Phi Nu Omega Then, 2000-2001
Chartered on January 29, 2000, the anniversary of the incorporation of the great sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Phi Nu Omega greeted the suburbs of Washington, D.C. armed with a new energy and vision. Twenty-six charter members worked for two and one-half years to meet the demands of the community and Alpha Kappa Alpha for chapter approval by the Board of Directors (Directorate) in November 1999. The ceremony, conducted by Mrs. Clara M. Hines, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, was held in the chapel of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, and witnessed by many Sorority members from across the nation. Of special note, was the presence of Dr. Mary Shy Scott, the 23rd International President, and the following members: Wilma Holmes Tootle, International Regional Director; Anne Mitchem-Davis, Chairman of the International Archives Committee, and Past Executive Director and Past International Secretary; and Lula Lang-Jeter Past International Treasurer.
Charter Members
Kimberley N. Alton
Kimberly Armstrong
Laurell Baez
Lutricia Joy Bowling
Pinkie A. Burrell
Sonya D. Chavis
Robin Earnest
Theresa K. Gooden
Tamika S. Gunn
Linda White Hall
Sherri Evans Harris
Tiffany Harrison
Juanita Sandra Hines
Charter Members
Brenda J. Johnson
Valerie D. Johnson
Kim Kendrick
Kim Martin
India J. Pinkney
Tina M. Pompey
Donna L. Redmond
Angela Taylor
Cheryl C. Taylor
Renee Toyer
Kimberly A. Walker
Vanessa Watkins
Sharon H. Worthy
One of the unique aspects of Phi Nu Omega was the professional capabilities of its members. The chartering group included eight government and private sector attorneys, six corporate management and technology consultants, six corporate senior managers and officers, four educators, two civilian federal employees, two public policy officials, and one military officer.
Within one year of its chartering, Phi Nu Omega’s chapter members began achieving “…service to all mankind…” through partnerships with The Shelter House in Falls Church, Virginia and Alexandria Public Schools. International Program Targets were also developed for implementation in the Northern Virginia community. The Chapter’s partnership with The Shelter House enabled personal involvement with families who were really in need of a helping hand. The Shelter House is a temporary housing facility for families who are in transitional status as they seek employment, education, and homes. One of the Chapter’s projects for The Shelter House included AKA Coat Day. Additionally, Phi Nu Omega supported the National Race for the Cure. Other initiatives with The Shelter House included educational tutorials in the areas of computer literacy, reading, and mentoring. A highlight of Phi Nu Omega’s inaugural year was its presentation of a Personal Financial Management Seminar. The seminar included such basics as managing checking and saving accounts, as well as participation in 401(K) programs, home buying, and retirement planning. Recognizing the need to ensure that everyone understands the importance of participation in the democratic process, Phi Nu Omega chapter members organized a Voter Registration Drive in September 2000 in coordination with Fairfax County, Virginia Board of Elections, and in partnership with the Safeway Grocery Stores.
Further, Phi Nu Omega also became a Buckle Up America Campaign partner and a sponsor of Step Afrika!, a dance troupe with performers from the United States, Europe and the Soweto, South African Dance Theater. The purpose of Step Afrika! is to highlight the African-American sorority and fraternity art of stepping and its links to dance traditions around the world.
As the year of 2000 drew to a close, the members of Phi Nu Omega, while filled with a sense of accomplishment for all that they had achieved during their inaugural year, knew they had much more work to do in carrying out the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.