Beta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.®, was chartered March 19, 1938 by a group of African American Community Service Women.  Those like-minded women were Ruby N. Bryant, Delle Curtis, Nettie C. Langston, Ollivette L. Jones Morgan, Bernice James, Lois T. Davis Martin, E. Goldie Hunter Smith and Myrtle Thomas.

 

In the early years of Beta Phi Omega chapter, two charter members held the office of Regional Director in the South Central  Region, which is composed of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas.  Those members were Lois Marin Tyus the Second South Central Regional Director, while Olivette L. Jones Morgan served as the Third South Central Regional Director.  Beta Phi Omega Chapter was also host to several Regional Conferences in Galveston, Texas in 1940, 1950, 1984 and several area retreats.  Mrs. Maggie Williams was appointed first Cluster Coordinator of the South East Texas area, by the Regional Director.  Beta Phi Omega Chapter is also home to the 19th Far Western Regional Director, Mrs. Cornelia Harris-Banks (1992-1996).  

 

Through the years the chapter presented to the community celebrities such as Jackie Robinson, Duke Ellington, Etta Motena and Maya Angelou.  The Chapter sponsored an Annual Children Theatre Party,, Fashionettes, Senior Citizen Christmas Parties, Scholarships and Job Corps Projects.  One of the health projects was with Dr. Herman Barnett from the University of Texas Medical Branch, vaccinating elementary school children in preparation for the beginning of the school.

 

For over 30 years our major fundraiser is the Mardi Gras Gala which is presented by the Ivy Isle Foundation of Texas, Inc, an educational foundation of Beta Phi Omega Chapter.  The proceeds are used to fund scholarships to high school seniors and community service projects.  

 

Today we are still partnering with our local community to solve problems as well as provide programs of service at home and abroad.  We have a new National President and her theme, Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood, in keeping with her theme Beta Phi Omega Chapter will continue to inspire our communities and renew our efforts to be of serve to all mankind.