THE PROMISE - VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

The Official Newsletter of Omega Xi Omega Chapter New Haven, Michigan THE PROMISE THE PROMISE THE PROMISE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Keia Perry-Farr, President Tamaria White, Editor February 2023

A Message from the Basileus

WELCOMETOBLACKHISTORYMONTHSORORS! WELCOMETOBLACKHISTORYMONTHSORORS!

IItisamazingtobeamongsomanytalentedHERstorymakersrighthereinOXO! tisamazingtobeamongsomanytalentedHERstorymakersrighthereinOXO!Iwantedtotakeamomentto Iwantedtotakeamomentto highlightafewofthem...DidyouknowthatSororTuandaWard-HolmesholdsaJurisDoctordegreefrom highlightafewofthem...DidyouknowthatSororTuandaWard-HolmesholdsaJurisDoctordegreefrom NorthernKentuckyUniversity?HowaboutSororBriannaHarris...areyouawarethatsheisasuccessfulReal NorthernKentuckyUniversity?HowaboutSororBriannaHarris...areyouawarethatsheisasuccessfulReal EstateAgent?Lookingforuniqueyardcarddesigns,callSororD'AnnOldham-InfinityYardCandyowner. EstateAgent?Lookingforuniqueyardcarddesigns,callSororD'AnnOldham-InfinityYardCandyowner.

JJetsetter,Dr.RobynMurphywasappointedtotheaviationadvisoryboardsofHamptonUniversity,Florida etsetter,Dr.RobynMurphywasappointedtotheaviationadvisoryboardsofHamptonUniversity,Florida Memorial,andtheUniversityofMaryland-EasternShore. Memorial,andtheUniversityofMaryland-EasternShore.ShēSHOOTS,anExclusiveShootingClubforHigh ShēSHOOTS,anExclusiveShootingClubforHigh CaliberWomenwasfoundedbyourveryownSororZakiaGibson!Thelistgoesonandonasdothecontributions CaliberWomenwasfoundedbyourveryownSororZakiaGibson!Thelistgoesonandonasdothecontributions oftheOUSTANDINGOXOSorors! oftheOUSTANDINGOXOSorors!

""Nowalsowebeseechyou,brethren,gettoknowthosewholaboramongyou[recognizethemforwhattheyare,acknowledgeand Nowalsowebeseechyou,brethren,gettoknowthosewholaboramongyou[recognizethemforwhattheyare,acknowledgeand aappreciateandrespectthemall]..."~1Thessalonians5:12 ppreciateandrespectthemall]..."~1Thessalonians5:12

Thismonth,wewillcontinuetocelebrateBlackExcellenceandhighlighttheaccomplishmentsofour Thismonth,wewillcontinuetocelebrateBlackExcellenceandhighlighttheaccomplishmentsofour own.

own.#WeAreBlackHistory #WeAreBlackHistory

OurChapterwillcelebrateBlackHistoryMonthallmonthlong: OurChapterwillcelebrateBlackHistoryMonthallmonthlong:

2/3/2023–CreateDecorativeDisplaysattheClinton-MacombPublicLibrary 2/3/2023–CreateDecorativeDisplaysattheClinton-MacombPublicLibrary

2/10/2023–CreateDecorativeDisplaysatChesterfieldTownshipHall 2/10/2023–CreateDecorativeDisplaysatChesterfieldTownshipHall

2/14/2023–IwillbespeakingattheChesterfieldTownshipBoardMeetingf/theBHMProclamationat7PM 2/14/2023–IwillbespeakingattheChesterfieldTownshipBoardMeetingf/theBHMProclamationat7PM

2/18/2023–VoterRegistrationandResourceDisplayatMacombCelebrationofBlackExcellence(MCBE)Expo 2/18/2023–VoterRegistrationandResourceDisplayatMacombCelebrationofBlackExcellence(MCBE)Expo 2/25/2023–RepresentationattheMCBEGala 2/25/2023–RepresentationattheMCBEGala

