Gamma Xi Phi

Category: Chapter News

  • Theta Chapter Hosts Black Southern Filmmakers

    Theta Chapter Hosts Black Southern Filmmakers

    DURHAM-Theta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the fraternity for artists, presented a virtual panel discussion featuring three North Carolina-based filmmakers this week. The event highlighted panelists Leslie Cunningham, Rukiya Shanteel, and Kimberly Knight, who discussed both the art and the craft of their work. The artists’ projects involved a traveling revue during the Jim Crow era, Afro-Indigenous residents of North Carolina, and the fight for justice through video and song.

    “The opportunity to bring these filmmakers together to discuss their work is what Gamma Xi Phi is about: raising awareness of the depth of artistry that exists in our community,” said La Toya Hankins, program director for Theta Chapter. “The artists are turning the lenses of their lives around and elevating those who interact with them in a way that promotes Gamma Xi Phi’s mission of honoring the achievements of artists.”

    Cunningham is a self-described “raconteur with a journalistic background.” She is the owner of TRIBES Entertainment, LLC, a boutique digital media company known for creating daring and entertaining narratives that represent a diversity of subjects and communities. The Los Angeles, California native and current Durham, North Carolina resident is currently working on a documentary film series titled Jig Show: Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, which honors her grandfather’s popular traveling revue. She is a member of Film Fatales and Brown Girls Doc Mafia. Cunningham is a graduate of the documentary arts program at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University in Durham.

    Shanteel is a Greensboro, NC based filmmaker and artist that describes her work as being geared toward creating complex narratives that drive introspection and soulful entertainment. Her impromptu short film How Much Longer was showcased at the Gender Reel Film Festival in 2015. Shanteel won best in genre in 2018 and 2019 C47 Film Festival in Carrboro. She had her first solo art exhibition entitled Soul Sessions and is currently filming her next feature film.

    Knight, a Wilson, NC native and Raleigh, NC resident, maintains a lifestyle blog called The Lux Blog and is a contributing writer for Sheen and Essence magazines. She is the committee chair of the Advisory Council for the first Black Indians NC Powwow for the State of North Carolina scheduled for September 2021. She is also serving as the co-director and co-producer of a film entitled Duality: A Collection of Afro-Indigenous Perspectives.  Knight is also a member of Gamma Xi Phi.

    The event was moderated by GXP member Thomas De Frantz.  Remarks were provided by National President Rashid Darden.

    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.  Theta Chapter was chartered on October 11, 2020, to serve the Research Triangle.

  • Gamma Chapter Hosts Behind the Arts

    Gamma Chapter Hosts Behind the Arts

    On Monday, March 22, 2021, the Gamma Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi kicked off a brand new series called Behind The Art. Falling under the national program Renaissance Conversations, this series is designed to be a space to highlight artists of color who are carving out space for themselves in the Newark, New Jersey area.

    The series is available on Instagram and YouTube. Topics included, but were not limited to, the business of the industry, the craft, mental health, healing, and more. The series is spearheaded and hosted by Sister Treasure Borde.

    The artists interviewed in the first four episodes were Radicule, Nicki D the Poet, Don Krypton, and WATA.

    “It was a smooth interview,” poet Don Krypton said. “I felt it was very insightful for myself as well as those who wish to know me.”

    Gamma Chapter is already preparing for future episodes of the series, premiering at their Instagram page: www.instagram.com/gxpnewark

  • Beta Chapter Welcomes Eight

    Beta Chapter Welcomes Eight

    The Beta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists in Washington, DC, initiated eight new members in a ceremony on Sunday, May 2, 2021. Among the initiates were a filmmaker, photographer and videographer, a DJ, and three emerging artists attending Georgetown University.

    Beta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi was established in 2011 to artistically serve communities in the District of Columbia. It is the chapter of initiation of three past national presidents of the organization.

    Jalen Arthur is a rapper, singer, songwriter from the southside of Chicago. He found his passion for music at a young age, writing his first song at eight years old. Jalen’s music takes hip-hop and infuses it with a flurry of genres such as pop, R&B, and electronic to form his own sound that he calls Space Rap. Being a Gen-Zer, Jalen experienced hip-hop as a kid from the lens of lyrical rappers and the movement of trap and SoundCloud rap. His style draws upon both eras of hip-hop, mixing witty and lyrical bars with upbeat trap beats. His biggest influences include Nicki Minaj, Juice Wrld, Drake, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd.

