Gamma Xi Phi

The Fraternity for Artists and Creators

Month: April 2021

  • Protecting My Brand: A Discussion for Emerging Artists and Creators

    Protecting My Brand: A Discussion for Emerging Artists and Creators

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image image=”4535″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity, Inc., and Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, presented a program called “Protecting My Brand: A Discussion for Emerging Artists and Creators.”

    Gamma Xi Phi member Shaina Jones Magrone of Artisan Law, P.C., moderated a helpful discussion that benefited artists and all those working in artistic professions.

    Panelists included Sigma Delta Tau members Joseph Drayton, Esq., of Cooley LLP; Bradley Thomas, Esq., of the Law Offices of Bradley Ashton Thomas; and William Jolley, Esq., an Entertainment Attorney and Strategic Connector.

    The event, a celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, was a lively introduction to the field of intellectual property, and discussed trademark, copyright, and even patents. Panelists shared best practices as well as stories from the field. It was agreed that an early investment in an intellectual property attorney is always a wise one.

    “Gamma Xi Phi and Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity assembled the Black Legal Avengers!” shared event attendee Seun Ogunlegan, CEO of Bold Ventures Media. “Incredible information and all of it well explained. I’d sign up a second time, if offered.”

    This event was the first collaboration between Sigma Delta Tau, the oldest continuously existing African-American legal fraternity in the United States, and Gamma Xi Phi, the nation’s leading fraternal organization for artists of color and their anti-racist allies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/vmxpZgDJInQ” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Arts fraternity bestows prestigious awards to outstanding community members

    Arts fraternity bestows prestigious awards to outstanding community members

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, announces its inaugural class of honorees for the Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice. The winners are:

    • Chadwick Boseman
    • Michaela Coel
    • Misha Green
    • Colin Kaepernick
    • Jordan Peele,
    • DJ D-Nice
    • Team Rayceen

    Team Rayceen, a collective led by Washington, DC, based community activist Rayceen Pendarvis, produced 300 unique cultural programs that linked the public to emerging and established artists, especially those in the Black and LGBTQ communities. Their acceptance speech is below.

    The Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice was named for Gamma Xi Phi Brother Bruce Hawkins, a renaissance man best known for his television and stage work, who passed away in 2016.

    Additionally, Gamma Xi Phi honored Gamma Chapter in Newark, Jersey, with the 2020 Program of the Year Award for its Creatives Corner virtual program focusing on mental health.

    Brother Steven Van Patten was named 2020 Gamma of the Year for his contributions to the arts and his active engagement with the fraternity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4523″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

    Krylios (left) and Rayceen Pendarvis, representatives of Team Rayceen, winners of the 2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    Chadwick Boseman

    An actor who delivered outstanding performances in Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    Michaela Coel

    Creator, executive producer, writer, director, and star of I May Destroy You, a groundbreaking series which furthered conversations about sexual assault and its repercussions.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    Misha Green

    Executive producer, writer, and director of Lovecraft Country, which deftly adapted a story about race and horror for television audiences.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    Colin Kaepernick

    Social justice activist and philanthropist who established Kaepernick Publishing, a liberation-based publishing house that aims to amplify diverse voices.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    Jordan Peele

    Executive producer of Lovecraft Country, The Twilight Zone, and The Last O.G., which provided both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary on society.

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    2020 Bruce Hawkins Prize for Excellence in the Arts and Justice
    DJ D-Nice

    A renowned DJ who united the world during the COVID-19 pandemic through his popular Club Quarantine sets on social media.

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    2020 Gamma of the Year
    Steven Van Patten

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    2020 Program of the Year


    Creatives’ Corner
    Gamma Chapter, Newark, New Jersey

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  • Gamma Chapter Welcomes Three

    Gamma Chapter Welcomes Three

    [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Newark, New Jersey Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, a predominately African American fraternity for artists, initiated three new members in a virtual ceremony held on the evening of Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

    The initiates were DaiJonae “DJ” Clemons, Arthur Thornton, and Ivelisse Tirado.

    Presiding over the ceremony was Gamma Chapter Program Director, Malcolm Minor, of Newark. In attendance were other members of Gamma Chapter, as well as Gamma Xi Phi members living in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.

    “I become more and more impressed with their zeal and willingness to present themselves before the challenge at hand: holding up the banner of Gamma Xi Phi and making sure they strive to lead with the cardinal principles: Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation,” Malcolm Minor said.

    Ivelisse Tirado concluded the festivities with an impromptu serenade, expressing her gratitude for the honor of membership on behalf of all the initiates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4503″ img_size=”medium” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4505″ img_size=”medium” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4504″ img_size=”medium” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Sister Daijonae “DJ” Clemons is an artist, videographer, and photographer. DJ was born and raised in Somerset, New Jersey. DJ graduated from Raritan Valley Community College in May 2019 with an associate’s degree in Digital Media and Film Studies. They interned and showcase their artwork at Alfa Art Gallery, Above Art Studios, and other universities. While on a gap year, DJ began hosting their own show on Facebook & YouTube called DaiJa Visions. DJ also teaches other creators.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Brother Arthur Thornton is dancer, arts educator, and choreographer. His focus is on the education of children through dance in Northern Jersey. He has worked with the Montclair School District and the American Liberty Ballet Company. He has trained with the Newark School of the Arts, Creative Expressions School of Dance, and the Peppermint Players at Washington Academy of Music.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Sister Ivelisse Tirado considers herself to be “forged by fire on the streets of Newark, New Jersey.” Ivelisse, best known as EVIE or EVIETHETAKEOVER, is a multi-faceted artist dedicated to exploring duality in humanity through her work. Through the observation of local and mainstream artists, Ivelisse realized that the arts have the power to heal, to unite, and transcend. Therefore, she dedicated herself to a life of limitless creation, exploration, and healing. Ivelisse has released singles and albums, completed scripts, and has done background work for a range of artists from Smiley to freestyle legend K7 of TKA. In 2021, Ivelisse will release her very first book, entitled Pounds of Pain.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]