OMEGA PHI BETA
SORORITY, INC.
Official Name: Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Founding Institution: State University of New York at Albany
Founding Date: March 15th, 1989
Sorority Colors: Black, Forest Green and Radiant Gold
Sorority Flower: Sunflower
Sorority Mascot: Hummingbird
Nicknames: Betas, OPB, Radiant Sisters
The Ray of Hope Walk to End Violence Against Women aims to raise awareness of a global epidemic affecting the lives of womxn, children, and families. Every 15 seconds a womxn is physically assaulted by an intimate partner. In the United States, over 22 million womxn have been victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. The ROHW will shed light on the various forms of violence against womxn and girls, and also raise funds to assist organizations working towards ending gender based violence.
The walk will feature various events designed to highlight the different forms of violence against womxn, inclusive of a kick off ceremony, a rally celebrating the resilience of survivors, and a community fair where participants will learn about the realities of the abuse and violence plaguing homes across the country and the organizations that are committed to ending this global epidemic.
RAY OF HOPE
HERSTORY
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on March 15, 1989 at the State University of New York at Albany in Albany, New York. The historical marginalization of womxn, particularly womxn of color, has had a significant impact on the process by which multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-racial womxn ascertain educational, economic, social and political capital in American society.
In response to this reality, seventeen womxn from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds synthesized their passion, commitment and motivation. They envisioned an organization that would unify womxn, and particularly womxn of color, who were dedicated to correcting the injustices that have and continue to affect our communities.
SEVENTEEN FOUNDERS
Annette A. Ettrick - Panamanian
Lissette Jorge - Dominican
Samantha P. Lopez - Uruguayan
Renee Padilla - Puerto Rican
Grace Rivera - Puerto Rican
Silvia Toledo - Ecuadorian
Michelle Vasquez - Puerto Rican
Jane M. Vega - Irish/Puerto Rican
Saida Abrego - Salvadoran
Ileana Adorno - Puerto Rican
Ana E. Almonte - Dominican
T. Lisa Auson - Chinese/Dominican
Bevene B. Bablington - Jamaican
Brunilda Y. Cruz - Puerto Rican
Sara Delgado - Ecuadorian/Puerto Rican
Nancy Diaz - Dominican
Frances Echevarria - Puerto Rican
VISION
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated envisions a world without oppression where empowered womxn celebrate the essence of womxnhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.
MISSION
The purpose of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models we promote the unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors.
MOTTO
"Sirviendo y Educando a Través de Nuestra Diversidad
Serving and Educating Through Our Diversity"
BETA FACTS
Offical Crest
TERMINOLOGY
"Collective": Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated does not use the term 'colony' due to it's oppressive and racist history in regards to the overtaking of nations and people of color and has instead adopted the term collective when new entities are established.
"Womxn": The Collective at University of North Carolina at Charlotte has chosen to spell 'women' with an 'x' in order to be more inclusive of women's identities, especially with regards to gender and sexuality.
PHILANTHROPY: RAISING AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Originally, our philanthropy was directed at combatting domestic/interpersonal violence. However, recognizing that violence against womxn hinders progression, we have broadened the scope of our National Philanthropy to include ALL forms of violence affecting womxn everywhere.
Through our broadened National Philanthropy, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to our community while making a profound commitment to womxn’s rights. We acknowledge the rigorous battle that lies ahead.
If you have been or suspect being victim to a crime, knowing your rights is the first and most important step.
Every womxn has a RIGHT:
1. To live free of intimidation
2. To freely express her ideas or opinions
3. To make her own choices
4. To equal privilege
5. To receive justice and tell her "story” without prejudice