carolina, Kentucky and Georgia. Truss also held acting positions as a deputy forest manager, equal employment opportunity training specialist, cooperative fire protection specialist and district ranger.

The acting positions in which he served were located in national forests in Alabama and South Carolina and the Forest Service Regional Office in Atlanta

Truss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science in 1997 from Alabama A&M University in Normal.

“It’s certainly a blessing to be able to come back to ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” Truss said. “I really look forward to building positive, community partnerships in Macon and surrounding counties. Collaboration with the community will hopefully promote public involvement in the management of the Tuskegee National Forest and encourage the public to learn about natural resource conservation and restoration.”

Truss is married with two sons and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He assumes responsibility of the Tuskegee National Forest that is popular to a variety of outdoor recreation activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, target shooting and primitive camping.

Young black men across the country gather together wearing similar colors and sharing hand signals and calls that are only distinguishable to those within certain circles.

Those dressed in red share hand signals and calls that are only shared among others in red – and the same applies to those dressed in blue and those who wear black and gold.

At first glance, the group may be identified as a gang, but by digging a little further one may be able to differentiate between those in gangs and those in fraternities.

On Feb. 23, men of Phi Rho Eta Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted an event, titled “Greeks vs. Gangs,” in Lumpkin Hall Auditorium which they discussed this comparison.

Reading an article to open the event, Dorrian White quoted from an article: “Stepping onto a college campus would confuse anyone trying to identify these groups, because Greek-letter organizations share very similar customs.”

Within the event, a panel of four students, along with the audience members, spoke about the similarities and differences between the Greek organizations.

A similarity that students noted the passion and pride that gang members and Greek-lettered students have for their respective organizations.

“A similarity that they have is the passion,” said Darius White, president of Alpha Phi Alpha. “We (Greeks) wear our colors and our letters with pride, as well as the gangs.”

Speaking about both organizations, host Marcus Waller, Phi Rho Eta member, asked about what everyone at the event thought about the induction processes of Greek-letter organizations and street gangs, asking everyone to recollect what they have heard about violence being a key part in the processes.

“I think that in a gang situation jumping in makes more sense,” said Gary Pearson, a senior political science major. “I think from a Greek standpoint that is extremely unnecessary because this is supposed to be within an educational atmosphere.”

The panel and audience members went on to speak about the brotherhood and sisterhood of Greek-letter organizations, debating about the allegations of hazing that takes place within them.

“Granted that Greek-letter organizations say ‘We are a non-hazing organization,’ we (students) do hear the stories,” said Kendall Jackson, a sophomore pre-business major.

Another similar trait some believe both Greek organizations and gangs share is their behavior toward those who are not within their respective circles.

“In gangs, I know that they are not favorable toward people who are not like them,” said William Robinson, advisor for Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. “The Greeks are tolerant of other people, in my opinion.”

Kappa Alpha Psi president Andrew Hubbard agreed there are several similarities between Greeks and gangs, but that the most important thing to take away from a comparison of the two organizations is the difference in their intent. He said the similarities are obvious: the colors, hand signals, calls and even possibly the reason why someone has taken interest in joining the organizations, but that their intents are very different.

“Those things parallel. There are a lot of the same things going on,” Hubbard said. “This road… it goes together for a long way. When you get to the root of why it’s being done is when we all hit that fork and we separate, but for the majority of it we’re on the same plain.”

Robinson and Hubbard each spoke about the security offered by each organization, along with each group’s goals and definition of success.

“With Greeks it’s more about trying to promote character qualities like – integrity, honesty, and striving for success,” he said. “A lot the successes are achieved through unethical means with a gang.”

“The qualities that we (Greeks) want are more of the righteous and positive qualities,” Hubbard said.

Greek organizations put an emphasis on brotherhood and sisterhood within their organizations, as well as a sense of commitment – traits that may also be found in gangs.

“There is no difference in the strength of the brotherhood or the connectivity,” Hubbard said. “It looks like we’re the same thing until you get down to our morals and our principles-our core.”

Addressing the issue of hazing within Greek organizations as compared to the violence involved in some gangs’ inductions, Robinson said “there’s not much difference.”

“Anytime you’re doing that, you’re violating an individual’s,” he said. “I believe that a much more positive approach needs to be constantly used to create an atmosphere of respect for one another.”

The comparison of Greek-lettered organizations to street gangs is something that may continue to be made and, while people may not necessarily agree with each other’s opinions on the matter, some believe that the dialogue is beneficial.

“It’s good that the students were able to talk about it in a somewhat respectful way and not being unappreciative of others’ opinions,” said P.J. Thompson, advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha. “I think there definitely needs to be more dialogue about things like that.”

