Author: Gamma Xi Phi

Theta Chapter Brings Dance to the Forefront

Durham, North Carolina- Theta Chapter doesn’t tip toe around giving the gift of Dance Education

DURHAM- Gamma Xi Phi, Theta Chapter brought together internationally recognized Black male dance educators and performers to discuss the past and potential of Black men in the world of dance September 24 during a virtual program.

The program, facilitated by Thomas F. DeFrantz, research professor in the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University, featured a conversation between renowned dancers Willie Hinton and M. Clayton Barrier. The trio discussed the relevance and necessity of Black men being a force in the world of dance. Participants learned about the impact fellow Black male dancers made on them spotlighting local legends Chuck Davis and Mel Tomlinson and as well as their goals to encourage the next generation.

“The conversation was empowering and edifying. Our goal in bringing together members of a community engaged in the work of carrying on the legacy of Black men in dance was to raise awareness of the importance Black men play in the craft. The panelists achieved that and more,” La Toya Hankins, Gamma Xi Phi national secretary and Theta Chapter program director said.

A little about our key guest panelists for this event:

Willie Hinton

Hinton, a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and current instructor at Carolina Ballet in Raleigh, recalls his start in the world of dance at Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC when he dealt with the perception from fellow male students who were engaged in athletics while he participated in dance class. Their curiosity evolved into respect as they were able to view the work that went into his study thanks to his dance class located in a room over the high school gym featured a window for students to observe. Hinton obtained his first professional job shortly after college graduation and, since then, has performed with The Rebecca Kelly Dance Company and Dance Kaleidoscope. Hinton has also been engaged as an educator as Artist in Residence at North Carolina State University and North Carolina Central University.

M. Clayton Barrier

Panelist Barrier, a graduate of North Carolina Centra University, cites Hinton as one of the forces that has impacted his dance journey. The Durham native has created hundred individual choreographic works including a murder mystery piece he created that only the dancer tapped to be the murder knew the answer to the whodunnit. He currently serves as an educator at the Longleaf School of the Arts. He is also a member of the National Dance Educator Organization.

DeFrantz and panelists discussed the imposter syndrome of not believing in the strength of one’s talent, how support from fellow artists makes in success and the power of Black male involvement in the craft.

“Dance is a salad that everyone can eat from, and Blackness is just part of the expression. It is history, it is a form of documentation, and it is spiritual.” Hinton said.

The Black Men in Dance program event is part of the Gamma Xi Phi’s National Program of I SWEAR-Service, Wellness, Edification, Advocacy, and Recognition.

Gamma Xi Phi was established in 2010 at Ramapo College to provide a fraternal outlet for students engaged in the arts. Today it maintains a presence of working artists from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the northeastern and southern regions of the United States.

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February 7, 2023
Newark Chapter Adds four

NEWARK, NJ- The Gamma Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, a professional fraternity for artists serving Newark, New Jersey, initiated four new members on Saturday, October 15, 2022. This occasion marked the first in-person ceremony in the fraternity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This infusion of creators and innovators expands the organization’s membership and places it on a continued path of celebrating “Art, Society & Justice: For Decades to Come.”

The new members are visual artists, educators, writers, actors, poets, and arts administrators, representing the largest cohort of members in the chapter’s history.

The new initiates are:

Gamma Attorious Renee Augustin, a nonbinary (they/them), queer, performance poet, filmmaker, and educator from Wanamassa, New Jersey. Their work focuses on transformation and community, and their hope is for their art to serve as a catalyst in the liberation of all people from oppressive systems. Attorious received their poetry MFA at Rutgers University-Newark. They are the host of Lampblack’s Instagram Live Series, “The Inky Bulb” and an artist-in-residence with New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where they were co-artistic director of NJPAC’s 2021 performance “Phronesis: A Focus on Frequency.”

