The Promise VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Official Newsletter of Omega Xi Omega Chapter New Haven, Michigan

THE PROMISE January 2024

Keia Perry-Farr, President Edna Clark , Editor Nathifa Riley,Co-Editor

A Message from the Basileus

Welcome to 2024 Omega Xi Omega Chapter where we will SOAR even more TOGETHER! I trust you all had an amazing holiday and time of reflection on the goodness of God. I am truly grateful for the calls, texts, gifts, and cards that I received from so many of you during the Christmas Season! My heart is filled with gratitude and I am recharged and ready to take off with each one of you as we embark upon the New Year!

There is much to be accomplished in 2024 Sorors and the only way to do this is for us to be in lockstep -- hand in hand. As we prepare to Soar even more, please be sure to join one Program Initiative Committee and one Standing Committee. Your presence is needed to make an impact in our community. We are going to be moving pretty swiftly through Q1 as we continue the preparation for our Chapter Evaluation and Cluster invitation. If you are called upon to provide information or assist, I am asking in advance for your full cooperation. During our January Chapter meeting, we will acknowledge our beloved Founders and participate in a rededication ceremony led by our Former Basileus and Rituals Chairman, Soror Pamela Tinsley! Please be sure that you are properly attired in Ritual White (see guidelines in the Protocol section).

I have called upon our phenomenal former OXO Basilei Soror Pamela Tinsley and Soror Melanie Harris-Farmer along with other officers to lead our upcoming New Officers, New Chairmen, and New Co-Chairmen training. This virtual event is aimed at assisting our newest leaders with the tools required to maximize success.

This is going to be a great year Sorors as we work together in a unified fashion for the greater good of our community. Let’s open our hearts, expand our minds, set our sights on the bigger picture, and execute as ONE to SOAR EVEN MORE in 2024!

John 13:34–35 ~ “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Blessings, Soror Keia

IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 Message from the Basileus - 2 List of Chapter Officers - 4 Listing of Committees & Chairmen - 5 Events - 6 Chaplain’s Corner - 8 Empower Our Families - 9 Advocate for Social Justice - 10 Uplift Our Community - 11 Protocol - 12 2024 Leadership Team - 13 Birthdays - 48 AKAversaries - 49 Contact List - 51 Save the Date - 52

Omega Xi Omega Chapter Values Statement

The Omega Xi Omega Chapter was chartered and exists as the result of clear collective vision and strong leadership. As women of character, we seek to embody and enact the highest ethical standards within our chapter while fostering a culture of uncompromising unity both within our chapter - as evidenced by the strong bonds of sisterhood among our members - and within the community as demonstrated by exemplary programmatic service and our strong partnerships with local community leaders and service organizations.

CHAPTER OFFICERS

Soror Keia Perry-Farr Basileus Soror Charo Earle Anti-Basileus Soror Tuanda Ward-Holmes Grammateus Soror Cathy Carr Anti-Grammateus Soror Edna Clark Epistoleus Soror Linda Ewing Tamiouchos Soror Consuelo Martinez Pecunious Grammateus Soror Vesta Rumpy Hodegos Soror Kea Norrell-Aitch Philacter Soror Stephanie Edwards Parliamentarian Soror Kayla Collins Ivy Leaf Reporter Soror Carla Postell Historian Soror Juanae Stephen Chaplain Soror Melanie Harris-Farmer Member-at-Large Soror Pamela Tinsley Former Basileus

STANDING COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN

Bylaws: Soror Stephanie Edwards Finance: Soror Linda Ewing Program: Soror Charo Earle Standards: Soror Robyn Murphy Membership: Soror Carla Postell Archives: Soror Carla Postell Technology: Soror Nathifa Riley Leadership Development: Soror Shawndalynn "Nikki" Roberson Courtesy: Soror Vesta Rumphy Protocol: Soror Kimberley Will Fundraising: Soror Cyd Grace Publicity: Soror Kayla Collins EAF: Soror Latasha Davidson Risk Management: Soror Shemya Doster Awards: Soror Brianna Harris PROGRAM INITIATIVES & CHAIRMEN Strengthen Our SISTERHOOD: Soror Dwan McGrady (Sisterly Relations)

Empower Our FAMILIES: Soror Tracy Lathan Build Our ECONOMIC WEALTH: Soror Helena Jones Enhance Our ENVIRONMENT: Soror Heather Lloyd Advocate for SOCIAL JUSTICE: Soror Montisa Watkins (Connections) Uplift Our LOCAL COMMUNITY: Soror Tomara Nolen AD HOC COMMITTEE & CHAIRMAN Rituals: Soror Pamela Tinsley Scholarship Committee: Soror Michele Graham Internal Audit: Soror Tuanda Ward-Holmes Chapter Evaluations Committee: Soror Cynthia Miree-Coppin Generation Next: Soror Kaitlin McQueen NPHC Representatives Soror Argentina Abney Soror Kaitlin McQueen Soror Stacey Banks

OXO wrapped the year up with service

Donated over 125 Black Hair products to Turning Point

Served Christmas dinner to residents at Peace Manor

OXO wrapped the year up with sisterhood

GenNext hosted our Year End event with a Movie Night to see the reboot of The Color Purple!

