Gamma Xi Phi

The Fraternity for Artists and Creators

Author: Melanie Hatter

  • Grand Opening Brings Culture, Community, and Creativity to Chicago’s South Side

    Grand Opening Brings Culture, Community, and Creativity to Chicago’s South Side

    The Art Center of Englewood proudly opened its doors on February 1, 2025, marking a momentous occasion for the community as a new hub for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and creative empowerment. The grand opening event was a vibrant celebration, featuring an impressive lineup of artists, live performances, and activities for all ages.

    The event showcased the works of esteemed artists Andre Brown, GXP Kappa Chapter Charter Member Dionne Victoria, Victor T. Simmons Sr., and youth artist Yusuf Olugbile, along with an inspiring exhibition from The Healing Academy Art Collection. Attendees were captivated by the diverse and thought-provoking artwork, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of creativity.

    Adding to the cultural richness of the evening, guests were treated to mesmerizing live performances. The talented David Boykin delivered a soul-stirring musical set, while Jada K, a remarkable 16-year-old harpist, enchanted the audience with a stunning performance. The open mic session, featuring the dynamic spoken word artist Adverb, provided a platform for emerging voices to share their artistry with an engaged and appreciative crowd.

    The celebration extended beyond the gallery and stage, embracing the entire community. A carefully curated selection of Black-owned business vendors was present, offering unique goods and services, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting local economic growth. Additionally, interactive play spaces ensured that children could engage in creative activities while their families enjoyed the program, making the event a true reflection of community inclusivity and togetherness.

    “The Art Center of Englewood is more than just gallery space; it is a sanctuary for creativity, a beacon of cultural pride, and a space where artists, their families and the community can unite,” said Dionne Victoria, Founder/Director of the Art Center of Englewood and member of the GXP Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to provide a platform where art can inspire, heal, and transform lives right here in the heart of Englewood.”

    The grand opening of the Art Center of Englewood marks the beginning of a new era for the neighborhood, promising ongoing exhibitions, workshops, and events that uplift and celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the community.

    Hours of operation are Wednesday – Saturday, 2-6 pm or by appointment. For more information about upcoming events and programs, please follow the art center @aceincchi or contact Dionne at 708-733-2936.

  • GXP hosts successful event for World Suicide Prevention Day

    GXP hosts successful event for World Suicide Prevention Day

    Gamma Xi Phi, The Fraternity for Artists and Creators, hosted a successful event in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, bringing 21 members of the fraternity together from various locations across the country. The event was held virtually and featured a presentation by President La Toya Hankins and Sister Venise Keys, who spoke about mental health and the importance of seeking help. The event provided an open space for attendees to share their experiences and resources for supporting those in need.

    Members of the fraternity showcased their artwork, highlighting the power of art in starting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Gamma Xi Phi remains committed to supporting mental health initiatives and promoting an open dialogue about these important issues. For more information about Gamma Xi Phi and its initiatives, visit https://gammaxiphi.com.

    “Bright With A Chance of Rain” by Sister Sharnell Bryan, Beta Chapter

  • Book Me meets Book Out

    Book Me meets Book Out

    Newark, NJ, August 2024— In February 2024, the Gamma Chapter held its 2nd annual Book Me: Book Drive. The Brick city gammas collected books for children and young adults in the community for the entire month.

    The chapter started this initiative in 2022 and received tons of donations including some from one of the few surviving Black owned book stores in New Jersey, “Source of Knowledge”. The collected donations were gifted to Michelle Obama Elementary School and The Apostles’ House Shelter, servicing women and children and individuals or families at risk of homelessness in Newark and Essex County, New Jersey.

    This year the chapter collected 100 books and ran into a few issues trying to find proper homes for the donations. Fortunately, the chapter connected with GalleryRetail, a prosocial creative agency providing a full line of creative services to artists and small businesses. The organization was doing its first annual “Book Out” event and decided that the chapter’s donation was best suited for its purpose.