Gamma Tasha Grant (they/she) is an Afro-Costa Rican queer and non-binary multi-disciplinary arts & social justice educator, applied theatre practitioner, and cultural worker from Newark, New Jersey. Tasha has worked in education, activism, youth development, and gender and sexuality education as a facilitator, devised theatre director, teaching artist, high school teacher, and college lecturer. They are the founder and Artistic Director of Maroon Theatre Project, a New Jersey-based Black feminist theatre collective that creates programming and curriculum that fosters critical consciousness, activism, and healing in youth through the arts. Rooted in liberatory pedagogy, Tasha works to reimagine theatre-making and education by focusing on young peoples’ social-emotional development and providing them with access to social justice and political education. Tasha prioritizes queer, transgender, and non-binary youth of color to create affirming spaces for multi-marginalized youth. Currently, they serve on the editorial board for Youth Theatre Journal and holds a BA from Utica University in Psychology, with a minor in Theatre, and an MA in Educational Theatre for Colleges & Communities from New York University.

Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Brother Jaquair Gillette is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey. He is an actor, poet, producer, and community artivist. He recently released his festival award-winning film “3rd & 4th Chapters.” He has been featured in roles in plays and television shows such as August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson for Now Theatre, Inc., Orange is The New Black, Godfather of Harlem, Tommy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FBI, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He recently released his debut spoken word poetry book entitled Defiance & Desperation available on numerous eBook platforms. In addition, He is a three-time featured poet at the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe in NYC. He is the annual open mic host of Paterson Poetry Festival and has performed in poetry cafes and venues across the U.S from New York City to Los Angeles. Jaquair continues to stay active in his hometown of Paterson as a commissioner on the Paterson Arts Exchange and as an associate producer for The Urban Blackboard Program for Public Access Television.

Gamma Dontae T. Muse is the owner of the award-winning Above Art Studios in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is also the best-selling author of Tripping Over Canvases: How to Open Your Own Art Gallery with No Prior Experience. Dontae has participated as an advisor to or on the boards of New Jersey Art Administrators of Color, Institute of Music for Children, Black Girls Who Paint, Blk Art House, National Endowment for the Arts, New Brunswick HeART Festival, New Brunswick NAACP, Arts New Brunswick (Art Council), and Morris Arts. He is also an advocate for fair access to health insurance for artists and fair payment to artists for artistic services, and curates the movements #nostarvingartists and #paytheartist.

Augustin said they connected with Gamma Xi Phi’s principles. “They build up to the expansion of Gammas as individuals and community through intentional creation, service, and gathering.”

Muse stated, “I hope that I can add valuable relationships that can help procure more resources to better serve the artist community.”

Gamma Xi Phi was founded on October 7, 2010, on the campus of Ramapo College. The purpose of the organization is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service.

October 17, 2022
“Art & Fear” Gamma Xi Phi’s First International Chapter Collaboration

DOTHAN, AL- Gamma XI Phi, the fraternity for artists and creators, is elated to have a union of the Iota Chapters in this Wellness Event!

On August 27^th, 2022, the Iota and Epsilon Iota Chapters of Gamma Xi Phi had their first collaboration event discussing the book: Art and Fear by Robert Bayles and Ted Orland. This event was helmed by Gamma Xi Phi Sisters, Toni Toney and Jen Samson. The former, a new member of the Iota Chapter, which covers the Montgomery and Southeast Alabama, and the latter, the Program Director of Epsilon Iota Chapter, which currently covers Canada and all future international members.

The event covered the first five chapters of the book: The Nature of Art and Fear, The Actual Fears of Art, Fear and the Self, Fear About Others, and Finding Your Voice in Your Work. Using these opening chapters to home in on the endeavors of a singular artist will go through. Iota and Epsilon Iota Chapters also wanted to cover the subject of “Artists needing other Artists”. This subject bringing the importance of an artist’s need of community and like-minded souls when creating pieces.

Being held in an open-forum style of discussion, each of the 20 participants were able to speak freely on each chapter and participate through the chat. This giving all the opportunity to talk about how they resonated with the ideas brought to the table by the hosts or if having read the book, offering quotes and their personal experiences to the audience.

This collaboration event was a night of fun, communication, connection, and bonding.

Art and Fear: A Discussion is a Wellness Event and part of Gamma Xi Phi’s I SWEAR National Program, which focuses on Service, Wellness, Edification, Advocacy and Recognition.

