Black Women's Organizations

Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Xi Epsilon Omega, the Amherst chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC., was chartered by former Regional Director, Gloria S. Smith, in 1981. The chapter is one of 99 chapters in the Great Lakes Region. From a nucleus of twenty-five members, the chapter has grown to forty members who actively promote programs of service designed to improve the social, educational and cultural conditions within the community.

The chapter is a life member of the NAACP, and a member of the Buffalo Urban League, the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc., the WNY Chapter of the Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Women's Volunteer Round Table.

Contributions are made annually to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the American Lung Association, the American Red Cross, AFRICARE, Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc., the Paul Roberson Theater, Ujima Theater, the YMCA, the Educational Advancement Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) through SOS/AKA African Children's Project.

Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter sponsors several local projects. The Leadership Intern Development Project involves recommended junior and senior high school males and females in developing skills in the areas of public speaking, parliamentary procedures, essay writing, and human relations. A tour of either New York State colleges and universities or Historically Black Colleges is offered to each class of interns. After seven months of activities, the students are presented at a formal pageant where the chapter scholarships are awarded.

The ON-TRACK program is housed at school #44. Each week Sorors tutor ten students who are having educational difficulties. The goal is to assist them with the preparation for the New York State Standards and to motivate them for life long learning. This mentoring program is part of the Ivy Academy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The Inter-generational Program brings senior citizens from St. John Tower and elementary school students together. The Sorors and students share time, games and fellowship with the seniors. The program will culminate, each spring, with A Senior Citizen Prom.

A highlight of the sorority's year is the annual Founder's Day Luncheon held in February each year. In addition to honoring the Founders of the sorority, the chapter honors individuals who have made contributions to the community in the areas of The Arts, Economic Development, Education, The Black Family and Health. The sorority also recognizes one of its own for outstanding service, at this time.

Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter consistently promotes the International Programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. These programs are The Ivy Academy, Education, Health, The Black Family, Economics, and The Arts. For its efforts, the Great Lakes Regional Conferences have awarded the Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter the Outstanding Chapter First-Place Award in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1993. In 1994, the chapter was awarded the Second Place Trophy.