    Isaiah “Zay” Little, Creative Director & Founder of GalleryRetail and Newark First Fridays, said: “The Gamma Xi Phi (Gamma Chapter) donation of 100 books for our first annual BookOut is a small treasure trove, with titles spanning self-help, novels, teen literature, and children’s books. This generous contribution not only helps fill the shelves of our bookstore-community hub but also has the potential to profoundly impact the lives of emerging creatives and young readers. As a creative change maker, I seek access and opportunities for fellow troopers first through information sharing, thus the books, and eager to galvanize additional resources on the road to a physical space.”

    Gamma Chapter Program Director Malcolm Minor said, “I believe we as a chapter will find a way to choose different partners and organizations to share our donations with every year. It’s pretty exciting to look for new ways we can find and make community with those who have never heard of us before.”

  • Behind the Curtain

    Behind the Curtain

    Theta Chapter recently hosted “Behind the Curtain,” a conversation about the work of Sister Pamela Bond, award-winning actress, costume designer, and assistant professor in the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (To view the recording, click the image above.)

  • Kappa Chapter Hosts Open Mic

    On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Kappa Chapter hosted a virtual open mic event called Brunch and Beats for the public. Gamma members along with local Southside Chicago poets, visual artists, and youth attended this virtual event sharing a meal, exchanging poetry, and uplifting each other through storytelling. Attendees expressed the Brunch and Beats Open Mic was a refreshing break from a monotonous Sunday.

    Gamma Xi Phi is a predominantly African American organization of men and women in the arts, including literature, visual art, music, theater, and dance. GXP was established at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, on October 7, 2010, on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation.

    Gamma Xi Phi honors artists’ achievements through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service.

  • Gamma Xi Phi Honors National Poetry Awareness Month

    Gamma Xi Phi Honors National Poetry Awareness Month

    DURHAM, N.C.—On April 14, the potential and power of poetry brought together members of the nation’s leading fraternity for artists and creators for a virtual program on the art form known for sonnets, spoken word performances, and similes.

    North Carolina Piedmont Laurate Dasan Ahanu, D.C.-based poet and actor Buddah Desmond, and nationally recognized poet and South Carolina resident Marla Taviano served as panelists for the program presented by the Theta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists and creators.

    “This event was inspired by National Poetry Awareness Month,” said La Toya Hankins, Gamma Xi Phi National President and Theta Chapter program director. “It was intended to bring together poets from across the nation with years of experience and outstanding insights to discuss the craft and capacity of poetry to impact changes in our community.

    “The insight the panelists brought to questions like how poetry has changed over the years, how younger generations appreciate the art form, and when they realized they were poets was remarkable. The fact that all three panelists are also members of Gamma Xi Phi made the experience even better.”

    Dasan Ahanu is a North Carolina-based cultural organizer, artist, and scholar. In conjunction with creative arts, his academic work focuses on critical writing, hip-hop, and popular culture. He is an alumnus of the Nasir Jones Fellowship with the Hip Hop Archive at Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. He is also a resident artist with the St. Joseph Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center and co-founder and managing director of Black Poetry Theater.  

    Buddah Desmond has served as a healing leader in the D.C.-based arts+faith+social justice organization the Sanctuaries. He has been featured as part of the Baltimore African American Book Festival, and The Ask Rayceen Show, and his work has been included in The PBS Blog and Vocal Expressions.

    Marla Taviano is a poet who created a Black Writers Fund to support Black Writers who dream of writing a book but need time and financial freedom to make it happen. She also maintains an active Instagram account, White Girl Learning, where she cultivates and shares books written by black and indigenous authors with her followers.

    “It was a great program, ” said Joseph Cunningham, a member of the Pi Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi. “The panel was engaging and knowledgeable, and I learned some nuances about poetry today.”

    La Toya Hankins said this program was part of the fraternity’s National Program I SWEAR. As part of this initiative, chapters must implement artistic projects, programs, and activities related to Service, Wellness, Education, Advocacy, and Recognition.

    “Today’s program reflects Gamma Xi Phi’s commitment to elevating the arts and expanding awareness of all the ways facets of the arts shape our world,” Hankins said. “Our current fraternal theme is Gammas Out Loud: Artistry Maximized Professionally. I feel we are striving towards our mission through programming like today.”