Gamma Xi Phi was founded on October 7, 2010, on the campus of Ramapo College. The purpose of the organization is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice and service.

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September 2, 2022
Arts Fraternity Charts New Artistic Paths With Three New Chapters
CONWAY, NC- Gamma XI Phi, the fraternity for artists and creators, initiated seventeen new members July 31, 2022, during a virtual ceremony. The infusion of creators and innovators expands the organization’s membership and places it on a continued path of celebrating “Art, Society & Justice: For Decades to Come.”

The new members are visual artists, educators, writers, actors, arts administrators and filmmakers. While their talents may run the artistic gamut, according to National President Rashid Darden, which unites them is their character.

“These are men and women of integrity who have devoted their lives to the arts in some way. We believe that their zeal for the arts and for justice will unite them with one another and with all the members of the fraternity.”

Members were inducted into two existing city-wide chapters and chartered three new chapters located in New Orleans, LA, Philadelphia, PA, and Atlanta, GA. The organization also inducted members into chapters that serves the South Atlantic Region and Southwestern Region.

Eight embers became part of the Delta Chapter based in New York City. The members induction represents the largest intake of members into a single chapter since Gamma Xi Phi founding in 2010.
- Cristina Lynn Acevedo
- Timothy Benston
- Shawnasia Black
- Luisa Maria Butler
- Secile Doseau
- DeMarius “Champ” Kilpatrick
- Kayla Sharon Smith
- Husein Yatabarry
Doseau said she connected with Gamma Xi Phi’s focus on philanthropy.

“I’ve always loved helping people and my community in any way I can. It’s always given me a certain comfort or joy and it’s something that I believe I will enjoy doing with Gamma Xi Phi.”

Theta Chapter which serves the Raleigh/Durham area added three new members
- Dasan Ahanu
- Jonathan Issac Champion
- Leslie Cunningham
“My hopes for my own career during my journey with Gamma Xi Phi will be to grow as a spiritual being, a woman, an artist, business owner and philanthropist. My goal will be to stay open to learning, be a good friend and collaborator with my Gammas, and serve my community with passion.” Cunningham said.

The Beta Lambda Chapter which serves the South Atlantic Region at Large added member Marla Taviano who is based in Columbia, SC

Regina Renee Nyègbeh became a charter member of the Delta Lambda chapter which serves the Southwest Regional-At-Large. She is based in Denver, CO

Ansel Augustine became a charter member of the Lambda Chapter which will serve the New Orleans area.

Herman Beavers charted the Mu chapter which will be based in Philadelphia.

Nsenga Burton and Tiffany Jade Lezama became charter members of the Nu chapter in Atlanta, GA.

Augustine said he hopes to be able to create another avenue to serve and advocate from those in the New Orleans area that have struggled for recognition.

“My hope with becoming a member of Gamma Xi Phi is to create new partners to assist with helping preserve what makes New Orleans unique and sacred.”

Darden said he feels good about the organization’s newest members contributing to the organization plan grow and thrive.

“The Summer 2022 class has a wide range of gifts that will invest in Gamma Xi Phi for decades to come. From Marla and Regina Renee’s deep love of literature to Timothy’s penchant for capturing everyday beauty through his camera lens. Besides the new members’ artistic experiences, there are several with experiences in the nonprofit sector and the fraternal world–these are experiences that will continue to bolster GXP’s standing among professional fraternities.”

Gamma Xi Phi was founded on October 7, 2010, on the campus of Ramapo College. The purpose of the organization is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice and service.

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July 31, 2022
Theta Chapter Hosts Mental Health Panel

DURHAM- Theta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, a fraternity for artists which serves the Raleigh/Durham area, invited the public to Relax and Relate during a virtual program on May 22.
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May 24, 2022
Beta Lambda partners with APO Alumni to provide Black Books to rural jail

During Black History Month 2022, the Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, serving rural and remote areas of the South Atlantic Region, partnered with the Mu Alpha Alumni Association of Alpha Phi Omega to provide over 90 books for the Northampton County (NC) Detention Center and to the Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop for incarcerated youth.
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May 21, 2022
Arts Fraternity Welcomes First Honorary Members in Seven Years

Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists and creators, has initiated two honorary members. They are the first to receive such honors since 2015.

