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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-99
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 7, 2025
To recognize the 80th Anniversary of the founding of Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and
Fraternity, Inc., and the legacy of its Founder Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joyner.
WHEREAS, Alpha Chi Pi Omega is a historically Black Sorority and Fraternity for
beauticians and barbers.
WHEREAS, 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the founding of Alpha Chi Pi Omega
Sorority and Fraternity, Inc;
WHEREAS, Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joyner, who would become the Founder of the Alpha
Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity, Inc., established herself early on in her career as a
successful cosmetologist;
WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner was connected with Madame C.J. Walker, a pioneer of the
African-American hair care industry, and enrolled in her beauty and hair-styling classes;
WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner later became Vice President of Madame C.J. Walker’s company
and the National Supervisor for the Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Schools, remaining with the
company for over 50 years and creating patents for beauty products both under her name and for
the company;
WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner expanded her reach within the government with her appointment
as the Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Beauty Culture, where she wrote the very first state
laws and regulations that governed cosmetology and haircare in Illinois;
WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner became a Civil Rights leader who, during World Ward II,
opened up her salons and beauty schools as an outlet for entertainment and relaxation to the
United Service Organization (USO) for Black servicemen, who were not allowed to partake in
any of the regular USO-sponsored social activities due to segregation;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner continued her Civil Rights work, becoming a close confidante
and associate of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt – fighting together with her against discrimination
and prejudice, opening doors of opportunities for women of color in the workplace, and
providing support during World War II;
WHEREAS, on October 27, 1945, the first and Founding Meeting to organize and
establish Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity, Inc., was convened in Washington, D.C.
by Founder Dr. Joyner, and attended by the Co-Founders and 38 Charter Members;
WHEREAS, through Alpha Chi Pi Omega, Dr. Joyner, also known as “The Grand Dame
of Black Beauty and Culture,” assisted Black women – and men – around the country in gaining
economic independence and political power, as well as providing a viable social outlet for
elegance and sophistication;
WHEREAS, Dr. Joyner’s sustained and visionary leadership of Alpha Chi Pi Omega
gained her genuine respect among Black female entrepreneurs during the most difficult and
challenging times of the 20th century for African Americans;
WHEREAS, during the 80th International Conclave and Joyner Hair and Beauty Expo
from October 24-29, 2025, here in Washington, D.C., Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and
Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate their Founding anniversary at the 80th Ruby Anniversary Jubilee
Celebration, which will include a reenactment of the first Founding Meeting with Dr. Joyner.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity Recognition
Resolution of 2025”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and celebrates the anniversary
of Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity, Inc., and the enduring legacy of its Founder Dr.
Marjorie Stewart Joyner.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.