The memories of two former UL students were kept alive Wednesday evening during a special ceremony and forum focusing on domestic violence.

Keosha Spikes was only a few months away from a degree in business management in January 2008 when she was shot in her Lafayette apartment by a former boyfriend, Derrick Fland. Authorities said Fland later drove to his hometown of Bogalusa and committed suicide.

But although she is gone, Spikes’ spirit is not forgotten, especially in the minds of her sorority sisters from Delta Sigma Theta. Together with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the organization has spent months raising funds to dedicate a bench in her name in front of Moody Hall on the UL campus.

“She was a part of the university, and her dream was to own her own business,” said Jillian Hawkins, president of the sorority, during a dedication ceremony Wednesday. “It’s appropriate that this bench in her name is here in front of Moody Hall.”

The building houses many of UL’s business classes.

Also remembered was Tonya Major, a UL nursing student who was shot to death in February 2008 at a Lake Charles home. Ricky Avrie, the father of her then-1-year-old son, was arrested a few days later and charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.

Following the dedication ceremony, many gathered in the Bayou Bijou room at the UL Student Union for a special forum on domestic violence and ways it can be prevented. This is the third year that the forum, organized by Delta Sigma Theta, has been held.

Francesca Hamilton-Acker of Acadiana Legal Services said that women who have left an abusive relationship can seek help from the legal system if they are concerned for their safety, including having a protective order issued against their abuser.

Such orders can set certain specifications, such as limiting the abuser’s ability to go near the woman’s home or workplace or prohibiting him from seeing his children.

Reginald Mosely, who has worked extensively with young men in the community, said he has found that many children who witness domestic violence in their own homes are at a higher risk for becoming abusers themselves later in life.

“If we can grab these kids when they are young, we can prevent them from being a statistic later in life,” Mosely said.

Oftentimes, abuse begins by emotional or psychological means, Mosely said. That can include a man slamming doors or being controlling.

When it comes to stroke and heart disease, knowing the enemy can mean the difference between life and death.

And knowing that alone was enough to prompt several local groups to participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Program.

According to the Heart Association’s Web site, Go Red For Women’s short-term goal is  a 25 percent reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke risk by the year 2010.

“As we work toward that goal, we’re working hard to change the perception that heart disease is a ‘man’s disease,’ and it’s working!”  the site says. “By teaching more and more women how to talk to their doctors about heart disease, we can save thousands of lives every year.”

In Tuskegee, Epsilon Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority sponsored the Go Red For Women program, held February 27 at Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Epsilon held the event in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Belt Medical Reserve, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Greater St. Mark, Phi Delta Kappa Education Sorority, Tuskegee American Heart Association, Tuskegee Links, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The groups sponsored the Go Red program to highlight factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke in black women.

The program provided women with information on factors including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet and physical inactivity. Screenings were done for cholesterol levels, blood glucose level and blood pressure.

The Women of the Dove Foundation are determined to provide the answers in a booklet, “What’s in a Name: Profiles of the Trailblazers.”

The group, a nonprofit branch of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, received a $2,500 grant from the District’s Humanities Council and Historic Preservation Officeto begin its work.

“So many people have been excited about it,” said Barbara Harvey, a foundation member. “They were so excited because they didn’t have any idea where the names came from and who the people were. You know, all teachers should know this, also. Children are asking, and go through school, and graduate and never know.”

The reference guide, which is a work in progress, will explain the history and heritage of two dozen public and charter schools in the District and the schools’ eponyms.

Shaw Junior High, 925 Rhode Island Ave. NW, is named for Col. Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the all-black 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War. Stevens Elementary, at 21st and L NW, was named after Thaddeus Stevens, a 19th-century Pennsylvanian congressman and abolitionist who wanted to recolonize the Southern states.

Sylvia Patrick, director of the foundation’s project, said the group will apply for more grants to help continue its research for all 131 public and 57 public charter schools. The group is planning to publish three booklets, Patrick said: one each for public schools, public charter schools and registered historic landmarks.

“People were suggesting we [should make it readable for] elementary students. Someone suggested it go online,” said Patrick, who said ideas include a coloring book and making the booklet available to tourists.

Joy Austin, executive director of the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C., said: “In the historic preservation point of view, they are saying a project like that helps people who live and work in the neighborhood or live and work in the school. By knowing the history, they can take on the task of becoming better stewards of that building and preserving it for future generations.

“For the Humanities Council, it is more personally transformative,” Austin said. “We think if you know the name of your school, it gives you an idea of where you came from, a sense of who you are and how you fit into the world.”

Greek Week is an annual event filled with a number of games, activities and charity events designed to promote positive relationships between the University’s fraternities and sororities, as well as promoting Greek Life as a whole.

