Empowering Future Leaders: The Xinos of Epsilon Chapter, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.

By: Kristy Lyles

The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK) is a predominantly African American organization for women in various facets of education. Founded in 1923 due to segregation in other societies, the Epsilon Chapter (1926), located in Charleston, WV, is the only chapter in the state. Originally an undergraduate body at West Virginia Colored Institute (now West Virginia State University), it became a post-graduate entity for female teachers, principals, and counselors actively engaged in the field.

In the 1970s, PDK established the youth group Xinos (pronounced Zee-nose) to elevate high school girls into leadership, community service, and academic excellence. The Epsilon Chapter Xinos group, led by advisors Kristy Lyles and Patricia Rosebourgh, has impacted numerous local organizations, such as the Salvation Army, WV Free, WV Breast Cancer Initiative, and many food pantries and community events. Xinos for Life, the alumni group, boasts practicing attorneys, physicians, educators, and other professionals, including BBG newspaper publisher Crystal Good.

Local NSPDK members at Winston-Salem State University

Epsilon Xinos also hosts a Speech Choir, consisting of seven young women who present oral interpretations of African American history, notable speeches, and biblical scriptures, sharing Black culture with diverse audiences. The Speech Choir, originally created by the late Ruth C. Norman, a Charlestonian educator, has been featured at civic groups, schools, and churches for the past 12 years.

The highlight of each year is a leadership conference that brings together Xinos and their male cohort, Kudos, to compete in oratory, science, drama, and other disciplines, including a “Step” competition. Epsilon Chapter has consistently earned top honors in these events.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative and investing in the future of these young leaders, contributions can be made to:

National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Epsilon Chapter Xinos
P.O. Box 253
Dunbar, WV 25064

Both PDK and Xinos are 501(c) tax-exempt organizations