OXO January 2025 Newsletter by Robyn Murphy

“The PROMISE”

A Message from the Basileus

Happy New Year to the Outstanding and “Out-Of-This-World” Sorors of the Omega Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. !!

Welcome to 2025! It is my sincere prayer that each of you enjoyed a safe and relaxing holiday season with family and friends, especially those who sacrificed their personal time to ensure all of OXO’s End of

Year (EOY) reports and finances were submitted on time and with a spirit of excellence!

With that said, I would like to publicly thank and acknowledge our Former Basileus, Soror Keia PerryFarr, and her “wing man” Former Anti-Basileus, Soror Charo Earle, for their exceptional leadership and guidance for a successful transition! Because of their collective efforts, OXO has experienced technological advancements that not only allow us to communicate more effectively amongst ourselves, but also share “the OXO story” internationally with our enhanced award-winning website One thousand Pink Tea Roses to you both for piloting OXO as we SOAR to higher heights

As we step into this new year and “FLY PRETTY”, I am excited to share that we have three OXO Sorors who will become Silver Stars in 2025: Sorors Jacquelynne Burge, Kelli Hackel and Charo Earle. We are also growing and want to welcome Sorors Angel Ingram, Ebony Pullins-Govantes, and Meliah Tinsley. Ladies, I can’t wait to officially greet you in person with OXO LOVE!

To celebrate 117 years as a sisterhood, OXO will host our own Founders’ Day activity on January 25th. More details are forthcoming, but in the interim, save the date! Also, I encourage each of you to invite a Soror who needs to be reclaimed or wants a new “home”. Before that, however, we will celebrate “WE Are One” AKA Service Day on January 20th. Our Anti-Basileus, Soror Kimberley Will, will be sharing more information soon. And, finally, registration for the 94th Great Lakes Regional Conference will open this month Be on the lookout to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to fellowship with Sorors from across the region

As I close and we embark on the SustainHER Administration, I want to leave you with something that was shared with me by Soror Gloria Ware:

“May this year be a time of growth, joy and fulfillment, where you cherish the present moment and create beautiful memories. Here’s to a year of LOVE, LAUGHTER, and (SISTERLY) ADVENTURES waiting to unfold.”

I AM My Sister’s Keeper!

Sisterly and in His Service, Robyn

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD

Soror Robyn Murphy Basileus

Kimberley

Soror

Will Anti-Basileus

Soror Tuanda Ward-Holmes Grammateus

Soror Yolanda Crain Anti-Grammateus

Soror Edna Clark Epistoleus

Soror Chao Earl Tamiouchos

Soror Consuelo Martinez Pecunious Grammateus

Soror Shemya Doster Hodegos

Soror Natifa Riley-Cochran Philacter

Soror Michele Graham Parliamentarian

Soror Kea Norrell-Aitch Ivy Leaf Reporter

Soror Pamela Tinsley Historian

Soror Rockelia Mathies Chaplain

Soror Tomara Nolen Member-at-Large

Soror Keia Perry-Farr Former Basileus

Soror Gianna Austin Standards Chairman

Soror Helena Jones Risk Management

Chaplain’s Corner

New Year, New Beginnings!

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Welcome to 2025, Sorors! As we embrace the beginning of a new year, let us pause to meditate on the beauty of new beginnings. A "new beginning" means a fresh start, an opportunity to leave behind past mistakes or challenges and embark on a new phase of life with a clean slate, allowing for personal growth, positive change, and the pursuit of new goals; it's important because it provides a chance to redefine oneself, overcome obstacles, and embrace new possibilities, fostering a sense of hope and optimism.

The scripture from Isaiah reminds us to let go of the weight of the past that may hold us back and open our hearts to the new opportunities ahead. There may have been some setbacks in 2024, or 2024 could have been the year that you experienced abundance in various areas of your life. Either way, 2025 is another opportunity to begin again. This is our time to walk boldly into a year filled with promise, purpose, and potential. This is our moment to let go of what was and step confidently into what will be.

As we soar into this new year, let us encourage each another to dream bigger, reach higher, and continue soaring with strength and grace.

Sorors, welcome to your new beginning. 2025—a year of growth, goodness, and limitless possibilities. Let’s make it exceptional!

Happy New Year!

