EXO Express 2nd Edition June

Chapter Events The

International 2022 - 2026 Initiatives

ENJOYABLE CONTENTS

Strengthen Our Sisterhood Empower Our Families

State of The Chapter

Words from our Basileus

Ebony Pearls Leadership Academy

Memories from our 2023 Leadership Academy and Gala

Build Our Economic Wealth

Enhance Our Environment

Advocate for Social Justice

Uplift Our Local Commu it

Chapter Events

Reflections and highlights from our chapter programs and committee events

We are EXO Soaring Sorors

Message from our 1st Anti- Basileus

Priceless Moments

Pearl and Golden Sorors walk the runway

Celebrations, Announcements, and more...

Executive Officers Epsilon Xi Omega

Basileus SOROR EMMA TURNER

The state of Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is thriving through membership growth and expanding community services. Over the last few years, despite covid challenges, this chapter has added about 60 new members and forged community partnerships for programs that meet the needs of childhood hunger victims for the whole school year and not just a one-time-a-year distribution effort

Our chapter is absolutely, positively outstanding, as we continuously soar in sisterhood and service to Sorors, our community, and all mankind. This includes continued work on our six initiatives and other chapter programs; sisterly relations events; honoring our own; chairing committees; filling officer positions; applying and winning regional awards; providing talent at regional conferences; hosting with extreme graciousness

Madam Supreme Basileus Danette Anthony Reed during her San Diego visit; working on our 67-year-old signature event Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy, to name a few

Sorors, what are your contributions to our continuous service?

Are you involved in at least 3-chapter service projects? Can you do more? What will you do?

Because you, Sorors, are ready, willing, and able to serve, I give each and every one of you hard workers PINK tea roses and sweet GREEN jellybeans!

Thanks a million for all that you do!! Please remember to write up your report immediately following every event and give a copy to Soror Helen so that we can meet End of Year reporting deadlines. Contact Soror Helen for more details on reports

Sisterly, Soror Emma Turner EXO Basileus

AKAvibes for the Heart

FindingJoyintheSimplestofThings

bySororPrudenceWilliams

“ThisisthedaythattheLordhasmade,letusrejoiceandbegladinit.”Psalm118:24NASB2020

Therearetimesoverthecourseofallourliveswhenwehavedesiredmorethananythingto standstill,topause,tobreatheortojustnourishoursoulsinsomeintentionalmanner. Our prayeratthesetimesmightsoundsomethinglikethis…LordGod,clearmymindofdistractions andhelpmefocusonwhat’strulyimportant.Amen.Oritsimplymightbe,“Helpme,Lord!”

Aswepauseourchaptermeetingsforthatlong-awaitedsummerhiatus,letustaketimetofind joyinthesimplestoflife’streasures.Hereareafewquotesthatmightinspireusaswebeginour pause:

“Aquietandmodestlifebringsmorejoythanapursuitofsuccessboundwithconstantunrest.”

-AlbertEinstein

“Anicewarmshower,acupoftea,andacaringearmaybeallyouneedtowarmyourheart.”

-CharlesF.Glassman

“Seetheworldthroughtheeyesofyourinnerchild. Theeyesthatsparkleinaweandamazementas theyseelove,magic,andmysteryinthemostordinarythings.”

-HennaSohail

“Acceptwhatis,letgoofwhatwas,andhavefaithinwhatwillbe.”

-SoniaRicotti

“Connectingwiththoseyouknowlove,like,andappreciateyou,restoresthespiritandgivesyou energytokeepmovingforwardinthislife.”

-DeborahDay

deurofGodrevealsitselfthroughthesimplethings.”

-PauloCoelho

infinitepleasure. Yet,ittakesusawhiletorealizethat. Butoncesimpleisin, complexisout–forever.”

-JoanMarques

Peace,Blessings&Joy!

