Gamma Xi Omega Hosts Political Empowerment Forum, Holds A.S.C.E.N.D. Graduation and Closing Program
Pictured (L to R) Mrs. Marguerite S. Middleton, Rushell Dickerson, Kyra Dickerson, Kierra Wellington, Tyler Drayton, Shania Brown, Makaila Jenkins, Deleshia Smith, Mrs. Gretchen B. Morgan
Gamma Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. AKA Connections committee executed a political empowerment forum to discuss pertinent issues directly impacting the community. This event was held Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at 689 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403. The President of the chapter, Mrs. Marguerite Middleton, greeted the audience.
The panelists in attendance were Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr., Ms. Barbara Griffin, the Co-President of the League of Women Voters, Senator Marlon Kimpson, Mr. Michael Miller a Charleston County School District School Board Member, Councilman Robert Mitchell, Interim Chief Jerome Taylor, for the city of Charleston Police Department, and Councilman Rodney Williams.
The questions for the panelists and audience were moderated by Mrs. Ruth Jordan. Topics ranged between education, housing, healthcare and gun control. The Forum gave the panelist opportunities to share their knowledge, facts and ideas to inform the community. The audience received opportunities to ask questions to obtain better understanding of the issues at hand. The forum ended with Mayor John Tecklenburg extending comments and a summary of the issues. Closing remarks were given by Mrs. Laurachelle White, the AKA Connections Committee Chairman.
For more information on the Gamma Xi Omega Chapter, visit http://gammaxiomega.org. Ms. Marguerite S. Middleton is the president of Gamma Xi Omega. Ms. Laurachelle White is the forum chairman.
Pictured (L to R) Ms. Barbara Griffin, Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr., Mrs. Laurachelle White, Mrs. Marguerite S. Middleton, Mrs. Henrietta Mack, Mr. Michael Miller, Councilman Robert Mitchell, Chief Jerome Taylor, Councilman Rodney Williams
A.S.C.E.N.D. Graduation and Closing Program
The sorority held its A.S.C.E.N.D. graduation and closing program at the sorority building in downtown Charleston, SC. A.S.C.E.N.D. focuses on Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Developmental skills.
Since the inception of the A.S.C.E.N.D. Program, Gamma Xi Omega has worked with high school girls and boys from Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. This year, nine students completed the 2016-2017 A.S.C.E.N.D. Program. These students were given the opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training from various facilitators, as well as support for their journey to college or vocational employment. The parents and families of the A.S.C.E.N.D. participants attended the graduation and closing program to witness the students’ progress within the program. One of the major areas of emphasis in the program is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The students worked hard and diligently within their respective groups to develop a STEM project. They presented their final projects and research on May 20, 2017.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 2014-2018 international program theme is “Launching New Dimensions of Service,” which consists of five different target areas. Gamma Xi Omega fully implements the five target areas, including Target I, Educational Enrichment. This is the target associated with A.S.C.E.N.D., the signature youth enrichment program for high school students. Through these efforts, Gamma Xi Omega works actively to motivate, engage and assist high school students to reach their maximum potential.
The 2017-2018 A.S.C.E.N.D. program will commence in Fall 2017. For more information on Gamma Xi Omega Chapter, visit: http://gammaxiomegaaka.wix.com/gxoaka1942. The A.S.C.E.N.D. Program Application is located under International Programs, Target I: Educational Enrichment. Mrs. Marguerite S. Middleton is the president of Gamma Xi Omega, Mrs. Gretchen B. Morgan is the vice-president, and Mrs. Sylvia H. Gilliard is the chairman of Target I.