Soror Rock

STANDING COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN

Standards: Soror Gianna Austin

Risk Management: Soror Helena Jones

Bylaws: Soror Michele Graham

Finance: Soror Charo Earle

Program Initiatives: Soror Kimberley Will

Membership: Soror Carla Postell

Archives: Soror Pamela Tinsley

Technology: Soror Raquel Welch

Leadership Development: Soror Donetta Houser-Sly

Courtesy: Soror Shemya Doster

Protocol: Soror Stephanie Edwards

Fundraising: Soror Juanae Stephens

Publicity: Soror Kea Norrell-Aitch

EAF Chairman: Soror Donetta Houser-Sly

Regional Awards: Soror Cathy Carr

Generation Next: Soror Kaitlin McQueen

Sisterly Relations: Soror Tomara Nolen

Social Connections: Soror Regina Askew

Rituals: Soror Pamela Tinsley

Internal Audit: Soror Michella King

PROGRAM INITIATIVES & CHAIRMEN

Strengthen Our SISTERHOOD: Soror Courtney Valentine

Empower Our FAMILIES: Soror Tracy Lathan

Build Our ECONOMIC WEALTH: Soror Sandra Boykins

Enhance Our ENVIRONMENT: Soror April Sanford

Advocate for SOCIAL JUSTICE: Soror Michelle Williams-Ward

Uplift Our LOCAL COMMUNITY: Soror Jacquelynne Burge

AD HOC COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN

Scholarship Committee: Soror Vesta Rumphy

Social Media: Soror Kayla Collins

Spiritual Oversight: Soror Rockelia Mathies

NPHC Representatives

Soror Michoni Ward

Soror Argentina Abney

Soror Stacey Banks

ANTI-BASILEUS PROGRAM UPDATES

Happy New Year Sorors!

Soror Kimberley Will Anti-Basileus

As we step into 2025, I hope you share my excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead Together, we will lock arms in service, mobilizing ourselves and our community to fulfill the mission of AKA, and make a lasting impact through our programs.

I am thrilled to announce that OXO will be partnering with the Region on two of their top Service Project initiatives this year:

Enhancing Our Environment – Tree Planting on April 12th or April 13th .

Uplifting Our Local Community – Region-wide Prom Dress Giveaway in Spring 2025. This initiative is not new to OXO; we have been soaring for years with the Prom PopUp Shop, and now it’s time to showcase the incredible work we already do

Please save/mark these dates on your calendar!

Together, we know how to create meaningful change and uplift those around us by being:

Engaged in our programmatic growth and development, Intentional in our efforts, ensuring the fruits of our labor reflect our purpose, and Impactful in the communities we serve.

It is truly an honor to serve alongside you.

In Sisterly Service,

Soror Kimberley

Strengthen Our Sisterhood

Soror Courtney Valentine Chairman

Overview

For more than a century, our sisterhood has served as the foundation for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to be an indomitable force for good in our communities, states, nation, and the world.

We will intentionally take time to fellowship and form lifelong relationships based on affinity, love, trust, respect, and shared goals and interests, while concurrently building on our foundation to serve others.

AREAS OF FOCUS

AKA Soror Squads

AKA Soror Squads are focused on building greater bonds of sisterhood around common endeavors or activities through intimate small groups.

AKA Pals

AKA Pals will allow members to create cross-regional relationships to allow for greater fellowship.

Random Acts of Sisterliness

Random Acts of Sisterliness offer an opportunity for members to share random acts of care and compassion.

“We Are One” AKA Service Day

During our annual MLK Day of Service, all members will join together to volunteer and serve the community side-by-side.

Leadership Development

Undergraduate and graduate members, across all life stages, will engage in a modern, interactive, and high-impact leadership development program.

Soror Edna Clark Co-Chairman

Overview

Empower Our Families

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has a strong history of supporting and servicing families, for we understand a healthy family is the foundation of a healthy community.

We will take a multi-generational approach to fortify families within our communities to address child hunger and fortify families within our communities to promote positive youth development and leadership, mental well-being, and senior life. In addition, we will provide food and meals to children in need for charitable purposes.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (AKA CHIPP™)

AKA CHIPP provides weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities and is targeted to be Alpha Kappa Alpha’s most ambitious childhood hunger program to date.

Youth Leadership Institute (AKA YLI)

AKA YLI is a youth-led and highly interactive leadership development program designed to empower and engage youth, ages 11-13. We will also provide educational services such as conducting programs, workshops and field trips for middle school youth related to stem, the environment, culture and careers.

Mental Health Awareness

During Mental Health Awareness month, we will use our collective efforts to fight stigma and raise awareness related to depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Our Seniors

Focus on ensuring our senior members can actively participate in all AKA activities. We also will focus on providing educational programs and workshops to support senior members as they navigate senior life priorities.

Soror Tracy Lathan Chairman

Soror Stephanie Beatty Co-Chairman

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES

As we all wind down from the holidays and spending extended time with our families, please take a moment to consider those amongst us who may remain in need. Transitioning into the new year brings thoughts of hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings. Your moment of support might just be the fresh start that blossoms into hope for a loved one in need. As we continue to be of service to Macomb County, below are just a sampling of resources available for community support.