    Jabari Butler is a writer, musician, filmmaker, and audio engineer from New York City. His main craft is music production and audio engineering but says that his true professional passion is “creation of all kinds.” He is currently a producer and engineer for a podcast on higher education for Elon University. Jabari is also pursuing a career as an artist, which involves music production, video production, social media management, and public relations.

    Izuo-Ere “Mimi” Digifa is the founder and CEO of Flolango cosmetic line, an artist, and the author of Izuo- (Savior), a collection of poetry encompassing the totality of many human life experiences. Originally from Nigeria, Mimi came to the United States via the Niger Delta Scholarship Award on a full study abroad scholarship from the Office of the President. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Lynchburg in the Spring of 2017.  She is a member of the 2020 cohort of the Community Family Life Services Speakers Bureau and a graduate of the 2020 class of the Pivot Program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Her most recent project, Flolango, is a cosmetics line which is aimed at empowering people through positive messages and poetry included on the inner packaging of the makeup products.

    Fatima Dyfan is a graduating Senior at Georgetown University receiving her degree in African American Studies and Government with a minor in Theatre Performance Studies. Fatima, a black radical feminist in the making, has a long history in theatre-making, and hopes to take her new understandings of imagination and power to create new work. She is the President of the Omicron Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

    Kendall Frost is a mobile streaming senior project coordinator, photographer, and filmmaker based in metropolitan Washington, DC. He is a Howard University alumnus with a degree in television production. He has a strong background in photography, videography, video broadcasting, and editing operations with over 14 years of experience.  Kendall is passionate about his family, artistry development, and community service. He is currently present in the community through youth mentorship and is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  Kendall was born in Queens, New York.

    Courtney Savoy Harper is a practicing art professional specializing in mural illustrations and company branding.  Her work can be found on 85-foot school walls and embassies.  She is also a 14-year veteran art teacher at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Northwest Washington, DC. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; the funder and founder of the annual Savoy Legacy Scholarship; and the sponsor of many art initiatives like Design District and Art Club for students to develop the love of community service and giving back. Courtney was born in Washington and raised in Columbia, Maryland, and currently lives in Mount Rainier, Maryland, with her husband and son.   She is an alumna of Hampton University and George Washington University.

    William Brandon Murray, known professionally as DJ Big B, is a native Washingtonian who began his journey as a DJ in early 2018. Having the desire to be a DJ since childhood and enjoying a career outside of the arts, he finally decided to take the steps to fulfill his dreams a few years ago.  He has now emerged as a “go-to” DJ for virtual events throughout the pandemic, from his Friday night virtual parties to special events like Gamma Xi Phi’s Tenth Anniversary “Battle Royale” party, celebrating the music of Michael Jackson and Prince.  Brandon is also a deacon at Faith City Church under Senior Pastor Yusef L. Fletcher, Sr.  Brandon views DJing as a means to bring people together in fun and in fellowship.

    Monda Raquel Webb is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and poet. In 2015, she wrote, directed, and produced her first short film, “Zoo (Volkerschau),” which has won 11 U.S. and International Film Festival Awards, including awards from Spain and Indonesia for Best Short (film), Best Script, Excellence Award, Best International Short, and other categories. In 2019, Monda’s second film “Pooch Sitter” hit the festival circuit with over a dozen screenings and an award for Best Poster. Team Pooch gave $1,600 to non-profit organizations focused on homelessness and women and children. Thematically, Monda creates literary and visual art that celebrates humanity.

  • Delta Chapter Initiates Three

    Delta Chapter Initiates Three

    The Delta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists in New York, New York, welcomed three new members in a ceremony on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

    The Program Director of Delta Chapter is Steven Van Patten, an author, publisher, and stage manager.  Of the initiation, he says “I’m very excited about today. The new blood will be just the thing we need, especially as we claw back to a normal that lets the arts industry thrive again.”

    Dupé Ajayi launches innovative marketing campaigns that ignite intersectional audiences.  After working in production at MTV, ABC News, and BET she transitioned into the non-profit arena as a branding and marketing specialist. She has since worked for several corporate, NPO and governmental agencies.  As Senior Strategist, Intersectional Marketing & Partnerships for The Shed, she is excited to ensure it is a radically welcoming institution by cultivating partnerships with schools, government agencies, corporate entities and more.   Dupé is credentialed by NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies in PR and Marketing for NPOs. She enjoys running and growing orchids.

