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The History of Phi Omega Chapter

Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the oldest Graduate chapter in North Carolina. Located in northwest central North Carolina, Phi Omega was chartered under the direction of the South Atlantic Region on February 14, 1924. Now in the Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region, Phi Omega is celebrating its 99th year of “Service to All Mankind.” The chartering members were Adelaide Smith Turner, Audrey Williams, Maude Young Ray, Mamie Williams, and Marguerite Adams. 

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Phi Omega’s earliest members were mostly educators who held bi-monthly meetings in the homes of the members. Education was a primary objective of the chapter which offered $100 and $50 scholarships in the 1930s. Education is still a major focus of the chapter which now awards annually several $1000 scholarships. Phi Omega has shifted its objectives over the years to align with international programs and targets. The members of Phi Omega have worked tirelessly through the years to enhance the quality of life in the community by sponsoring health fairs, economic and career counseling, tutorial assistance and voter registration/education programs. Members of the chapter have collaborated with local businesses, colleges, agencies and organizations including the Pan Hellenic Council, NAACP, City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to make a positive impact within the community.

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Phi Omega members were and are trailblazers serving in the North Carolina General Assembly, as members of the City Council and members of the school board. Phi Omega was the proud home chapter of the 20th International President, Dr. Barbara K. Phillips, who also served as the 7th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. She, along with her twin sister, Constance Holland were instrumental in the establishment of the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF). Civil Rights were strongly supported by Phi Omega members. Under Economic Development, Phi Omega, Inc. financed and built the Ivy Arms Apartment Complex (valued at $2.1 million) to provide affordable housing. For many years, monthly chapter meetings and community events were held at the Ivy Arms Community Center. Phi Omega chartered two undergraduate chapters. Gamma Lambda was chartered at Winston-Salem Teacher’s College, now Winston-Salem State University on January 29, 1949. Pi Beta chapter at Wake Forest University was chartered on April 16, 1990. A premiere chapter, Phi Omega continues making a positive impact in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, the state and in the world by “serving mankind” through the chapter’s signature events and through the Sorority’s international targets. 

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Many Phi Omega sorors have served and currently serve on Regional committees and International committees. We have been the proud recipients of local recognition, Regional and International awards. Phi Omega is committed to pooling our talents, time, resources and skill sets to serve all mankind. 

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For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Region, please visit:  

Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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