The initiates, music educator Tamika Walker Kelly and novelist Frederick Smith, were welcomed in an intimate ceremony attended by members of Gamma Xi Phi’s National Board of Trustees and members from the New York and District of Columbia professional chapters, as well as the South Atlantic Region at-large chapter.
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March 7, 2022
National President Appears on Podcasts

Rashid Darden, the National President of Gamma Xi Phi, recently appeared on two podcasts.

First, he appeared on the Poema Podcast, which focuses on spirituality, identity, creativity, and mental health. He spoke with host James Prescott about his own story as a Black man of Queer experience in America. The conversation also touches on ideas about representation in pop culture franchises, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Superman, and Doctor Who.

Next, Darden appeared in two episodes of the Whiskey, Jazz, and Leadership podcast hosted by author Galen Bingham. He discussed the history of Gamma Xi Phi and the culture of Black fraternal organizations, his favorite musical influences, and how good leaders show up within organizations.

Listen below!

Whiskey, Jazz, & Leadership Podcast

February 16, 2022
Welcoming Ava President

Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists and creators, welcomes Ava President as a communications intern via the Georgetown University Virtual Immersions & Experiential Work (VIEW) Program.

Ava President is a first-year student at Georgetown University who plans to major in sociology. This Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, native volunteers with DC Reads, the Black Student Alliance, and GU Women of Color. She is passionate about activism and community outreach and is excited to work with Gamma Xi Phi in the realm of communications, design, and branding.

“Georgetown has a long tradition of training students for leadership in service, inside the classroom and in the community,” National President Rashid Darden said. “I am grateful that Ava has decided to lend her talents to our growing organization.”

The Georgetown VIEW Program provides real-world professional experiences to students across a multitude of industries, from the nonprofit and public sectors to law, entertainment, media, and business.

Ava will be responsible for the research and implementation of a media campaign during Black History Month 2022.

Gamma Xi Phi is an anti-racist, non-hazing, all-gender professional fraternity for artists and creators established in 2010 by undergraduate students attending Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey. Organized on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation, Gamma Xi Phi seeks to create a world in which artists are valued as thoughtful and justice-oriented leaders in their communities and in their careers.

January 19, 2022
Remembering Sidney Poitier

I want to be at peace internally and continue to feel good most of the time.
But, yes, you are looking at a man who is relieved. I have nothing more to prove.
Sidney Poitier to People Magazine in 1980

Gamma Xi Phi remembers with solemnity the life and achievements of one of the world’s finest men, Sidney Poitier.

We honor his masterful roles in The Defiant Ones, Lilies of the Field, A Raisin in the Sun, In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and To Sir, with Love, among many others.

We acknowledge his direction of nine major films, including Stir Crazy, which was at one time the highest grossing movie directed by a person of African ancestry.

We note his many accolades, including being the first Black winner (and first Bahamian) of the Academy Award for Best Actor, several Golden Globes, a BAFTA, an Emmy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Miami.

We further acknowledge his career as a writer, as a diplomat, and as a board member.

Finally, we gratefully thank his family members, including his six daughters, for selflessly sharing their father with the world. Gamma Xi Phi shares in your grief while celebrating Mr. Poitier’s many contributions to the arts and to humanity. The artists and creators of this fraternity humbly and gratefully stand upon his shoulders.

January 8, 2022
Reflections of Re-Emergence: Symphonic Identity (Lashon Fouché solo exhibition)
CHICAGO (Winter 2022) – WILD YAMS: Black Mothers Artist Residency at THE cre.æ.tive ROOM is pleased to announce, “Reflections of Re-Emergence: Symphonic Identity,” a Solo Exhibition featuring WILD YAMS Artist and Gamma Xi Phi Sister Lashon Fouché. “Reflections of Re-Emergence: Symphonic Identity” captures the intersections of Black Female Spectatorship, examined through figural symbology, rigorous mark-making, vibrant color palettes, abstract patterns and portraiture. The exhibition is curated by Founders, Clemenstien Love | Wisdom Baty, with select programming highlighting Fouché’s Studio Practice: Artist Talk, OpenStudios, WorkShops, and Performance Art Interventions. The Opening Reception is Friday, January 7th 6:00pm-8:00pm. The exhibition is on view at THE cre.æ.tive ROOM, from January 7- February 19, 2022.

