The first Xinos Chapter was established in Toledo, Ohio by Mayola Senior. In that city the group was called “TOPS” instead of Xinos because the high school there prohibited Greek Letter organizations. The aims of the group were to inspire girls to achieve high scholastic records, to furnish guidance, and to enhance their cultural backgrounds. Sorority members worked diligently to achieve these aims.
In 1948, after the annual Conclave held in Newark, New Jersey, Julia A. Barnes, a Founder, aided by Alpha Chapter member Esther Cooke invited ten high school girls to meet at the home of our Founder Barnes to form a Xinos group. Thus, the first chapter east of the Mississippi River was established for Alpha Chapter in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The girls were enthused as the group met their needs for such an activity at that time; there were few youth groups outside of churches and the Y.W.C.A. for them to join.
The group grew and they engaged in many worthwhile activities, including tutoring, discussions on careers, philanthropy, gifts to the needy at Christmas time, trips to cultural events as well as social gatherings chaperoned by their parents and sorority members. Many girls were anxious to join the group. Other organizations in the city followed Alpha’s lead and formed youth groups.
The Eastern Region’s first Xinos Convention with Alpha, Eta, and Gamma Chapters collaboration was held in Newark, New Jersey. There were about 1500 girls in attendance. The program included a panel discussion on careers led by sorority members, a luncheon and dance. The girls and their guests were well behaved. They enjoyed every minute and were reluctant to leave.
Today, nearly all of the chapters of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. have Xinos Chapters. Sorority members work diligently to keep the Xinos alive, by providing an active, viable group so young ladies will aspire to become members. Each of the five regions holds its Xinos Regional Conference annually.
Many former Xinos have become Sorors thus establishing a tradition
(Experts taken from Founder Julia A. Barnes’ historical account of Xinos in the Eastern Region)
Around September of 1969 a group of six young men gathered to form the “Megistos Club.” The Megistos Club, which was Greek for “the greatest,” was sponsored by the Beta Theta Chapter of Los Angles, CA with Mrs. Julia Carpenter as advisor. Ronnie Bridges, Henry Cook, Alves Muzzer, Jimmy Whaley, Michael Palmer and Larry White were the original chartered members. Later, Beta Phi Chapter Compton, CA organized a group of boys and called them “Decathalions.”
The purpose of the Megistos was: to lift the educational, moral, and social standards of youth, to aid in the development of well rounded individuals, to create a desire in boys to improve their scholarship, to provide an opportunity for boys to broaden their scope of activities, to encourage active participation in civic activities, and to emphasize the cultural and social graces of manhood. Throughout the history of Beta Theta Kudos, the young men have maintained the history for the future, which is based on the original “the greatest.”
During the administration of Past Supreme Basileus Ruby Couche (1981-1985), all chapters were requested to organize boys groups and at that time Mrs. Bennie Lister of Alpha Rho Chapter-Dallas, TX was named National Chairperson of the boys’ group. Chapters during this time were asked to send in names for considerations for the boys’ group. Mrs. LaVerne Ford of Mu Chapter-Chicago, IL submitted the Kudos.
At the 1983 conclave after delegates voted, the name “Kudos” was adopted and the Megistos Club was officially changed to the “Kudos Club” meaning a claim prestige renown.”
Mrs. Lister along with Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Ford continued to work untiringly to build the Kudos Club. They gathered materials and information and developed the first draft of a Kudos Handbook.
Today, several chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. have Kudos Clubs. Sorority members work diligently to keep the Kudos an active and viable group, so young men successfully transition into productive citizens. Each of the five regions holds their Kudos Regional Conference annually in conjunction with the Xinos Club.
Excerpts taken from Soror Julia Carpenter’s historical accounts of the (Megistos) Kudos in the Farwestern Region. Additional information provided by Past Supreme Basileus Ruby Couche, Past Supreme Basileus E. Lucille Minor, Past Farwestern Regional Director Larayne Douglas and Southwestern Regional Director Mattie Woolen-Clay.