Swing Phi Swing

History

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® was founded at Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at the conclusion of the Civil Rights Movement and the burgeoning of the Black Power Movement. Twelve African-American women- with the help of their brother organization Groove Phi Groove, founded Swing Phi Swing on Friday, April 4, 1969 which was the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At a time of social unrest, these twelve young women created an organization that would honor the trailblazers of the Civil Rights Movement and their legacy.

These women dared to be different by challenging the traditional membership in Black Greek-Lettered organizations and chose to create a fellowship of women committed to meaningful community service, promoting and achieving academic excellence, and strengthening community involvement and engagement through culturally conscious events and activities. Swing Phi Swing ignited a flame that influenced thousands of women to follow in their footsteps. Their pioneering spirit continues to burn in the hearts of many Sisters, transcending the boundaries of geography, social class, complexion, and religious affiliation. Today, Swing has over 50 graduate and undergraduate chapters throughout the United States.

The twelve founders are:

The founding date is the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

During the 1970s, Swing Phi Swing's membership grew as Black college women across the South, the Midwest and the East Coast heard of an afro-centric organization. Chapters were started at prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Hampton University (Hampton Institute), Morgan State University, Tuskegee University (Tuskegee Institute), Wilberforce University, Shaw University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

On April 4, 2014, Swing Phi Swing celebrated their 45-year anniversary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina during their National Convention. Eight of the surviving founders attended the convention and were present to describe how they founded the organization.

The current National President is Dr. Leone Lettsome who will serve from 2012 to 2015.

Demographics

Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc. is divided into seven regions across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Each region is directed by a Regional Director who monitors all chapters and members-at-large in her jurisdiction.

Regional Directors

Crystal Wimbush Mid-Atlantic Regional Director DE | MD | OH | PA | VA | WV | DC

Fatoumata Cissoko-Willis Midwest Regional Director IL | IN | IA | KY | MI | MN | WI

Shadorah Howard Northeast Regional Director CT | ME | MA | NH | NJ | NY | RI | VT

Stephanie Russell Northwest Regional Director AK | ID | MT | NE | ND | SD | OR | WA | WY

Stephanie Russell South-Central Regional Director AR | KS | LA | MO | OK | TX

Danielle Waden Southeast Regional Director AL | FL | GA | MS | NC | SC | TN

Fatoumata Cissoko-Willis Southwest Regional Director AZ | CA | CO | HI | NM | NV | UT

Leadership

The National Organization of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship is managed and operated by Board of Directors, Executive Officers and Regional Directors.

National Presidents

Current Graduate Chapters

Current Undergraduate Chapters