Charter Members of the Charlotte Chapter of Charms, Inc.
Charms, Incorporated, established in 1952, is a national non-profit social, civic and cultural organization of women dedicated to high cultural standards and humanitarian service that will improve the quality of life for all. The Charlotte Chapter of Charms, Inc. was established in 1970, and is an organization comprised of unique, talented and genuine women who look for meaningful ways to enhance life and address issues that impact those around us. Our husbands play an extremely important role to our organization externally and are called Charmers. Our children are called Gems.
The Charlotte Chapter of Charms, Incorporated, initially known as the Charlotte Chapter of Squaws, Inc. was installed into the National Chapter of Squaws on November 28, 1970. Squaw June Richards of the Detroit Chapter contacted the late Squaw Lillian Alexander of Charlotte about incorporation and thus, the Charlotte Chapter, sponsored by the Detroit Chapter became the first southern chapter to be installed.
On February 11, 1997, the official name was changed to Charms, Incorporated. Charm Bettye McLaurin became the first local president. Other past presidents included Charms Eva Shadd, Alberta Barnes, Shirley Massey, Mae Orr, Mary Gill, Marie Steele, Maxine Davis, Delores Sanders, Hattie Anthony and Najeedah Stover. And, in 2020, Charm Linda Green became president of the Charlotte Charms.
Through the years, the Charlotte Chapter has been actively involved in social, educational, and political activities. We proudly recognize and honor those who supported the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Association of Sickle Cell Disease, The United Negro College Fund, The Red Cross, The Cancer Society, Friendship Baptist Church’s Black College Awareness Day, and the list goes on.
On November 28, 2020, the Charlotte Chapter of Charms, Inc. proudly celebrated 50 years of incorporation with a special 50thCommemoration Day (virtual) program recognizing 3 charter members: Charms Christine R. Bowser,
Maxine O. Davis and Mary R. Gill.
Our Motto:
“Smile, help your fellow man and aspire to great things.”
Our Emblem:
Charm Bracelet
Our Colors:
Royal Blue and Silver
Flowers:
White, blue-tipped chrysanthemum or carnations with royal blue and silver. ribbons