Kevin Ford, house, GoFundMe, Burger King, 27 years

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 21, 2024

Former Burger King ‘Goodie Bag’ Employee To Open Food Truck After Raising Nearly $500k

Ford recently bought a home with the GoFundme cash earlier this year.

Kevin Ford, the Burger King employee who received a goodie bag after working for the company for 27 years, has received nearly $500K in an ongoing community fundraiser; Ford announced that he bought a new food truck to start his own business.

Ford’s story gained traction in 2022 after a TikTok video went viral of him only getting a goodie bag after 27 years of service to Burger King, with no days off. The video led to a call to action from the community to reward him for his longstanding service.

@thekeep777 People Say You Can't Keep Workers Nowadays, He Even Worked Through the Early Covid Days, Never Missing A Day of Work, This Union-Guys Worked At Vegas' Airport for Over 27 Years, He Got Nothing on His 25th Anniversary Date, But Just Look How Grateful His Employer Was on His 27th Year… #Grateful #Loyalty #GoFundMe . . Thank You Everyone for All the Love and Support!!! 😊😊😭👍🏽💯 Your the Best!!! Kevin… https://www.gofundme.com/f/kevin-27-years?utm_source=customer-andr https://www.tmz.com/2022/06/23/viral-burger-king-employee-hope-more-goodie-bag/ #Thankful #LoyaltyPaysOff #HardWorkPaysOff #HMSShoutOut #TMZ #CNN #MSNBC #Reels #UnionStrong #Honor ♬ original sound – Kevin Ford(Kevin27Years)Scythe

One of his daughters started a crowdfunding campaign for his retirement, with an initial goal of $200. However, supporters raised over $200,000 for the father of four.

“Hi, My name is Seryna. The man in that video is my father. He has worked at his job for 27, years and yes, he has never missed a day of work. He originally began working at this job as a single father when he gained custody of me and my older sister 27 years ago,” she wrote in the GoFundMe description.

Despite the influx of cash, Ford continued to work there as an employee to support his children through college. Since then, Ford has bought a home with the help of the fundraiser. However, the money kept piling in, reaching its current amount of about $460K.

In a new update to donors, Ford also revealed his food truck purchase. He shared the exciting news on GoFundMe as he starts this “wonderful [and] adventurous new chapter.”

“Hello everyone! It’s been a while; I miss yawl! But, I Wanted YOU to be the first to know what you made possible for me to be able to do for my family,” exclaimed Ford. “Thanks to your love, kindness, and generosity, I was able to go “All In” on this wonderful, adventurous new chapter of my life! A food truck! You did this! Remember, we doin’ big things!”

He added, “I want to thank you for your continued love and support, for you have truly saved me and continue to change my life and the lives of my children and grandchildren for the better everyday!”

With his upcoming business, Ford can officially leave Burger King in the past as he becomes his own boss.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2024

Georgia Man Acknowledged After Saving Elderly Woman Who Passed Out In Scorching Heat

UPS driver Raheem Cooper saved woman who passed out in 102 degree heat

An elderly Georgia woman had a guardian angel named Raheem Cooper who saved her life after he noticed her passed out in her driveway while he was out on his delivery route.

According to WALB, the UPS driver assisted a woman he found passed out by contacting 911, checking to see if anyone was at the home, and staying with her until emergency services arrived to help.

The incident occurred on Aug. 12, when temperatures were in the 100s. He jumped off his truck when he saw the unidentified woman and was assisted by another woman. They both tended to her while they waited for the ambulance to get to the scene. He told the media outlet that he helped get the woman on a stretcher, and the woman who helped him had to leave so she could go pick up her children.

“It feels so great,” Cooper said. “It’s amazing. I wasn’t even expecting to tell the story. The only person I told was my mom, so I’m really surprised by all the attention that it’s getting. I’m satisfied with what I do, but I have to give all glory to God because if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t have been there, so I just thank God. What if that was my family member, my kids, or including me with how hot the sun is? I just feel like if you see somebody that needs help, just do the best you can by God’s grace.”

