Alpha Nu Omega Sorority
Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Incorporated - Empire State Region Alumni Chapter is dedicated to
spreading the gospel throughout the community of the five boroughs of New York City, as well
as its surrounding areas while strengthening its members through the love of Jesus Christ and
the Bonds of Sisterhood. Our chapter has demonstrated this through community outreach such as
ministering to battered homeless women in shelters, volunteering at Dress for Success,
ministering in step and in song at different churches in the community, reaching out to
specific crisis situations such as the Sean Bell and Megan Williams controversies, as well as
through Street Evangelism, networking with other ministries and organizations.
Essentially, The Empire State Region Sorority Alumni wishes to use all of our resources in
order to become a tree of life to all those who hunger, with Jesus Christ as our center.
Through Him all things are made possible, and The Empire State Region Sorority Alumni continues
to trust Him for growth in our Chapter and Region as well as for new opportunities to share
His love for others through upholding the Vision and Purpose of Alpha Nu Omega.
back to Featured Artists
Blessed
With a life of full time ministry and over seven years performance experience, Douglas “Blessed”
Sheppard has moved from behind the scene to center stage spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ
through rap. Blessed is gifted and anointed to share heartfelt lyrics over soulful rhythms that
enlighten, encourage and empower all who listen. His success as an artist is solely attributed
to his lifestyle of righteousness through Jesus Christ. God has gifted Blessed to move his
listeners from simple enjoyment of the music to appreciation of its content; ultimately leading
to self evaluation, brokenness and deliverance. The big band sound is matched by the integrity
of his lyrics. While his music is appealing, the message is powerful and life changing. His
ministry bridges the gap between the older and younger generations. The older generation will
appreciate the principles of his message, while the younger generation enjoys the presentation of
the message as it relates to this generation. His stage presence is commanding and his delivery
of God’s message is undeniable.
Living a life of ministry, Blessed operates as a Minister at his church, Benaiah Ministries; a
loving son to his mother, Pastor Margarine Sheppard of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, a husband
to his wife Jovita Sheppard, and brother and friend to many. Fellow artists, JoWriter, Jason
Hendrickson, Manifestation of Praise, Q da Prophet, J Skywalker, Pastor Hezekiah Walker Thomas
Warren Jr., to name a few, have welcomed his ministry; giving him the opportunity to master his
craft.
Understanding his gift and ultimate purpose, adding souls to the Kingdom of God, Blessed brings a
unique style and stage presence to demonstrate yet another way for souls to be reached. His 1st
album entitled “Messages In Conversation”, released in April of this year, has sold over 500 copies.
Inspired by rappers Da Truth, Corey Red and Precise, J.A.Z, Manifestation of Praise, Richie
Righteous, and Todd Bangs; Blessed has answered the call to be the vessel God moves through to
change a nation.
Earl Jones, Jr.
Trying to find the right words to encompass Earl Jones Jr. is not that difficult once you’ve had a
conversation with him. Is he a singer? No, he is a psalmist penning music that touches the heart of
God with an anointing to minister that same music to bless God’s people.
Earl Jones Jr. has shared billing and stages nationwide with such gospel greats as
Hezekiah Walker, James Hall, Kim Burrell, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson,
Kirk Franklin, Dottie Peoples, Vickie Winans, Rance Allen and of course
his music mentor, "The Godfather of Gospel", Rev. Timothy Wright. Earl’s accomplishments are
too numerous to mention them all, but the most cherished is the completion of his freshman project
entitled "I’m Gonna Wait". Earl Jones Jr. possesses a vocal span that extends from crooning soulful
worship ballads to belting hardcore contemporary and traditional gospel music. Jones is "just what
gospel ordered" as his versatility is sure to bring him longevity in this industry, but Earl humbly
accredits the Lord for every success. His much anticipated project and future endeavors will
definitely generate international attention.
Some of Earl’s other musical credits include establishing a record label, Ms. Viola Music, with his
brother William "Bootsy" Jones; being featured on the Word Network and BET channels in gospel music
videos with Rev. Wright and New York Fellowship; ministering on Bobby Jones Gospel, as well as
annually in New York’s City Hall for political and large social events; being featured on major
network television’s Gospel Superfest with Rev. A. R. Bernard, Clifton Davis, Gary Anglin and the
Christian Cultural Center; continuing to minister at concerts, youth conferences and other venues
nationwide.
What drives Earl Jones Jr. the most? Knowing first that God is pleased with his life and the use of
his gift. His other motivation is to make his family proud. To Earl, family relationship is everything,
but a relationship with God is paramount!