2/26/2023–VirtualTourinpartnershipwithTheCityInstitute:Redlining,Racism,andSegregationinDetroit 2/26/2023–VirtualTourinpartnershipwithTheCityInstitute:Redlining,Racism,andSegregationinDetroit

Blessings, Blessings, SororKeia SororKeia

MessagefromtheBasileus-2

ListofChapterOfficers-4

ListingofCommittees&Chairmen-5

InternationalFounders’DayHighlights-6

Chaplain'sCorner-8

StrengtheningOurSISTERHOOD-9

EmpowerOurFAMILIES-10

BuildOurECONOMICWEALTH-11

EnhanceOurENVIRONMENT-12

AdvocateforSOCIALJUSTICE-13

UpliftOurLOCALCOMMUNITY-15

Protocol-16

MCCMLKDayofService-17

NPHC/HBCUNight-18

HeartHealthMonth-19

BlackHistotyMonth-20

92ndGLRCUpdates-21

SORORSSOARINGtotheTOP-22

Birthdays-23

AKAversaries-24

ContactList-25

SavetheDate-26

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

INTHISISSUE VOLUME1,ISSUE2

CHAPTER OFFICERS

Soror Keia Perry-Farr

Basileus

Soror Charo Earle

Anti-Basileus

Soror Michelle Williams-Ward

Grammateus

Soror Cathy Carr

Anti-Grammateus

Soror Tamaria White

Epistoleus

Soror Linda Ewing

Tamiouchos

Soror Kimberley Will

Pecunious Grammateus

Soror Teneka Liddell

Hodegos

Soror Kea Norrell-Aitch

Philacter

Soror Stephanie Edwards

Parliamentarian

Soror Brianna Harris

Ivy Leaf Reporter

Soror Carla Postell

Historian

Soror Juanae Stephen

Chaplain

Soror Melanie Harris-Farmer

Member-at-Large

Soror Pamela Tinsley

Former Basileus

STANDINGCOMMITTEES&CHAIRMEN

Bylaws:SororStephanieEdwards

Finance:SororLindaEwing

Program:SororCharoEarle

Standards:SororTuandaWard-Holmes

Membership:SororCarlaPostell

Archives:SororCarlaPostell

Technology:Vacant

LeadershipDevelopment:SororSandraBoykins

Courtesy:SororTenekaLiddell

Protocol:SororGloriaWare

Fundraising:SororCydGrace

Publicity:SororBriannaHarris

EAF:SororShawndalynn"Nikki"Roberson

RiskManagement:SororConsueloMartinez

Awards:SororBriannaHarris

PROGRAMINITIATIVES&CHAIRMEN

StrengthenOurSISTERHOOD:SororDwanMcGrady(SisterlyRelations)

EmpowerOurFAMILIES:SororShemyaDoster

BuildOurECONOMICWEALTH:SororHelenaJones

EnhanceOurENVIRONMENT:SororNatifaRiley

AdvocateforSOCIALJUSTICE:SororEdnaClark(Connections)

UpliftOurLOCALCOMMUNITY:SororTomaraNolen

ADHOCCOMMITTEE&CHAIRMAN

Rituals:SororPamelaTinsley

NPHCRepresentatives

SororArgentinaAbney

SororMichellaKing

SororMichelleWilliams-Ward

International Founders’ Day

Celebrating 115 Years of Service and Sisterhood

January 12th – 15th ~ Washington, D.C.

“After checking into the glorious Gaylord Resort, Sorors transitioned into their Pink Carpet Chic attire for the Welcome Reception and viewing of the 115th Anniversary Video while enjoying light refreshments and cocktails.”

~

Soror Latasha Davidson

“One of my favorite parts of this extraordinary weekend was the Courageous Conversation session with our Supreme Pearls. This event gave us a chance to hear from our current Supreme Basileus as well as four former Supreme Basilei. We were able to gain insight into their experiences, their approach to leadership, and their most valued accomplishments.”

