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Our History

In February 1989,  seven members entertained the idea of a second graduate chapter in Charlotte, NC. Donna Y. Bailey, Savannah Clay, Karen Davis-Dixon, Rosemary Lawrence, Beverly Glover Logan, Bettie Glenn, and Mamie Murrell were the visionaries who formed the Core Group. They saw the possibility of expanding the presence of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in the Charlotte metropolitan area with a direct focus on community service.

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On June 25, 1989, “A Strand of Pearls” was established as an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® with a visit from the 11th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Marye Jeffries. After the establishment of “A Strand of Pearls” and a lot of hard work, Rho Psi Omega was chartered on November 12, 1989, with 50 charter members. Donna Y. Bailey, formerly president of “A Strand of Pearls” was elected as the first chapter president.

Visionaries

Donna Bailey

Savannah Clay

Karen

Davis-Dixon

Dr. Bettie J. Glen

Rosemary Lawrence

Beverly Glover Logan

Mamie Murrell​

Charter Members

​​Betty Alsbrook * Donna Y. Bailey * Vivian B. Beamer * Evelyn J. Blackwell * Karen E. Breach * Donna S. Brown * Savannah Clay * Valencia P. Covington * Karen M. Davis Dixon * Mary D. Daniel Dobly * Velma D. Falls * Rachelle D. Funderburke * Deborah M. Gibbs * Patricia Goings * Edith C.M. Graham * Bettie Glenn * Jacqueline C. Green * Lori A. Grier * Deanna S. Highe * Melissa Y. Holmes * Calenia G. Ivory * Laura A. Johnson * Cynthia M. Kennedy * Barbara S. Kitchen * Rosemary L. Lawrence * Beverly Glover Logan * Bonnie R. Lucas * Fentress O. Martin * Trina A. McCorkle * Christil V. McKenzie * Brenda Y. McKoy * Clara M. Mitchell * Minnie L. Mitchell * Cynthia N. Mobley * Mamie Lou W. Murrell * Wanda B. Owens * Carmaine L. Page * Elysee J. Phillips * Carolyn D. Reeves * Doris Smalls Reid * Gwendolyn D. Roberts * Pamela M. Robinson * Berdell Brown-Rowell * Elizabeth A. Simmons * Donna J. Parket-Tate * Joyce D. Waddell * Rubye B. Wallace * Doris G. White * Hycena Williams * Sherry D. Young

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Chapter Accomplishments:

Since chartering in 1989, Rho Psi Omega has made a significant impact on the Charlotte community. Some of the programs, fundraisers, and events the chapter has conducted over the years include:

  • B.R.I.D.G.E. Jobs Program

  • Pearls of Culture (mentoring program)

  • Seniors Morning Out at McCrorey YWCA

  • Original Girl Talk (partnership with Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated)

  • Political Forms (partnership with Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®)

  • My Mother’s Hats at the Mint Museum of Art

  • Tutoring at local elementary schools

  • Debutante Cotillion (partnership with RPO, Inc.)

  • Graduate Greek Picnic

  • Graduate Greek Step Show

  • Pink Groove Tournament Party

Rho Psi Omega has also supported the community  by giving scholarships to high school seniors.  The chapter awarded its first scholarship of $500 in 1989.  Since then, the chapter has awarded over $180,000 in scholarships to African-American high school seniors attending colleges or universities, with top recipients receiving as much as $5,000 each.

  • Race for the Cure (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation)

  • Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Metrolina AIDS Project)

  • MLK Day Parade (City of Charlotte)

  • Pink Goes Red (American Heart Association)

  • Sisters on the Square (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Charlotte Alumnae chapter)

  • Bowling for Babies (Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated)

  • Tots on Parade (Charlotte NPHC)

  • UNCF

  • Salvation Army

We have also supported other organizations with their endeavors:

Scholarships for High School Students:

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Rho Psi Omega

Chapter Presidents

President                                         

  1. Donna Y. Bailey                           

  2. Gwendolyn Roberts                    

  3. Dr. Bettie J. Glenn                         

  4. Laura A. Johnson                           

  5. Kim McMillon-Coston                   

  6. Trinia A. McCorkle                           

  7. Valerie Patterson                             

  8. Dr. Tangela Williams                       

  9. Tiffany Fox                                         

  10. Betty M. Cooper                                

  11. Valerie D. Vanderhall                       

  12. Dr. Renae Sanders                            

  13. A. Renee Grisham                              

  14. Stacey Sandeford-Lyons                  

  15. Dr. Meg Gibson                                 

  16. Hon. Carla Archie                             

  Year Served

1989-1991

1991-1993

1994-1995

1996-1997

1998-1999

2000-2001

2002-2003

2004-2005

2006-2007

2007-2009

2010-2011

2012-2015

2016-2017

2018-2019

2020-2023

2024-Present

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