THE PROMISE - VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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

THE PROMISE THE PROMISE THE PROMISE

April 2023

Keia Perry-Farr, President

Tamaria White, Editor

A Message from the Basileus

Can you believe that we are in Q2 already?

As I reflect back upon Q1 Sorors, I am amazed at all that has been accomplished in such a short period of time by this OUTSTANDING group! This a true testament to what we can do when we work together and maximize our time, talent, and treasure! As we continue to put our hands on the plow Sorors, let us continue to focus on building innovative programs through our initiatives. Along the same lines, let us also strengthen our internal sisterhood by engaging with our Soror Squads. At our May Chapter meeting, I will be relaxing our dress code so that we can have a Soror Squad "Dress Alike!"

I am happy to welcome Soror Jackie Davis-Betserai, International Program Committee, Great Lakes Region Representative, and Great Lakes Regional Program Committee Chairman to our April Chapter meeting. Soror Jackie will share valuable insight on Program Initiatives and help us Soar to Greater Heights!

Succession planning, as you all are aware is a very important topic to me because it is vital to OXO's progress. If you are interested in learning more about succession planning, leadership, and requirements for various offices please schedule time using my calendly link: https://calendly.com/basileus/30min I want to encourage attendance at the Leadership Seminar July 12-16 in Chicago, IL where Sorors will have a great opportunity to learn and grow in Sorority related affairs. Please be sure to register and send copies of your confirmation to me and Madam Grammateus.

“Great leaders do not create followers, they create more leaders.” ~

Blessings, Soror Keia

Tom Peters

WELCOMES WELCOMES WELCOMES

SororJackieDavis-Betserai

InternationalProgramCommittee,GreatLakesRegionRepresentative, andGreatLakesRegionalProgramCommitteeChairman

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2023

MessagefromtheBasileus-2

ListofChapterOfficers-5

ListingofCommittees&Chairmen-6

BookDrive -7

Chaplain'sCorner- 9

EmpowerOurFAMILIES-10

BuildOurECONOMICWEALTH-12

EnhanceOurENVIRONMENT-13

AdvocateforSOCIALJUSTICE-1

UpliftOurLOCALCOMMUNITY-156

Protocol-17

Scholarship-18

SORORSSOARINGtotheTOP-19

Birthdays-21

AKAversaries-22

ContactList-25

SavetheDate-26

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

Omega Xi Omega Chapter Values Statement

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:SororNathifaRiley

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:SororHeatherLloyd

AdvocateforSOCIALJUSTICE:SororEdnaClark(Connections)

UpliftOurLOCALCOMMUNITY:SororTomaraNolen

ADHOCCOMMITTEE&CHAIRMAN

Rituals:SororPamelaTinsley

InternalAudit:SororTuandaWard-Holmes

NPHCRepresentatives

SororArgentinaAbney

SororMichellaKing

SororMichelleWilliams-Ward

BOOK DRIVE HIGHLIGHTS BOOK DRIVE HIGHLIGHTS BOOK DRIVE HIGHLIGHTS

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 all go through various situations and emotions at some point in our life However, if we trust and believe in the word of God, life’s challenges become a little easier to deal with.

I thought I would share six of twelve scriptures that may help you through various situations. I will share the other six in May.

When You Are Stressed

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

When You Are Happy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When You Are Sad

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

When You Are Anxious

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

When You Are Excited

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When You Are Discouraged

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Sisterly, Soror Juanae, Chaplain

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES

April offers many ways to celebrate, such as National Poetry Month and African American Women’s Fitness Month! What a marvelous opportunity to celebrate poetry's expressiveness, delight, and pure charm. In the words of En Vogue, “Free your mind, and the rest will follow.” Poetry reminds us of the integral role of language and the power of the pen in our culture.

Black women trailblazers have their say whether spoken in a short haiku or from Alice Walker’ Mother’s Garden or Andrea Gorman who declared a new hope for America before the land’s highest office. The voices of Black women challenge structures of oppression and power with their sass, presence, and their audacity to be unashamedly Black!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has one of many among her ranks in the voice of Soror Chanequa Walker-Barnes, clinical psychologist, womanist theologian, ordained minister, and professor of theology at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Soror Chanequa’s scholarship points toward racial reconciliation as well as a commitment to mindfulness, especially among the clergy.

In raising awareness of African American Women’s Fitness Month, a part of fitness includes letting go of the weight that we do not have to carry. Whatever that is for you Sis, let it go, not only for you but for the sake of the families and communities that we work so hard to empower. Remember, your mask must be adequately secured before assisting another!

Here are a few links for you to check out:

Walker-Barnes, C. (2014). Too Heavy a Yoke: Black Women and the burden of strength.

Eugene, OR: Cascade Books.

Walker-Barnes, C. (2021). Prayer of a weary Black woman. In S. Bessey (Ed.), A rhythm of prayer: A collection of meditations for renewal (pp. 69-72.) New York, NY: Randm House.

