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.”
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.
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.
New York- Delta Chapter rings in Hallows Eve with a night of chilling stories
The Delta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi brings the bone chill on October 22nd with their event: From The Depths of Darkness: A Night of Terror. A night filled to the brim with talent by some of our members blessed with the gift of storytelling and masters of the pen. Hosted by Brother Marc Abbott along with guest appearances from Sister La Toya Hankins, Brother Kirk Johnson and Brother Steven Van Patten, each brought their flare to the short stories they wrote for this night of horror. Truly a great way to kick off the spooky season!
A little about our authors participating in our event
Brother Marc Abbott
Brother Marc Abbott, member of Delta Chapter and the host of our Event. An award-winning African American writer from Brooklyn, NY, with a portfolio of works that span genres such from Plays (his first novel, Gamble of Faith, having a 3-year run), YA novels, and in 2013 pivoting to the Horror genre. Flourishing in this genre, Brother Marc has created “Welcome to Brooklyn, Gabe” which is featured in the Bram Stoker nominated anthology New York State of Fright and “A Marked Man” featured in the Hell’s Heart horror anthology. In 2019 he co-authored Hell at the Way Station, which he won two African American Literary Awards (Best Anthology/Best Science Fiction). The sequel, “Hell at Brooklyn Tea“, was released in January 2021.
Sister La Toya “Toya” Hankins
Sister La Toya Hankins is the author of SBF Seeking, and K-Rho: The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood, and the Program Director of the Theta Chapter. The North Carolina native is an East Carolina University graduate who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a minor in political science. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and is the National Secretary for Gamma Xi Phi, a predominately African American organization of men and women in the arts.
Brother Steven Van Patten
Brother Steven Van Patten is a Brooklyn native and member of the Delta Chapter. The author of the critically acclaimed Brookwater’s Curse trilogy and has had a hand in writing multiple anthology series such as, Hell’s Kitties, Shopping List 4 and the Stoker Award nominated New York State of Fright
Along with a plethora of other honors and accolades, SVP won three African-African-American Literary Awards in 2019, two for Hell At The Way Station (Best Anthology and Best In Science Fiction) and one for Best Independent Publisher. He’s also written episodes of the YouTube series’, Extra Credit/Extra Mythology, and is currently a contributor for the Viral Vignettes, a charity-driven YouTube comedy series benefitting The Actor’s Fund.
Brother Kirk A. Johnson
Brother Kirk Johnson, Trinidad born and raised is a writer currently now living in Brooklyn, is a member of the Delta Chapter. A man with a love for the weird/cosmic horror, heroic fantasy, and Sword & Soul. Having created many short stories and stories throughout his career. The creator of the “Far Afield Press” creating books like The Obanaax: And Other Tales of Heroes and Horrors and works being featured on books such as “Hell at Brooklyn Tea” and “Hell at the Way Station”.
To watch this event please click on the link below!
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.
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.
CHICAGO- Kappa Chapter brings the flow of spoken word and the brush with their Open Mic Night Event
Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists, presented a virtual open mic night hosted by Sisters Venise Keys and Dionne Victoria, with a spotlight on the work of Chicago native traditional artist, Marcus Alleyne.
Marcus Alleyne is a Chicago artist, with a passion for visual art. An artist influenced by music, nature, Black culture, spiritualism and more, with a broad variety of styles and artistic know how. His mediums vary from the specific projects he works in but he displays a mastery of multiple, such as clay, paint and watercolor. His creative process, birthed from a sense of urgency on his projects, leads to works, at points look as if they were made by different artists. Throughout his career his work has been featured in the South Side Community Art Center and the Black Hammer Organization, as well as several places in his home of Chicago.
The event featured other speakers from the audience, of all ages, focuses and backgrounds bringing their work to the forefront, with our hosts bringing the fire to help light the way. Among the speakers were one of our newest members, Gamma Leslie Cunningham, one of our past GXP President, Sister Sharnell Bryan, and, a special treat, one of Sister Venise’s students, Ms. Camari Bains. While many gave their all, showing us passed works and sneak peaks of works in progress, Marcus Alleyne, was at work painting a beautiful freeform portrait in the background. At the end, we were enamored by his finished piece as well as the stories and poetry we heard throughout the night.
It was a time of celebration and creation with members, friends, and newcomers alike. We hope to see you again in the atmosphere abound with poetry, literature, and comedy.
Open Mic Night 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 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.
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 27th, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content Warning: This event discusses suicide and depression.
On Saturday, August 28th, 2021, the Iota Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, hosted their second program, How Art Can Heal. The keynote speaker was Hunter Irby, program director and charter member of the Iota chapter, serving Montgomery and Southeast Alabama.
Part of the fraternity’s Check On Me mental health initiative, How Art Can Heal highlighted one member’s journey toward healing. This event was one of raw emotion and vulnerability, focusing on how any art can help one through the difficulties that life may bring. It also stressed the importance of knowing that one is not alone in their sadness and discussed ways to help increase mental wellness and stability through artistic means.
Hunter discussed how art impacted his growth and led him to the current period of stability in his life. Detailing his struggle with intrusive thoughts, work-life balances, and loss of close family, he expressed how working with his craft and diving into other forms of art helped see him through.