“(Greek Week) is an opportunity to get to know another fraternity that you don’t normally work with or a sorority you don’t normally work with either,” Greek Week co-chair Julie Ray said.

“This year, we actually had the historically African American organizations join Greek Week for the first time ever. That consists of three organizations which are Zeta Phi Beta, Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Phi Alpha.”

In addition to promoting Greek unity, Greek Week co-chair Brandon Clark said the event is a chance to pull the large number of Greek organizations at Northwest together for a common good.

“We try and get (Greek Week) to where we can not only have fun with it and go out and be active, but we also try to do some community service and raise some money for different philanthropy events,” Clark said. “This year we did a five kilometer race for the relief efforts in Haiti. We’re really trying to make a push to do more stuff in the community and to benefit different areas.”

The 5K charity race kicked off this year’s Greek Week event on Saturday morning. The Olympiad took place Sunday night, an Olympic-inspired competition between organizations that showed the debut of the Chariot race this year.

Rec night took the stage on Monday evening and included games such as ping pong, tug of war, dodge ball and knock out.

No Greek Week events were scheduled for Tuesday, thanks to a sold-out showing of the musical Hairspray. Wednesday featured the Zeus and Hara competition, Greek Week’s version of a king and queen contest.

The week of activities will wrap up with an awards ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday morning at Bearcat Arena.

One event that has become a highlight of Greek Week in past years is Greek Song. Clark said the activity was left out of this year’s Greek Week event due to a misinterpretation of Greek Song in recent years.

“The Greek Song competition had really started to get away from what our goal for Greek Week was, which was Greek unity,” Clark said.

“Before, chapters would come write a song, and they were required to have each organization included in their song. In theory, it was a good idea because we told them they had to be positive and it reflected our Greek unity theme.

It had kind of gotten away from that, and for the past few years had become just a big ‘my fraternity is going to bash your fraternity’ or vice versa. After that, we met with our Greek Life advisor and reevaluated what our goals were for Greek Wee,k and so that’s why we decided to do away with Greek Song.”

All in all, Ray believes Greek Week 2010 has done a great job in working toward the event’s mission to unite Northwest’s Greek organizations and promote Greek Life.

“The mission and the purpose of Greek Week is to bring together organizations to share experiences.

I think a lot of people who aren’t Greek look at it as a party or something that’s stereotypical like what you see on TV,” Ray said.

“Greek Week is something that definitely promotes our image as well. Having Greeks come together as a whole, with events such as the 5K race, shows how much we really want to give back and help other organizations.”

The Pompano Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will hold its annual Teen Health Summit on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the North Regional/Broward College Library in Coconut Creek. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the library’s auditorium.

The purpose of the event is to provide students ages 12 and up with opportunities to increase their health awareness and knowledge, in addition to developing various life skills, which will ultimately lead to a healthier lifestyle. Several community organizations and professionals will be on hand to provide free information and material on a variety of health topics in an informative yet entertaining and engaging manner. Attendees will also earn six community service hours for their participation.

While the event is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required to secure a spot and to ensure a lunchtime meal. Those interested may contact Sonya Young at (954) 629-3867 or Rosmei Sperando, Teen Services Librarian at (954) 201-2626. The registration form may also be downloaded by visiting http://new.schoolnotes.com/sonyayoung.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

Services for Mrs. Lorene Carter Poole will be held at 2 p.m. (viewing at 1 p.m.) Thursday at St. John Baptist Church with entombment in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held this evening, beginning at 7 p.m. at Leevy’s Funeral Home, Taylor Street Chapel.

Following an extended illness, Lorene Carter Poole departed this life at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., on March 6, 2010.

Born in Aiken County on June 25, 1932, she was reared by the late Johnny and Amanda Mills.

She was a graduate of Schofield High School and continued her education at Claflin University, Orangeburg, where she received a B.S. Degree in arts education.

Mrs. Poole was a dedicated member of the St. John Baptist Church until her health declined. She was a dedicated member of the Senior Musical Choir, Pauline Russell Missionary Circle, founding member of the Emily Davenport Circle, past president of the Deaconess Board, adviser to the Junior Deaconess, Cub Scout Den Mother (Troop 156) and General Missionary Organization. She also attended Antioch-Lithonia Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga.

Mrs. Poole was a public school teacher in Richland One and Two School districts. After more than 30 years of dedicated service in helping to mold the minds of boys and girls, she retired from Dent Middle School in 1989.

She spent her entire life as an educator, not only to her students but also to her family, church and community.

Lorene was a faithful member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Columbia Alumni Chapter, Claflin University Alumni Association, Quettes, Richland County Education Association, The Education Association and The National Education Association.