~ Soror Tomara Nolen

L L L

H H H III G G G H H H L L L III G G G H H H T T T S S S H H H III G G G H H H

III G G G H H H T T T S S S

“The International 115th Founders’ Day Community Service Projects focused on the Uplift Our Local Community, Empower Our Families, and Advocate for Social Justice initiatives. Sorors showed up, packed up, and wrote up a total of 3500 CHIPP bags, 6500-period hygiene bags, and 700 letters! The donations went to organizations that serve the local communities and children in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.”

Soror Yolanda Crain

“A Sneakers and Pearls Affair: A Night at the Museum was an amazing night of pretty girl fun! We donned our sparkling chucks and cocktail attire as we toured the museum and partied the night away! The night also included a hip/hop violinist, a DJ, and a scavenger hunt.” ~

Soror Edna Clark

“On Sunday Morning, we put on our ceremonial uninterrupted white and attended the Ecumenical Service that ministered to our souls and empowered us to continue to soar. The “Call to Worship” was given by Soror Glenda Glover, 30th Supreme Basileus and the message was brought by Soror Adriane Blair Wise, North Atlantic Region Chaplain. The worship service was followed by the Rededication Ceremony.”

~ Soror Shemya Doster

~

Chaplain's Corner

To My Sisters

Sisterhood is a bond

That should never be broken. My Sister, My friend, No greater words have been spoken.

Sisterhood does not mean, That we will always agree. It means, I hear you, I see you, And I hope you hear and see me.

My sister is loving, My sister is kind. My sister understands me, When others don’t take the time.

Sisterhood means a safe place, To share both good and bad news. It means I won’t judge you, Because I disagree with your views.

Sisterhood is a friendship, Coming together in unity. To help and do good for others, Throughout every community.

Although I don’t know you well, And you may not know me. Our goal is service to all mankind, And on this we can agree.

Sisterhood is a word, That carries so much weight. But, True sisterhood cannot be achieved, Until we remove all negativity from our plate!

“….let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

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

~ Soror Juanae Stephen, Chaplain

Soror Squads

SororSquadsarefocusedonbuildinggreaterbondsofsisterhoodaroundcommon SororSquadsarefocusedonbuildinggreaterbondsofsisterhoodaroundcommon SororSquadsarefocusedonbuildinggreaterbondsofsisterhoodaroundcommon endeavorsoractivitiesthroughintimatesmallgroups. endeavorsoractivitiesthroughintimatesmallgroups. endeavorsoractivitiesthroughintimatesmallgroups.

Sororspleaseberemindedthat Sororspleaseberemindedthat SororSquadsarenotpromoting SororSquadsarenotpromoting cliques.Justtheopposite,the cliques.Justtheopposite,the purposeistofellowshipandgrow purposeistofellowshipandgrow ttogetherwhilefocusedon ogetherwhilefocusedon buildingstrongerrelationships buildingstrongerrelationships withinthebondofsisterhood. withinthebondofsisterhood.

SororsareencouragedtointeractwiththeirAKASororSquadviagroupoutings,textmessages, SororsareencouragedtointeractwiththeirAKASororSquadviagroupoutings,textmessages, SororsareencouragedtointeractwiththeirAKASororSquadviagroupoutings,textmessages, phonecalls,emails,cards,etc. phonecalls,emails,cards,etc. phonecalls,emails,cards,etc. ConsiderhostingaSquadBookClub,MovieNight,ShoppingTrip, ConsiderhostingaSquadBookClub,MovieNight,ShoppingTrip, ConsiderhostingaSquadBookClub,MovieNight,ShoppingTrip, orSpaDay!Jointogetheronanupcomingcommunityserviceproject. orSpaDay!Jointogetheronanupcomingcommunityserviceproject. orSpaDay!Jointogetheronanupcomingcommunityserviceproject.

StayTunedfordetailsonOXOSORORSQUADDAYS! StayTunedfordetailsonOXOSORORSQUADDAYS! StayTunedfordetailsonOXOSORORSQUADDAYS!