    Dana Bingham-Guanilo is the visionary behind Makeda FilmWorks, the Brooklyn-based production house inspiring creativity, conversation, and a fresh outlook on the world around us. Propelled by a lifelong curiosity for authentic stories, Dana’s wide-ranging experience has shaped her specific brand of riveting narrative created precisely for the screen. She received a degree in Film Production from Howard University and a masters in video Production from New York Institute of Technology. She lives in Brooklyn with her family and occasional production crew, husband Yuri and pups Champ and Rocky.

    Director Seyi Peter-Thomas grew up in London before moving to Washington, DC. He attended the prestigious Duke Ellington School of Arts, where his passion for filmmaking led him to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. There, his affinity for strong characters, comedic timing and vivid cinematography began to emerge. Seyi began writing and directing On-Air Promos at MTV, and his partnership with the network yielded a prolific body of work. His MTV Digital Abuse campaign became the centerpiece of President Obama’s Conference on Bullying Prevention, and he won an Emmy Award for The Kaiser Foundation’s Condom Factory PSAs. In 2019, Seyi earned his second Emmy for directing a series of spots for Nickelodeon in honor of Black History Month. Seyi’s work has also been honored with the CLIO Gold award, AICP Next Award, Creativity’s Platinum Award, a Webby, and features in the Cannes New Director’s Showcase, the Cannes Lions Festival, and permanent residence at MoMA.

  • Gamma Chapter Welcomes Three

    Gamma Chapter Welcomes Three

    The Newark, New Jersey Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, a predominately African American fraternity for artists, initiated three new members in a virtual ceremony held on the evening of Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

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

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

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

    Ivelisse Tirado concluded the festivities with an impromptu serenade, expressing her gratitude for the honor of membership on behalf of all the initiates.

    Arthur Thornton
    Ivelisse Tirado

    Sister Daijonae “DJ” Clemons is an artist, videographer, and photographer. DJ was born and raised in Somerset, New Jersey. DJ graduated from Raritan Valley Community College in May 2019 with an associate’s degree in Digital Media and Film Studies. They interned and showcase their artwork at Alfa Art Gallery, Above Art Studios, and other universities. While on a gap year, DJ began hosting their own show on Facebook & YouTube called DaiJa Visions. DJ also teaches other creators.

    Brother Arthur Thornton is dancer, arts educator, and choreographer. His focus is on the education of children through dance in Northern Jersey. He has worked with the Montclair School District and the American Liberty Ballet Company. He has trained with the Newark School of the Arts, Creative Expressions School of Dance, and the Peppermint Players at Washington Academy of Music.

    Sister Ivelisse Tirado considers herself to be “forged by fire on the streets of Newark, New Jersey.” Ivelisse, best known as EVIE or EVIETHETAKEOVER, is a multi-faceted artist dedicated to exploring duality in humanity through her work. Through the observation of local and mainstream artists, Ivelisse realized that the arts have the power to heal, to unite, and transcend. Therefore, she dedicated herself to a life of limitless creation, exploration, and healing. Ivelisse has released singles and albums, completed scripts, and has done background work for a range of artists from Smiley to freestyle legend K7 of TKA. In 2021, Ivelisse will release her very first book, entitled Pounds of Pain.

  • Arts Fraternity Expands to the Deep South

    Arts Fraternity Expands to the Deep South

    Gamma Xi Phi, the nation’s leading multi-disciplinary fraternity for artists, has expanded its imprint in the South Atlantic Region.

    Six talented and committed artists have chartered the Iota Chapter of the fraternity, serving Montgomery, Alabama, and Southeast Alabama.  It is the first chapter of Gamma Xi Phi in the Deep South.

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  • Gamma Xi Phi Serves Rural Northeastern North Carolina

    Gamma Xi Phi Serves Rural Northeastern North Carolina

    The Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi distributed self-care kits, including adult coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils, to 62 households in rural Northeastern North Carolina from Saturday, December 19, 2020, through Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

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  • Multi-Discipline Arts Fraternity Charters First Chapter in North Carolina

    Multi-Discipline Arts Fraternity Charters First Chapter in North Carolina

    Eight distinguished practitioners became the newest members of Gamma Xi Phi, a predominately African American fraternity for artists on Sunday, October 11, 2020, in a virtual ceremony in North Carolina. The ceremony resulted in the chartering of two chapters – the Beta Lambda at-large chapter in rural North Carolina, and the Theta Chapter serving the Research Triangle as the first chapter chartered in the fraternity’s South Atlantic Region.

