The Hinesville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will celebrate May Week 2014 on May 8-17 with activities dedicated to educating and affecting the community through action.  
May Week, which began in 1920, is the sorority’s national tradition used to highlight academic and professional achievements through events that emphasize the importance of education in the community.   
“As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:20, ‘But now there are many members, but one body,’ and we need one another,” said Mary Brock, the president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Hinesville alumnae chapter. “There is so much work to do here in our own backyard. It involves all of us, and together we can make a difference.”
The theme for this year’s May Week is “Rise and Shine,” a call to action for everyone who may doubt their ability to move forward. Everyone is challenged and encouraged to rise, shine and win.  
To foster the tradition of May Week, the Hinesville alumnae chapter will present the following May Week programs, which are open to the general public:
• The screening of “Black Sorority Project” is set for
6 p.m. Thursday at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. A panel discussion will follow. Seating is limited. Free admission tickets are required for entry, along with a new or used children’s book or a canned good to be donated.  For tickets, email dst_hac@yahoo.com or ask a member of the Hinesville alumnae chapter.
• The “School to Prison Pipeline” panel discussion is set for 6 p.m. May 15 at the Midway Middle School auditorium. The school-to-prison pipeline is considered one the most pressing problems facing parents in the 21st century.  The disturbing national trend tracks how children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Many of these children have learning disabilities as well as histories of poverty, abuse or neglect and would benefit from additional educational and counseling services. Instead, they are isolated, punished and pushed out. Zero-tolerance policies criminalize minor infractions of school rules, while police officers in schools lead to students being criminalized for behavior that should be handled inside the school. Students of color are especially vulnerable to push-out trends and the discriminatory application of discipline.  The panel will explore ways to keep children in school. Refreshments will be served after the program.  
• Relay for Life is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 16 at the Liberty County Recreation Department. Support Team Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Hinesville Alumnae. For more information on how to get involved, go to www.hinesvillealumnae.com.
• Wrapping up May Week 2014 activities, the big hat/bow tie brunch will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17 at Club Stewart. The brunch will feature Ty Lewis, affectionately known as Speaker of the House, as the keynote speaker. Lewis is an educator, speaker, poet and change agent. She believes a person’s purpose will affect others when the person finds out his or her “why” in life. Her “why” continues to enable her to change lives while moving people into their destiny. The luncheon will showcase local entertainment and end with a big hat and bow tie fashion parade.  All proceeds benefit community initiatives of the Hinesville alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Attendees can buy tickets for $35 from chapter members or by emailing dst_hac@yahoo.com.