Fouché stylised elements of color, pattern, and mark-making are multilayered, generating a kinetic flow of evocative feelings-sensibilities. Investigative themes of identity figuration, chromatic relationships and material embellishments add to the complexities of Fouché’s mark-making evolution. Her current explorations examine non-representational abstractions of the human body and the “Black Gaze.”

Public Programming:

THE cre.æ.tive ROOM | 7034 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

Opening Reception

January 7, 6:00pm-8:00pm Friday

Artist Talk

January 22, Saturday 2:00pm-3:30pm

Moderated By: Wisdom Baty, WILD YAMS Founder

Healing WorkShop Series | Creative Rituals of Divinity & Rootwork

January 29, Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm

February 5, Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm

February 12, Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm

OpenStudio | By Appointment

January 14, Friday

January 28, Friday

February 4, Friday

February 11, Friday

(Contact Lashon Fouché at 773.663.0270, [email protected])

Gallery Hours

January 14 – February 12, Fridays & Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm

Closing Reception

February 19, 6:00pm-8:00pm Saturday

About: Lashon Fouché

Sister Venise Lashon Keys | Lashon Fouché (b. Chicago, 1991) is a visual artist, writer, performer, and educator. Fouché activates painting, drawing, objects, printmaking, movement, and writing to commune with her ancestors. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Painting and a Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Fouché’s consistent imagery and studio research on Black hair paraphernalia i.e combs, bobby pins, etc. began as an homage to her parents’ entrepreneurship in the Chicago hair industry. Fouché utilizes black cultural iconography along with elements of color, pattern, mark-making and abstraction to create dialogue centering notions of beauty, heritage, and resistance. Fouché has exhibited throughout Chicago and nationally.

About: WILD YAMS – Black Mothers Artist Studio Residency at THE cre.æ.tive ROOM

Introducing a new Studio Partnership, WILD YAMS Black Mothers Artist Residency at THE cre.æ.tive ROOM. WILD YAMS Artist Residency provides sustainable creativity + equity for Black Mother Artists in Chicago. THE cre.æ.tive ROOM is an Art | Design collaboratorium studio located on Chicago’s southside. TCR Studio Residency Programs provide space + time to “imagine, create, envision” a distinctive Studio Practice platform for Women Creators. This new ongoing Studio Collaboration serves as a creative incubator for WILD YAMS Black Mothers, providing space, time, community, and entrepreneurial resources. A distinctive unified collaboration, both founded by Black Women with missions committed to equity + access through the Arts on the Southside of Chicago for Black Women Creators.

Media Contact:

Wisdom Baty, Founder: [email protected]

WILD YAMS: Black Mothers Artist Residency

Clemenstien Love, Founder: [email protected]

THE cre.æ.tive ROOM
January 3, 2022
Abe the Kid opens for RiFF RAFF at Westcott Theater

Abe the Kid, 2021 initiate of Beta Chapter in the District of Columbia, opened for RiFF RAFF at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York. Nathan Fenningdorf has the story in The Daily Orange.

December 29, 2021
Gamma Xi Phi Goes International; Initiates Ten

The national arts fraternity Gamma Xi Phi became truly international on October 8, 2021, when the Epsilon Iota Chapter was established at the fraternity’s 5^th National Convention.

Jennifer Samson, a resident of Vancouver, Canada, and the best-selling author of Self-Publishing for Canadians, was the first international at-large initiate of Gamma Xi Phi. She is also the author of the crime/love story Sin City series and co-author of the dark comedy/thriller Billie and Diana series. A graduate of Capilano University, she has also been published in the literary journals Thursday and The Lyre, as well as the BoldPrint book Friends (as Jennifer Cassidy).