Mrs. Poole was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by her family, church family and friends. She kept the faith to the end. Surviving are a son, Eddie K. Poole Jr. of Baltimore, Md.; two daughters, Valda Poole Harrison of Lilburn, Ga., and Noelle Poole (Andre) Enoch of Irmo; seven grandchildren, Venus, Chris, Joshua, Andre, Justin, Christen and Marley; a brother-in-law, Roland A. (Zenobia) Poole Jr. of Florence; two sisters-in-law, Loretta Poole Hill of Baltimore, Md., and Marilyn P. (Frank) Hines of Rosedale, N.Y.; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted relatives and friends, all of whom join with the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Baptist Church Pre-school, 3404 W. Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC, 29203. www.leevy.com.

A few drops of rain were not going to stop the Alpha Kappa Alphas from celebrating the integration into the University Tuesday night as they marched on from the steps of Gorgas Library to Foster Auditorium.

“It begins with you,” said Brenda Elliot, assistant director of athletics academic programs.

The Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. paid homage to James Hood and Vivian Malone, the University’s first black students, for paving the way for minority students to attend the University with the “March to the School House Doors” event.

Singing “We Shall Overcome ” to the doors of Foster, a large group of students formed inside for the forum to discuss the issues of Foster Auditorium and the issues that minority students face on campus.

After viewing “Segregation’s Last Stand,” a video discussing the history behind Foster and what significance it has on the University, the floor was opened for discussion. A few UA students and faculty members on a panel addressed the questions from attendees.

Angel King, a junior majoring in political science, had a few things to say when asked why “The Machine” is still allegedly controlling the success of minorities on campus even after integration.

“The reason we had such peaceful integration during those times is because the dean of administration pulled designated whites to interact with the blacks and actually set an example on campus,” King said.

Homecoming was also a pressing issue discussed throughout the forum. Although homecoming is full of festivities, the panel explained just how corrupt it can be.

“The last time we had a black homecoming queen, the student section turned their back on her. The majority of the first-string players are African-American, so how could you turn your back on the homecoming queen and yet cheer for black football players?,” Elliot said.

Dr. Pamela Payne Foster, a faculty member in the medical school, explained the value of a historically black college and how differently if affects an African-American student.

“There is a value at HBCUs as far as giving their black students their history and I feel as though there is a seclusion here that has been institutionalized and needs to be broken,” Foster said. “Vivian Malone’s words were that she was opening up doors.”

When asked what Foster Auditorium meant to them, the panel all gave extremely different answers, but in turn explained why Foster Auditorium is so special to the University.

“It should be the power of being alone and the strength to break away from what the system is,” King said.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Foster’s husband, William Foster, Jr., congratulated the women of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. for their strides with the march.

He said he felt proud of them for holding the march and that it was positive to learn how to become active at this university and in this community.

“Think outside the box and be productive in changing this school,” Elliott said. “You can make a difference.”

The 250,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, in 958 chapters worldwide, are mourning the death of Linda Marie White, the organization’s 26th international president.

From 1960, the year she joined Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Clark University in Atlanta, GA, until her passing, White devoted her life to fulfilling AKA’s mission: “to provide service to all mankind.”

After leaving Clark, she returned to Chicago and joined Theta Omega Chapter where she began her ascension up the leadership ladder. She served Theta Omega as president and was active in its charitable arm, the AKArama Foundation. With her energy, passion and commitment to service, she volunteered in a variety of roles that furthered Alpha Kappa Alpha’s service mission.

Anxious to serve Alpha Kappa Alpha on a national level, she successfully ran for international secretary and served from 1994-1998. White then ran for first vice president, which put her in the leadership pipeline to be international president. She served in this capacity from 2002-2006, and her administration theme was “The Spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha.”

Her administration focused on education, health, the arts and the black family. Some of her particular accomplishments included the launch of the Young Authors program where she showcased the talents of children up to age 18. Through the publication The Spirit Within, her administration provided a vehicle for exposing their works and a launching pad for their talent.

White is credited with conceiving the Centennial Traveling Exhibit, which captured highlights of AKA’s 98-year-history in exhibits, dioramas and interactive presentations. It was a major attraction of the Sorority’s Centennial in 2008.

Her signature accomplishment revolved around her devotion to education. Her administration secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Through this award, her administration established the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, a tutorial haven for those youth who needed a place to improve their reading skills. That so many youngsters attended the AKAdemy and improved their reading is a testimony to the need and success of this initiative.

In addition to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Linda White was active with the Links and served on the board of the United Negro College Fund—further testimony to her commitment to education.

Professionally, she was a regional director with the Social Security Administration.

She leaves to mourn: her sister Judy White Rushing, brother Spruiell White (Nedra), her nephews Adam & Albert Travis and a legion of those who loved and admired her, including the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

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