AKA OXO SQUAD1 1.SORORAMBERWHITE 2.SORORCYDGRACE 3.SORORGERALYNPEARSON 4.SORORKIMBERLEYWILL 5.SORORJUANAESTEPHEN 6.SORORROBYNMURPHY 7.SORORTRACYLATHAN 8.SORORYOLANDACRAIN SQUAD2 1.SORORAPRILSANFORD 2.SORORCHAROEARLE 3.SORORCYNTHIAMIREE-COPPIN 4.SORORGIANNAAUSTIN 5.SORORJACQUELYNNEBURGE 6.SORORMELISSAWITEK 7.SORORROCKELIAMATHIES 8.SORORTONJIEREESE SQUAD3 1. SORORARGENTINAABNEY 2. SORORBRIANNAHARRIS 3. SORORDWANMCGRADY 4. SORORHELENAJONES 5. SORORKAYLACOLLINS 6. SORORKEIAPERRY-FARR 7. SORORNIKKIROBERSON 8. SORORTAMARIAWHITE SQUAD4 1.SORORARICAROSADO 2.SORORCONSUELOMARTINEZ 3.SORORGLORIAWARE 4.SORORKEANORRELL-AITCH 5.SORORLATASHADAVIDSON 6.SORORMELANIEHARRIS-FARMER 7.SORORZAKIAPOPE-GIBSONa SQUAD5 1.SORORCARLAPOSTELL 2.SORORKLYNNTHOMAS 3.SORORNATHIFARILEY 4.SORORSTACEYBANKS 5.SORORSTEPHANIEBEATTY 6.SORORSTEPHANIEEDWARDS 7.SORORTUANDAWARD-HOLMES 8.SORORVESTARUMPHY SQUAD6 1. SORORCATHYDENISECARR

8.

SQUAD7 1.SORORCLEOLLOYD 2.SORORDELICIALIDDELL-JENKINS 3.SORORHEATHERLLOYD 4.SORORKAITLINMCQUEEN 5.SORORPAMELATINSLEY 6.SORORSHEMYADOSTER

SQUAD8

2.SORORKELLIHACKEL 3.SORORMICHELLAKING 4.SORORMICHELEGRAHAM 5.SORORMICHELLEWILLIAMS-WARD 6.SORORMONTISAWATKINS 7.SORORPAULINEGEORGE

2. SORORCORRIWOFFORD 3. SORORD'ANNOLDHAM 4. SORORJODIESANDERS 5. SORORLAKISHAWHITEHEAD 6. SORORLINDAEWING 7. SORORSANDRABOYKINS

SORORTOMARANOLEN

7.SORORTENEKALIDDELL

1.SOROREDNACLARK

Omega Xi Omega Chapter was the first graduate chapter in Michigan to get approved for the Children Hunger Initiative Power Packs (CHIPP) which will be providing packs for 23 students at Seminole Academy! Additionally, we were awarded a $5,000 grant to support Omega Xi Omega fighting child hunger in Macomb County through the CHIPP program. That check has arrived Sorors!

Empower Our FAMILIES

Build Our ECONOMIC WEALTH Committee invites YOU to...

Enhance Our Environment Event Reminder

PartnerwithusinOurRallyCrytoPrayforOurNation!

Proverbs21:1-ThekingsheartisinthehandoftheLORD,astheriversofwater:heturnethit whithersoeverHewill.

“LEADER’SSPOTLIGHT”

MichelleWilliams-Ward,RosevilleCommunitySchoolsBoardTrustee

How long have you served in your current position? I have served on the Roseville Community School Board for a little over 2 years The board pre-selected another candidate before I participated in what I considered to be the best interview of my life. Thankfully it wasn’t up to them, it was up to the citizen of Roseville, so I ran and was elected to the board in November of 2020.

How long is an elected term for someone in your role? What experiences did or do you have that you believe helps you to be successful in this role?