36 Sorors and 8 guests attended!

Chaplain's Corner Please join me on the 19th of each month for the Sisters Refueling Our Faith Prayer Call from 7:00-7:08 pm via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82514228338? pwd=QkVGK1JTK0NnWVRSblB1Y2x5am1xdz09

Happy New Year Sorors!

Some of us are happy to see 2023 in the rear view. There are things that happened during the year that some of us will never forget.

Then, there are those of us who did something that we never thought we could or would do.

For example, when Madam Basileus asked me to become Chaplain for our wonderful chapter last year, my response was, really? I then followed up with, this is taking me way outside of my comfort zone.

However, as you can see I took the challenge.

For those who don’t know me and were not in attendance at our Leadership retreat, I am an introvert by nature. So it takes a lot for me to share openly with others. Even though I pray with family, I never thought I was one who could lead prayer and create weekly meditations for a group.

Although I appreciated the confidence Madam had in me to do this, I needed that additional confirmation. Then I thought about 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. That gave me the confidence to take on something that would be a challenge in my eyes.

I am sure there are many reading this who feel they will never be able to do certain things for whatever reason. I can tell you, that we should never be afraid to try. We need to remember that God will never leave us. If you are meant to do a certain thing, he will give you the tools to do just that.

1 Chronicles 28:20 …be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

2024 is a new year. With it comes new opportunities and challenges. When opportunities are presented let’s not respond immediately because we know this is something new. Let’s take the time to think about it and take that step of faith, especially when asked to serve our wonderful Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I pray that 2024 is the year of new things for you, your family and our sisterhood!

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES

Written by Kea Norrell-Aitch For many people, the winter holiday season is a joyous time filled with family, friends, gatherings and great food. But for some, it can be the opposite, causing stress, sadness and even depression. In this article, we will explore the causes of seasonal depression and make some suggestions to decrease it.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months. Some common symptoms of SAD include mood swings, lack of energy, wanting to stay inside, emotional eating and excessive sleeping. SAD tends to occur more in younger adults than older adults, with an onset starting at age 18. However, older adults who have a previous depression or bipolar diagnosis can experience SAD throughout their lifespan.

According to Mental Health America, melatonin – a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate other hormones – may be linked to symptoms of SAD. Changes in the season can disrupt the balance of melatonin levels, which affects your sleep and mood. In addition, low vitamin D levels can also contribute to SAD symptoms. When it’s cold and dark outside, people tend to stay indoors more often.

This can increase isolation and decrease the opportunity to share in fun activities with others, further contributing to sadness and depression and limiting exposure to sunlight (vitamin D).

Here are a few suggestions to decrease the possibility of SAD: Eat a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

Exercise on a regular basis to improve your mood and energy levels.

Get enough sleep.

Make time to interact with family and friends who can provide love and support.

Express gratitude and give back to others. Community service can be very rewarding.

Lastly, remember that stigma and fear of being judged causes many people to not reach out when they need support or professional help. Let’s continue to normalize having conversations about depression and other mental health challenges. The winter holiday season can be both joyous and stressful for many. Call or text 988 for mental health professional referrals or visit Psychology Today. For more information about mental health and emotional wellness, please visit the Michigan State University Extension websites for youth mental and emotional wellness and Youth Mental Health First Aid training for adults.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit Add a little bit of body text. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit Add a little bit of body text. To contact an expert in your area, visit Add a little bit of body text, or call 888MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

The NFL plays with purpose and they have been dedicated to the cause for some time.

NFL’s MISSION: Contribute to changing local and state legislation and policies through advocacy around criminal justice reform legislation. Increase awareness around social justice and racial equality issues that directly impact communities and engage the public in working towards solutions.

Learn more: https://operations.nfl.com/inside-football-ops/social-justice/social-justice/

Thank Your all for your commitment to Social Justice in 2023!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IN 2023 THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IN 2023

UPLIFT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Chapter members spent Christmas morning serving our community at the annual Macomb County Meals on Wheels holiday meal packing event.

PROTOCOL

On Sunday, January 21, 2024, our Rituals Chairman, Soror Pamela Tinsley will conduct our Sacred Rededication Ceremony. The attire for this ritual is seasonal white per the guidelines below. Sorors, please review and adhere to the strict attire guidelines for this ceremony. Proper attire is REQUIRED for admittance and participation. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Protocol Chairman, Soror Kimberley Will.