EbonyPearls

EBONY PEARLS: "EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED" by Soror Pamela Gray Payton, Committee General Co-Chairman

ony Pearls Foundation of San Diego, Inc., ® and the San Diego Graduate Chapte ha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Epsilon Xi Omega (EXO), would like you to know e is good reason to be optimistic about the potential for greatness of our region future leaders.

ime when our youth are facing unprecedented challenges caused by the enduri ma caused by the pandemic, 29 young adults including 20 Ebony Pearls and nin hals, took the time to enthusiastically participate in our 67th Annual Ebony Pea Youth Leadership Academy and Gala

After six months of fun and sometimes challenging leadership development amming, the Foundation and EXO, co-sponsors of the annual Ebony Pearls You rship Academy, hosted our 67th Gala and introduced 20 brilliant Ebony Pearls magnificent Marshals to an audience of 475 excited family members, friends, a community members.

eld at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, this year ’ s program, “Ebony Pearls: ence Personified” was led by General Co-Chairmen Sorors Hollie Davis-Allen a ela Gray Payton, and General Co-Chairman Soror Shawanda McGuire. Under th dership of the Ebony Pearls Foundation, President Soror Mary Castleberry and asileus Emma Turner, the 67th Annual Gala successfully raised funds for the Foundation’s scholarship and community programs.

s year ’ s 20 Ebony Pearls, young ladies from throughout San Diego and Riversid ies, represented 16 different high schools where they were high-achieving junio ccomplished seniors who will head off to myriad colleges and universities this HBCUs Alabama State and Clark Atlanta University to Hampton University, Spel ge, and Tuskegee University, along with UCLA, and others! Our future leaders a ready to tackle the future.

The 2023 Ebony Pearls included:

Solangelei “Koko” Marie Akridge

Genesis Aahnae' Amerson

Kanay’Jah Renne-Ann Cook-Weaver

Tatyanna Gabrielle Gittens-Kilroy

Sativa Jean Groff

Casey Michelle Johnson

A’Qyra Elise Johnson-Ricks

Ella Sol Maples

Saraya Danielle McLendon

Sydney Renee McMillan

Talli Dior Peters

Shelly Na’Zyia Roach

Myn’que La Tia-Isabelle Roundtree

Krislyn Daniella Sanders

Ciara Janae Slaughter

Jaelani Marlene Turman

Chloe Lynn Walls

Jayla Chena White

Lauren Melody Tashon White

Arianna Lee Wills-Irvine

Marshalls Included:

Keenan Banks

Khalid Hassan

Shemarri Kirby

Keon Robinson

Kenneth B. Garner, Jr.

Cameron Allen Thomas

Christopher Michael Akridge

Judah Esayas Smith

Carter Robert-Ray Henderson

ARINGinEpsilonXiOmeg

BySororHelenV.Griffith 1stAntiBasileus

EbonyPearlsPhotoGalary

EMPOWER OUR FAMILES NAMIWALK

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, AKA Initiative 2, “Empower our Families” committee members, along with sorority sisters, their families, and friends, had the privilege of participating in NAMI Walk San Diego.

The event was held at Liberty Station

We showed up in pink and green, and the committee chairman represented us well in a green tutu We're proud to announce our team raised over onethousand dollars. It was a joy participating in and learning about local mental health programs and the impact they are having on the surrounding communities We even got a chance to line dance

By Soror Shawnda Mc Quire Initiative Chairman

Happy1yrAka-versary

Spring 2022 Initiates of Epsilon XI Omega

WhatdoesitfeelliketobealegacyandanAKA?

Answer:I’vebeenwantingtobeapartofAKAandSERVETHISillustrioussisterhoodforso long!ITWASTRULYADREAMCOMETRUEwhenIwasgrantedtheopportunity.Beinga legacymeansthatIamabletocontinuetobethatrolemodelformychildrenandhelpthem createavillageoftheirown.

WhatwasthemostexcitingthingyouparticipatedinthisyearasanAKA?

Answer:ThemostexcitingeventIparticipatedinwasbeingapartofLEAT.Justthe thoughtofpositivelyimpactingthelivesofyoungblackwomenmadeitallworthwhile. Additionally,seeinghowhappytheywereandhoweveryoneofthemsteppedoutsideof theircomfortzonebringsjoytomyheart.