With her initiation, Jennifer Samson becomes the point of contact for Gamma Xi Phi in the international territories of the fraternity’s Far West Region, including Western Canada, Asia, Australia, and Oceania.

In addition to Ms. Samson, three other chapters welcomed new members at the special ceremony occurring at the start of the National Convention.

Beta Chapter in Washington, DC, brought in four new members, including the first husband and wife to join the fraternity.

Delisa Green is a speech language pathologist and creative professional living in the state of Maryland. Her company, LoweAnchor Designs, LLC, specializes in custom crafts, textile and ceramics personalization, small batch promotional items, and event personalization and décor.

Adeyinka Ogunlegan, also known as Yinka Olu, is a Nigerian-American writer who believes in the immense power and magic of words. A self-described “New York girl living in a Maryland world,” she is also a hopeless romantic, proud introvert, sneakerhead, wife and mother.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Maryland, Oluseun Ogunlegan is the host and executive producer of In the Black Podcast. A lover of spicy food and spicy conversation, he has appeared on “Woke with Kids”, “The University College”, and “The Conversation”, and co-hosts The Blerdverse. He is also a photographer and a devoted husband and father.

MoLove J. Simmons is a visual artist, author, entrepreneur, life coach, and motivational speaker. Her latest projects involve creating a children’s book series that deal with coping mechanisms and difficult conversations. MoLove was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a graduate of Medgar Evers College.

Delta Chapter, serving New York City, had three new members.

Renée Alston (Jewelznyc) is the host and executive producer of Droppin’ Jewelz Radio on WKCR 89.9 FM NY. Renée is a storyteller, writer, and conversationalist from Metropolitan Washington, DC, who moved to New York City at 19 to pursue her career aspirations in journalism.

Patrick Butler is a visual artist with a passion for graphic design and abstractions. He has experience with digital design, logos, and illustrations, and has worked to help K12 students discover their artistic passions. He has also helped setup streetwear brands.

Christopher Hill is a philanthropist, visual artist, and an aspiring arts administrator. He uses the mediums of photography and digital art to show appreciation of the mundane, uncover examinations of the self, to do nature studies, and to promote health and social justice.

Iota Chapter, which serves Montgomery and Southeast Alabama, welcomed two new members.

Kalonji Gilchrist is the Founder & Executive Director of 21 Dreams Arts & Culture, a nonprofit membership organization committed to advancing creative and cultural arts. He is also the owner of KHARI Creative, LLC, a boutique digital media & design company offering production services for special events, client engagement, and short-form documentaries

Toni Toney is a visual artist whose paintings are influenced by her childhood in Compton, California. Since 2005, she has served as an Art educator in Alabama public schools. Toni is a member of 21 Dreams, Kings Canvas, Montgomery Art Guild, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

New member Delisa Green said she is most looking forward to collaboration with other artists and creative professionals on joyful projects that relate to restorative justice and racial equity. “I am deeply honored to be considered for membership in an organization that strives for service and promotion of the arts. I am excited to contribute my time and talents, as well as collaborate on projects with like-minded people.”

“Each initiate of Gamma Xi Phi is a history-maker and not just because of their achievements,” said National President Rashid Darden. “When someone joins this fraternity of artists, they are making a commitment not to receive, but to give and to build. We look forward to our new members living out their promises to this organization and to the community.”

Gamma Xi Phi was established eleven years ago on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation. Gamma Xi Phi creates a world in which artists are valued as thoughtful and justice-oriented leaders in their communities and in their careers. The purpose of Gamma Xi Phi is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service. Gamma Xi Phi promotes philanthropy and service to the arts, brotherhood among all artists, and leadership development in artistic professions through collegiate and community outreach to people of color across the world.

November 7, 2021
Gamma Chapter Celebrates 20 Years of the Newark Arts Festival

From October 8^th -10^th, 2021, the city of Newark celebrated 20 years of the Newark Arts Festival and the Brothers and Sisters of Gamma Chapter were there in full effect. On top of attending the 2021 Virtual National Convention for the Fraternity, members of Gamma Chapter were back and forth throughout many of the festival events.