Chanequa Walker Barnes--https://www.drchanequa.com/

The Hill We Climb – Amanda Gorman (2021)

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/20/amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem-the-hillwe-climb-full-text.html

Walker, A. (1972). In Search of our Mother’s Garden. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?

a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhbWV

yaWNhbmxpdDE0MTV8Z3g6NWRlMGUyYzc5NDJjMTRmNA in Mount Clemens.

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES

Empower Our Families CHIPP initiative event is fast approaching at Seminole Academy on April 19th from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm

BUILD OUR ECONOMIC WEALTH

Popup Prom Shop Event

ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT

ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

UPLIFT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Dress Attire for Chapter Meetings

Business Attire for Meeting

Closed-toe shoes (Preferred)

Sandals are acceptable.

Hosiery (optional)

Short or long sleeve Blouses

Skirts or dresses knee length

Pants Suits Protocol for Chapter Members

Maintain Proper Decorum in Business Meetings

Dress appropriately in business attire. Arrives before the official start time.

Speaks only when recognized by the presiding officer Projects voice or moves to a microphone when speaking so everyone can hear.

Addresses the Presiding officer before speaking. (e.g., Madam Basileus, I move that…)

Respect the Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol and Order of Rank. Keep remarks brief and concise.

Accepts the decision of the majority.

Avoids individual conversations during meetings. Avoid walking and talking during meditation periods. Avoid talking while entering the room. Silence all electronic devices.

SORORSSOARINGTOTHETOP

We would like to celebrate Soror Michelle Williams-Ward on being selected as a Literacy Ambassador for the Macomb Intermediate School District. This is so well deserved and we rejoice with you!

SORORSSOARINGTOTHETOP

Congratulations to Soror Teneka Liddell on being a part of the Oak Park Juneteenth Planning Committee. We salute you!

SORORTENEKALIDDELL PICTUREDWITHOAK PARKMAYOR

Soror Allyson Pellichet and her husband Jarrod are the creative minds behind Kut Hard Kreations….specializing in gifts for Divine 9 Greeks and other organizations. Follow them on social media to see their latest inventory!

SOROR TOMORA NOLAN

APRIL 7

SOROR PAULINE GEORGE

APRIL 9

APRIL 7

APRIL 18

SOROR LAKISHA WHITEHEAD

APRIL 8

APRIL 20

SOROR GIANNA AUSTIN

SOROR ROBYN MURPHY

SORO ER

SOROR TAMARIA WHITE

SOROR CATHY CARR XI

SILVER

SOROR PAULINE GEORGE XI

SILVER/LIFE

SOROR ROBYN MURPHY

ALPHA PHI

SILVER

SOROR LINDA EWING XI

SILVER/LIFE

SOROR PAMELA TINSLEY

ALPHA PHI

SILVER/LIFE

SOROR HEATHER LLOYD NU PHI

SILVER

SOROR MICHELE WILLIAMS-WARD

ZETA RHO

SILVER

SOROR MELANIE HARRIS-FARMER

NU PHI

SILVER

SOROR GEARALYN PEARSON

GAMMA KAPPA

SILVER

SOROR KIMBERLEY WILL

BETA MU SILVER

SOROR TAMARIA WHITE XI

SILVER

SOROR HELENA JONES ALPHA THETA SILVER

SOROR ZAKIA GIBSON

ALPHA THETA SILVER

SOROR LAKISHA WHITEHEAD

ALPHA RHO OMEGA

SOROR GLORIA WARE

ALPHA RHO OMEGA

SOROR CHARO EARLE

SOROR ALLYSON PELLICHET

ALPHA RHO OMEGA

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

Membership: akaoxomembers@gmail.com

OXO NPHC Representatives: oxoakanphcrep@gmail.com

APRIL

APRIL 2, 6:30 PM: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

APRIL 16, 2:30 PM: CHAPTER MEETING

APRIL 19, 2:00 PM: EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES CHIPP INITIATIVE

APRIL 22, MACOMB YMCA EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING

APRIL 28, ARBOR DAY

APRIL 30, 11:00 AM: WORSHIP SERVICE

MAY

MAY6,11:00AM:CIVILIANRESPONSETOACTIVESHOOTEREVENT

MAY7,6:30PM:EXECUTIVECOMMITTEEMEETING

MAY14,MOTHER'SDAY

MAY21,2:30PM:CHAPTERMEETING~SORORSQUADDRESSALIKE

AKA PALS AKA PALSAKA PALS

OXO&PXO

OXO & PXO ARE KICKING OFF OUR AKA PALS PROGRAM!

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY USING THE QR CODE SO THAT YOU CAN ENGAGE WITH OUR NEW AKA PALS!

KINDLY COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST.

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER TEAM

If you would like to join the newsletter team, please contact Soror Tamaria White at:

akaoxoepistoleus@gmail.com

Submissions to The Promise are due on the 7th day of each month. Please contact Soror Tamaria White if you have any questions or feedback.