MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The official newsletter of the Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc.

Vol. 11

February 2026

President's Corner

Good morning, Seven Pearls Family!

Happy Black History Month!

As we embark on a momentous celebration marking a century of Black commemorations, it is vital to recognize the profound impact we have made on Black history and society through our unwavering dedication to service, particularly in uplifting the underserved and underrepresented. Since our inception in 1922, we have witnessed the remarkable contributions of seven African American women educators who have been instrumental in championing the cause of Black women in higher education and community service. Our esteemed "Seven Pearls" envisioned the creation of an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals within the Black community through education and service. Over the years, this magnificent global organization, which began with the heartfelt commitment of schoolteachers, has evolved to embrace women from diverse professions, establishing itself as a leader in community outreach, education, and social action. The dedication to service is palpably reflected in our numerous impactful programs and national partnerships, demonstrating our collective strength and commitment to making a difference. The Foundation is poised to engage with our ongoing mission, and to celebrate the transformative impact we can achieve together within our community. Let us come together to drive positive change.

At the Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc., we are deeply committed to advancing our mission of empowerment and social change, rooted in the proud legacy of the Seven of '1922'. Our dedication to uplifting women and girls of color through transformative educational initiatives exemplifies our belief that when we unite in solidarity and collaboration, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, proving that our collective strength and determination can overcome any obstacle in our path. Let us continue to work hand in hand, inspiring one another and those we serve, as we strive to build a brighter future for all.

Always for the Seven,

Linette Y. Caroselli

President/CEO of Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc.

Crowning Efforts with Success Award Nominations

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU!

On the seventh of each month, the Seven Pearls Foundation will spotlight and award an individual, group or chapter that embodies the grand legacy of our seven illustrious Founders.

Do you know a group or individual deserving of this honor? Feel free to send their name, photo, brief bio and email address to: admin@sevenpearls.org.

Criteria for the "Crowning Efforts with Success" Award:

• Open to all professions
• Does not have to be a Soror
• Brief explanation on how the candidate embodies the legacy and vision of the Founders
• Their philosophy on education or sisterhood
• Examples of community service or programs implemented



Nominate someone today!

Crowning Efforts with Success Award

Soror Sharanda Braithwaite is the Foundation's Crowning Efforts with Success Award recipient for February 2026!

Meet Soror Sharanda Braithwaite, a powerhouse Electrical Engineer at NXP Semiconductors in Chandler, Arizona! With over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, she's not just a tech whiz with degrees from Penn State and Howard University—she's a trailblazer paving the way for young women and girls of color in STEM! As the Anti-Basileus of the Kappa Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she’s all about community service and empowerment, embodying the spirit of sisterhood and leadership. Balancing her roles as a devoted wife, mom of three, and grandmother of four, Sharanda is the epitome of grace under pressure, always finding the silver lining and spreading positivity. Her chapter members adore her for her cool, calm demeanor and her genuine, sweet approach to problem-solving. So, let's celebrate this incredible woman and her commitment to uplifting underserved communities! If you're dreaming about a future in STEM, let Sharanda’s journey inspire you to chase those passions—because if she can do it, so can you! Join us in supporting initiatives that empower women and girls of color to step into leadership roles and create transformative change in their communities!

It is our esteemed honor to present Soror Sharanda Braithwaite as this month's recipient of the Crowning Efforts with Success Award.

Join us in giving this phenomenal lady her flowers!

Wellness Spotlight

Heart Health & Women of Color

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of mortality among women, yet Black women face the most significant challenges, with a staggering 59% of those aged 20 and over living with some form of this disease. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Black women to take proactive steps to safeguard their health. Awareness and education are essential tools in this fight; understanding unique risk factors and engaging in open dialogues with healthcare teams can empower women to take control of their wellbeing. We encourage you to set achievable health goals that encompass a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, sufficient sleep, and effective management of weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Together, we can create a supportive community that champions health education and awareness, inspiring each other to lead healthier lives. Let's embrace this opportunity to uplift one another and forge a path toward a future where every woman has the knowledge and resources to thrive.



