The national arts fraternity Gamma Xi Phi became truly international on October 8, 2021, when the Epsilon Iota Chapter was established at the fraternity’s 5th National Convention.
Jennifer Samson, a resident of Vancouver, Canada, and the best-selling author of Self-Publishing for Canadians, was the first international at-large initiate of Gamma Xi Phi. She is also the author of the crime/love story Sin City series and co-author of the dark comedy/thriller Billie and Diana series. A graduate of Capilano University, she has also been published in the literary journals Thursday and The Lyre, as well as the BoldPrint book Friends (as Jennifer Cassidy).
With her initiation, Jennifer Samson becomes the point of contact for Gamma Xi Phi in the international territories of the fraternity’s Far West Region, including Western Canada, Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
In addition to Ms. Samson, three other chapters welcomed new members at the special ceremony occurring at the start of the National Convention.
Beta Chapter in Washington, DC, brought in four new members, including the first husband and wife to join the fraternity.
Delisa Green is a speech language pathologist and creative professional living in the state of Maryland. Her company, LoweAnchor Designs, LLC, specializes in custom crafts, textile and ceramics personalization, small batch promotional items, and event personalization and décor.
Adeyinka Ogunlegan, also known as Yinka Olu, is a Nigerian-American writer who believes in the immense power and magic of words. A self-described “New York girl living in a Maryland world,” she is also a hopeless romantic, proud introvert, sneakerhead, wife and mother.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Maryland, Oluseun Ogunlegan is the host and executive producer of In the Black Podcast. A lover of spicy food and spicy conversation, he has appeared on “Woke with Kids”, “The University College”, and “The Conversation”, and co-hosts The Blerdverse. He is also a photographer and a devoted husband and father.
MoLove J. Simmons is a visual artist, author, entrepreneur, life coach, and motivational speaker. Her latest projects involve creating a children’s book series that deal with coping mechanisms and difficult conversations. MoLove was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a graduate of Medgar Evers College.
Delta Chapter, serving New York City, had three new members.
Renée Alston (Jewelznyc) is the host and executive producer of Droppin’ Jewelz Radio on WKCR 89.9 FM NY. Renée is a storyteller, writer, and conversationalist from Metropolitan Washington, DC, who moved to New York City at 19 to pursue her career aspirations in journalism.
Patrick Butler is a visual artist with a passion for graphic design and abstractions. He has experience with digital design, logos, and illustrations, and has worked to help K12 students discover their artistic passions. He has also helped setup streetwear brands.
Christopher Hill is a philanthropist, visual artist, and an aspiring arts administrator. He uses the mediums of photography and digital art to show appreciation of the mundane, uncover examinations of the self, to do nature studies, and to promote health and social justice.
Iota Chapter, which serves Montgomery and Southeast Alabama, welcomed two new members.
Kalonji Gilchrist is the Founder & Executive Director of 21 Dreams Arts & Culture, a nonprofit membership organization committed to advancing creative and cultural arts. He is also the owner of KHARI Creative, LLC, a boutique digital media & design company offering production services for special events, client engagement, and short-form documentaries
Toni Toney is a visual artist whose paintings are influenced by her childhood in Compton, California. Since 2005, she has served as an Art educator in Alabama public schools. Toni is a member of 21 Dreams, Kings Canvas, Montgomery Art Guild, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
New member Delisa Green said she is most looking forward to collaboration with other artists and creative professionals on joyful projects that relate to restorative justice and racial equity. “I am deeply honored to be considered for membership in an organization that strives for service and promotion of the arts. I am excited to contribute my time and talents, as well as collaborate on projects with like-minded people.”
“Each initiate of Gamma Xi Phi is a history-maker and not just because of their achievements,” said National President Rashid Darden. “When someone joins this fraternity of artists, they are making a commitment not to receive, but to give and to build. We look forward to our new members living out their promises to this organization and to the community.”
Gamma Xi Phi was established eleven years ago on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey on the principles of Philanthropy, Sodality, and Elevation. Gamma Xi Phi creates a world in which artists are valued as thoughtful and justice-oriented leaders in their communities and in their careers. The purpose of Gamma Xi Phi is to honor the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service. 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.
