Sorority honors author, offers youth scholarships

By Valerie Roberts Gray
Special to the Herald

Bay Area author Savannah Van Dyke Bello, a resident of Richmond, Calif. by way of Lawton, Okla. and Spokane, Wash., shared memories from her recent publication, “Savannah …Unexpected Turns,” at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum early last month. The event was sponsored by the Vallejo Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
At the age of 93, Bello has overcome many unexpected turns in life, from the untime-ly death of her 17-year-old sister, to an unplanned preg-nancy, a religious awakening, and a bout with tuberculosis. Van Dyke Bello went on to become a registered nurse and political activist who would one day be invited to the White House.
A mother, grandmother, devoted Catholic and out-spoken civil rights and community advocate, Bello describes her latest novel as “sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always surprising and unforgettable.” Bello gives her unique spin on historical events and explores issues of racial prejudice and male-female relationships in the book.
“Have you ever questioned your existence and purpose in life?” Van Dyke Bello asked the assembled audience of about 50 gathered at the museum in April. “We’ve all had experiences where we started going right but turned left, started up the hill only to go back down. It’s the unexpected turns that shaped my life.”
Bello has been alive through 16 U.S. presidents. She met John F. Kennedy and Vice President Al Gore and attended President Bill Clinton’s Christmas Party at the White House in 1999. She looks forward to casting her vote for the next president later this year. “I just keep on trucking and trusting in my faith.”
“We are delighted to spotlight local talent and shine a light on the achievements of artists in our community,” said Nona Cohen-Bowman, president, Vallejo Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “We are committed to public service and helping others, especially our youth, to succeed.”
The chapter’s next scheduled event will be a youth talent showcase on Sunday, May 22 at the Dan Foley Cultural Center.
“So often, we read negative news about troubled youth in our communities,” Cohen-Bowman said. “This event is a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of some very talented young people. We have a wonderful afternoon of entertainment planned and welcome members of our community to come out, enjoy the show and support local youth.”
At the awards presentation on May 22, five scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to graduating seniors who completed a winning essay stating why they are pursuing higher education.
Tickets for the event are $20. For more information, call 373-2028 or (925) 348-5801. The Dan Foley Cultural Center is located at 1461 N. Camino Alto in Vallejo.
Proceeds from the Delta Literary Highlights and the Youth Talent Showcase will benefit the sorority chapter’s scholarship program.

Valerie Roberts Gray is a former editor for the Benicia Herald.