Tag: Gamma Xi Phi

GXP SPONSORS anti-BOOK BANNING EVENTS
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.
October 31, 2023
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
Theta Chapter Brings Dance to the Forefront

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

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

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

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

A little about our key guest panelists for this event:

Willie Hinton

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

M. Clayton Barrier

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

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

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

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

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

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February 7, 2023
a gxp halloween spectacular

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.

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October 31, 2022
A Night of spoken word and art in motion

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.

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September 13, 2022
“I Have Help From a Village” – Beta Chapter Selects 2016 Young Artisans

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.

February 8, 2016
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.

October 26, 2015
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…)

October 9, 2015
Happy Fifth Anniversary, Gamma Xi Phi

Rashid Darden, National President of Gamma Xi Phi

In 2110, by the grace of God, someone will call my name as the 3rd National President of a century-old fraternity for artists. Perhaps there will be some three dimensional portrait of me in a historical exhibit with all the other past National Presidents. Maybe there will be some bullet points with the major accomplishments of my administration. If I’m lucky, someone will be there, not who remembers me, but remembers someone who remembers me.

But one thing is certain: I will not be alive in 2110. So I’d better do a damn good job at being a National President if I want to be remembered. I’d better make sure that every Founders’ Day is a milestone for our beloved fraternity.

Today, Gamma Xi Phi is five years old. Students attending Ramapo College of New Jersey came together five years ago with an idea for a new fraternity, one established for artists of all crafts. Years later, the fraternity has already grown into something far greater in size and scope than our original members could have expected. It has experienced this growth because it is fundamentally a good organization that has come at the right time.

I am proud of each and every one of our members, from the charter members of Alpha Chapter to our newest initiates. Gamma Xi Phi Brothers and Sisters are on the move, sculpting monuments in Washington, performing on tour in Europe and Africa, studying in graduate programs in New York, and hosting popular podcasts in New Jersey. We have done a lot in five years and we are not stopping any time soon. Through the years, Gamma will grow in size, in strength, and in influence due to our wonderful members.

But we can’t do it alone. To our families, friends, and supporters: If you believe, as we do, that Gamma Xi Phi is a good organization, we ask that you spread this simple message to the artists in your life:

You are not alone. There is an organization out there for men and women in the arts. They are waiting for you. They need you, and while you might not know it now, you need them as well. They are a group of great folks: literary artists, visual artists, performing artists, and professionals in arts-serving careers. They have an awesome national program of artistic service that I think you’d like. Check them out: www.GammaXiPhi.com.

Gamma Xi Phi will exist in 2110, certainly without me, but I must do my part to make sure that it is a greater organization than I could have imagined. If you are an artist, join us. If you are a friend, help us. These past five years have been a nice start, but we have only just begun to build our legacy.

Happy fifth anniversary to my Brothers and Sisters. Thank you, one and all.

Rashid Darden,
National President

October 7, 2015
A Celebration of Service and Fraternalism

On Saturday, August 15, 2015, Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity hosted A Celebration of Service and Fraternalism, a public program honoring National President Rashid Darden. It was held at the Greater Tried Stone Baptist Church in the Columbia Heights Section of Washington, DC. (more…)

August 18, 2015
Gamma Xi Phi’s New National Program

On Sunday, June 14, 2015, the National Board of Trustees of Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity approved a new National Program. Below is a video overview of the new initiatives. (more…)

July 1, 2015
Why a Fraternity?

Brothers and Sisters, families and friends, visitors to this website: I welcome you to the next era of service to the arts.

As you see, the new theme of Gamma Xi Phi is Investing in Artists for the Community and the World. As we developed this theme, we reached out to several organizations to share the importance of collaborating with the fraternity. One potential partner outright asked me: “Why a fraternity? Why not just an association?” (more…)

June 22, 2015
Congratulations National President Rashid Darden!

Brother Rashid Darden was elected to serve Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity as National President on June 13, 2015! (more…)

June 14, 2015
Rashid Darden: Gamma’s Own

Gamma Xi Phi’s Executive Director, Rashid Darden, is an accomplished novelist. His fourth novel, Birth of a Dark Nation, is in worldwide release. (more…)

November 30, 2013
Seasoned Artist, Emerging Hip-Hop Collective Initiated

Newark, New Jersey, October 15, 2013— Gamma Xi Phi, the professional fraternity for artists, has selected four new honorary initiates: visual artist, curator, and educator Nette Forné Thomas; emcee, producer, and engineer Ess Vee; visual artist and graphic designer Hue.Man; and artist manager, videographer, and web designer Add. The initiation was conducted on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at GlassRoots, Inc., in Newark, New Jersey. (more…)

October 15, 2013