OMEGA KAPPA OMEGA

HERSTORY: Beginning Anew

Chartered on September 10, 2016, Omega Kappa Omega greeted the township of Buies Creek and the County of Harnett. Armed with new energy and vision, twenty-three charter members worked for two years to meet the demands of the community and Alpha Kappa Alpha for chapter approval by the Directorate in 2015. A ceremony, conducted by Lt. Col. Retired, U.S. Army Mrs. Joyce Henderson Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, was held in Dunn, North Carolina, at the Historic Howard House.

The idea of starting a chapter in the Harnett County area was fostered by the newly initiated undergraduate member Da’vita Turrentine. She expressed to her mom, Soror Cindy McLean White, the need for the presence of the sorority after attending a holiday community service project with her in the Buies Creek (Harnett County) area. After many conversations with her daughter, Soror Cindy began to explore the possibility and had a discussion with Soror Vikki Andrews, who agreed this was a worthwhile endeavor. A small core group of general members from the county was identified. After identifying potential members, the first get to know you gathering was an all-white day party held at the Regency in Dunn, North Carolina, hosted by Soror Natalie Tucker-Ferrell. Then an invitation was sent to all general and inactive members for a Founders’ Day Luncheon held in Dunn, North Carolina, which was our first discussion of this idea moving forward (January 2013). A name was selected from among several suggestions. It was noted that though the organization was founded upon the principles of college-level Greek-lettered fellowship, it was also important to keep the link between the sisterhood and to make our presence identifiable in the community. Thus, the name Buies Creek Pearls of Purpose was chosen.

On July 18, 2014, at the close of the 65th Boule Charlotte, North Carolina, approximately 15 members met with the Regional Director, Mrs. Joyce Henderson, to express the desire for interest group status. The packet for the interest group was submitted to the Regional Director in October 2014. At the first directorate meeting of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated – in November of 2014, the group was officially granted interest group status. Following the approval, several members answered the call and worked diligently to ensure the vision of a chapter in Harnett County was fulfilled.

The initial goals for the group were: (1) To create the Alpha Kappa Alpha presence in the Harnett County area; (2) To diligently seek out those Sorors in the area who are inactive and who would be interested in a growth opportunity; and (3) To develop and address the needs for the area and develop partnerships.

On September 10, 2016, Buies Creek Pearls of Purpose became Omega Kappa Omega with a Chartering Ceremony conducted by Mrs. Joyce Henderson, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at the Howard House, Dunn, North Carolina, at 11:00 a.m.

The first official meeting was held under the banner of the Chapter’s official name OMEGA KAPPA OMEGA.

Charter Members

Pamela Y. Williams

Tatyana C. Williams