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Xi Gamma Omega Raises $40,000 and Awards Scholarships to 22 Oakland Students for Chapter’s 40th Chapter Anniversary
“As the premiere community service organization for the city of Oakland, we strive for our volunteerism to have a lifelong impact on the quality of life for residents. Our program serves as a vehicle to unlock the potential of the Oakland Community,” said Dr. Kimberly Mayfield Lynch, XGO’s president.

The Xi Gamma Omega Chapter (XGO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. achieved a major milestone raising and awarding $40,000 in scholarships in honor of the chapter’s 40th anniversary.
“As the premiere community service organization for the city of Oakland, we strive for our volunteerism to have a lifelong impact on the quality of life for residents. Our program serves as a vehicle to unlock the potential of the Oakland Community,” said Dr. Kimberly Mayfield Lynch, XGO’s president.
Early in Dr. Mayfield Lynch’s tenure, she challenged members of the chapter to support fundraising efforts for these scholarships, and under her dynamic leadership the goal was achieved.
The major milestone of raising over $40K during a pandemic is historic, with special thanks to fundraising Chairs Kendra Brown and Misty Gaither for leading our fundraising and exceeding expectations. This occasion marked the very first time that XGO has raised this amount of funds during a single fundraising event, according to a media release.
To further commemorate this achievement, the XGO Scholarship Committee, co-chaired by Ora Anderson and Tonya Jones Allred, guided the committee in the selection of 22 bright and talented seniors from high schools in Oakland and other East Bay cities. XGO offered awards ranging between $1,000-$2,000 for seven named scholarships.
These awards are the outgrowth of XGO’s commitment to providing ongoing service to enhance the Oakland community. The students selected demonstrated educational excellence, scholastic aptitude and community involvement. “We congratulate these outstanding scholars and congratulations to Xi Gamma Omega,” stated scholarship committee leads Ora Anderson and Tonya Jones Allred.
The Xi Gamma Omega Chapter was chartered in May of 1982 by 28 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who had a deep commitment to provide service to all mankind, particularly in the Oakland community. The chapter will celebrate its 40th anniversary publicaly at the Oakland City Hall Frank Ogawa Plaza on Friday, May 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and privately virtually on May 21 at the monthly chapter meeting. For more information about XGO, visit xigammaomega.com
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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners
Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”
That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.
That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.
Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.
The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.
These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.
I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.
About the Author
Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.
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