Did you know the health disparities faced by Black women are both alarming and urgent, demanding our immediate attention and action. With the highest rates of high blood pressure and only a quarter successfully managing this critical condition, the statistics paint a stark picture of health inequities. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity among Black women stands at nearly 57%, the highest across all racial and ethnic groups, while undiagnosed diabetes and a twofold increase in stroke risk compared to white women highlight the pressing need for change. It is essential that we come together as a community to address these issues with compassion and empowerment, ensuring that every Black woman has access to the resources and support necessary to achieve better health outcomes. Knowing your blood pressure numbers, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers are essential to preventing problems surrounding your heart health.

As we navigate the unique and often challenging journey of womanhood, particularly during the pivotal phases of pregnancy and menopause, it’s essential to shine a light on the cardiovascular health risks that disproportionately affect Black women. The stark reality is that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S., with Black women facing a staggering maternal mortality rate that is 3.5 times higher than that of their non-Hispanic white counterparts. This makes it crucial for us to not only recognize these risks but to empower ourselves with knowledge about cardiovascular health before, during, and after pregnancy. By understanding the potential complications, such as postpartum cardiomyopathy and blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia and eclampsia, we can take proactive steps towards safeguarding our health. Let’s come together, uplift one another, and advocate for change—because when we stand united in our pursuit of knowledge and support, we can drive improvements in health outcomes for Black women everywhere!

Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, and while it does not directly cause cardiovascular disease, the changes that accompany it can profoundly affect heart health. Alarmingly, research indicates that women who experience menopause before the age of 45 are at a heightened risk for cardiovascular issues, a reality that disproportionately impacts many Black women who may face menopause earlier. Factors such as menstrual cycle length, cardiovascular health during reproductive years, and socioeconomic conditions can all influence the onset of menopause, making it crucial for women to prioritize their health during this pivotal time. However, it’s important to remember that there is hope amidst these statistics. By embracing healthier lifestyle choices, Black women can significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related complications. This journey toward better health is not just a personal endeavor; it’s a collective movement where every small step counts.

What you can do to improve your heart heath:

1.    Developing Smarter Eating Habits: Healthy eating is a transformative journey that extends beyond the confines of a single meal; it is a lifelong commitment to nurturing your body and spirit. By consistently incorporating a vibrant array of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily meals, you can empower yourself to make informed and positive choices for your health. Embrace healthy proteins, such as beans, nuts, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, while opting for heart-healthy cooking oils like olive or canola to enhance your culinary creations. As you strive to reduce sugar and salt, limit alcohol consumption, and choose minimally processed foods, you not only elevate your own well-being but also set an inspiring example within your community.

2.  Move Your Body: Start out with adding walking to your daily routine. Self-care that nourishes your mind and soul weaves together the threads of physical activity and mental well-being. Engaging in simple movements, like walking, serves as a natural antidote to stress, elevates your mood, and fosters a sense of overall vitality.

3.  Manage Stress: Stress is an everyday occurrence that can stem from various sources, including your job, family responsibilities, or entrepreneurial endeavors. However, the way you respond to these challenges plays a crucial role in shaping your overall stress levels and well-being. By actively seeking to reduce stress, you pave the way for a healthier, more empowered version of yourself. Embracing effective coping strategies not only alleviates the weight of daily pressures but also fosters personal growth and resilience, enabling you to navigate life's complexities with grace and confidence. Remember, every step you take towards managing stress is a step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

4.    Protect Your Peace: Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, profoundly influencing our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It plays a critical role in how we manage stress, build relationships, and make life-altering decisions. Prioritizing mental health is not just an act of self-care; it is an essential commitment to safeguarding the futures of those we love and cherish. By nurturing our mental well-being, we empower ourselves and create a ripple effect of positivity and resilience within our families and communities. Fostering a nurturing environment that promotes growth and connection leads to a better viewpoint on life in general.

