THE PROMISE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Official Newsletter of Omega Xi Omega Chapter New Haven, Michigan

THE PROMISE February 2024

LOVE BINDS US TOGETHER

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

A Message from the Basileus

Happy Black History Month Sorors! As we celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our ancestors this month, please take time to reflect on your personal achievements. Each of us is a part of HERstory in the making! Omega Xi Omega Chapter is off to a great start as we SOAR even more in 2024! 2023 is officially in the rearview mirror with the submission of our end-of-the-year reports to the Region. We are now preparing for our 93rd Great Lakes Regional Conference! If you have registered, please be sure to email a copy of your registration to both Madam Grammateus and me. I would like to encourage Sorors to register for and attend the Leadership Awards Breakfast on Saturday morning. It is a lovely event where several awards are distributed. Last year I was the lone member in attendance from OXO. It would be nice to have an increased presence by the AWARD-Winning OXO

😉

At the advisement of Madam Regional Director, Soror Gwen Kirtley, we will need to have an EMERGENCY Virtual Meeting to vote on our 93rd GLRC Delegates. Please log in on Saturday at 10:00 am for a brief voting meeting.

The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87256239102?wd=ZTY2ZzF1YXB4TE5IaUQ0eEVUR2R3QT09 If you desire to serve as a delegate and you are registered for the conference, please familiarize yourself with the requirements outlined in our bylaws. Those eligible to serve as delegates with a desire to do so may email/text me ASAP. By now all Sorors should have selected a Standing and Program Committee to serve on. If you have not done so, please please do so as soon as possible. We have nearly 20 members who are not signed up to serve. Committee meetings and planning are already underway and some committees are still in need.

Huge hugs and kisses to all of you who emailed, called, and sent texts and gifts for my birthday! I truly enjoyed hearing from you and receiving my well wishes!

1 Corinthians 16:14 ~ “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Blessings, Soror Keia

OXO O C ME L E S W

Soror Veronica Carter Great Lakes Regional Tamiouchos TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024 AT 6:30 PM VIA ZOOM

REGISTER TO ATTEND USING THE QR CODE

IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 Message from the Basileus - 2 List of Chapter Officers - 5 Listing of Committees & Chairmen - 6 Chaplain’s Corner - 7 Empower Our Families - 8 Advocate for Social Justice - 9 Uplift Our Community - 10 Enhance Our Environment - 11 Enhance Our Environment - 12 Generation Next - 13 Risk Management - 14 Standards - 15 Birthdays - 16 AKAversaries - 17 Contact List - 18 Save the Date - 19 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

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

“WE SOMETIMES HAVE TO TAKE A BREAK BEFORE WE BECOME BROKEN.” When Dr. Freddie Haynes made this statement he was referring to having to take a break sometimes from Church folks. However he was clear that there is a difference in taking a break from Church folk and taking a break from Worship.

Although Dr. Haynes was referring to people in the church, we sometimes have to take a break from other things. we have to remember that we should not be pushed to the point where we cannot be our Sisterly selves.

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

This scripture references how Jesus even took breaks.

However, his break involved prayer. As women we try to take care of everyone around us and that can be exhausting. And we all know that when we are not at our best, we do not perform at our best when interacting with others.

Sometimes the break we need to take is physical, taking time to rest. However, more often that break is spiritual, pausing long enough to remember God’s truth. Taking spiritual breaks are essential to your health. Spiritual breaks can be as simple as pausing throughout your day for a few minutes to pray, meditate on Scripture, or read a Bible verse.

A few signs that we need to take a spiritual break include, Procrastination, Irritability, Incapacity to Focus, Dreading the Day, Anxiety, and Sickness. If you are feeling any of these, then it is time for you to take a spiritual and possibly a physical break.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES CELEBRATING AFRICAN AMERICAN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MEDICAL FIELD (A SMALL BUT MIGHTY REPRESENTATION OF THE NUMEROUS BARRIERS AFRICAN AMERICANS BROKE THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF MEDICAL EXPANSION).

