Gamma Xi Phi

The Fraternity for Artists and Creators

Category: Service

Phi Chapter Celebrates Malcolm X’s 101st Birthday with Free Books

CONWAY, N.C. — In honor of the 101st birthday of Malcolm X on May 19, and in celebration of nonfiction literature, the Phi Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi has placed free copies of The Autobiography of Malcolm X in various locations in Conway for community members to enjoy while supplies last.
Read more: Phi Chapter Celebrates Malcolm X’s 101st Birthday with Free Books
The books were made available through a grant from Friends Meeting of Washington, a Quaker meeting in Washington, D.C., supporting initiatives that promote literacy, expand access to books, and encourage the growth of home libraries.

The initiative is part of Gamma Xi Phi’s ongoing commitment to the arts through its national program of service, wellness, edification, advocacy, and recognition. By making one of the most influential autobiographies in American history freely available, the fraternity hopes to encourage reflection, conversation, and a deeper understanding of Black history, identity, and social justice.

This effort follows Gamma Xi Phi’s recent participation in Free Comic Book Day at Trackside Tavern, where four individuals collected bundles of comic books during the event. The fraternity views both initiatives as part of a broader mission to celebrate literacy at every age and across every genre, from graphic storytelling to historical nonfiction.

“In times such as these, it’s important to look to the past for examples of resilience and transformation,” program director Rashid Darden of Conway shared. “Malcolm X persevered through extraordinary circumstances and found his own voice. In so doing, he changed the world. That’s a story worth sharing over and over.”

Books were placed in the Little Free Libraries on Main Street and on Martin Street in Conway, as well as at the Conway Post Office. Community members are encouraged to visit the Martin Street location regularly for future book offerings related to Black literature and justice issues.

Gamma Xi Phi, founded in 2010, is a professional fraternity for artists and creators across disciplines including literature, visual art, music, theater and dance. Guided by the principles of philanthropy, sodality, and elevation, the organization promotes service through the arts while fostering fellowship and community impact.

May 19, 2026
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.

July 18, 2023
Beta Lambda partners with APO Alumni to provide Black Books to rural jail

During Black History Month 2022, the Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi, serving rural and remote areas of the South Atlantic Region, partnered with the Mu Alpha Alumni Association of Alpha Phi Omega to provide over 90 books for the Northampton County (NC) Detention Center and to the Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop for incarcerated youth.
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May 21, 2022
Gamma Chapter Celebrates 20 Years of the Newark Arts Festival

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]From October 8^th -10^th, 2021, the city of Newark celebrated 20 years of the Newark Arts Festival and the Brothers and Sisters of Gamma Chapter were there in full effect. On top of attending the 2021 Virtual National Convention for the Fraternity, members of Gamma Chapter were back and forth throughout many of the festival events.

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

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

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

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

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

Gamma chapter is proud of the work that was done and is looking forward to taking part in a bigger way for Newark Arts Festival 2022.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4759″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4760″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4761″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image image=”4762″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”astro_fade_waypoint”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

October 30, 2021