Whatisthebiggestthingyou’velearnedaboutyourselfinthisexperiencethispastyear?

Answer:Ilearnedpatienceandhonesty.Noteveryonethinksthesameandeveryoneopens upinthesamefashion.Beingpatientandhonestallowsmetobevulnerablewithmysisters allowingthesameinreturnandthat’showrelationshipsarebuilt.Iwanttogettoknow eachofmySorors,butittakespatienceandhonesty.

Howdoesitfeeltohavethesewomenandsistersinyourlife?

Answer:Iamgrateful.Thesewomenhavealreadytaughtmesomuchaboutloyaltyand love.TheyhelpedmeinwaysIwillneverforget.IhopeI’vehelpedandcontinuetohelpin anywayIcan.

"Reflections"- Interview with Soror Kaila Oliver

INITIATIVE 3 More from us

We

Each Other

Sorors! The Online Selling Webinar was nothing short of amazing Soror Roushaun did her thang! She discussed how to create your own website, Amazon Kindle and Influencer, Educational Platforms for earning income, Print on Demand, Drop Shipping Store, and so many other online resources Anything you have thought about selling Soror Roushaun new the place to sell it.

We have had three-chapter meetings highlighting AKA Women in Business If you haven’t had a chance to do a 5 second pitch no worries, it will be back in the fall.

Black Owned Business Directory in San Diego

Alpha Kappa Alpha EXO Business Directory

Real Estate Agents

Berkshire Hathaway

Cecilie Nelson

DRE# 01943596

Cell 619-200-2014

Coldwell Banker

Angela Rickman

DRE# 01904016

Cell 858-999-6341

Dyer Walker Real Estate

Erika Walker

DRE# 01273104

Cell 619-770-7838

Medical and Health

Omni Behavioral Health

Dr. Donna Cook

Licensed Clinical Behavioralist

619- 254-8964

Uniquely Fit Medical Weight Loss & Wellness Center

Dr. Latisa Carson

619-552-2050

Embrace Behavioral Health Nurse

Dr. Jazmyne Bosley

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Practitioner

949-668-3635

True Vine Living

Felicia “Be Well” Kadima

858-373-8110

Arts, Books, Apparel

Pacific Coast Apparel

Dr. Donna Cook

619- 254-8964

Kiki’z Kreations (Artist)

Kiyana Brown

Kikiskreations007@gmail.com

The New Female Leader Book (Book and Speaker)

RoushaunJohnson

https://roushaunjohnson com/ 707-430-1032

Legaci Builder (Children's Books, Spoken word, and Beauty products)

Kaila Oliver

legacibuilder2130@gmail com

SisterlyRelations CELEBRATING OUR PEARL AND GOLDEN SORORS

The Sisterly Relations Committee celebrated EXO Pearl and Golden Sorors at the May 20th chapter meeting. EXO is blessed to have 8 Pearl and 22 Golden Sorors It was a memorable occasion filled with laughter, music, and sisterly fellowship Sorors cheered and clapped as our Precious Pearls and Gracious Goldens danced down the runway as they were individually recognized with a beautiful slide presentation Each Soror was presented with a single stemmed pink rose. Their smiles were contagious!

There was a special recognition for our 2 NEW Golden Sorors Soror

Brenda Campbell and Soror Inez

Thomas who became an AKA in 1973

Soror Brenda was initiated into the Beta Theta Chapter at the University of Washington, Seattle, and Soror

Inez was initiated into Eta Omicron Chapter at West Virginia University.

Soror Brenda was presented with a gorgeous gold and pearl tiara, a pageant bouquet of pink and white flowers, and a certificate recognizing her 50 years membership milestone

Soror Inez was not present and her gifts were delivered to her home

By Soror Louise Labrie, Committee Chairman

Celebrating Our Precious Pearl Sorors

enSo

CONGRATULATIONS TOOURNEWEST GOLDENSORORS

The tiara's and flowers were purchased from black owned businesses.