1891: DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS, M.D., OPENS THE PROVIDENT HOSPITAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES IN CHICAGO, THE FIRST BLACK-OWNED AND FIRST INTERRACIAL HOSPITAL IN THE UNITED STATES. TWO YEARS LATER, WILLIAMS PERFORMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S FIRST SUCCESSFUL HEART SURGERIES, SAVING THE LIFE OF A MAN WHO HAD BEEN STABBED IN THE CHEST. 1927: WILLIAM AUGUSTUS HINTON, M.D., HE HELPED CREATE AN IMPROVED VERSION OF THE TEST FOUR YEARS LATER, AND IN 1936 AUTHORED SYPHILIS AND ITS TREATMENT, THE FIRST CLINICAL MEDICAL TEXTBOOK WRITTEN BY A BLACK PHYSICIAN. IN 1949, HE BECAME THE FIRST BLACK PERSON PROMOTED TO THE TITLE OF PROFESSOR AT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL 1969: ALFRED DAY HERSHEY, PH.D., A GENETICIST, BECOMES THE FIRST BLACK AMERICAN TO EARN A NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE. 1988: PATRICIA BATH, M.D., THE FIRST BLACK PERSON TO COMPLETE A RESIDENCY IN OPHTHALMOLOGY AND A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS, BECOMES THE FIRST BLACK FEMALE PHYSICIAN TO RECEIVE A MEDICAL INVENTION PATENT AFTER INVENTING THE LASERPHACO PROBE, A SURGICAL TOOL THAT RESULTS IN LESS PAINFUL AND MORE PRECISE TREATMENT OF CATARACTS. INTEGRATIVE POSITIVE CHOICES COUNSELING GROUP

1990: MARILYN HUGHES GASTON, M.D., THE AUTHOR OF A GROUNDBREAKING STUDY ON THE TREATMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE, BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN AND FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO DIRECT A PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE BUREAU (THE BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES), WHERE SHE FOCUSES ON IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR UNDERSERVED AND MINORITY COMMUNITIES. 1991: ROSELYN PAYNE EPPS, M.D., M.P.H., BECOMES THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION. YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT

SOURCES CITED FROM: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS, LEAWOOD, KANSAS, ESTABLISHED IN 1947.

ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

How to Prepare for Election Season

CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION ARE YOU REGISTERED? KNOW YOUR BALLOT WHAT ARE THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES? MAKE A VOTING PLAN (IN PERSON OR ABSENTEE— KNOW WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO AND ADHERE TO THE DEADLINES) VOTING ABSENTEE BY MAIL OR DROP?KNOW YOUR PROCESS AND DEADLINES. VOTING IN PERSON? KNOW LOCATION OF VOTING POLL (IN CASE OF ANY CHANGES) ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION, ALLOW YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME AND GRAB SOME FOLKS TO TAKE TO THE POLLS COME PREPARED TO VOTE ON ALL THE ISSUE YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT

YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT

VOTE (AND KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT) Know your rights GRAB YOUR “I VOTED” STICKER AND SHARE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS FOLLOW THE RESULTS TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF MENTAL HEALTH AFTER VOTING. ADAPTED FROM HOW TO PREPARE FOR ELECTION SEASON | DOSOMETHING.ORG

UPLIFT OUR COMMUNITY

Save The Date

2nd Annual Women’s History Month Book Drive March 23, 2024 Mt. Clemens High School 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omega Xi Omega Chapter

In Collaboration with

Join us as we unite to collect 1,000 books written by African American Women for schools in Macomb County!

Additional details will be provided soon!

ENHANCE OUR ENVIROMENT

Plant Therapy: SESSION 1: MONSTERA IS A BEAUTIFUL LUSH GREEN PLANT, INTERIOR DESIGNERS OFTEN PLACE THIS CHIC PLANT IN THEIR FLOOR PLANTS TO ACCENT THE LOOK. SESSION 2: IF YOU NOTICE WEBBING IN OR AROUND YOUR HOUSEPLANTS, YOU MAY HAVE SPIDER MITES. EXAMINE THE UNDERSIDE OF YOUR PLANTS LEAF FOR THIS COMMON HOUSEPLANT PEST. THIS PEST CAN BE ELIMINATED EASILY, SPRAY ALCOHOL ON A PIECE OF PAPER TOWEL AND GENTLY WIPE THE LEAVES. YOU CAN ALSO USE ALCOHOL WIPES. WIPE THE RIM OF YOUR POT AND THE VERY UPPER INSIDE OF THE POT. THIS ELIMINATES THE MITES, AND YOUR PLANT SHOULD RETURN TO HEALTH. YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT

