ABOVE: Charter Members, past (former) and current presidents served on the Steering Committee of the 40th Anniversary. They are: (bottom row-Charter Members-Yvonne Phillips-Dupree, Jacqueline Lindsey, Linda Knight Burkley-chairman, Andrea Adams Jones, and Schelda Williams; Row 2-Pam McGee, Zandra Jackson, Chamelia Robinson-current president, Dr. Shawn Simmons, and Thelma Harp Johnson; Row 3-Pam Holmes and Laquetta Kennedy; Row 4-Tracey Lewis, Juliea Robinson Nelson, Alicia Cain and Karen Baker Sonier; not pictured Frankie Raibon, Charter Member
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Alpha Omega Chapter celebrated 40 years of service via its first historical virtual program, “Celebrating 40 Years of Splendor Through Extraordinary Service,” followed by members’ hosting numerous Zoom after-parties on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. via YouTube.
The Steering committee is under the leadership of charter members, past presidents, with Linda Knight Burkley, chairman, Pamela McGee, co-chairman, and Chamelia S. Robinson, president. Approximately 125 members of the Steering Committee have been meeting and planning for over a year.
The celebration featured an indepth, up close and personal look, through the eyes of past presidents and charter members, into the history of the chapter. “This celebration accented the journey of Xi Alpha Omega along with its numerous historical accomplishments,” Burkley said.
The pre-recorded program was headlined by numerous distinguished and special guest presenters including, Dr. Mia Wright, Dr. Jonita Reynolds, Dr. Glenda Glover, Dr. Polly Sparks Turner, Mrs. Shirley Fisher, Melinda Spaulding, the Joseph Woodson Band, Jolie Rocke and Britney Taylor, via YouTube.
The debut of an electronic (digital) release of Xi Alpha Omega’s third edition history book was unveiled. This production was recorded by the Dangerfield Media Company and produced by Shakia Moore and co-produced by Dr. Ollie Davis.
The chapter incorporated ‘Splendor Through Extraordinary Service’ by focusing on the AKA International Program – Target #3 – Building Your Economic Legacy-Operation AKA Assist. The program objective is to assist communities in providing goods and services to benefit those in need.Several community service projects were implemented to benefit an array of agencies and families. Under the leadership of Alicia Cain, chairman and a past president, 5th Ward- Senior Citizens Center (John Wesley Peavy Sr. Senior Center) is the recipient of a monetary donation of $525. “These funds establish Xi Alpha Omega’s “Lasting Legacy,” which will assist in providing ongoing services and resources for future generations,” she said. Secondly, the chapter focused on the plight of senior citizens by donating $250 for Care Packages to the John Wesley Peavy, Sr. Senior Citizens Center. Additionally, Xi Alpha Omega presented a $700 check to Harris County Area Agency on Aging to provide Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens. Finally, the chapter hosted a Holiday Cares Drive to collect pajamas and toys. More than 713 items were collected. The recipients were: DePelchin Children’s Center, which focuses on Foster Care children; Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc.- Head Start Program, and Briargate Elementary School, and each recipient received a monetary donation of $100. Furthermore, Turning Point Center was the recipient of $250 to support elderly homeless individuals-ages 50 or above.
Anniversary celebration.
Robinson believes the most significant evolution of the chapter has been the growth of its membership. The chapter began with 27 Charter Members, and today, the chapter consists of 559 members. “I view the tradition of paying homage to charter members and former presidents as very significant. Honor for our traditions, devotion to our sisterhood, and commitment to service have fueled us for 40 years,” she said.
“Xi Alpha Omega has made an impeccable contribution in the Houston community. It was built on a solid foundation of sisterhood and service,” Burkley concluded.