Matthew 25:40 - “And the King will answer them, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Organization Purpose

The Family Center for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs

800-359-3722

Warren Woods Adult & Community Education

586-439-4408

MSHDA : Step Forward

866-946-7432

Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern MI

313-923-3535

Macomb County Mental Health

855-996-2264

Macomb County Warming Center

586-321-0998

Disability and Special Needs Resource

Adult Programs, Education & Training

Financial & Housing Assistance

Food Assistance

Mental Health & Counseling Services

& Warming Center

Overview

Build Our Economic Wealth

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is launching our most progressive and revolutionary economic initiatives this century. This administration has created institutional-level solutions to combat institutional-level challenges.

We will further encourage and equip our members to place key strategies into action to build personal, organizational, and community economic wealth.

AREAS OF FOCUS

For Members Only TM Credit Union

For Members Only Federal Credit Union is the FIRST, Black-owned, woman-led, sorority-based, digital banking financial institution in the history of the United States.

Financial Wellness & Planned Giving

Financial wellness and planned giving efforts will assist members with legacy planning supported by expert members and wealth management partners.

Sister Circles

Sister Circles are accountability groups designed to help set and achieve personal savings, investing, and giving goals.

Supporting Women

Entrepreneurs

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs will focus efforts to promote, celebrate, enhance, reach, raise visibility and offer access for greater revenue-generating opportunities.

Black Dollar Days

Black Dollar Days will be held during the month of June with a focus on leveraging our collective buying power to funnel revenue to Black-owned businesses and brands.

Soror Sandra Boykins Chairman

Soror Geralyn Pearson Co-Chairman

Overview

Enhance Our Environment

Soror April Sanford Chairman

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has the power to galvanize our organization of more than 120,000 active members, create a ripple effect, and make a significant impact on our environment.

We will employ select strategies to optimize our collective ability and to improve and protect the environment at scale. We will prioritize activities that promote the adoption of more sustainable and responsible practices. We will support and sponsor workshops and seminars encouraging and engaging individuals and communities in eco friendly practices to reduce household waste.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Tree Planting

Chapters will track and measure the collective environmental impact of our largest tree planting effort to date.

Waste Reduction

Waste reduction efforts will engage individuals and communities in ecofriendly practices to reduce household waste.

Shredding and Electronics

Community and Home Gardens

Chapters and individuals will create community and home gardens to reduce negative environmental impact and promote sustainable agriculture.

Recycling Day

Shredding and Electronics Recycling Day is an annual event held to safely dispose of unused electronic devices and securely shred old paper documents resulting in reducing the burden on landfills and natural resources.

Soror Arica Rosado Co-Chairman

Overview

Advocate for Social Justice

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority always has been at the forefront of social justice to promote fairness and equity. We stand in the gap to empower our communities and act in the best interests of all people through social advocacy and justice.

We will equip communities with the tools, knowledge, and support to activate their voices and mobilize self-help to empower communities to help themselves, including by providing information about African American and other women of color currently serving in political leadership positions as well as how to create a pathway for women interested in politics.

Through this program we will also sponsor public policy forums that discuss social justice, politics, and how to engage in them.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Voter Education, Registration, and Mobilization

Voter education, registration and mobilization efforts will empower communities to utilize their most powerful tools of community change and advocacy during local, state, and national elections.

Public Policy Forums

Public Policy Forums will create convenings of non-partisan, open dialogue on policy challenges and the direction of our country.

Candidate Forums

Candidate Forums are nonpartisan public events featuring candidates running for office who wish to express their positions on issues.

Public Servant’s Guides

Public Servant’s Guides will provide concise overviews highlighting women of color currently serving in political leadership positions along with information on how to create a pathway for women in politics.

Soror Michelle Williams-Ward Chairman

Overview

Uplift Our Local Community

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority reigns supreme in its mission of “Service to All Mankind.” Given the engagement of more than 1,074 chapters across an international landscape, we have an ongoing history and reputation for making a global impact through local change. We will celebrate excellence, promote a focus on service, and stimulate effective culture and showcase best practices ”Local Change, Big Impact, and Global Showcase.”

AREAS OF FOCUS

Celebrating Local Community Impact

This recognition and awards program celebrates chapters that have made an exceptional impact in their local community.

Chapter Collaboration Recognition Program

This program acknowledges chapters by providing awards to acknowledge and celebrate the chapters’ exceptional impact in their community as well as issue awards that acknowledge chapters that have collaborated to combine their resources and efforts to maximize the impact in their community.