    National President Rashid Darden of Conway, North Carolina, joined with Honorary Member Ernest Perry of Durham, North Carolina, to deliver important ceremonial items to each candidate for membership while following socially distant practices.  The initiates were encouraged to decorate their locations in a manner befitting the occasion.  Home offices, living rooms, and photography and dance studios were adorned with purple, black, and gray decorations to celebrate the occasion.

    The virtual ceremony was attended by members of Gamma Xi Phi nationwide, where each initiate expressed their excitement and honor for having been chosen.  A common refrain was the desire to help the fraternity grow, both locally and nationally.

    “Perhaps most meaningful to me, aside from welcoming my mother into the organization, was seeing the genuine happiness on the faces of the new members.  They know they are welcoming a special organization into their lives, and bear the responsibility of introducing that special organization to North Carolina communities,” National President Rashid Darden said.

    Carolyn Darden-Stutely of Conway is the Founder and CEO of Carolyn’s Creations, a crafting service creating scented bath and body products, fashion jewelry and clothing. Born in Virginia and raised in Washington, DC, she attended Ferris State University and George Washington University and is a retiree from the Federal Government after 34 years of service. Moving to Conway, NC in 2018, she is a member of the Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Ms. Darden-Stutely is the mother of National President Rashid Darden, also of Conway, and is the fraternity’s first at-large initiate.

    Jordyne Blaise is a writer, critical race theorist, and womanist local to Miami Gardens, Florida, St. Louis Du Sud, Haiti, Washington, DC and presently Raleigh, NC. As a writer, public speaker, and activist, Blaise focuses her work on equity and social justice with a specific lens toward the experiences of Black women and girls.  Her contributions have been featured in The Atlantic, Time, Essence, the Miami Herald, and her own blog, Gone Agape. With a Bachelor of Arts in English, and her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University, she works as a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, while also an active philanthropist and milestone member of the Georgetown University Loyalty Society, Board Chair of the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute for Advocacy and Social Action, Board member of St. Louisiens for Haiti, and the Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has also served as a Commissioner for the City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission, Member of the Georgetown University African American Advisory Board and a volunteer with both the YMCA and YWCA.

    Pamela A. Bond of Durham is a multi-talented actress, designer, and owner of Pamela Bond Designs. She received a B.A. in Theatre, a B.S. in Textiles & Apparel and a M.A. in Textiles & Apparel from North Carolina Central University. Her theatrical credits include lighting and scenery design for Home and Raisin in the Sun, and she is a recipient of the Irene Ryan Award, for which she won best actress in the Southeastern Region for her debut performance in Fascination Man. Other performances include Images debuting at the National Black Theatre Festival, Fourth & A Mile, Stealing Clouds, Tunnels, Howard Craft’s The Wise Ones, and Heart To Heart (all NCCU productions).  Her costume design credits include the educational video Crafting Freedom with The Apprend Foundation, Jackie O with Long Leaf Opera, and Bangin performed with Walltown Children’s Theatre. Mrs. Bond is a member of Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

    Thomas F. DeFrantz of Durham is a dance educator who directs SLIPPAGE: Performance | Culture | Technology, a research group that explores emerging technology in live performance. He received the 2017 Outstanding Research in Dance award from the Dance Studies Association. DeFrantz is also a Consultant for the Smithsonian Museum of African American Life and Culture, contributing concept and voice-over for permanent installation on Black Social Dance that opened with the museum in 2016. He is the author or co-author of Dancing Revelations: Alvin Ailey’s Embodiment of African American Culture; Black Performance Theory, Choreography and Corporeality: Relay in Motion, and Routledge Companion to African American Theater and Performance.  He has created works commissioned by Theater Offensive of Boston, Detroit Institute for the Arts; and the Nasher Museum. In 2013, working with Takiyah Nur Amin, DeFrantz founded the Collegium for African Diaspora Dance.

