Omega Phi Beta was founded on March 15, 1989, at the State University of New York in Albany, New York by seventeen women of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Its founders wanted to create an outlet for all women with an emphasis on multiculturalism, as well as community service and sisterhood. The sorority is Latina-oriented, not Latina-based, further emphasizing its dedication to diversity.
The sorority initially expanded on the East Coast but has since formed chapters at colleges and universities in the Midwest, California, and Southeast. It is a member organization of National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).
Symbols
Omega Phi Beta's colors are black, forest green, and radiant gold. Its flower is the sunflower and its mascot is the hummingbird. Its motto is "Sirviendo y Educando a Través de Nuestra Diversidad" or "Serving and Educating Through Our Diversity". Its publication is El Girasol.
Activities
Omega Phi Beta was the first Latina sorority to participate in and win Step Correct, a traditionally National Pan-Hellenic Council competition.[2] In 2007, MTV's True Life featured the journey of the Soul Steppin' Divas National Step Team compete in the episode "I'm Stepping". In 2014, the Art of Stepping team was inducted to the Art of Step/Stroll Hall of Fame.
Awards and recognition
2003 – LatinosStep, Annual Summer Step Show, National Champions
2004 – LatinosStep, Annual Summer Step Show, National Champions
2005 – LatinosStep, Annual Summer Step Show, National Champions
2006 – LatinosStep, 5th Annual Silk and Smooth, Stroll Champions
2007 – StepCorrect, National Step Competition, Champions
2011 – Art of Stepping, RISC Step/Stroll Championship, National Step Champions
2012 – Art of Stepping, RISC Step/Stroll Championship, National Step Champions
2012 – RISC Step/Stroll Championship, National Stroll Champions
2013 – Art of Stepping, RISC Step/Stroll Championship, National Step Champions
2013 – RISC Step/Stroll Championship, National Stroll Champions
In June 2005, the sorority established a partnership with Amnesty International.[4] It has also helped to raise over ten thousand dollars towards AIDS research and domestic violence awareness initiatives.[5] It has created youth mentoring groups such as S.O.U.L. (Steppin’ Off to Unite Latinas) and the Madrinas Program and various scholarships such as the Reach For the Gold book scholarship.
Omega Phi Beta Foundation
Omega Phi Beta Foundation is a national philanthropic organization committed to initiatives that build a safe and equitable world for women and girls through leadership and educational programs for communities nationwide. The foundation was created in response to the ongoing need for role models and leaders in the community.[6]