    Gamma Xi Phi is a predominantly African American organization of men and women in the arts, including literature, visual art, music, theater, and dance. GXP was established at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, on October 7, 2010, on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation.

    Gamma Xi Phi honors artists’ achievements through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service. For mor information, visit www.gammaxiphi.com.

    Dasan Ahanu
    Buddah Desmond
    Marla Taviano
  • Phi Chapter Celebrates jazz greats at luncheon

    Phi Chapter Celebrates jazz greats at luncheon

    The Phi Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, a professional fraternity for artists, hosted a jazz lunch at the Conway Women’s Club on April 6, 2024.  Nearly a dozen people assembled to listen to recordings of classic musicians, including Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, and Charles Mingus. Attendees enjoyed a simple meal of sandwiches and trays of fresh fruits and vegetables.

    The event commemorated both Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month.  After introductions from Program Director Rashid Darden, Membership Director Carolyn Darden-Stutely gave a brief lecture on the history of jazz.  Following this lecture, copies of jazz-inspired poems were distributed to participants, who read the poems aloud.

    Attendees included Gamma Xi Phi National President La Toya Hankins of Durham and residents of Conway and Milwaukee. 

    After the meal, participants had their photos taken at a photo booth staffed by the Program Director.

  • Gamma Chapter represents at the Paterson Poetry Festival

    Paterson, N.J., October 21, 2023— The Gamma chapter showed up and showed out at the 5th annual Paterson Poetry Festival held at International High School in Paterson.

    Gamma chapter primarily services the Newark and greater area, however being the only active chapter in the state of New Jersey, the chapter made a delightful exception.  Led by Brother Jaquair Gillette, a Fall 22 initiate and Paterson native, the Gammas were present throughout the many different sets. On Saturday, not only did the Gamma Chapter table, but members also performed on the big stage.

    Gamma Chapter engaged festival attendees both young and old by having them read and discuss quotations from various artists. Brother Jaquair has been attending the festival since its inception and was a key organizer this year. “I liked how people engaged with quoting artists and giving feedback on how they felt about the artist’s words at the chapter table. For an event that’s about poetry, the words from those artists were poetic, and getting reactions to them is an example of the power of poetry,” he said.

    The Paterson Poetry Festival is an annual event that is a celebration of words, writers, and poetry lovers. Coined as the “Super Bowl event for poets,”  the Festival was founded in 2018 and is sponsored by Word Seed Inc. The organization is a team of poets whose mission is to bring voice and literacy to writers of all ages. All of this comes from the brain of Ms. Talena Lachelle Queen. Not only is she currently Paterson Poet Laureate, she is the Founder and Executive Director of the festival and Founder and President of Word Seed Inc.

    To find more information about the Festival, visit: https://www.wordseedinc.org/

  • GXP SPONSORS anti-BOOK BANNING EVENTS

    Marla Taviano and La Toya Hankins

    CONWAY, N.C.— Gamma Xi Phi members engaged in virtual and in-person programming during October to raise awareness about the increasing trend of books being challenged and banned in communities across the country.

    Members shared videos of themselves reading portions of banned and challenged books via the fraternity’s YouTube channel on October 6. On October 21, National President La Toya Hankins and Phi Chapter Program Director Marla Taviano participated on a panel discussion that celebrated BIPOC and LGBTQ books, co-sponsored by Pen America Piedmont and Gamma Xi Phi.

    “Gamma Xi Phi is a professional fraternity of artists and creators and, as part of our national program, I SWEAR, advocate for topics related to the arts,” Hankins said. “The scourge of books being banned and challenged due to the subject matter is a topic that hits close to home.”

    According to PEN America:

    • During the 2022-2023 school year, there were 3,362 instances of book bans in the United States public school classrooms and libraries. This represents a 33 percent increase from the previous year.
    • The book bans represent 1,557 unique book titles and the works of over 1,480 authors, illustrators, and translators.  The top four banned authors were Ellen Hopkins, Sarah J. Mass, and Margaret Atwood. Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Toni Morrison was fourth on the list.
    • 44 percent of those books were banned pending investigation and the most frequently banned books are largely young adult novels featuring a female, queer and/or nonbinary protagonist.