His good deed did not go unnoticed. News of his assistance reached a local group that posted about his actions on its Facebook page.

While his mother was shopping at a furniture store, she overheard the staff talking about Cooper and his actions. After informing the staff that the person they were speaking of was her son, the store graciously offered to gift her the furniture she went in to look at.

Angel Burkett, the operations officer at Badcock Furniture in Valdosta, where his mother was shopping, stated that Cooper was a long-time customer of its store. According to 11Alive, the store felt his heroic act deserved the furniture as a reward.

“In a world we live in where there is so much hatred, I think it’s important to salute people who do stop and go out of their way to make the world a better place,” Burkett said.

Former NFL, Robert Quinn, Arrested, Hit And Run

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2024

Texas Man Wanted For Murder After Allegedly Forcing Estranged Wife To Shoot Her Lover

Michael Maurice Mack is wanted for capital murder after allegedly forcing estranged wife to shoot her boyfriend and then help him dump the dead man's body.

A Texas man is wanted for capital murder after police officers say he broke into his estranged wife’s residence, allegedly shot her boyfriend, and made her go with him to dispose of the body.

According to a press release by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred in the Katy area on Aug. 14, 2024. Police officers were summoned to the home about a possible death. When they arrived at the residence, there was evidence of foul play, but no corpse was discovered. Officers learned that the body of the victim may have been taken from the residence and “dumped” somewhere else.

After an investigation, police officers were led to a location in West Vidor where they found the body of 53-year-old Kelvin Hinton. The officers are looking for Michael Maurice Mack and have issued a warrant for his arrest. They revealed that Mack, while armed with multiple guns and wearing tactical gear, broke into his estranged wife’s home, allegedly shot the victim, and then forced his estranged wife, who the police have not identified, to shoot Hinton’s body. He then made her go with him to take the deceased body to another city, according to an arrest affidavit.

Law & Crime reported that Mack and his wife got married in 2019, but the couple has been separated for the past year and a half. According to the wife, she told investigators that he began stalking her. She reportedly started dating Hinton.

The affidavit stated that she told investigators that she woke up with Mack beating her with a rifle. When Hinton woke up, he attempted to stop Mack, but the estranged husband purportedly allegedly shot him and continued to beat her.

He then pointed the weapon to her head, gave her a handgun, and demanded she shoot Hinton.

“Grab it, b**ch,” he allegedly said. “You better shoot him, or I’m going to shoot your ass right now.”

After threatening to kill her if she did not help him get rid of the remains, he placed the body in bedsheets and took Hinton’s corpse in the trunk of his wife’s car. They drove to Vidor, where the body was disposed of, and he allowed her to leave.

“Get your ass out of the car,” he allegedly told her. “I’m not going to kill you today.”

Authorities are asking for the public’s help with apprehending Mack. Anyone with any information regarding Mack’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

by Shanique Yates

August 21, 2024

Emory Hospital Accused of Negligence After Losing Patient’s Skull Bone And Issuing $146K Bill

Emory Hospital is currently under fire after reportedly losing a patient's bone skull flap and then charging him to have it replaced.

Emory Hospital is under fire after losing part of a patient’s skull bone and then charging him for the inconvenience.

When Fernando Cluster first arrived at Emory University Hospital, located in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood on September 30, 2022, he prepared to undergo surgery that required physicians to remove part of his skull temporarily. After being diagnosed with an intracerebral hemorrhage, a stroke that causes bleeding in the brain, doctors informed his loved ones of his need to receive a decompressive hemicraniectomy. This procedure required the removal of a 12-centimeter by 15-centimeter piece of his skull to “allow his brain the space it needed to swell and heal during surgery.”

On November 11, 2022, Cluster was supposed to undergo a cranioplasty, a re-implantation procedure that would put the bone flap back into his brain. However, physicians reportedly lost his bone flap somewhere between the removal process and preparation to return it during his subsequent surgery.

Instead, Cluster’s family received a message in his MyChart, the platform Emory Hospital uses to communicate with its patients, stating that the bone flap “could not be found” as physicians were preparing for his surgery.

