History of

Xi Phi Omega Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

 

Seventy three years after Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded at Howard University, a group of sorority members met in Hickory to discuss establishing a chapter in the foothills of North  Carolina. The organization was led by Marie Fuller and Mary Young. The formal process began in 1981. In January 1982, Barbara Davis, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, came to Hickory to assist the members of Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Lincoln Counties in the process. Necessary documents were submitted to the Regional Director and to the International Headquarters in Chicago. Xi Phi Omega Chapter was chartered October 2, 1983 in a ceremony banquet, and reception at the Holiday Inn in Hickory, NC.

 

Charter members of the chapter were: Helen Crutchfield, Elizabeth Avery, Frankie Carson, Nettie McIntosh, Marie Fuller, Mary Young, Marsha Roebuck, Earlene Ivy, Allie Hartso, Hazeline Ford, Judy Foster, Cecelia Forney, Margie Cole, Benita Conley, Carol Crocker, Michelle Dula, Marguerite Duren, Margaret Epps, and Freda Patterson.

 

The chapter has initiated many new members and reclaimed others from throughout the area. The chapter supervises Omicron Kappa Chapter, the undergraduate chapter of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.  The first nine women were initiated at ASU, April 20,1986 and a charter was granted a year later.

 

Historically, Xi Phi Omega Chapter has uniquely worked together in close sisterly harmony with the few members in number and the distance in mileage that separate them. These meetings were held in  Morganton(1984), Hickory(1985), and  Valdese(1989).  Many college scholarships have been provided to the debutantes who participated in the cotillions.

 

Xi Phi Omega entertained the Western Carolina Cluster of the Mid-Atlantic Region in Hickory in 1986, and co-sponsored with Gamma Gamma Omega, a regional meeting in Asheville.  As a service to the public, the Chapter has sponsored numerous Health Fairs, Black Family Forums, and Founders’ Day programs, contributed to Christian ministries, Children’s Christmas Gift Program, and Veteran Christmas Gifts.

 

Some of the highlights of early Xi Phi Omega activities are listed. At the time, regular monthly meetings were hosted by members in various counties.

 

1.   Sponsoring activities of youth organizations

2.   Visiting with the elderly in rest homes throughout the year

3.   Remembering veterans, children, and elderly on holidays

4.   Sponsoring wellness clinics and focusing on health issues

5.   Volunteerism within respective communities

6.   Supporting communities’ activities

7.   Attending church services as a group

8.   Support Black History festivals and matters regarding the Black family

9.   Contributing to the United Negro College Fund

10.   Visiting Historically Black colleges with young ladies

 

Xi Phi Omega has always shown great strength as a sorority and as individuals.  In addition to the original 19 members, Xi Phi Omega has grown in number and strengths through the MIP and transfers into the Chapter.

 

Other activities Xi Phi Omega has been a part of are:  After School Tutoring, Reading Programs, Health Fairs, and Health Seminars, emphasizing health issues particular to African Americans, serving as counselors for battered women and contributing needed items to women’s shelters, preparing and distributing food boxes to families in need, collaborating with other Greek organizations in the presentation on Black History Programs, providing scholarships to high school graduates, Pink Ice Balls, Founders’ Day Observations, Soror Reclaim activities, Chapter Retreats, hosting Regional conferences, co-hosting Clusters, and giving awards in recognition of community service.

 

During the 36 years of existence, Xi Phi Omega Chapter has sought to present worthwhile programs and activities that emphasize service to all mankind of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in our communities.  Among the many activities, the chapter has initiated over 55 new members, entertained five Western Carolina Clusters (1986, 1992, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2013), co-sponsored four Mid-Atlantic Regional Conferences, sponsored four Debutante Cotillions (1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989), and held Pink Ice Ball annual fundraisers (1998-2021).  One of the newest community service projects is working with our AKA Teens as well as partnering with Hickory Housing Authority.  This project is called:  Affinity/Emerging Young Leaders.  Through this program, the members work with young girls (10-18) making an impact in their lives through education, providing positive seminars that affect their lives and learning, college tours, proper etiquette, and establishing leadership roles among these young ladies.

 

We, as a service organization, strive to continue service to all mankind.