    Laura Harris, who attended the October 21 event, said she appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the efforts involving book banning and how to get involved.

    “Growing up, I never faced having books I wanted to read as a child not being available,” she said. “It is something to think about considering what is happening now.”

    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.

  • Gamma Chapter cohosts Newark arts festival events

    Gamma Chapter cohosts Newark arts festival events

    Newark, NJ, October 5, 2023— The Newark Arts Festival has been a popular and well-attended festival for decades. For the past few years, members of the Gamma chapter have actively been a part of the festival through a multitude of positions and events. However, this year Gamma chapter shared the bill for the first time.

    The Gamma Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, cohosted People’s Poetry, in conjunction with the Cryout Cave. This open mic style program offered artists near and far to share their talents with the Newark community. Located in the infamous Kruger-Scott Mansion, Brother Dontae Muse, a Fall 22 initiate, was the host for the evening. Bro. Muse said, “It was heartwarming to witness the genuine passion and dedication of everyone involved, as they wholeheartedly embraced the mission of Gamma Xi Phi. The event truly showcased the transformative power of the arts and left a lasting impact on all attendees. I am grateful to have been a part of such a remarkable evening, where creativity flourished and community thrived.”

    Community organizer and local change-maker Brit Harley was in attendance and had this to say “This event was intimate and felt like my living room. It had me thinking about the artist I need to explore inside myself.”

    Program Director and Cofounder, Brother Malcolm Minor starred in a one-man show entitled, “Strange Fruit Redux” by Afrika Brown at the Newark Museum of Art, which received rave reviews from attendees. The one-act play is a series of spoken word monologues mixed with music and socio-political, pop culture sound bites geared to show the fears and frustrations of the modern-day black man. “What an honor it was to finally do a solo show,” said Bro. Minor. “I’ve always dreamed of doing my own. This was the fuel I needed to take my dreams to the next level.”

    Sister Treasure Borde, a Spring 19 initiate, assisted with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Spotlight Gala. The event celebrated the 100th birthday of legendary jazz singer and Newark native, Sarah Vaughan. Sis. Borde also hosted the Creators Room event, which is a series of intimate conversations about the journey of creators working behind the scenes in the
    arts.

  • GXP Hosts Suicide Prevention Training: Help Save A Life

    In taking a proactive stance in the fight against suicide, Gamma Xi Phi, the anti-racist, non-hazing, all-gender professional fraternity for artists and creators, hosted a Suicide Prevention Training: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) session. This essential training program teaches three simple but effective steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

    Just as individuals trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver have saved countless lives each year, those trained in QPR acquire the skills to recognize the warning signs of a suicidal crisis and the knowledge of how to question, persuade, and refer someone to professional help.

    “Suicide prevention is a critical issue, and it’s our duty as a fraternity committed to the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation to make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Barbara Howard Phipps, Program Director at Gamma Xi Phi Omicron Chapter. “We believe that everyone should have the tools to help those in need, and QPR training equips individuals with these life-saving skills.”

    The training was hosted virtually by Omicron Chapter on September 21, was open to the public and welcomed all community members who wished to learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. It was presented by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County training officers, Carmen Gandarilla, LSW and Regina Spicer, LSW, LICDC-CS. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County is responsible for the planning, funding and monitoring of public mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services delivered to the residents of Cuyahoga County. Under Ohio law, the ADAMHS Board is one of 50 Boards coordinating the public mental health and addiction treatment and recovery system in Ohio.

    WATCH THE VIDEO

  • GXP hosts successful World Suicide Prevention Day event

    GXP hosts successful World Suicide Prevention Day event

    Gamma Xi Phi, The Fraternity for Artists and Creators, hosted a successful event in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2023. The event was held virtually and featured a presentation by Sister La Toya Hankins, National President,  and Venise Keys, Program Director, Kappa Chapter, Chicago, Ill, who spoke about mental health and the importance of seeking help.

    The event provided an open space for attendees to share their own experiences and resources for supporting those in need. Members of the fraternity showcased their own artwork, highlighting the power of art in starting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. 

