Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The Official Newsletter of Omega Xi Omega Chapter New Haven, Michigan
THE PROMISE January 2024
Keia Perry-Farr, President Edna Clark , Editor Nathifa Riley,Co-Editor
A Message from the Basileus
Welcome to 2024 Omega Xi Omega Chapter where we will SOAR even more TOGETHER! I trust you all had an amazing holiday and time of reflection on the goodness of God. I am truly grateful for the calls, texts, gifts, and cards that I received from so many of you during the Christmas Season! My heart is filled with gratitude and I am recharged and ready to take off with each one of you as we embark upon the New Year! There is much to be accomplished in 2024 Sorors and the only way to do this is for us to be in lockstep -- hand in hand. As we prepare to Soar even more, please be sure to join one Program Initiative Committee and one Standing Committee. Your presence is needed to make an impact in our community. We are going to be moving pretty swiftly through Q1 as we continue the preparation for our Chapter Evaluation and Cluster invitation. If you are called upon to provide information or assist, I am asking in advance for your full cooperation. During our January Chapter meeting, we will acknowledge our beloved Founders and participate in a rededication ceremony led by our Former Basileus and Rituals Chairman, Soror Pamela Tinsley! Please be sure that you are properly attired in Ritual White (see guidelines in the Protocol section). I have called upon our phenomenal former OXO Basilei Soror Pamela Tinsley and Soror Melanie Harris-Farmer along with other officers to lead our upcoming New Officers, New Chairmen, and New Co-Chairmen training. This virtual event is aimed at assisting our newest leaders with the tools required to maximize success. This is going to be a great year Sorors as we work together in a unified fashion for the greater good of our community. Let’s open our hearts, expand our minds, set our sights on the bigger picture, and execute as ONE to SOAR EVEN MORE in 2024! John 13:34–35 ~ “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
Blessings, Soror Keia
IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 Message from the Basileus - 2 List of Chapter Officers - 4 Listing of Committees & Chairmen - 5 Events - 6 Chaplain’s Corner - 8 Empower Our Families - 9 Advocate for Social Justice - 10 Uplift Our Community - 11 Protocol - 12 2024 Leadership Team - 13 Birthdays - 48 AKAversaries - 49 Contact List - 51 Save the Date - 52
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
OXO wrapped the year up with service
Donated over 125 Black Hair products to Turning Point
Served Christmas dinner to residents at Peace Manor
OXO wrapped the year up with sisterhood
GenNext hosted our Year End event with a Movie Night to see the reboot of The Color Purple!
36 Sorors and 8 guests attended!
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
Happy New Year Sorors! Some of us are happy to see 2023 in the rear view. There are things that happened during the year that some of us will never forget. Then, there are those of us who did something that we never thought we could or would do. For example, when Madam Basileus asked me to become Chaplain for our wonderful chapter last year, my response was, really? I then followed up with, this is taking me way outside of my comfort zone. However, as you can see I took the challenge. For those who don’t know me and were not in attendance at our Leadership retreat, I am an introvert by nature. So it takes a lot for me to share openly with others. Even though I pray with family, I never thought I was one who could lead prayer and create weekly meditations for a group. Although I appreciated the confidence Madam had in me to do this, I needed that additional confirmation. Then I thought about 2 Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. That gave me the confidence to take on something that would be a challenge in my eyes. I am sure there are many reading this who feel they will never be able to do certain things for whatever reason. I can tell you, that we should never be afraid to try. We need to remember that God will never leave us. If you are meant to do a certain thing, he will give you the tools to do just that. 1 Chronicles 28:20 …be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 2024 is a new year. With it comes new opportunities and challenges. When opportunities are presented let’s not respond immediately because we know this is something new. Let’s take the time to think about it and take that step of faith, especially when asked to serve our wonderful Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I pray that 2024 is the year of new things for you, your family and our sisterhood!
EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES
Written by Kea Norrell-Aitch For many people, the winter holiday season is a joyous time filled with family, friends, gatherings and great food. But for some, it can be the opposite, causing stress, sadness and even depression. In this article, we will explore the causes of seasonal depression and make some suggestions to decrease it. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months. Some common symptoms of SAD include mood swings, lack of energy, wanting to stay inside, emotional eating and excessive sleeping. SAD tends to occur more in younger adults than older adults, with an onset starting at age 18. However, older adults who have a previous depression or bipolar diagnosis can experience SAD throughout their lifespan. According to Mental Health America, melatonin – a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate other hormones – may be linked to symptoms of SAD. Changes in the season can disrupt the balance of melatonin levels, which affects your sleep and mood. In addition, low vitamin D levels can also contribute to SAD symptoms. When it’s cold and dark outside, people tend to stay indoors more often. This can increase isolation and decrease the opportunity to share in fun activities with others, further contributing to sadness and depression and limiting exposure to sunlight (vitamin D). Here are a few suggestions to decrease the possibility of SAD: Eat a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Exercise on a regular basis to improve your mood and energy levels. Get enough sleep. Make time to interact with family and friends who can provide love and support. Express gratitude and give back to others. Community service can be very rewarding. Lastly, remember that stigma and fear of being judged causes many people to not reach out when they need support or professional help. Let’s continue to normalize having conversations about depression and other mental health challenges. The winter holiday season can be both joyous and stressful for many. Call or text 988 for mental health professional referrals or visit Psychology Today. For more information about mental health and emotional wellness, please visit the Michigan State University Extension websites for youth mental and emotional wellness and Youth Mental Health First Aid training for adults. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit Add a little bit of body text. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit Add a little bit of body text. To contact an expert in your area, visit Add a little bit of body text, or call 888MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
The NFL plays with purpose and they have been dedicated to the cause for some time. NFL’s MISSION: Contribute to changing local and state legislation and policies through advocacy around criminal justice reform legislation. Increase awareness around social justice and racial equality issues that directly impact communities and engage the public in working towards solutions. Learn more: https://operations.nfl.com/inside-football-ops/social-justice/social-justice/
Thank Your all for your commitment to Social Justice in 2023! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IN 2023 THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE IN 2023
UPLIFT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Chapter members spent Christmas morning serving our community at the annual Macomb County Meals on Wheels holiday meal packing event.