5.    Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking is a transformative step toward enhancing not only your health but also your overall well-being. As you embark on this empowering journey, you'll discover that the risks associated with coronary heart disease and other chronic health issues can significantly diminish. Just moments after you make the decision to quit, your body begins to heal—your blood circulation improves, blood pressure stabilizes, and the levels of carbon monoxide and oxygen in your bloodstream return to a state of balance. Within days, you’ll notice the joy of easier breathing and the delightful enhancement of your senses of smell and taste. With each passing day, the urges to smoke will wane, allowing you to reclaim control over your life.

6. Rest: Quality sleep is not just a luxury; it is a vital cornerstone of heart health. Adequate sleep, typically ranging from 7-9 hours each night, plays a crucial role in maintaining not only your heart health but also your overall vitality. When we neglect our sleep, we expose ourselves to serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, which are all linked to cardiovascular disease. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to harmful disruptions in our body's functions, raising stress hormones and inflammation that place additional strain on our hearts. By committing to a consistent sleep schedule, you can take a powerful step towards enhancing your resilience and vitality.

At the Seven Pearls Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge they need to prioritize their well-being. Let’s embrace the transformative benefits of these lifestyles change opportunities together and inspire one another to foster a community that champions heart health and wellness. We encourage you to share your own stories or tips about heart health, fostering a supportive community that embodies our mission of sisterhood. Better heart health begins with healthy habits and regular heart screenings. Take charge of your health today!

Health Disclaimer

This article is meant to inform and empower, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health, screenings, or symptoms. Everyone’s health journey is unique. Learn your body, listen to your body, and get personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Seven Pearls Foundation Welcomes New Tenant



We are excited to welcome a new tenant to 1000 Southhill Drive. Axel & Oak is a commercial interior design company who prides themselves on bringing ideas to life! They specialize in developing your brand that is not only ecstatically pleasing but clearly YOU showcasing your identity.

Our Pearls Rose Above Educational Segregation

Prior to integration, African American educators successfully instructed generations of students despite inadequate resources, overcrowding, and limited institutional support. Nonetheless, they persisted in their teaching endeavors. The academic excellence and notable achievements of their students, who became scholars, activists, professionals, and leaders, can be attributed to the unwavering dedication of these educators, rather than equal conditions. This acknowledgment is not based on nostalgia, but rather historical fact. Notably, the Seven of ‘1922’ were educators who worked within the segregated school system while striving to dismantle educational obstacles and empower communities through their organization, which was established at Butler University, a predominantly white institution, to address the need for greater educational equity for African American women and youth.

In the first half of the 20th century, legal segregation was a painful reality in schools across the United States, including Indiana, where the early educational landscape in Indianapolis was marked by deep racial divides. Our Founders navigated these tumultuous times with remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication, confronting not only the harsh realities of inadequate resources but also the burdens of excessive workloads that came with working in a segregated system. The establishment of Crispus Attucks High School in 1927, a segregated institution for Black students, served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our community, as Indianapolis was often criticized for maintaining one of the largest segregated school systems in the northern states. The Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners actively upheld these discriminatory practices, perpetuating a system that remained largely segregated until at least 1949. Yet, it is through the courage and tenacity of our Founders that we can reflect on the importance of advocating for equitable educational opportunities for children of color, acknowledging the strides made while recognizing the ongoing journey toward justice and equality in education.

Founder Mary Lou Gardner Little's journey in the segregated Indianapolis Public Schools serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic challenges many women face in education. Navigating a landscape often marked by insufficient professional development opportunities, limited peer support, and the isolating effects of systemic biases, she most likely encountered significant hurdles that sought to undermine her expertise and leadership potential. However, rather than allowing these obstacles to define her, Founder Little's experiences fueled her passion for advocacy and empowerment. By rising above these challenges, she not only transformed her own narrative but also became a beacon of hope for others. Her story illustrates that overcoming systemic barriers can lead to transformative leadership, inspiring a ripple effect of community impact. As we reflect on her journey, it becomes clear that fostering professional development and cultivating peer support are vital components in nurturing future leaders. She went on to teach in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 35 years after moving to California with her first husband, retiring in 1967.