“We inspected the freezer where bone flaps are stored and could not find a bone flap with Mr. Cluster’s patient identification,” read the note written by Neurosurgeon Matthew Agam, MD. “There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification, but we could not be certain which, if any, of these belonged to Mr. Cluster.”

In a lawsuit filed by Cluster’s family on August 8, 2024, his attorney reported that he had to wait nearly two weeks to receive a newly manufactured synthetic implant flap. He then did not undergo the cranioplasty until November 23, 2022, and following the procedure, his family claims they received a bill for $146,845.60. The charges included the price of creating the synthetic flap and extra time spent in the hospital, which his family and attorney argue was not his fault.

“It is shocking that a medical provider like Emory would lose part of one of its patient’s skulls and then refuse to accept responsibility,” said Chloe Dallaire of the Hornsby Law Group, the attorney representing Cluster on behalf of her patient and his wife.

Moreover, Dallaire said that Cluster would need another surgery, due to an infection in the implant, and has not been able to work since.

“We now have to live with the consequences of Emory’s negligence, including daily fear about another infection in my head and medical costs,” the statement continued. “We want to know if this has happened to other patients to see if they have been explained by Emory. Our goal is to make sure this never happens to another patient again.”

At this time, the lawsuit alleges that Cluster suffered emotionally, financially, and physically at the expense of Emory’s neglect.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2024

JAY-Z Is Now The First Owner Of $340K Bugatti Tourbillon Hyperwatch

The expensive timepiece was designed by famed jeweler Jacob Arabo

Brooklyn-bred businessman Jay-Z enjoys being the first and has accomplished another first. Reportedly, the “In My Lifetime” rapper owns an exclusive $340,000 Bugatti Tourbillon hyperwatch designed by famed jeweler Jacob Arabo.

Arabo posted a video showing Jay-Z rocking the timepiece on his wrist during the Fanatics Fest in New York City over the weekend (August 16-18).

“My dear friend @jayz was the first to own the five-time zone watch. Twenty-five years later, he’s the first to own the Bugatti tourbillon.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacob Arabo (@jacobarabo)

The jewelry designer, who has made custom pieces for many hip-hop recording artists and other celebrities over the years, gave an up-close look at the expensive timepiece on his Jacobandco Instagram page. It states that it mirrors the “architecture of Bugatti’s hypersports car.”

“The Bugatti Tourbillon by Jacob & Co. takes high-performance timekeeping to a new level. Mirroring the architecture of Bugatti’s hypersports car, this watch is an intricate blend of form and function, from its front grille-shaped case to the automaton engine block. The ultimate fusion of automotive and horological excellence.”

#Jacobandco #Inspiredbytheimpossible

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A post shared by JACOB & CO. (@jacobandco)

The Express Tribune reported that there were only 150 pieces made.

The billionaire was at the Jacob Javits Center for a reimagined version of the once-popular 40/40 club, in which he was a partner. The venue shut its doors last year in anticipation of moving to a new location. But this past weekend, the facsimile of the club served as a VIP area for an invite-only list of select athletes, celebrities, and Fanatics Sportsbook VIP customers who were in attendance.

The venue was home to celebrities, rappers, professional athletes, and esteemed individuals who visited the club, which combined sports, luxury, and entertainment. Fanatics recaptured the look and feel of the 40/40 Club, which opened in 2003.

by Stacy Jackson

August 21, 2024

Jordan Chiles Hangs Onto Bronze Medal As Team USA Pursues Appeal

Reportedly the 23-year-old gymnast has no plans to return her bronze medal and Team USA continues the fight for its gymnastics star.

Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles continues to hold onto her bronze medal as Team USA officials work to appeal “significant procedural errors” by the Court of Arbitration (CAS).

Chiles still has possession of her bronze medal following recent orders from CAS for the 23-year-old athlete to return the award due to a reversal of scores in the floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to USA Today, Chiles has no plans to return the medal despite clearance for Romania to award gymnast Ana Barbosu a bronze medal during a ceremony on Aug. 16. The International Olympic Committee stated: “While a challenge in the Swiss Federal Supreme Court is still possible, the CAS award is immediately enforceable, and Ms. Barbosu is entitled to receive the bronze medal.”