On Friday night, Sister DaiJonae Clemons had her artwork featured in Lucid Noir. This event was sponsored by Femme Curator Arts. Sister Clemons stated how she “loved the opportunity to showcase her artwork.”

On Saturday night, Gamma Chapter was one of the sponsors for EvoluCulture Ventures, LLC’s October installment of Evolution Dopen Mic. This was the seventh anniversary of the organization providing space for expression for all artists in the city of Newark. The night was filled with music, food, poetry, games, and community. Sister Treasure Borde, President of EvoluCulture Ventures, LLC, said “Gamma Chapter elevated the vibe in a major way. Having my GXP brothers and sisters present and performing further cemented our presence in the arts scene of our great city.”

During the show Sister Ivelisse Tirado performed from original songs and Brother Malcolm Minor spoke about the chapter and organization. As a gift, Gamma chapter distributed goodie bags filled with candy, pens, and information on GXP to all attendees.

“It was an honor to have GXP in the building for EvoluCulture’s 7^th anniversary. I’ve known of them for years and we have had a similar mission in the arts, so it was only a matter of time before we worked together,” said Sean Battle, Founder of EvoluCulture. “Their presence in the room help made our open mic further in creating a safe space for artists and art lovers.”

On Sunday, Brother Malcolm Minor represented the chapter as a guest artist for the annual Men’s Day at the Nia Fellowship Baptist Church. The Chairman of the celebration, Mr. Brian Fenderson, said that Brother Minor “ushered in the spirit, elevating the congregation to the next level in worship.”

Gamma chapter is proud of the work that was done and is looking forward to taking part in a bigger way for Newark Arts Festival 2022.

October 30, 2021
[Kappa Chapter] Walking With Black Women Artists

CHICAGO- Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists, presented a virtual artist talk featuring Venise Keys and Dionne Victoria, two dynamic artists on the South Side. The event was hosted by Ms. Natalie B, another accomplished creator, social justice advocate, and long-time business partner of Dionne Victoria. These high-energy artists performed live poetry before showing a recorded artist statement showing a progression of artwork to its current studio evolution.

“The artist talk went really well. It was engaging and was well received with the audience. It was great to have an opportunity to get to know two extraordinary artists of Chicago,” said Natalie Battles, President of The Healing Academy and host of the Artist Talk.

Venise Keys is a visual artist, writer, and educator raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Venise’s art has exhibited at Front Room Gallery in Brooklyn, NY as well as the Museum Science and Industry, Plus Gallery, Woman Made Gallery, and Intersect Chicago (formally known as SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, and Functional Art & Design Fair) in Chicago. She has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Painting with a Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies for her research on Black Feminist politics. She served as adjunct faculty of art for Illinois Central College, Bradley University, and has lectured at Dillard University on the role of the Black artist. This work is published in the scholarly journal, Kalfou: Comparative and Relational Ethnic Studies. This year, Venise’s writing on art education has circulated to Norway, and she is recently published in a New York arts and culture magazine, Hyperallergic. Venise is currently a visual art teacher at Art In Motion Creative Arts School and is the program director for the Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi.

Dionne Victoria is an educator and award winning Chicago artist whose artwork is a meditative tool to heal and express the soul. Dionne Victoria has exhibited in the United States Congress Library as well as in the Museum of Science and Industry. She has taught all over the Chicagoland area, in other states and in South Korea where she taught English, using art as a modality. She has developed a science-arts integration curriculum and She began her curating career under Tye Johnson Artistry and has curated all over Chicago including at the historic South Side Community Art Center. She has a Masters in Teaching from the University of Chicago and is a Field/WORK and HPAC resident alum. She is currently a science teacher at Art In Motion and holds the chair as treasurer and cofounder of the Healing Academy and is deputy and membership director for Gamma Xi Phi Kappa Chapter.

Gamma Xi Phi was established in 2010 at Ramapo College to provide a fraternal outlet for students engaged in the arts. Today it maintains a presence of working artists from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the northeastern and southern regions of the United States.

October 22, 2021