CONGRATULATIONS TOOURGOLDENSORORS

"LIVINGYOURLIFELIKEIT'S GOLDEN"

CONGRATULATIONS

CELBRATINGOVERFIFTYYEARSONTHEVINE

"LIVINGYOURLIFELIKEIT'S GOLDEN"

CONGRATULATIONS

CELBRATINGOVERFIFTYYEARSONTHEVINE

"LIVINGYOURLIFELIKEIT'S GOLDEN"

NEW EXO SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Sophia Murphy is a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut where she studied French and Biomedical Engineering with a specialization in Tissue Engineering. During her time in college, she held many jobs: student researcher at UConn and Virginia Commonwealth University studying cartilage and ligaments, Resident Assistant, and Assistant Teacher for multiple programs and classes. Currently, she works as a Systems Integration Engineer & Scientist at Illumina. At work, she assists with the development of genetic sequencing platforms through DNA sample validation, software testing/troubleshooting, and data analysis. As an active resident of San Diego County, she participates as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and volunteers with Illumina to continue generating interest in STEM for students from under-represented backgrounds. In her free time, she serves as the Executive Secretary for Whalers Helping Whalers LLC of New London, CT to help bring relief to families affected by poverty. She also loves to hike with her fiancé and two dogs.

Sophia Murphy

General Member to EXO Chapter Member

Celebrating Arbor Day

The City of San D

t at Vacation Isle in Mission Bay Pa d Prudence worked so hard beautifying the park. They were able to “hob-nob” with the mayor and his staff.

Sorors Ann and Kathy attended the ‘Every Day is Earth Day’ event at the Malcolm X Library. We learned about climate change, recycling, and composting, and enjoyed a catered lunch.

Many Sorors took advantage of the shredding and e-waste recycling events held throughout the community.

Lastly, on two occasions, we helped out the Master Gardener at Johnson Elementary. Planting and weeding with budding student gardeners was very fun.

BLACK EXCELLENCE: THE IMPACT OF BLACK CULTURE

M tended th on and

person

on Sunday, June 11th at the University of San Diego The reception featured the musicianship of The Artist Collective a trio of young men playing drums, trumpet, and bass Soror Roushaun Johnson masterfully served as the mistress of ceremonies and Brother Daniel Smith served as the master of ceremonies

Soror Prudence Williams opened the event with encouraging words of meditation for the young scholars She was followed by words of welcome from our Basileus, Dr Emma Turner, who invited Dr Helen Griffith to get the party started with an impromptu song Soror Kimmerli Walker led the packed room in all three verses of The Black National Anthem Soror Kaila Oliver wowed the audience with an original spoken word piece Soror Sophia Murphy provided inspiring words of encouragement about the importance of maintaining a positive and hopeful attitude in addition to relying on hard work and talent

Epsilon Xi Omega Sorors and the Ebony Pearls Foundation awarded more than $38,0 scholarships and prize money to scholars who participated in the essay and spoken w contests Sorors Regina Dixon-Reeves and Tara Welborne served as this year ’ s co-cha and Soror Alicia Prather decorated the venue The University of San Diego and the S Diego Foundation, principal sponsors of the event, donated the space and catering P tea roses for all the members of the Sorority who served on the scholarship committe the joint scholarship reception committee, and contributed financially to the recepti and the scholarships!

Black Excellence

Photography by Isaac Ford Jr., MSW

CHIPP Madam SupremeLeadership Fellows

MuIotaChapter:LegallyPink

by Soror Yvonne Yelder-Logan, Graduate Advisor

“Legally Pink” was the theme of the Mu Iota Chapter’s 2023 Skee-Week activities, held April 3rd through April 7th If you are a fan of a popular movie with a similar title, you will relate to the five-day “Kourt Proceedings” that follow.

