OMEGA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC.
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on March 15, 1989 at the University at Albany, State University of New York. The historical marginalization of women, particularly women of color, has had a significant impact on the process by which multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-racial women ascertain educational, economic, social and political capital in American society.
In response to this reality, seventeen women from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds synthesized their passion, commitment and motivation. They envisioned an organization that would unify women of color who were dedicated to correcting the injustices that have and continue to affect our communities.
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) is the nation’s premiere Greek-lettered organization working towards the elimination of violence against women and empowerment of women. As a national sorority, OPBSI is committed to the development of collegiate and professional women through sisterhood, diversity, leadership, service and academic excellence.
To learn more about our organization visit our National Website.
Mission | Vision | Motto
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 unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors.
OPBSI envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.
Sirviendo y Educando a Través de Nuestra Diversidad
Serving and Educating Through Our Diversity
Philanthropy
Omega Phi Beta has dedicated itself to combating and championing for domestic violence awareness and awareness of violence against women. Recognizing that violence against women hinders progression, we have broadened the scope of our National Philanthropy to include ALL forms of violence affecting our gender, including but not limited to: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Mutilation, Stalking and Human Trafficking.
Throughout the years, we have worked hand in hand with organizations such as the Voices of Women, Safe Horizon, Sanctuary for Families, and Amnesty International, in an effort to spread awareness of this crippling issue. Thus 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 women’s rights. We acknowledge the rigorous battle that lies ahead.
Ray of Hope Walk
The Ray of Hope Walk to End Violence Against Women (ROHW), formerly known as the Ray of Hope Initiative-ROHI, was established by OPBSI in 2011 with the aim to raise awareness of a global epidemic affecting the lives of women, children, and families. Every 15 seconds a woman is physically assaulted by an intimate partner. In the United States, over 22 million women have been victims of sexual assault in their lifetime.
Every year the ROHW partners with local and national agencies working towards ending gender-based violence. We select as our beneficiary an organization that provides services, operates at a grassroots level, and is actively engaged in eliminating violence against women. Our past beneficiaries serve as great resources to the community. The Ray of Hope Walk has donated more than $55,000 to some of the nation’s most impactful organizations working at both national and local levels to empower women.
The annual walk focuses on challenging women and men alike to be a part of the movement to end this global epidemic– in an effort to create a safe and equitable society for all. The walk features various events designed to highlight the different forms of violence against women, 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.
The ROHW takes place every October either virtually or in major U.S. cities including our flagship cities: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. If you are interested in becoming a partner, volunteer, or simply participating visit the ROHW Website for details on this year’s walk and supporting events.
The Ray of Hope Walk is…
…a movement
…a proclamation
…a form of resistance
…an agent of change
We Believe Every Woman has a RIGHT:
To live free of intimidation,
To express her ideas or opinions,
To make her own choices,
To equity,
To receive justice,
To tell her story and be heard!
