The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® Beta Chi Omega Chapter hosted their 85th Anniversary Gala on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Crystal Ballroom in Hotel Roanoke. The Beta Chi Omega Chapter was chartered December 3, 1938 in Roanoke to support the sorority’s international mission, “Service to All Mankind.” Under the current leadership of Chapter President Dr. Cleopatra Kitt, the chapter strives to build a legacy of service, sisterhood, and scholarship throughout Southwest Virginia. During the 85th Anniversary Gala, the chapter honored local community leaders and organizations who exemplify the tenets of “Uplift Our Local Community,” one of the six current program initiatives of the sorority. The honorees were Antinette Beane, Jordan Bell, Sabrina’s Place and Mish Moves Dance Company Inc.
Antinette Beane currently serves as Branch Manager at the Melrose Library. Antinette’s great aunt worked at the Gainsboro branch and made sure Antinette had her first library card. A conference Antinette attended 15 years ago helped solidify her passion for library systems and sharing her passion for reading and learning with others. She has continued to work for the Roanoke Public Library System ever since. Antinette says the Melrose Library staff is one of the most dynamic teams in the system because of their love for the community. She says the “Mighty Melrose” team makes an impact everyday in someone’s life.
Jordan Bell is Program Director and Summer Camp Director of Apple Ridge Farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Apple Ridge Farm grows the wellbeing of the underserved communities in the Roanoke and New River Valleys through the exploration and execution of environmental sustainability and urban agriculture, leadership and success mentoring, and exposure to outdoor experiences. Jordan takes pride in being involved in his community and is an active participant in many community organizations. In addition to his passion for working with young people. His project, Gainsboro Revisited, is a documentary and nonprofit that explores the history of the Gainsboro community and urban renewal in the Roanoke Valley. Everyday Jordan works to impact children’s lives by teaching them who they are and the power they have within themselves.
Sabrina’s Place located in Roanoke is a free, supervised visitation and safe exchange center that serves parents and children across Southwest Virginia. It was developed to prevent violence from occurring between family members during the exchange or visitation of children. Sabrina’s Place offers a safe and secure environment for those interactions. The program is dear to the hearts of Beta Chi Omega members because it is named in honor of Sabrina Reed, a sorority member who’s life was taken in 2005 by her estranged husband during the exchange of their child. Beta Chi Omega supports Sabrina’s Place throughout the year through fundraisers, donation drives, and an annual Angel Tree holiday event. Sabrina’s Place is one of the many programs and services that Total Action for Progress (TAP) offers in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding communities. TAP’s mission is to help individuals and families achieve sustainable, equitable economic and personal independence through education, employment, affordable housing, and safe and healthy environments.
Mishel’la White founded Mish Moves Dance Company Incorporated in 2019 as a place where dancers of all ages and background can afford to learn the art of dance. The nonprofit dance company located in Roanoke, VA offers a variety of classes for all abilities, including a special program known as the “Butterflies Program” for dancers with special needs. This program is offered free to participating families. Mish Moves Dance Company maintains low tuition prices and offers scholarships to ensure more students can enjoy the art of dance. The dance company also loves giving back and entertains the community at local events, nursing homes, schools, festivals and more. President and Director Mishel’la White has been a passionate dancer since the age of 4. She believes that anyone who wants to dance should be able to and it should be affordable for everyone. She says she is grateful to help people learn the art of dance allowing them to express themselves artistically and powerfully.
Please contact Jhade Jordan at jhade.jordan17@gmail.com for questions or comments.
