NATIONAL HISTORY

In the spring of 1996 at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Founding Monarch Melissa Jo Murchison-Blake was in search of sisterhood. She wanter to be part of a family that openly embraced all women and crossed cultural boundaries. As a bi-racial women, she did not want to choose between historically Caucasian or African-American sororities. Founding Monarch Murchison-Blake felt that if she did choose one, she would be denying half of her heritage. Still wanting to be part of a strong sisterhood, founding Monarch Murchison-Blake recruited six other women (Founding Monarchs Geeta Nadia Kapur, Natalie Nicole Barker, Peggy Virginia Long, Brenda Imade Eribo, Katherine Ellen Stanley and Janella Kalla Poe) to join hands in her quest to found Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority. At first, the Founding Monarchs were, discouraged from fulfilling their vision. The Director of Greek Affairs advised them to consider joining an existing organization, expressing his concern that a new Greek organization, based on the principal of multiculturalism, would not survive at UNC-CH. However, the Founding Monarchs believed there was a need for such a sisterhood. Their efforts set the stage for Theta Nu Xi's presence in the Greek, non-Greek, and surrounding communities.

After much work and dedication, the Founding Monarchs built the foundation for Theta Nu Xi. Finally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill officially recognized Theta Nu XI Multicultural Sorority as the Alpha Chapter on April 11, 1997. With the collaborative efforts of the Founding Monarchs and the Sisters of Spring 1998, the organization grew beyond our expectations. The Sorority incorporated on April 29, 1999, and with the participation on the Alpha Chapter and Beta and Gamma Colonies, the National Organization was found at the firist annual National Convention on August 21, 1999.

XI MU CHAPTER HISTORY

In the summer of 2006, four Theta Nu Xi Alumna women relocated to the city of Orlando, to unknowingly expand the mission of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Gina Bethel (Lambda Spring 2004), the initiator, called the women together-- LeToya Stairs (Lambda Summer 2005), Charee Williams (Lambda Summer 2005), and Shari Roberts (Alpha Alpha Summer 2005)-- to speak about the expansion of a new Graduate, Alumnae and Professional Chapter in Central Florida. After months of meetings, hard work, and dedication, the Central Florida GAP Colony was officially recognized by the national organization on September 12, 2006. With the affirmation from the national organization, the colony began to move forward with initiatives highlighting the 5 tenets: Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Multiculturalism, throughout Central Florida region.

For over a year, the colony withstood the adversity of member relocation, financial hardship, and lack of awareness. With diligence, patience, and dedication they were able to acquire the new membership of alumna sorors Annette Kalloo (Alpha Alpha Fall 2006), Chaka Grover (Lambda Spring 2004), and Arlene Solano (Alpha Alpha Summer 2005), gain more community awareness, obtain financial security, and accomplish their single most important goal, to be recognized as a graduate chapter. This goal was accomplished on December 16, 2007.

The Xi Mu Chapter recognizes Gina Bethel (Lambda Spring 2004), Chaka Grover (Lambda Spring 2004), Annette Kalloo (Alpha Alpha Fall 2006), Arlene Solano (Alpha Alpha Summer 2005), and LeToya Stairs (Lambda Summer 2005) as its Chapter Founders.