Ritual White Attire: Conservative, solid, seasonal white dress or skirt suit with sleeves (NO PANTS) Seasonal White Shoes are Required: Mule, Pumps, Wedge, Flat, Peep Toe, Open Heal (Slingback), and orthopedic shoes may be worn for health reasons only (NO BOOTS) Flesh-tone or white hosiery (No adornments, embellishments, tights, or patterned hosiery) Accessories may include a single strand of cultured pearls (NO colored pearls or Sorority pins)

2024 LEADERSHIP TEAM

BASILEUS

KEIA PERRY-FARR

ANTI-BASILEUS INT’L PROGRAMS CHAIRMAN

CHARO EARLE

GRAMMATEUS

TUANDA WARD-HOLMES

ANTI-GRAMMATEUS

CATHY CARR

EPISTOLEUS

EDNA CLARK

TAMIOUCHOS FINANCE CHAIRMAN

LINDA EWING

PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS

CONSUELO MARTINEZ

HODEGOS COURTESIES CHAIRMAN

VESTA RUMPHY

PHILACTER

KEA NORRELL-AITCH

PARLIAMENTARIAN BYLAWS CHAIRMAN

STEPHANIE EDWARDS

IVY LEAF REPORTER PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN

KAYLA COLLINS

HISTORIAN ARCHIVES CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN

CARLA POSTELL

CHAPLIN

JUANAE STEPHEN

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

MELANIE HARRIS-FARMER

FORMER BASILEUS RITUALS CHAIRMAN

PAMELA TINSLEY

STANDARDS CHAIRMAN

ROBYN MURPHY

TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN

NATHIFA RILEY

LEADERSHIP CHAIRMAN

SHAWNDALYNN ROBERSON

PROTOCOL CHAIRMAN

KIMBERLEY WILL

FUNDRAISING CHAIRMAN

CYD GRACE

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION COORDINATOR

LATASHA DAVIDSON

RISK MANAGEMENT CHAIRMAN

SHEMYA DOSTER

AWARDS CHAIRMAN

BRIANNA HARRIS

STRENGTHENING OUR SISTERHOOD CHAIRMAN SISTERLY RELATIONS CHAIRMAN

DWAN MCGRADY

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES CHAIRMAN

TRACY LATHAN

BUILD OUR ECONOMIC WEALTH CHAIRMAN

HELENA JONES

ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT

HEATHER LLOYD

ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

MONTISA WATKINS

UPLIFT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN

TOMARA NOLEN

CHAPTER EVALUATION CHAIRMAN

CYNTHIA MIREE-COPPIN

SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN

MICHELE GRAHAM

NPHC REPRESENTATIVE GENERATION NEXT CHAIRMAN

KAITLIN MCQUEEN

NPHC REPRESENTATIVE

ARGENTINA ABNEY

NPHC REPRESENTATIVE

STACEY BANKS

SOROR GLORIA WARE

SOROR MONTISA WATKINS

JANUARY 6

JANUARY 9

SOROR GERALYN JACKSON PEARSON JANUARY 19

SOROR KEIA PERRY-FARR

SOROR CATHY CARR

JANUARY 29

JANUARY 30

SOROR JACQUELYNNE BURGE

SOROR KELLI HACKEL

DELTA PSI OMEGA

DELTA PSI OMEGA

SOROR TENEKA LIDDELL

SOROR CARLA POSTELL

DELTA PSI OMEGA

DELTA PSI OMEGA

SOROR KEA NORELL-AITCH

SOROR MONTISA WATKINS

ALPHA RHO OMEGA

GENERAL MEMBER

MAILING ADDRESS: Omega Xi Omega Chapter P.O. Box 480435 New Haven, MI 48048

GOT QUESTIONS? CONTACT US--WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU Basileus: basileus@aka-oxo.com Anti-Basileus: akaoxoantibasileus@gmail.com Grammateus: akaoxogrammateus@gmail.com Anti-Grammateus: akaoxoantigrammateus@gmail.com Epistoleus: akaoxoepistoleus@gmail.com Tamiouchos: akaoxotamiouchos@gmail.com Pecunious Grammateus: akaoxopg@gmail.com Hodegos: akaoxohodegos@gmail.com Philacter: oxophilacter@gmail.com Parliamentarian: akaoxoparli@gmail.com Ivyleaf Reporter: akaoxoivy21@gmail.com Historian: akaoxohistorian@gmail.com Chaplain: akaoxochaplain@gmail.com Member-At-Large: akaoxomemberal@gmail.com Protocol: akaoxoprotocol1@gmail.com Standards: akaoxostandards@gmail.com Membership: akaoxomembers@gmail.com Chapter Evaluation: akaoxoevaluation@gmail.com OXO NPHC Representatives: oxoakanphcrep@gmail.com

JANUARY

JANUARY 14th: 6:30 PM - EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING JANUARY 15th: FOUNDERS’ DAY JANUARY 15th, 16TH, & 17TH: WE ARE ONE AKA SERVICE DAY JANUARY 21st: 2:30 PM - CHAPTER MEETING

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 9th: 12 PM - 3 PM - CHAPTER CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 10th: 6:30 PM - EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 17th: 2:30 PM - CHAPTER MEETING DECEMBER 30th: 2:40 PM - COLOR PURPLE MOVIE OUTING

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER TEAM If you would like to join the newsletter team, please contact Soror Edna Clark at: akaoxoepistoleus@gmail.com

Submissions to The Promise are due on the 20th day of each month. Please contact Soror Edna Clark, if you have any questions or feedback.