Lisa Wilson - President
CHARMS HISTORY
Charms, Incorporated has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1952. Our founders were a small band of young Pittsburgh women who, because of their busy lives, met once a month to socialize and catch up on the news in and about Pittsburgh. The ladies usually gathered late in the evening, and they jokingly called themselves “The Midnighters.”
Although there were women working in traditional roles, African-American women were mostly relegated to working as domestic servants, often with long hours and performing physically demanding work for very low wages. Mrs. Lavera Edward Hord, along with a majority of her friends, such as Laura Stewart and Betty Watkins, and other acquaintances, band together to not only form a women's organization but also be part of history. They saw a need for a group that would be different from the others. She said to her friend, "Let us form an organization that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."
The Midnighters decided to formally organize and select a name for themselves. The choice of the name was a joint decision. Inspiration came from a variety of sources: Egyptian lore, Hindu mysticism, and reflections on Native Americans' wide-ranging interests and their strength and endurance.
Never had a social organization been founded so completely and with such depth of meaning. From the very beginning, a vote was taken; "Squaws" was the winner; thus, the Squaws were born. In 1962, the Squaws applied for and received their charter, thereby making the Pittsburgh group the "Founding Chapter,” and Rebecca Hairston of Pittsburgh became the first National President.
Because of the combined social, cultural, and civic makeup, Squaws received a charter as a non-profit 501 (c) (7) organization.
ANNAPOLIS CHAPTER
In 2025, a group of women from the Annapolis and surrounding area were approached by Charm Lisa Randall-Wilson, Charm Joye Williams, and Charm Deneal Fisher-McGowans of the Washington, DC Charms Chapter about the prospect of chartering an Annapolis Charms, Inc. Chapter.
After careful planning and consideration, preparations were made to officially organize an interest group. Included in the group were Susie Adams, Laniel Brown, Shawnte Brown, Lisa DeJesus, Nakia Harris, Kyra Hemphill, Jeanette B. James, Dr. Rhonda L. Johnson, LaShon Little, Korrie Pierce, Dawna Alexander Powell, Kimberli Randall, Michele Mooney Reese, and Lisa Slade.
The ladies met at Mount Olive AME Church in the basement at 2 Hicks Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland, at the Westwind’s Annapolis Clubroom, and on the ZOOM platform. The group received excellent guidance from Charm Lisa Randall-Wilson, Charm Joye Williams, and Charm Deneal Fisher-McGowans regarding the process and procedures for the group to be considered for chartering a chapter of Charms, Inc. in Annapolis, Maryland. The group interaction and dynamics were respectful; all the ladies were excited about what was to come.
In early September 2025, the group chose the name Ladies of Grace and voted to refer to each other as “Lady first name or surname.”
On November 7, 2025, the group met with Charm Patrica Johnson, Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee, and Charm Janet Brunson, Gahana, Ohio Chapter. The ladies were housed at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A meet-and-greet was held with lite fare. On November 8, 2025, Charm Karen Thomas of the Washington, DC Chapter joined the National Committee. The National Committee set the stage and provided the requirements, directions, and the path forward for the Ladies of Grace to become an official Charms, Inc. Chapter.
On December 11, 2025, the Ladies of Grace received an email informing them that they had been approved as a prospective Charms, Inc. chapter. On May 30. 2026, the Ladies of Grace of Annapolis, MD were inducted as a new chapter of Charms, Inc.