School board members terms are 6 years; however, I’m currently completing the remaining 4 years of a previous members term. I do plan to run for re-election once this term ends. I have always thought of myself as a behind the scenes person, but throughout my life I have always had people who saw more than I saw in myself. So many people in my church and sorority, have encouraged and supported me and helped me to be successful in my roles. My role on the school board allows me to find the potential in others and allow them to see their reflection through me

What do you do as a School Board Member and what kinds of decisions do you make that impact Macomb County and the local community?

As a board member I am responsible for helping to establish polices for our schools. These policies address issues like providing academic programs that help our students become marketable professions to dealing with poverty.

How have you been successful or made a positive change or impact in Macomb County?

I’m currently the only African American on the board and I quickly recognized the importance this role. Roseville is a diverse community; however, this was not reflected in the board. As a board member I can contribute to importance decisions that impact the safety and education of students and teachers. My unique perspective allows me to ensure the needs of all students are considered

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received as it relates to this role? And what advice would you give?

Be prepared to speak, meaning always be prepared to discuss important topics or be knowledgeable about the person or organization. If you are put on the spot, you will be “Prepared to Speak”. And what advice would you give? If you are planning to run for an office or taking a position in the community, make your presence is known, be prepared to serve, and take your seat at the table.

AdvocateforSocialJustice

AdvocateforSocialJustice THE INFORMATION STATION Save the Date! 2/18/23 - VOTER REGISTRATION 10:00 AM New St. Paul MBC Community Ctr. 21050 Ascension Ctr., Warren, MI 48089 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Uplift Our Local Community

Protocol Protocol Protocol

Day of Service Day of Service Day of Service

OXO you supported our partnership with MCC for the MLK Day of Service in grand style! Your projects brought joy to members of the Macomb community and your efforts were noteworthy.

Macomb Community College Macomb Community College Macomb Community

College Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

OXO represented at the Detroit Pistons Game!

NPHC/HBCU Night

Heart Health Month

On Tuesday, February 14th, OXO will recognize Heart Health Month with a Pink Goes Red Valentine Edition!

On Valentine’s Day, we will promote healthy hearts by making a healthy choice to replace sugary sweets with a healthful selection! Swap that chocolate bar for a lower-calorie dark chocolate alternative, switch out the chocolate cake with the flourless option, or trade a brownie for a carob substitute!

THEN take a photo in your intensified pink (RED) attire with your healthy choice and include the following hashtags

#macombakas

#akaoxo

#PinkGoesRed

#ValentineEdition

#AKAGREATLAKES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

92ND GREAT LAKES REGIONAL CONFERENCE

GLR Sisterly Relations UnSung Shero Award!

Madam Regional Director, Soror Gwen Kirtley has announced the GLR Sisterly Relations UnSung Shero Award!

Chapter Sorors are asked to submit a name of an OXO Soror who is kind, gracious, giving, and concerned. A Soror who goes out of her way to help others. Please make your selection using this link:

https://forms.gle/R81RP3gMorG4wmJD7 and complete the entry below. The Soror(s) receiving the most votes will be entered for this recognition. The Shero Award winner for the GLR will be recognized at the 92nd GLRC Sisterly Relations Luncheon on Thursday, March 2, 2023. *Please vote only once. *Deadline is Friday, February 17, 2023.

SERVICE PROJECTS

As we continue to SOAR in Service at the 92nd Great Lakes Regional Conference, we will have two opportunities to provide aid.

We will donate to the YWCA of Greater Cleveland using this link to fulfill items on the Amazon Wish List

https://amzn.to/3GONijg

We will also be afforded the chance to donate to the Dress for Success program by contributing $19.08 (or more) to the following link:

https://bit.ly/3ZgQStH

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Soror Dwan McGrady officially took office as an Executive Board member with the Detroit Federation of Teachers- Local 231. Local 231 serves members employed by the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Serving over 4,000 teachers and staff, DFT is one of the largest school unions in the state. Soror Dwan serves Region 9 which serves 8 schools within the district. She is m incumbent.

January 20, 2023, was a very special day! Soror Jodie Sanders graduated from Walden University with a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. Congratulations DR. Jodie Denise Sanders!