Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Omega Chapter Hosts Gala to Celebrate 95 Years of Service to the Washington, DC Community

Washington, DC – On Saturday, December 15, 2018, the 500 women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter celebrated 95 years of service to the Washington, DC community, with a gala at the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown. Themed "A Legacy of Service for 95 Years," this black-tie event payed tribute to the volunteer service these extraordinary women have provided to the Washington community since 1923.

Narrated by Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actress and stage director, Phylicia Rashad, the "A Legacy of Service for 95 Years" presentation gave a vivid portrayal of the chapter's history of philanthropy, social activism, and civic engagement since its chartering.

Guests enjoyed a congratulatory toast from Alpha Kappa Alpha's 29th International President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, greetings and proclamations from the Mayor of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, and Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd. In addition, they were joined by newly-elected U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), who is a Xi Omega member, former Alpha Kappa Alpha North Atlantic Regional Directors, and the Cluster I presidents of the District of Columbia and Maryland chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The gala's corporate sponsors included Destination DC™, Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel, Verizon, and Laurel Radiology Services.

Ninety-five years ago, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter was chartered by 20 women, committed to improving the quality of life for the less fortunate throughout the Washington area, with a special emphasis on women and children. From 20 women to now more than 500 members, the women of Xi Omega, under the leadership of chapter president April Gaines-Jernigan, have used their economic and political strength for positive change while maintaining their commitment to service through hands-on volunteerism. The chapter works collaboratively with local government and other community organizations to maximize outreach and service to its constituents.

In celebration of its 95th anniversary, Xi Omega commissioned an oil painting from artist Jonathon Romain, that captured the chapter's history from its first AKA house to its service projects in the DC community and abroad.

Annually, Xi Omega gives scholarships to 15 to 20 DC Public School students to encourage life-long learning and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For more than 36 years, every Monday, through the Monday Activities program, Xi Omega Center opens its doors to seniors, currently ranging in age from 55 to 98 years old, for arts and crafts, sign language class, aerobics, bridge, memory stimulating games and free lunch. From help for the poor, the sick, and underserved to social action to advance human and civil rights, the women of Xi Omega Chapter have given the Washington community 95 years of service.

Xi Omega Chapter is the oldest and largest graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Washington, DC. Established in 1923, the chapter has a membership of more than 500 professional women, who serve the District and surrounding communities. Xi Omega’s signature service programs focus on HBCU 4 Life: A Call to Action, Women's Healthcare and Wellness, Building Your Economic Legacy, The Arts!, and Global Impact. These programs are the cornerstone of the AKA international theme, “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service.” For more information, visit akaxo.org.

4411 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20011
20208789261

This release was published on openPR.