"Tea with Z” is an original and signature event of Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter. It was created in 1994 by Jacqueline Ward-Williams, Sandra Harris and Erma Killings. The tea pays homage to the life of Zeta member and author Zora Neale Hurston. In addition to celebrating Zora, a tea allows the chapter to go back in time to celebrate the finer things in life.
Held on a Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere consists of soft music, petit fours, elegant cookies, china, lace, and a sampling of teas and other light refreshments. Each year, the chapter invites a noted guest, preferably from the literary community to give their perspective of Zora Neale Hurston. The annual program has expanded to include a Royal Tea Pot Competition, a Hat Competiton (renamed HATtitude) and an etiquette session.
Several special or featured presenters have been:
Valerie Boyd
Arts editor at the Atlanta Journal Constitution and author of Wrapped in Rainbows – The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Norma Downs-Ashong (member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc)
Producer/Talk Show Host, Educator, and Professional Storyteller known as Madam Griott
Reverend Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.
Pastor, Noted Author, and Professional College Archivist at Morehouse College
RESONANCE: Spelman Women Speaking Truths
Spelman College Choral Reading Group