    La Toya Hankins of Durham 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. She has written for two blogs, “Hot Tea and Ice” featured at wyettevans.com and “Pate and Caviar” featured on her website, www.latoyahankins.com. A regular book reviewer for the Black Lesbian Literary Collective; a non-profit organization created a nurturing and sustainable environment for Black lesbian and queer women of color writers, Hankins recently celebrated twenty-nine years as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and is a two-term past president of the Chapel Hill graduate chapter. Hankins has Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in political science from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and works with the Office of the North Carolina State Treasurer after seven and a half years in the field of journalism.

    Kimberly M. Knight of Raleigh is the Editor of The Lux Blog NC™, A lifestyle cultural blog that covers art, culture, style, and entertainment in North Carolina, and a Contributing Writer for Sheen Magazine. A graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Master of Social Work degree, she obtained her Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate licensure (LCSW-A) and is an Eldercare Social Worker for the Department on Aging for Orange County Government, Co-Founder of HIV Cure Research Day proclaimed by Gov. Roy Cooper, and a 2020 Honoree for the 40 Under 40 Award. During her undergraduate years, she was a member of Sigma Omicron Epsilon Sorority, Inc., a Native American women’s sorority, where she became the first Black Indian Co-President of the Alpha Chapter, and a member the East Carolina Native American Organization (ECNAO) at East Carolina Univeristy. She is also a member of the Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Triangle Native American Society, National Association of Social Workers-NC Membership Committee, and the Junior League of Raleigh. She has participated in Native American powwows as a jingle dancer, and is the Committee Chair of the Advisory Council for the first Black Indians NC™ Powwow for the State of North Carolina, which will take place in September 2021.

    Qui’wania Miller of Raleigh is a graphic designer and portrait and lifestyle photographer originally from Murfreesboro, North Carolina.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications degree from Chowan University in May 2020.  Her photography practice has grown from a hobby to a full-fledged sustainable business over the past four years.  Photography is her passion because, as she says, “It not only makes me happy but also my clients and my supporters!” Miller is a Spring 2019 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and recently became a resident of Raleigh.

    Dancer, musician, and video artist Andrea E. Woods Valdés of Durham is the Artistic Director of Souloworks /Andrea E. Woods & Dancers, Associate Professor of the Practice of Dance and Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Dance Program at Duke University, and is currently in Ph.D. studies at Texas Woman’s University. Her creative priorities are arts activism, adult literacy, and Black audience development. She is a former dancer/rehearsal director with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Dance Co. and has danced with Saiko Ichinohe Co., Clive Thompson Dance Co., and Mafata. She holds an MFA in Dance from The Ohio State University and a MAH in Caribbean Cultural Studies from SUNY Buffalo. Woods Valdés has received grants from The Jerome Foundation, (NEFA) The National Dance Project, National Performance Network, Arts International, and the North Carolina Arts Council, and has been part of the American Dance Festival Faculty. Her work and research have taken her to The Cannes International Dance Festival and the National Black Theater Festival.

    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.

  • Electric Literature: Instant Entertainment from Gamma Xi Phi Brothers and Sisters

    Electric Literature: Instant Entertainment from Gamma Xi Phi Brothers and Sisters

    Millions of people around the world are adjusting to a new reality in which social contact is now limited. Even though our day jobs may have us teleworking and our children distance-learning, entertainment is still a major part of our lives. Here are selected books that you can download right now from your favorite members of Gamma Xi Phi, from fiction to poetry.

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  • Epsilon Chapter Chartered at Towson University

    Epsilon Chapter Chartered at Towson University

    (l-r): Michael McDermott (Beta Chapter); Epsilon Chapter charter members Bala Mahmoud, Lauren-Marie Aba Amoah, Maia Fulton, Kailah Christopher, Jordan Ann Estelle Hendricks, Lauren Maiden; and Marifel Bermudez (Beta Chapter).

    On March 3, 2019, the Epsilon Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi was chartered on the campus of Towson University in Towson, MD, by six new members in a ceremony attended by brothers and sisters of Beta Chapter. The induction was officiated by National President Sharnell Bryan, and remarks were sent via video by Gamma Xi Phi founder Malcolm Minor.

    The newest chapter of Gamma Xi Phi was the dream of Towson students Michael McDermott, Marifel Bermudez and Ariana Garvin, who were inducted into the Beta Chapter in Washington, DC, on December 8, 2018. The students then worked together to bring the professional fraternity for artists to its campus by introducing Gamma Xi Phi to the arts community of students. This is the first undergraduate chapter since the fraternity’s founding in 2010.

