For the last 40 years the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated, Omicron Xi Omega chapter, have dedicated their time to serving the Montclair and Bloomfield community. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first African American sorority founded in 1908.
The sorority has chapters around the world and prides itself on pillars such as unity, service and education. Thirty-seven women in the greater Montclair area started the Omicron Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Women like Hortense Tate, an influential leader who inspired Black women to pursue higher education. And Jeanne Heningburg, the first Black teacher at Montclair High School. Now, over 100 women are proud Omicron Xi Omega chapter members.
They’ve received honors from the Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey and the Montclair NAACP. Additionally, Omicron Xi Omega oversees the Rho Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Montclair State University and Bloomfield College.
Community Initiatives
OXO has its hands in nearly every facet of service throughout the townships. Currently, they are in the process of choosing recipients for their multiple scholarships. They also have a strong relationship with the Montclair Child Development Center. The center is a recipient of the sorority’s Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack, or CHIPP. The Alpha Kappa Alpha CHIPP program works to combat hunger in communities. The chapter provides weekly meals for the Montclair Child Development Center families.
Recently, the chapter started their Youth Leader Institute, YLI, for children ages 11 to 13. The initiative is a youth-led program that powers and engages children through positive development.
“It’s important because no one should be left out, regardless of economic status. We feel like everyone should benefit. We don’t discriminate and you never know who might need the help,” Candace Jefferson, president of the chapter, said.
As the chapter commemorates reaching 40 years on June 30, they’ve already kicked off their year of celebration by doing what they do best – giving back. On Martin Luther King Day, the chapter donated new clothing and bedding to the Salvation Army Montclair Citadel and served families hot meals. On Saturday, April 27, the Omicron Xi Omega ladies will partner with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Montclair Alumni Chapter and HomeCorp to beautify the streets by planting trees, flowers and picking up trash.
Last year, the International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Danette Anthony Reed, had a goal for the various chapters worldwide to plant a combined total of 3100 trees. By the end of the year, the sorority surpassed their goal by planting 21,000 trees.
Cheers to More Years
Alpha Kappa Alpha members believe in a holistic approach to enriching the lives of those in their communities. Whether it’s through providing hot meals and clothing or being active in taking care of the environment, the sorority aims to leave no stone untouched.
“They are charging all chapters to raise awareness and educate others about the important roles of trees and forests, in our daily lives and on our planet,” Jefferson said. “We know that planting trees enhances our environment by conserving water, combating climate change, cooling streets and cities and more.”
The chapter is celebrating its milestone year at the Montclair African American Heritage Parade on June 1 at Nishuane Park. The chapter will also have an exhibit at the Montclair History Center chronicling the last 40 years in September.
Jefferson and program chairman Cynthia Raines are working diligently to connect with more organizations and individuals to continue filling the community’s needs.
“I just want everyone to know we are here to serve the community of Bloomfield and Montclair and however we can make an impact through collaboration is wonderful, because we are inclusive. We’ve always been inclusive,” she said.
To sign up for the National Tree-Mendous Planting Project on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. visit here.