Omega Xi Omega September 2025 THE PROMISE by AKA OXO

AMessage theBasileu

Welcome back, Sorors!

I trust your summer was filled with rest, joy, and renewal. Although we paused from chapter meetings for two months, the bonds of sisterhood remained strong, and now it is time for us to come together again. The Love Train of Omega Xi Omega is back on track and ready for a dynamic fall season!

We have so much to look forward to in the months ahead! Our Leadership Retreat will provide us with the opportunity to realign, refocus, and strengthen our sisterly bonds as we prepare for another impactful year of service. Shortly thereafter, we will join our sisters across the region at the 2025 MI Cluster, where we will continue to sharpen our leadership, grow in knowledge, and celebrate the joy of our sisterhood.

Even during our summer pause, Sorors found ways to stay connected and uplifted whether traveling, attending concerts and festivals, hosting summer gatherings, or simply enjoying time with family and friends. These moments of joy remind us that the “OXO Love Train” is always moving, fueled by the love, laughter, and friendships we share with one another.

As we embark on the last few months of 2025, let’s bring that same joy, unity, and commitment into all that we do. Every meeting, every service project, and even hosting the 2025 MI Cluster is another opportunity to SUSTAIN OXO making us stronger and filled with purpose. Speaking of the 2025 MI Cluster, we are moving our September Chapter meeting to 1:30 PM on the 21 to accommodate a 3:30 PM rehearsal with “Fit Britt”. Please arrive in pink and green comfortable rehearsal attire.

Sorors, let us climb aboard together with open hearts and renewed spirits. We are headed toward greater sisterhood, greater service, and greater impact and I am honored to be on this journey with each of you.

Sisterly and in His Service, Robyn

I AM My Sister’s Keeper!

Soror Robyn D Murphy Basileus

- Program Updates

Reflect, Refocus, Rise: A Powerful Collaboration Between Omega Xi Omega and Theta Lambda Omega Chapters

On August 18th, the Omega Xi Omega (OXO) and Theta Lambda Omega (TLO) Chapters came together for a dynamic Program Planning Retreat under the inspiring theme: “Reflect, Refocus, Rise.” The retreat featured a powerful and dynamic keynote address by Soror Jackie Davis-Betserai, whose wisdom and encouragement set the tone for a day filled with reflection, strategic alignment, and renewed purpose (flyer pg. #7).

Sorors engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflected on past achievements, and laid the foundation for bold, impactful goals for the 2025–2026 program year. The energy in the room was palpable, leaving everyone reenergized and committed to elevating our programming and amplifying the stories of our communities. As we move forward, OXO remains focused on finishing this year strong and building momentum for what’s ahead.

Uplifting Our Local Communities: Back-to-School Support for Mt. Clemens Students

Just two days later, on August 20th, OXO’s dedication to service was on full display through the Uplift Our Local Communities initiative. We generously donated over 100 of each essential school supply item including pencils, pens, folders, notebooks, highlighters, and paper to support Mt. Clemens students in grades K–12 as they prepare for a successful school year (flyer pg. #8).

In addition to the donations, 11 students in grades 6–8 signed up to learn more about our Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), reflecting the chapter’s growing impact and commitment to youth empowerment.

Soror Kimberley Will Anti-Basileus

Soror Robyn D Murphy Basileus

Soror Kimberley R. Will Anti-Basileus

Soror Tuanda Ward-Holmes Grammateus

Soror Yolanda Crain Anti-Grammateus

Soror Edna Clark Epistoleus

Soror Chao Earle Tamiouchos

Soror Consuelo Martinez Pecunious Grammateus

Soror Shemya Doster Hodegos

Soror Natifa Riley-Cochran Philacter

Soror Kea Norrell-Aitch Ivy Leaf Reporter

Soror Tomara Nolen Member-at-Large

Soror Michele Graham Parliamentarian

Soror Rockelia Mathies Chaplain Soror Pamela Tinsley Historian Soror Gianna Austin Standards

Soror Helena Jones Risk Management

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

Audit: Soror Michella King

PROGRAM INITIATIVES & CHAIRMEN

Strengthen Our SISTERHOOD: Soror Edna Clark

Empower Our FAMILIES: Soror Tracy Lathan

Build Our ECONOMIC WEALTH: Soror Sandra Boykins

Enhance Our ENVIRONMENT: VACANT

Advocate for SOCIAL JUSTICE: Soror Michelle Williams-Ward

Uplift Our LOCAL COMMUNITY: VACANT

HOC

COMMITTEES & CHAIRMEN

Foundation Development: Soror Linda Ewing & Soror Juanae Stephen

Scholarship Committee: Soror Vesta Rumphy

Social Media: Soror Angel Ingram

Spiritual Oversight: Soror Rockelia Mathies

NPHC REPRESENTATIVES

Soror Michoni Ward

Soror Argentina Abney

Soror Delicia Liddell-Jenkins

TheChaplain’sCorner

The Sacred Gift of Sisterhood

There is a power in the way women hold one another up. The way we can look at each other and recognize the unspoken story behind the smile. The way we can carry both laughter and tears in the same moment. That is not ordinary, that is sacred. That is sisterhood. Sisterhood is not fragile. It is not shallow. It is a covenant. It is the choice to stay present even when it’s inconvenient, to offer compassion even when it’s undeserved, and speak life when silence would be easier. Sisterhood reflects the heart of God; faithful, gracious, unshakable.