A video produced by U.S. officials showed that Chiles’ score was filed 47 seconds after her given score, which falls within the one-minute deadline. CAS recently claimed that it was filed four seconds too late. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee explained erroneous communications between Aug. 6-9, stating, “CAS sent crucial communications to erroneous email addresses at USOPC and USAG (USA Gymnastics), an error not corrected until August 9—three days after filing, two days past the deadline to submit objections, and less than 24 hours before the hearing. This deprived us of adequate time to respond meaningfully or gather the necessary evidence. We informed CAS of our objections immediately.”

CAS declined to reopen the case, and FIG, the International Gymnastics Federation, refused an offer from the U.S. and Romania to allow Chiles and Barbosu to obtain a bronze medal for the event.

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Chiles addressed the controversy on Instagram and told fans that she remains hopeful that justice will be done and the people in charge will make things right. Chiles was awarded the bronze medal after an inquiry boosted her score to 13.766, ahead of Barbosu in the gymnastics floor final. However, the Team USA gymnast’s score was booted back to 13.666, placing Barbosu in the bronze spot and prompting the CAS to strip Chiles of the medal.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2024

Dame Dash Offers Original Roc-A-Fella Chain To Buyers Offering $10M For His Share Of The Label

Dame Dash wants to sweeten the deal for his share of Roc-A-Fella Records by offering an original Roc-A-Fella chain.

Dame Dash wants to sweeten the deal to anyone willing to pay at least $10 million for his share of Roc-A-Fella Records by offering an original Roc-A-Fella chain from off his neck.

The former company CEO took to social media on Aug. 19 to post a video announcing his plans to gift the buyer of his Roc-A-Fella shares one of his personal chains boasting the former record label’s logo.

“As we all know, one-third of Roc-A-Fella Inc, which owns Reasonable Doubt, is for sale,” Dash tells the camera. “I’ve gotten a lot of calls, a lot of offers. I don’t know if people are stunting or not. We’ll see who shows up, but I definitely got some very healthy offers and I appreciate those.”

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A post shared by Dame Dash (@duskopoppington)

To anyone willing to auction on the bid with the right price, Dash will heighten the sale by offering up a signature Roc-A-Fella chain from his own collection.

“If someone’s trying to hate on the price or trying to devalue it, it would be because they want to buy it like a first right of refusal,” he said. “Anything over 10 million, I’m going to sweeten the pot. You get an original Roc-A-Fella chain from off my neck.”

Dash recalled how he was the only one on Roc-A-Fella who would personally gift people chains off his neck, as he did with Kanye West and Camron.

“If I don’t give you the chain, it’s not a legit Roc-A-Fella chain,” he said. “You get one of these. This is legit. This is the old school one from off my neck.”

Dash’s announcement comes amid recent claims that Jay-Z was attempting to devalue the price of the shares by having his attorneys file a legal notice informing potential bidders of his intent to retain master recordings for his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” regardless of any entity holding ownership of the album at that time.

At the time of the news, Dash took to social media to double down on his plans to sell his shares, declaring that bidders would not be bidding on a mere album copyright but ownership over one of hip-hop’s most legendary labels.

“They can say what they want, this sh*t is still for sale,” the Harlem native wrote in an Instagram caption over the Reasonable Doubt album cover. “You’re not buying a copyright; you’re buying a piece of a company ROC A FELLA INC.”

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A post shared by Dame Dash (@duskopoppington)

Dash’s public auction for his ownership stake in Roc-A-Fella Records is scheduled for Aug. 29 in New York City. This follows a court order requiring Dash to sell his stake in Roc-A-Fella Records to satisfy an $823,000 debt owed to movie producer Josh Weber. The debt stems from a copyright infringement and defamation judgment related to the 2016 film “Dear Frank.”

Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records cofounder Kareem “Biggs” Burke tried to prevent Dash from selling his share, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As it stands, anyone who buys Dash’s stake in Roc-A-Fella will likely only be able to profit from proceeds generated by “Reasonable Doubt” for about five more years, after which ownership of the album will return to Jay-Z.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 21, 2024

Harlem’s New Trader Joe’s Under Fire For Controversial Graffiti Artwork

Think they should try again?

Today.com reports that the new Trader Joe’s supermarket in Harlem, New York, is facing controversy after shoppers have deemed the in-store graffiti unnecessary.

The colorful artwork went viral on social media, as viewers can see the graffiti posted at the store’s entrance. Opening on July 25 on 125th Street in the historically Black neighborhood and in the same building rumored to be the new headquarters of the National Urban League, shoppers didn’t seem too happy about the choice of artwork. “You can open a store in Harlem but no need to do all that,” @gnarlyheffner wrote on X.

You can open a store in Harlem but no need to do all that pic.twitter.com/RLOXedRWjY
— gnarly heff (@gnarlyheffner) August 9, 2024

The store manager, Tracy-Ann Reeves, defended the graffiti, saying she wanted the inside of the store to reflect the neighborhood surrounding it. “The signs and murals in the store are something that we really do pride ourselves on, to make sure that it is connecting with the community,” Reeves said.

“We spent a lot of time in Harlem just touring, looking at pieces at parks and wherever in the neighborhood.”

Customers have come from all over to take in the colorful decor, including depictions of the iconic Apollo Theater. However, the signage over the entrance received mixed reactions. “I think this is dope af. Kinda racist, but it’s a nice touch, lol,” @ethvnn said. One social media account accused the brand of gentrifying the neighborhood. At the same time, another compared the work to the controversial Paris Olympics performance by Australia’s Raygun, geared toward cultural appropriation, saying, “If that Australian breakdancing lady was a grocery store.”

According to PIX 11 News, a spokesperson for the grocery store spoke highly of the store’s opening in July 2024. Announcing a 100% donation of its unsold products to local nonprofits and community-based organizations, the company seemed excited about the future of the NYC-based location. “We’re honored and excited to be part of this community,” a spokesperson said. “We genuinely look forward to providing our customers with the best food and beverage values and a great customer experience.”

Some fans celebrated the artwork, like @soulljahhh, who wrote, “Is it bad that I kinda like it?” Another user named @SceneByAshlix checked those who were critical of the work. “They hire local artists for each and every store to manage their artwork and store signs. So, based on this being in Harlem, I’m not surprised. My Boston one has MBTA trains on the wall,” she wrote.

“Never been in a Trader Joe’s before?”

They hire local artists for each and every store to manage their artwork and store signs. So based on this being in Harlem, I'm not surprised. My Boston one has MBTA trains on the wall.

Never been in a Trader Joe's before? pic.twitter.com/GxP4tbmwlj
— Sunglasses x Sneakers (@SceneByAshlix) August 9, 2024

The incident isn’t the first time Trader Joe’s has been criticized for allegedly being tone-deaf. In 2020, a petition circulated to have the company rename product lines with culturally specific labels, like Trader José’s for its Mexican Food and Trader Ming’s, geared toward Asian cuisine.

by Daniel Johnson

August 21, 2024

Kordell Beckham Is Having His Moment

The bundle, which features two of Beckham's favorite flavors ,White Cheddar and Hot & Spicy Cheez-Its, a homage to his idea presented in the video, went on sale online on Aug. 20 at 11am EST and will be available as long as supplies last.

Kordell Beckham, the younger brother of NFL superstar Odell Beckham Jr., is riding high, fresh off winning the latest season of Love Island USA alongside his now-girlfriend, Serena Page, and securing a sponsorship deal with Cheez-It. Beckham has been trying to escape his big brother’s shadow, and now he will get the chance to live as his own man.

According to D Magazine, Beckham is on the cusp of realizing his dreams. As his best friend, Jay-Ron Tanner, told the outlet, “We’ve always talked about this, him blowing up and doing his thing, and it not revolving around his brother. It was just something that was destined to happen. He has too big of a personality for him not to be out in the world.”