PROTOCOL
On Sunday, January 21, 2024, our Rituals Chairman, Soror Pamela Tinsley will conduct our Sacred Rededication Ceremony. The attire for this ritual is seasonal white per the guidelines below. Sorors, please review and adhere to the strict attire guidelines for this ceremony. Proper attire is REQUIRED for admittance and participation. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Protocol Chairman, Soror Kimberley Will. Ritual White Attire: Conservative, solid, seasonal white dress or skirt suit with sleeves (NO PANTS) Seasonal White Shoes are Required: Mule, Pumps, Wedge, Flat, Peep Toe, Open Heal (Slingback), and orthopedic shoes may be worn for health reasons only (NO BOOTS) Flesh-tone or white hosiery (No adornments, embellishments, tights, or patterned hosiery) Accessories may include a single strand of cultured pearls (NO colored pearls or Sorority pins)
2024 LEADERSHIP TEAM
BASILEUS
KEIA PERRY-FARR
ANTI-BASILEUS INT’L PROGRAMS CHAIRMAN
CHARO EARLE
GRAMMATEUS
TUANDA WARD-HOLMES
ANTI-GRAMMATEUS
CATHY CARR
EPISTOLEUS
EDNA CLARK
TAMIOUCHOS FINANCE CHAIRMAN
LINDA EWING
PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS
CONSUELO MARTINEZ
HODEGOS COURTESIES CHAIRMAN
VESTA RUMPHY
PHILACTER
KEA NORRELL-AITCH
PARLIAMENTARIAN BYLAWS CHAIRMAN
STEPHANIE EDWARDS
IVY LEAF REPORTER PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN
KAYLA COLLINS
HISTORIAN ARCHIVES CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN
CARLA POSTELL
CHAPLIN
JUANAE STEPHEN
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
MELANIE HARRIS-FARMER
FORMER BASILEUS RITUALS CHAIRMAN
PAMELA TINSLEY
STANDARDS CHAIRMAN
ROBYN MURPHY
TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN
NATHIFA RILEY
LEADERSHIP CHAIRMAN
SHAWNDALYNN ROBERSON
PROTOCOL CHAIRMAN
KIMBERLEY WILL
FUNDRAISING CHAIRMAN
CYD GRACE
EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION COORDINATOR
LATASHA DAVIDSON
RISK MANAGEMENT CHAIRMAN
SHEMYA DOSTER
AWARDS CHAIRMAN
BRIANNA HARRIS
STRENGTHENING OUR SISTERHOOD CHAIRMAN SISTERLY RELATIONS CHAIRMAN
DWAN MCGRADY
EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES CHAIRMAN
TRACY LATHAN
BUILD OUR ECONOMIC WEALTH CHAIRMAN
HELENA JONES
ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT
HEATHER LLOYD
ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
MONTISA WATKINS
UPLIFT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY CHAIRMAN
TOMARA NOLEN
CHAPTER EVALUATION CHAIRMAN
CYNTHIA MIREE-COPPIN
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIRMAN
MICHELE GRAHAM
NPHC REPRESENTATIVE GENERATION NEXT CHAIRMAN
KAITLIN MCQUEEN
NPHC REPRESENTATIVE
ARGENTINA ABNEY
NPHC REPRESENTATIVE
STACEY BANKS
SOROR GLORIA WARE
SOROR MONTISA WATKINS
JANUARY 6
JANUARY 9
SOROR GERALYN JACKSON PEARSON JANUARY 19
SOROR KEIA PERRY-FARR
SOROR CATHY CARR
JANUARY 29
JANUARY 30
SOROR JACQUELYNNE BURGE
SOROR KELLI HACKEL
DELTA PSI OMEGA
DELTA PSI OMEGA
SOROR TENEKA LIDDELL
SOROR CARLA POSTELL
DELTA PSI OMEGA
DELTA PSI OMEGA
SOROR KEA NORELL-AITCH
SOROR MONTISA WATKINS
ALPHA RHO OMEGA
GENERAL MEMBER
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
JANUARY
JANUARY 14th: 6:30 PM - EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING JANUARY 15th: FOUNDERS’ DAY JANUARY 15th, 16TH, & 17TH: WE ARE ONE AKA SERVICE DAY JANUARY 21st: 2:30 PM - CHAPTER MEETING
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.