Omicron Epsilon Pi
Omicron Epsilon Pi (ΟΕΠ) is a non-collegiate American sorority and the first Greek letter organization catering to the needs of lesbian women with an emphasis on lesbians of color.[1][2]
| Omicron Epsilon Pi | |
|---|---|
| ΟΕΠ | |
 | |
| Founded | February 7, 2000 Tallahassee, FL |
| Type | Social |
| Motto | Not for ourselves, but for all in diversity |
| Colors | Royal Blue and Platinum |
| Flower | White Camellia |
| Jewel | The Opal |
| Mascot | Lioness |
| Philanthropy | Project E.M.P.O.W.E.R. |
| Chapters | National, Local City, Graduate and Professional |
| Headquarters | Tallahassee, Florida United States |
History
In February 2000, students Lakisha Goss, Janiece Smith, Michelle McCallum and Stefany Richards created Iota Lambda Pi sorority. The intention was to create a Greek Letter organization that catered to lesbian women of color in order to uplift and uphold unity within the lesbian community. However, as the planning got under way, they realized an even greater need for an organization that catered to the needs of aggressive or dominant women. Richards and McCallum renamed Iota Lambda Pi Sorority a "fraternity," while Goss and Smith branched off to form Omicron Epsilon Pi Sorority, which be primarily for more feminine lesbians.[3]
The four founders are now known as "Sapphires". On February 5, 2005, Danielle Guess and Bruh Kalicia Fresh were inducted as founders.
Omicron's Philanthropy
Omicron Epsilon Pi's philanthropy project is called Project E.M.P.O.W.E.R.:
- Educate- the LGBT and ally community
- Motivate- people to become active in their communities
- Prepare- the LGBT community for obstacles they may encounter in life
- Organize- the LGBT so that they can be effective in the community
- Work with- people in all areas to benefit the community as a whole
- Equip- the LGBT community with resources that they can use in their own lives and communities
- Reconnect- community members with each other so that they can be helpful to each other
This project has five main focus sub-programs including anti-discrimination, domestic violence, homelessness, LGBT parenting and families, and suicide prevention. Some projects currently going on within the sorority include seminars for anti-discrimination and hate crimes, domestic violence, and a suicide awareness and prevention seminar has been completed; also, the members in Atlanta, Ga have a First Saturday Sandwich Project (FSSP) in which lunch bags are prepared and given out to the homeless in downtown Atlanta.
Current Chapters
Omicron Epsilon Pi is a growing organization with four local chapters across the southeast, a national chapter for members who do not have a local chapter in their area, and the Gamma Alpha Pi Chapter for ladies 30 years old and above.[3]
The local chapters include:
Alpha Chapter - Atlanta, GA and surrounding metro areas
Beta Chapter - Orlando, FL and surrounding metro areas
Gamma Chapter - Ft. Lauderdale, FL and surrounding metro areas
Delta Chapter - Nashville, TN and surrounding metro areas
Epsilon Chapter - Tampa, FL and surrounding metro areas
The National Chapter for members who do not have a local chapter in their city is known as the Mu Nu Chapter.
References
- "What a rush: a lesbian sorority" Curve magazine, December 1, 2004
- Choron, Harry and Sandra (2004). College in a Can: What's In, Who's Out, Where To, Why Not, and Everything Else You Need to Know about Life on Campus. pp. 25–26. ISBN 0-618-40871-1.
- Omicron Epsilon Pi, Sorority Incorporated