SESSION 3: SUCCULENTS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND ARE ORIGINAL TO DESERT ENVIRONMENTS, SO THEY GO FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME WITH NO WATER. WATER YOUR SUCCULENTS SPARINGLY AND THEY WILL FLOURISH

Carpool: SORORS, PLEASE ATTEMPT TO CARPOOL IT REDUCES THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, WHICH IN TURN REDUCES TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND DECREASES THE EMISSION OF HARMFUL POLLUTANTS, IT ALSO SAVES GAS AND WEAR-AND-TEAR OF OUR VEHICLES. IT’S AN EXCELLENT TIME FOR YOU TO DO SOME SISTERLY BONDING WITH YOUR SORORS! THE COMMITTEE IS ENCOURAGING ALL OF YOU TO REACH OUT TO SORORS THAT LIVE NEAR YOU AND GOING THE SAME PLACE.

ENHANCE OUR ENVIROMENT

Spring 2024- Prom Pop Up Shop

DATE: MARCH 23, 2024 LOCATION: MOUNT CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL WE’RE ASKING FOR SORORS TO LOOK IN YOUR CLOSETS, YOUR DAUGHTERS, YOUR NIECES AND YOUR AUNTIES CLOSETS TO HELP BUILD UP OUR PROM SHOP CLOSET! WE’RE IN NEED OF: FORMAL/EVENING DRESSES- ALL SIZES SHOES JEWELRY

A BIN AND SIGNUP SHEET OR QR CODE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT EACH CHAPTER MEETING SO THAT SORORS DONATIONS CAN BE TRACKED. IF YOU NOTIFY SOROR MICHELE GRAHAM, SHE WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK UP ITEMS FROM YOUR HOME.

GEN NEXT COMMITTEE

WELCOME TO FEBRUARY, THE MONTH OF LOVE! HELP THE GENNEXT COMMITTEE SHOW SOME PINK AND GREEN LOVE TO A GOLDEN, PEARL, OR DIAMOND SOROR. THIS COULD INVOLVE TAKING THEM TO RUN AN ERRAND, ASSISTING WITH A TECHNOLOGY ISSUE, OR SIMPLY SPENDING QUALITY TIME TOGETHER. PLEASE BE SURE TO CAPTURE THESE MOMENTS AND SEND YOUR PICTURES TO MYSELF AND MADAM COCHAIRMAN, K’LYNN THOMAS TO BE ON OXO’S “SISTERLY LOVE SPOTLIGHT” AND WE WILL SHARE YOUR PICTURES ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND/IN THE UPCOMING NEWSLETTER. XOXO, GENERATION NEXT COMMITTEE

RISK MANAGEMENT

Sorors, as we start a new year, we are expecting great things from the Outstanding OXO Chapter!

There are a few reminders as we move forward. Please be sure to refer to the checklist when planning all events.

Each Soror will be expected to sign the Photo Release, Release, and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Forms yearly.

At our next Chapter Meeting, please be sure to complete all forms and return them to any member of the Risk Management Committee.

We are counting on you and remember, every Soror is a RISK Manager!!!

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

We are looking forward to working with you to ensure your next event is a success. We are ready to serve!

Risk Management Committee: Shemya Doster (Chairman) Gianna Austin Sandra Boykins Rockelia Mathies Arica Rosado Donetta Houser-Sly Gloria Ware

STANDARD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FABULOUS SORORS BORN IN FEBRUARY

Soror Edna Clark February 7th

Soror Zakia Gibson February 10th

Soror Helena Jones February 16th

SOROR LATASHA DAVIDSON

SOROR TONJI REESE

THETA TAU 2008

NU THETA 2010

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

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 4TH: 10:00 AM - EMERGENCY Virtual Meeting FEBRUARY 10TH: 11:00 AM - BRUNCH & BOARD FEBRUARY 11th: 6:30 PM - EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 18th: 2:30 PM - CHAPTER MEETING FEBRUARY 24th: 11:00 AM- BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM

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.