Xi Gamma Omega
HISTORY
Organized as the “Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha East-Bay Interest Group”, 28 trailblazing women chartered Xi Gamma Omega Chapter (“XGO”) on May 1, 1982 in Oakland, California. Spearheaded by Rhita Wilson, Sherrone Smith and Shryl Hayman (XGO’s first president), were Jacqueline Adams, Margaret Amoureaux, Donna Backstrom-Jones, Rosylin Bessard, Cheryl Bolling, Doris Brown (XGO’s first Golden member), Jenifer Burns, Wayzel Fuller, Gail Gross, Anita Harris, Mabel Hazard, Michelle Jackson, Beverly Johnson, Gail Johnson Murphy, Thomasina Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Cora Lewis, Lois Madkins (Walker), Valerie Miles (Tribble), Aloysia Rochon (Fouche′), Laura Saunders (Stephens), Lemyrtle Smith (Thompson), Vivian Smith (Carter), Marye Thomas, and Thomasenia Vann. Chartered by Far Western Regional Director Charlene D. Carodine, also in attendance was 8th International President Ida L. Jackson.
Two years later in 1984, Xi Gamma Omega chartered Xi Pi undergraduate chapter at California State University, Hayward.
In 2003, Xi Gamma Omega created the 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. to more effectively address the needs of the community in its mission to serve all mankind. In concert with the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Xi Gamma Omega’s rich history boasts a number of signature fundraising events including Conversations with Authors, the Twenty Pearls Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, Day at the Races, and Off the Vine Wine Tasting. These fundraising events have helped to support the Chapter’s scholarship program. As of the end of 2018, Xi Gamma Omega awarded over $150,000 in scholarships and book stipends to deserving college-bound students.
Xi Gamma Omega’s presence in the community and city of Oakland has been impactful in the areas of education, the arts, science, mathematics and technology, health and wellness, and the Black Family - youth, adults, and seniors. Its history is detailed in the Chapter’s second place 2014 Chapter History Book, housed in Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Center.
Xi Gamma Omega has grown exponentially since its birth in 1982. The chapter remained steadfast at around 65 members for nearly 30 years. In 2012, the chapter grew from a “medium” to “large” chapter with over 100 members. As of the start of 2019, Xi Gamma Omega was the largest chapter in Northern California with 175 active members and the second largest in the Far Western Region. 2022 marked the 40th anniversary of Xi Gamma Omega.
Chapter members include women in varied fields of endeavor - entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, a judge, attorneys, engineers, accountants, ministers, realtors, probation officers, police chief, program administrators, and technology professionals. Members have participated in the sorority at both regional and national levels. By merit and culture, we strive and we do.