As event participants were invited to speak about how they cope with their own bouts of sadness, Hunter broke down how all people are connected through struggle and have used the arts for assistance. He further stressed the importance of getting professional help if possible.
Hunter Irby is a recent alumnus of Troy University, earning his bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a minor in global business marketing. Throughout his time at Troy, he won the Silver Addy and Mosaic Award from the AAF, wrote and published Positive Shift, and created design work for different organizations and departments.
Gamma Xi Phi is a multi-disciplinary fraternity for artists of all genres and crafts. It was established in 2010 at Ramapo College in New Jersey and expanded to Alabama in 2020.
On Wednesday, June 30th, 2021, the Iota Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, hosted their inaugural program, Finding Your Muse. The virtual program highlighted Mr. Milton Williams, a music educator at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
Finding Your Muse is a quarterly activity under the fraternity’s national Renaissance Conversation initiative. Designed to uplift all who desire artistic careers, Finding Your Muse invites an artist from any discipline to discuss how they found their passion and developed it into a career. The event also details how artists managed to persevere during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and how they were able to continue to hone their crafts in times of crisis.
The keynote speaker was Mr. Milton Williams, a charter member and treasurer of the Iota Chapter, which serves Montgomery and Southeast Alabama. Williams holds degrees in Music Education from Huntingdon College and Auburn University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Liberty University. He has been the choral director at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for 15 years where he teaches choral music, music theory, and music history. He has also adjudicated various choral, vocal, theatrical, and artistic competitions throughout Alabama and the South.
Putting a spin on the renaissance conversation, Williams did not just speak, but proved his passion for the art of music through a live piano concert. Williams showcased his professional history by breaking down each piece and why they were chosen. He further explained how it was music and his love of teaching that helped him through the pandemic.
Iota Chapter Program Director Hunter Irby of Troy, Alabama hosted and moderated the event, with audience members from Alabama, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
A new chapter of Gamma Xi Phi has come to the Midwest.
Gamma Xi Phi, the nation’s leading fraternity for artists, chartered its Kappa Chapter in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, June 12, 2021, with two members: Venise Keys and Dionne Victoria. The local movement began during the height of the pandemic in the Fall of 2020, when informal meetings were held with interested working artists in the community.
Those initial meetings crystallized into an official interest group, organized on April 21, 2021, and fulfilled the requirements for chartering in record time. The former members of The Artists of South Side Chicago are now the fraternity’s tenth single-letter chapter.
“It is a privilege to do community service through the arts with ambitious Black and Brown creators,” said Ms. Keys, who serves as the chapter’s chartering Program Director. “I am excited to give back to our youth who need creative mentors and representations of success in the arts as professionals.”
Gamma Xi Phi was founded on October 7, 2010, by Ramapo College men and women who were interested in creating strong bonds between students pursuing artistic careers. The purpose of the fraternity is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service.
Venise Keys (www.artofvenisekeys.com) was raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bradley University in 2013 and her Master of Fine Arts degree with a Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Illinois State University in 2016. While finishing her MFA, Venise served as adjunct faculty of art at Illinois Central College and Bradley University. Shortly after, she completed a painting and mixed media artist residency at the School of Visual Art in New York in 2017. Venise lectured her studio research on the role of the Black artist and Black Feminist theory at Dillard University, and it was published in the scholarly journal, Kalfou: Comparative and Relational Ethnic Studies. She currently works in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago as the full-time visual art teacher at Art In Motion Creative Charter School.
Dionne Victoria (www.dionnevictoria.com, www.wehealheal.org) is a Chicago artist who shares that her artwork is a meditative tool to heal and express the internal landscape of the soul in an external world. Her artwork can be viewed nationally, and she has exhibited internationally. Dionne Victoria has exhibited in the United States Library of Congress, as well as in the Museum of Science and Industry on numerous occasions. Currently, her art can be viewed at the Zhou B Art Center, where her studio is located. She is a co-founder of The Healing Academy and currently fuses art with science by teaching middle school science, also at Art In Motion Creative Charter School.
On Friday, May 21, at four o’clock in the afternoon, the Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi hosted a workshop called LinkedIn for Artists and Creators, presented by Ms. Zoila J. Primo.
The presentation, which had nearly 20 registrants, provided helpful advice on how to utilize LinkedIn to establish and reinforce a reputation as an artist, regardless of discipline.
Ms. Primo, who is baker as well as a people and culture professional of over ten years, also discussed the culture of LinkedIn and how to provide an authentic and polished identity to potential job leads and clients.
“Wonderful program,” one guest said. “Very helpful as a mid-career changer.”
The interactive presentation allowed participants to edit their profiles in real time. Organic networking also occurred, as those present shared their LinkedIn profiles in chat.
The Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi was established to provide a pathway to membership for those artists living in rural and remote areas of the fraternity’s South Atlantic Region.
Gamma Xi Phi is a predominantly Black, national fraternity for men and women in the arts and entertainment.
![[Kappa Chapter] Walking With Black Women Artists](https://gammaxiphi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Kappa-cover.png)