The Word says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up”(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). That means sisterhood is strength. Sisterhood is resilience. Sisterhood is the assurance that even if I stumble, I will not fall alone. But let’s be honest. The world doesn’t always make room for this kind of love. It trains us to compete, to compare, to criticize. Yet sisterhood pushes back. Sisterhood says, “I see you. I believe in you. I will not let anything or anyone steal our unity or silence break our bond.”

We need this now more than ever. We need spaces where women can be real without being judged, where brokenness can be met with healing, where dreams can be watered until they bloom. We need the kind of love that doesn’t quit because when women choose sisterhood, everything around us begins to shift. Families get stronger. Communities get brighter. Futures open wider.

So here’s the call to action: Let us be women who forgive quickly. Who love deeply. Who encourage boldly. Let us be the reminder to one another that we are always sisters, always friends. Additionally, may the world look at the bond we share and see a living testimony that love never fails, compassion never runs out, and true sisterhood will always endure.

With Love and Sincere Appreciation for Our Sisterhood,

Soror Rockelia “Rock” Mathies

Soror Rockelia Mathies Chaplain

EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES

AKA CHIPP™

The AKA CHIPP™ (Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack) program provides nutritious meals for children within the Macomb County community on weekends and holidays who may be experiencing food insecurity. During the 2024 school year,

Empower Our Families committee Sorors packed 100 bags per month for 25 students from our partnership with Seminole Academy. Food insecurity occurs when a household cannot access enough food due to a lack of money and/or other essential resources. One or more factors can contribute to food insecurities such as single parenthood, household income, healthcare expenses, the surrounding social and physical environment as well as access to fresh produce and local grocers.

Creating the Perfect Aesthetic Look

Children who experience food insecurity are most vulnerable to developmental challenges and lower academic achievements. The failure to thrive nutritionally can have long term consequences on a child’s future success. Providing the AKA CHIPP™ power pack bags is a nutritious and ambitious commitment to ensuring the success of children and families in our community.

Soror Tracey Lathan Chairman

Soror Tracey Lathan Chairman Soror Stephanie Beatty Co-Chairman

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Soror Ardrea Murphy Co-Chairman

Soror Tonji Rees Chairman

ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Xi Omega Chapter is a proud community partner of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program.

This initiative removes more than 60,000 bags of trash annually from Michigan roadsides and Omega Xi Omega contributes to this effort by sponsoring a two-mile stretch of M-19 in New Haven, Michigan.

On Saturday morning, July 12, 2025, members donned yellow safety vests and hit the roadside armed with trash pickers and bags, marking nine years of program involvement.

Participation in the AAH program reflects the chapter’s commitment to environmental responsibility. By removing litter from roadsides, Omega Xi Omega helps prevent pollution from entering local waterways, promotes environmental awareness, and enhances the visual appeal of the community.

The chapter’s dedication to civic pride and enhancing the environment is evident in every bag collected, and in every cleaner, greener stretch of M-19 highway they work to maintain.

Soror Arica Rosado Co-Chairman

Soror Nico Russell Chairman

Advocate for Social Justice

Advocate for Social Justice Chairman and Roseville Community School Board Member, Soror Michelle Williams-Ward, along with Mt. Clemens School Board Trustee Rashidah Hammond are strategizing to host a public forum for Mt. Clemens Mayoral Candidate, Rhonda Powell.

Soror Michelle Williams-Ward Chairman

MEMBERSHIP

Soror Carla Postell Chairman Soror Melanie Harris Chairman

STANDARDS

An important Annoucement from the Standards Committee Please have all survey requestssubmitted to Standards at least two weeks in advance.

Requests can be sent to akaoxostandards@gmail.com

We are committed to soaring to higher standards. Our surveys provide valuable feedback that is used to identify needs, make data driven decisions to improve our programs and enhance the experience of the community that we serve. Below are common survey questions used to gather measurable and actionable feedback.

How did you here about this program?

How satisfied were you with this event?

How satisfied were you with the logistics?

What part of the event did you enjoy best?

How would you rate the length of the program?

Would you attend this type of event again?

Please include the following along with your request.

Title Date

Questions specific to your event are encouraged A copy of the approved flyer

PARLIAMENTARIAN CORNER PARLIAMENTARIAN CORNER PARLIAMENTARIAN CORNER

Greetings Sorors,

I hope you have all had a wonderful relaxing summer. As we are transitioning into September, I want to bring to your attention an upcoming change in how we will present committee and officer reports during our chapter meetings. This adjustment aligns with the guidance found in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th ed.), specifically sections 51:10-17.

This is good practice because it prevents the common and unnecessary motion to "accept the report." This approach makes meetings more efficient by focusing on actionable items that require a vote. It also avoids confusion, as members vote on specific recommendations rather than on the entire report, and it empowers committees by clarifying their role in bringing forward proposals for the full group to decide on. Overall, it creates a clear framework for effective meetings. Parliamentarian, SororMicheleGraham