Monday, 4/3 “I Don’t Need Backups, I’m Going to Harvard”: AKA’s Read to the Youth. Tuesday, 4/4 “Bend and Snap” Into Sisterhood: Women’s Conversation Wednesday, 4/5 “I Object!”: Reliving Trauma Through Social Media Thursday, 4/6 “What, Like It’s Hard?” Budgeting With the AKAs.

Friday, 4/7 “Go Pink and Clean”: Mission Beach Clean-up. The Sorors kicked off the week on Monday morning with the First Grade read-aloud sessions at Johnson Elementary School. EXO Soror, Michelle Bryant, an instructor there, coordinated the activities in the two classrooms for Sorors Jaylene Potter, Sydney Schauble, and Ezinne Ndigwe While Soror Ezinne brought the stories alive to the whole class, Sorors Sydney and Jaylene conducted small group reading stations. It was a rewarding experience for the young students as well as the sorors.

Tuesday’s activity was a much more serious matter held in the SDSU Pride Center. Following the introductions and refreshments, Soror Jaylene Potter facilitated the “Bend and Snap” Women’s Conversation that focused on the personal stressors of college women and how they are managed Her PowerPoint slide deck kept the attendees focused and on the schedule. This was an immensely powerful, emotional conversation that suggested a need for more talks of this nature. The participants expressed gratitude for the chance to share their concerns with their peers and to learn that their experiences were not unique

“I Object!”: Reliving Trauma Through Social Media was the only activity hosted virtually This discussion was facilitated by Soror Jaylene Potter who had a way of encouraging the participants to share social media issues that have been debilitating at times On the other side was the feedback they contributed to each other, again highlighting the need for subsequent talks on this topic and general emotional support for the students

Regional Conference Awards and Submissions

The annual Far Western Regional Conference is an opportunity for Epsilon Xi Omega to celebrate our outstanding sorors and to celebrate chapter achievements in the International Program and through regional honors. For 2023, EXO was well represented with entries in several categories.

SororKathyWhite

SororShawandaMcGuire

WinnerintheArts&Craftscategory:ArtForms

WinnerintheArts&Craftscategory:Painting SororJacquelineNevelsWinner ofTheDianaG.ShipleyGolden SororAward

Celebrating More Soror Entries

Soror Kellori Dower – entry for Archelene Amos Performing Arts Award

Soror Judy Long Pharoah – entry for Carol R. Dixon Silver Soror Award

Soror Ethel Daniels – entry for Arts & Crafts category: Handicrafts

Soror Kalia Oliver – entry for Arts & Crafts category: Art Forms, Spoken Word

Soror Beverly Chandler – entry for Arts & Crafts category: Photography

Sorors Shay Hall, Kaila Oliver and Tara Welborne- entry for EXO's Scrapbook

SCRAPBOOK CONTENTS

Chapter Programs, Community Service, Scholarships

Boule/Regional Participation, In Memory of our Forever Sorors

2024WINNER

COULD BE YOU!

Next year, the Awards Committee will be seeking more sorors to submit entries for the Individual Awards, the International Awards, for chapter Exhibits, chapter Scrapbooks and Arts & Crafts Now is the time to prepare for the 2024 Regional Conference Awards season If you are talented in Art & Crafts, would like to work on presenting an Exhibit for EXO or would like to work on the Chapter Scrapbook, we need you Check the chapter website, Members Only section for examples of past awards.

Even more importantly, maybe you qualify for one of the Individual Awards such as:

The Archalene Amos Martin Performing Arts Award

The E. Lavonne Lewis Tutorial Service Award

The Mildred L Robinson Outstanding Chapter Basileus Award

The Lucille B Bryant Graduate Advisor Award

The Ida L Jackson Graduate Achievement Award

The Charlene D Carodine Unique Professional Achievement Award

The Diana G Shipley “Golden Soror” Award

The LaVern S Tarkington Leadership Development Award

The Carol R Dixon MRD #25 “Silver Soror” Award

Please volunteer or say yes, if asked to submit for one of the Individual Awards

Soror Pat Christian, Awards Committee Co-Chairman

Soror Judy Long Pharoah, Awards Committee Co-Chairman