Omicron Xi Omega Charter Chapter

Omicron Xi Omega Chapter, Montclair New Jersey,  was charted on June 30, 1984 by thirty-seven illustrious women: Carol Allen, Dorothy Banks, Cheryl Blake, Edwina Branch, Cecelia Callaway, Frances Carter, Doris Coleman, Grace Crichlow, Lilyan Crichlow-Carter, Ada Dean, Marie Gaines, Mary Good, Mary Grimstead, Amy Harrison, Jeanne Heningburg, Loretta Hodge, Edith Hurt, Marjorie Kay, Marian Kinchelow, Elizabeth Leach, Alison Moore, Eleanor Newton, Rosie Noble, Dorothy Oliver, Marguerite Page, Sylvia Paterson, Julia Pinderhughes, Joan Wiggins-Reeves, Joyce Robinson, Jayme Rich, Elnora Smith, Frieda Smith, Ella Sweeney, Hortense Tate, Barbara Taylor, Marva Tidwell and Jane White. 

The award-winning Omicron Xi Omega Chapter has served the greater Montclair, New Jersey community for the past 35 years. The chapter has been recognized by such organizations as the Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey and the Montclair Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Omicron Xi Omega Chapter’s long record of community service dates back to its chartering by North Atlantic Regional Director, Ruth C. Easley. Under the leadership of its first President, Joan Wiggins-Reeves, Omicron Xi Omega Chapter became actively involved in social concerns, including organizing voter registration drives and participating in the national boycott of the Nestle Company. 

On May 3, 1998, North Atlantic Regional Director Wilma Holmes Tootle and members of Omicron Xi Omega chartered Rho Phi Chapter under the jurisdiction of Bloomfield College and Montclair State University. Twelve members were inducted. 

In recent years, Omicron Xi Omega Chapter has served the Montclair community by supporting Real House, Inc., a local women’s shelter, landscaping and donating toys to the local Child Development Center, promoting community-wide recycling, raising awareness among women about stroke and heart-disease prevention, mental health and wellness, and positive-parenting. Chapter members have raised money for donations to several organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society and the United Negro College Fund. In addition, members have participated in the Susan G. Komen Cancer Walk for the Cure, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the UNCF Walk for support of HBCUs.  Over the years, the chapter has given over $150,000 in scholarships to deserving young students.  

In 2017, the chapter established Pearls and Ivies Serving Montclair, New Jersey, and Beyond Foundation (Foundation) to ensure our important commitment to community service. 

Omicron Xi Omega chapter members have served our sorority on the International level in a variety of ways.  

• Mary Bentley-LaMar - 34th North Atlantic Regional Director and International Finance Committee (2018 - 2022)
• Deborah McBrayer Wilson -  International Finance Committee (2018-2022)
• Shirley A.R. Lewis - HBCU Presidents' Roundtable (2018 - 2022)
• Mary Bentley LaMar -  International Sisterly Relations Committee (2014 - 2018)
• Beverly McQueary Smith -  International Internal Leadership Training for External Service Committee (2010 - 2014) 

Omicron Xi Omega Chapter continues to grow and attract women who maintain a vital presence in the community and are leaders in the fields of education, business, law and medicine. The chapter strives to deliver sisterhood and service while continuing to engage, educate, and encourage the greater Montclair community and beyond.

Omicron Xi Omega Chapter is exemplifying excellence by focusing its efforts on supporting the five program targets. In 2019, the chapter awarded its largest single scholarship of $10,000.00 to a graduating high school student who enrolled at Howard University.  Chapter members have participated in all Global Impact Days.  Highlights included preparing and serving lunch to underprivileged and homeless residents at the Salvation Army as part of the chapter’s MLK Day of Service. The chapter enjoys and benefits from a continued partnership with the Montclair YMCA, engaging in Heart Health Month including Pink Goes Red activities such as Zumba and dance. Chapter members also support black-owned businesses, such as restaurants, vendors, health service providers, etc. in the Montclair and surrounding areas. In conjunction with the Foundation, Omicron Xi Omega Chapter sponsors an annual Gala to raise funds for community service projects and scholarships.  In 2019, the gala showcased the Harlem Renaissance and recognized local trailblazers for their support of HBCUs. The chapter members enjoyed making dresses for underprivileged little girls in Haiti, collecting shoes for Soles for Souls, and eyeglasses for the Lions Club International.