    Epsilon Chapter with National President Sharnell Bryan (center).

    Lauren-Marie Aba Amoah is a junior politicial science and Chinese major originally from the United Kingdom, and her artistic focus is photography. She currently resides in Towson and wishes to pursue a career in journalism.

    Bala Mahmoud is a junior double-major in Electronic Media & Film and Graphic Design, with a minor in African-American Studies. Originally from Bowie, MD, he currently resides in Gaithersburg, MD, when not on campus and will begin his graphic designer career after graduation.

    Kailah Christopher was born in Bronx, NY, and raised in Silver Spring, MD. She is a junior Electronic Media & Film major, and has a goals to become a writer and director in film adn television, as well as assist filmmakers in bringing their stories to life via production.

    Maia Fulton is a senior Electronic Media & Film major with a minor in Theatre Arts from Baltimore, MD. After graduating, she plans to pursue an acting career.

    Lauren Maiden, from Columbia, MD, is a junior Mass Communications major with a focus on journalism and public relations, and would like to pursue television writing with her degree.

    Jordan Ann Estelle Hendricks is an Art & Design major with a focus on sculpture from Baltimore, MD, by way of Brooklyn, NY. She will pursue a career as a full-time artist after graduation.

    Beta Chapter, Epsilon Chapter, and National President Sharnell Bryan.

    The Epsilon Chapter hosted its first Odeon on March 12, 2019 where they were officially introduced to the Towson University community as new members and had the opportunity to showcase their visual arts in a gallery setting.

  • Delta Chapter Welcomes the Fall 2018 Class

    Delta Chapter Welcomes the Fall 2018 Class

    The Delta Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi initiated two new members on October 7, 2018, the fraternity’s 8th Founders Day. Delta Chapter was chartered on October 8, 2016, and servies the five boroughs of New York City. The newest members were initiated in a ceremony attended by members of Alpha Chapter at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Beta Chapter of Washington, DC, and Gamma Chapter of Newark, New Jersey. The ceremony was officiated by National President Sharnell Bryan.

    Baron Wright is CEO and Founder of CreateX Retreats, a lifestyle experience company and BaronArts, a leadership development and creative arts system. As a Certified Coach with over a decade of coaching, analysis, and management experience, he uses creative strategies to achieve breakthrough results for his clients. Baron is a professional recording, spoken, and performance artist, graphic designer, and motivational speaker who is a recipient of the Nations United Award for Creativity, Out Hip Hop Award and Excellence in Photography. He inspires people to find the power in their voice and to live a life of their design. He is passionate about empowering people to develop their personal life’s vision to create passion, clarity & certainty.

    Steven Van Patten is a celebrated writer and Brooklyn native. He has penned five novels; The Brookwater’s Curse trilogy is about an 1860s Georgia plantation slave who becomes a vampire. Killer Genius: She Kills Because She Cares, features a hyper intelligent black woman who becomes a serial killer. The sequel, Killer Genius 2: Attack of The Gym Rats dropped in late 2018. Van Patten’s short horror fiction has appeared in Hell’s Kitties, Shadows of Deathlehem and New York State of Fright. He also has a children’s book, Rudy’s Night Out, which is loosely based on the childhood of one of the characters from the Brookwater’s Curse series.

    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 unite collegiate and professional artists in the spirit of fellowship and perpetual artistic growth. 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.

    In remarks following the ceremony, President Sharnell Bryan expressed the significance of welcoming new members on the 8th anniversary of Gamma Xi Phi’s founding. “We look forward to working with our newest Brothers, and I am very glad to have been a part of their introduction to Gamma Xi Phi. We are a young organization, but with the support of our members, I am looking forward to more outstanding work and representation of who we are.”

  • Delta Chapter Established in New York City

    Delta Chapter Established in New York City

    Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists, announces the chartering of its newest chapter. Delta Chapter, chartered on October 8, 2016, will serve the five boroughs of New York City.