In 1918, Founder Bessie Mae Downey took a bold step into the world of education by accepting a teaching position at William D. McCoy School (No. 24) under the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) banner. Faced with the daunting reality of segregated schools, where resources were scarce, Founder Downey and her fellow educators were often called upon to wear multiple hats—acting as counselors, social workers, and mentors—stretching their capabilities far beyond the confines of traditional teaching. Similarly, Founder Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, who dedicated an impressive 37 years to IPS before retiring from School No. 37 in 1958, and Founder Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, who taught at various schools including Nos. 4, 26, 37, and 87 before her retirement in 1970, exemplified the resilience and commitment to their students. Founder Cubena McClure, another incredible trailblazer, also contributed to the educational landscape at Schools Nos. 24 and 26. Despite the isolation that many teachers of color faced, often lacking mentors and surrounded by colleagues who didn’t share their backgrounds, it is clear that our founders cultivated a supportive network among themselves. They drew inspiration from one another, sharing ideas and best practices that not only enriched their teaching but also laid the groundwork for the empowering mission of the sorority today.

Founder Nannie Mae Gahn Foster Johnson and Founder Vivian White Marbury were groundbreakers in the educational landscape, whose remarkable careers began amidst a backdrop of significant challenges. Founder Johnson's journey commenced in 1923 at IPS School No. 23, where her unwavering dedication to her students led her to become assistant principal at School No. 26 in 1948 and then principal at School No. 37 for a decade, culminating in her retirement in 1966. Similarly, Founder Vivian White Marbury made her mark as one of the first female and Black principals within IPS, serving with distinction for 39 years at School No. 87. Together, these pioneers faced the daunting task of enhancing difficult working conditions, perhaps contending with the lack of safe running water, adequate textbooks, and stable facilities, all while navigating tight budgets and high-pressure environments that often led to burnout and turnover. Their resilience in the face of feeling "invisible" and having their ideas overlooked is a testament to their strength and commitment to education. As we reflect on their legacy, let us recognize the parallels between their struggles and the ongoing journey of empowerment for women of color today.

Educators working in urban schools face challenges reminiscent of those encountered by our Founders, navigating complex environments that require not only academic instruction but also a deep commitment to community engagement. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, these dedicated professionals often take on the vital role of cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between their schools and the diverse communities they serve, often without additional compensation. The journey to overcoming these obstacles is rooted in the establishment of strong, trusting relationships within the community, the development of curricula that resonate with the lived experiences and identities of students, and a holistic approach that addresses needs extending beyond academic performance—such as providing support to vulnerable families, advocating for equitable treatment in disciplinary practices, and fostering resilience among students. Many educators of color have historically engaged in activism, championing equal pay and participating in the Civil Rights movement, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to instigating structural change and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Their work exemplifies the power of education as a transformative force, inspiring future generations to overcome adversity and embrace their potential.

Due to their perseverance and persistence, teachers working in America's segregated system produced some of the Black communities greatest minds inspiring them to believe in themselves. This mission continues in the impact educators make today. We invite our community to join us in honoring these remarkable educators by engaging with the Foundation's mission to uplift and support the next generation through education and leadership development. Together, we can embody the spirit of resilience and collaboration that the Seven of '1922' exemplified, ensuring that their hard-fought achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future leaders.

Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc. is seeking a talented Legal Advisor to serve on our Board of Directors! You must be well versed and licensed in Real Estate or Corporate Law. You must be a Life Member to serve on the Board of Directors. Interested candidates may send their resume and a letter of interest to Linette Caroselli at president@sevenpearls.org.

Position is open until vacancy is filled.

Community Contributions

We want YOU to be a part of the Morning Announcements community!

Each issue of Morning Announcements is available on our website at sevenpearls.org, where you can explore past newsletters, stories, and exciting opportunities.

Contact: admin@sevenpearls.org