Mission
Members of Omega Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are active in the community through service, education, and special events. As members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. our mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship, and alleviate problems concerning girls and women. We are constantly striving to execute on the sorority’s International Program to impact the community and be of service to all mankind.
History
On the lovely fall evening of October 24, 2014, over 150 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. attended a gathering at Ivy Hall to obtain information from Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Joyce Henderson about forming a new Interest Group for the purpose of chartering a third chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina. The meeting was filled with lots of sisterly affection and enthusiasm about the opportunity to broaden Alpha Kappa Alpha’s footprint in Charlotte and attendees were eager to learn how. After that meeting, the sorors who desired to proceed with the journey set out on a clear path to chart the course and by December 31, 2014, 82 sorors had completed the necessary documents to be included in the Interest Group formation journey.
In February 2015, the Board of Directors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. voted and approved the official formation of the new Interest Group, which chose the name Mecklenburg County Pearls of Excellence, affectionately known as MCPOE. With the approval of the sorority’s leadership, the 82 members of MCPOE began the journey towards chartering a new chapter in the spirit of sisterly love, passion for community impact and zeal for our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The Interest Group immediately began working hard after approval by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Board of Directors under the leadership and guidance of a capable and pragmatic Executive Committee. The MCPOE Interest Group Officers were: Doris R. Asbury – President; Sherri Belfield – Vice President; Toria Burch – Recording Secretary; Latrelle McAllister – Assistant Recording Secretary; Ashley Crowder Walker – Corresponding Secretary; Veronica Dawkins – Treasurer; Cassaundra Pointer – Financial Secretary; Sohelia Thorne – Ivy Leaf Reporter; Tyyawdi Hands – Parliamentarian; Nikki Fleming – Historian; Teila Hand Broadnax – Chaplain; Cheryl McGee – Sergeant At Arms and Alfreda Belton and Karen Darlington Phelps – Hostesses.
MCPOE continued to provide service in northern and southern Mecklenburg County and to serve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in the lead-up to the culminating event – Chartering Weekend. During the Chartering Weekend, MCPOE hosted an exquisite dinner at The Charlotte City Club on Saturday, August 20, 2016, and a celebratory after–party at Ivy Hall. Members celebrated in full form on Saturday evening then arose early on Sunday, August 21, 2016, to gather at The Charlotte Marriott City Center for the sacred Chartering Ceremony and festive luncheon that followed. Over 300 guests attended the Chartering Luncheon to salute Charlotte’s newest Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Omega Iota Omega – which officially became the 995th Chapter of the Sorority. The 82 charter members forever treasure the journey and honor of chartering Omega Iota Omega chapter.
Omega Iota Omega’s first officers were: Doris R. Asbury – President; Sherri Belfield – Vice President; Toria Burch – Recording Secretary; Latrelle McAllister – Assistant Recording Secretary; Ashley Crowder Walker – Corresponding Secretary; Veronica Dawkins – Treasurer; Cassaundra Pointer – Financial Secretary; Sohelia Thorne – Ivy Leaf Reporter; Tyyawdi Hands – Parliamentarian; Nikki Fleming – Historian; Teila Hand Broadnax – Chaplain; Cheryl McGee – Sergeant At Arms and Alfreda Belton and Karen Darlington Phelps – Hostesses.
Omega Iota Omega quickly established itself as a force in Mecklenburg County throughout 2017 with strong programs that implemented the sorority’s international program targets as well as highly-regarded activities that empowered and enlightened citizens in the areas of social justice and non-partisan political activism. During the Western Carolina Cluster on October 7, 2107, Omega Iota Omega was recognized with a “Best of the Best” acknowledgement for its day-long program activities for The Longest Day to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Omega Iota Omega continues to strive for excellence in service and collaboration in Mecklenburg County. Its chapter members are focused on supporting the community and will be of “service to all mankind” by implementing the sorority’s international platform and programs in Mecklenburg County and the marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.