Beckham had a chance to appear on Love Island as a 19-year-old in 2021, but his godmother, Karen Alford, advised him against it because he was still settling in Dallas. When the producers circled back a second time, Beckham jumped at the chance and now his life will never be the same.

“I was thinking to myself, because I like working, ‘What if I go back to [refueling planes] after [Love Island USA]?’ and then I realized I probably can’t do that,” Beckham mused. “Just imagine me in the vest, refueling the plane, and everyone is like, ‘Hey, is that Kordell?’”

According to TODAY, another of Beckham’s long-term dreams has come true: being sponsored by Cheez-It. After he and Page won the latest season of Love Island USA, Beckham pitched an idea to the company via a Tik-Tok video.

In the video, Beckham delivered his idea to the company, “I have a flavor that I’ve been thinking about that y’all could make, Spicy white cheddar.”

Cheez-It teased a potential partnership in the replies, “He’s even wearing the Cheez-It red.”

Fast-forward to Aug. 19, and the company announced it would collaborate with Beckham on a Kordeezy Cheesy Couple bundle promotion. The bundle, which features two of Beckham’s favorite flavors, White Cheddar and Hot & Spicy Cheez-Its, a homage to his idea presented in the video, went on sale online on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. EST and will be available as long as supplies last.

https://twitter.com/ournationtalks/status/1825672354447471051?t=-bmTUl3YxQneR6w5yXER5A&s=19

Kordell got his Cheez-It endorsement and all is good with the world. #loveislandusa #kordellbeckham #cheezit pic.twitter.com/ouVOCR1icG
— Taste of Reality (@TasteOf_Reality) August 19, 2024

Although Beckham is blowing up, he is also focused on cultivating his relationship with Page, who, ironically enough, lived close to Beckham when the two were growing up in Houston.

According to Page, Beckham has already met some of her family members in L.A. but missed out on some key meetings.

“I’ve been in L.A. for about a year and a half now, but my life is in Houston,” Page told Chron.com. “He’s met my mom, sister, and my niece in person [while in L.A.], but he didn’t get a chance to meet my dad and my brother, who are the two most important people.”

Beckham, meanwhile, reflected on just how quickly his life has changed since winning Love Island USA with Page, “It still hasn’t hit me yet. Everything is kind of normal but different.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 20, 2024

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Unveils Bench Dedication For Memphis Trailblazer Velma Lois Jones

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is honoring a Memphia trailblazer for her decades of history-making service.

A Memphis trailblazer is being honored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in response to her decades of history-making service.

On Aug. 17, Ms. Velma Lois Jones was honored by Phi Lambda Omega Chapter members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with a bench dedication and unveiling at LeMoyne-Owen College, WMC reports. The community pioneer was celebrated for her years of leadership, including serving as the former Alpha Kappa Alpha International Parliamentarian, the 13th South Eastern Regional Director of the organization, and the first woman elected President of the NAACP Memphis Branch.

While on the LeMoyne-Owen Board of Trustees, Jones was named parliamentarian after becoming the longest-serving national alumni president in the organization’s history. As an educator with Memphis City Schools, Jones served on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was the first African American teacher elected president of the Tennessee Education Association.

Phi Lambda Omega Chapter members stressed the importance of honoring trailblazers like Jones for their groundbreaking contributions to the local community.

“This event is so important because it’s important that we understand the work that has gone before us,” a Phi Lambda Omega Chapter member told Local Memphis. “We wouldn’t be able to do the things that we do or stand where we stand had it not been for people like Soror Velma Lois Jones.”

“So it is important that we not only recognize their contributions but also make a permanent mark of their contributions. And we’ve done that at LeMoyn-Owens College today,” she added.

The bench dedication comes one month ahead of Jones’s 90th birthday.

Bench dedications symbolize that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has celebrated great service leaders by giving them their flowers for their respected contributions. Last August, the Psi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted a commemorative marker and bench dedication ceremony to honor Cynthia J. Finch, the 22nd South Eastern Regional Director. Sorors celebrated Finch’s outstanding work in the local Tennessee community and within the sorority.