    “We are thrilled with the response to our World Suicide Prevention Day event,” said Hankins. “It was important for us to create a space for open conversation about mental health and provide resources to those who may be struggling. We are grateful to our members for sharing their artwork and their stories.” 

    The event saw attendance from 23 members of the fraternity, who joined from various locations across the country.

    “Gamma Xi Phi remains committed to supporting mental health initiatives and promoting open dialogue about these important issues,” said Brother Patrick D. Butler, National Vice President.

    For more information about Gamma Xi Phi and its initiatives, visit https://gammaxiphi.com

    * * *
    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. 

  • Shayna Hayes, Newest honorary Member

    Shayna Hayes, Newest honorary Member

    Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists and creators, initiated an honorary member during the 2023 National Convention in New Orleans, La.

    Shayna Hayes is Head of Content, Entertainment & Initiatives at the National Football League (NFL). She pilots the editorial and creative vision around all content for the NFL’s social justice and social impact initiatives, as well as entertainment content for tentpole events such as the Draft and Super Bowl. She was previously a Senior Producer at BNC and a Producer at ESPN. Prior to that, she worked as a Senior Producer for KLAS in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a Producer at WTVM in Columbus, Georgia. In recognition for her outstanding work, Shayna has received two Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a duPont-Columbia Award.

    She is an alumna of American University in Washington, D.C., where she was President of the American University Gospel Choir and was active in campus media and residence life. Her hometown is Mobile, Alabama.

    Shayna believes, “effective communication is the pathway to identifying actionable solutions that can be used to create a more accepting society.” She has spent nearly 20 years as an expert at coaching, training, and supporting creators through their processes, living out Gamma Xi Phi’s principle of Elevation through creative connections.

    Shayna is excited to join Gamma Xi Phi at its first in-person convention initiation of an honorary member since the first National Convention in 2013. Her service interests include connecting artists and creators to the fraternity and in supporting west coast expansion.

    “We are deeply honored that Shayna Hayes has accepted our invitation to honorary membership and is joining us here in New Orleans,” said National President La Toya Hankins during the ceremony.

    * * *
    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. 

  • National Convention Elects New President

    National Convention Elects New President

    Gamma Xi Phi, the nation’s leading multi-disciplinary fraternity for artists, elected author La Toya Hankins as National President during the 2023 National Convention in New Orleans, La. The fraternity also partnered with the Xavier University Art Department on a service project for local artists.

    National President La Toya Hankins is the author of SBF Seeking and K-Rho: The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood. She has published multiple short stories with JMS Books, including “Married to the Struggle,” “Heat Wave-Southport,” and “Challah and Calloo.” Her work has been featured in anthologies “Black From the Future,” and “Lez Talk: A Collection of Black Lesbian Short Stories,” published by BLF Press.

    “I am inspired and appreciative of the support of the members of Gamma Xi Phi in selecting me as National President,” she said. “I look forward to continuing our mission to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social Justice and service.”

    Sister Hankins has been involved in Gamma Xi Phi as a charter member of Theta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi in the Raleigh/Durham area, where she has served as Program Director. Before her election to National President, she served as Gamma Xi Phi’s National Secretary.

    Outgoing president Rashid Darden served as the third National President from 2015-2017 and the fifth National President from 2019-2023. Brother Darden will now hold the position of Member Emeritus, serving as Program Director of Phi Chapter in North Carolina.

    Read about the Board of Trustee members who also were elected. The 2023 National Program theme is Gammas Out Loud: Artistry Maximized Professionally.

    This year’s theme for the 6th National Convention was Awakening in the City of a Million Dreams. Representatives from the fraternity’s many chapters joined the Xavier University Art Department to host a discussion about the business of being an artist. The group of more than two dozen split into small teams representing a variety of disciplines, giving participants the opportunity to receive insights into pursuing their chosen art.

    Gamma Xi Phi also hosted a social event, Amethyst Hour, at the Royal Frenchman Hotel & Bar, with more than 50 artists, creators, and community members in attendance.

    The fraternity hosts a National Convention every other year and will host its next convention in Charlotte, N.C. in 2025.

    Gamma Xi Phi is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which honors the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service. Your ongoing support is appreciated.