    Five new members were initiated in a ceremony attended by members of the National Board of Trustees, honorary members, and Brothers and Sisters from Alpha Chapter at Ramapo College of New Jersey and Beta Chapter in the District of Columbia.   (more…)

  • “I Have Help From a Village” – Beta Chapter Selects 2016 Young Artisans

    “I Have Help From a Village” – Beta Chapter Selects 2016 Young Artisans

    program logo - young artisans awards

    District of Columbia artists Sean Defreitas and Jeneesah Tate (also known as Ja’ness) have been selected as the 2016 Young Artisans for Gamma Xi Phi’s Beta Chapter in Washington, DC. The award is the highest honor that the fraternity bestows upon youth.

    “We are so happy and so proud to support these students, who represent the best of Washington’s emerging talent,” said Beta Chapter Program Director Shawn Spencer.

    The Young Artisans Awards initiative was created by Gamma Xi Phi in 2015 to honor emerging artists living within the service areas of the chapters. The selected artists must display both artistic merit and artistic citizenship, including a willingness to learn, grow, serve, and be mentored.  The Beta Chapter, serving the District of Columbia, selected two students after months of research and observation of young artists living within the chapter’s domain.

    Sean Defreitas is a student attending the Latin American Youth Center Career Academy, located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.  His artistic interests are varied and include graphic design, photography, music, and fashion.  His mother and other family members are also engaged in the arts, namely music, visual art, and crafts.  Mr. Defreitas came highly recommended by the faculty and staff of LAYC Career Academy.

    Ja’ness (Jeneesah Tate) is a Junior attending the historic Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  She is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has already created a name for herself in the Washington area and beyond through many public performances at festivals and music venues.  Coming from a long line of artists, Ja’ness strives to create a career that complements, but is independent from, her already successful family members.

    Over the next few months, the awardees will benefit from the full support of Brothers and Sisters of Beta Chapter and beyond.  Members will provide the students with support and connections to working artists.  In March 2016, the awardees will participate in the Young Artisans Combine, a private day of training, coaching, and mentoring with some of the Washington area’s most notable artists and professionals. In May 2016, the awardees will officially be presented to the community in a ceremony at Beta Chapter’s Odeon, a community talent show.

    (L-R) Mr. Atif Tate, Beta Chapter Young Artisan 2016 Ja’ness, Chapter Program Director Shawn Spencer

    (L-R) Ms. Crystal Defreitas, Beta Chapter Young Artisan 2016 Sean Defreitas, National President Rashid Darden

    National President Rashid Darden, who is a Washington-based novelist and member of Beta Chapter, expressed his pride at the selection of Ja’ness and Sean, saying “We needed humble students who would be their authentic, artistic selves when they didn’t expect that anyone was evaluating them.  That’s the beauty of the first year of this initiative–without the fanfare of previous years, we were able to find the most deserving students who weren’t just seeking accolades for their resumes.”

    Mr. Atif Tate, father of Ja’ness, said that due to this honor, his daughter’s “…positive actions towards her dreams are being noticed by others outside her family–which gives her more confidence to keep pushing through.” He added “I have help from a village. My advice to other parents is to invest your time and energy into their dreams now and help them develop so this experience will help them grow into something great.”

    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 unite collegiate and professional artists in the spirit of fellowship and perpetual artistic growth. 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.

  • District of Columbia Chapter Hosts Creative Conversation

    District of Columbia Chapter Hosts Creative Conversation

    The Washington, DC chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity hosted a Creative Conversation as part of the organization’s National Arts and Humanities Month observances.  The theme of the discussion was “Linking Young Artists to Opportunities.”

    Held at the Greater Tried Stone Baptist Church, a favorite venue of the Beta Chapter, members of the community were invited to share their ideas for how the fraternity may best serve young artists in the Washington area.  Invited guests included working artists, leaders of arts nonprofit organizations, and other members of organizations with arts components.  The chapter provided a light lunch and lively discussion ensued.

    Action items that the group provided to the fraternity will help develop the local implementation of the fraternity’s Young Artisans Awards program.

  • Gamma Xi Phi Members Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of Founding

    Gamma Xi Phi Members Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of Founding

    On Wednesday, October 7, 2015, chapters of Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity participated in local celebrations commemorating the fifth anniversary of the founding of the organization.  Since that first day at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Gamma Xi Phi has grown in membership and in number of chapters.  Nationally, the fraternity took to social media to celebrate its birthday.  Locally, members assembled with one another in fellowship, toasting to the past and looking forward to a brighter future. (more…)