SORORITY HISTORY

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) is an international service organization founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 15, 1908. AKA is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.

The mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is based on five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception. Our mission is:

to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards,
to promote unity and friendship among college women,
to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature,
to maintain a progressive interest in college life,
and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

the founders

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority founders were among the fewer than 1,000 Negroes enrolled in higher education institutions in 1908, and the 25 women who received bachelor of arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors constituted the founding members.

Led by Ethel Hedgemon (Lyle), a group of talented scholastic leaders of their classes came together to form Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Just one generation removed from slavery, these gifted students were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to actualize that determination.

To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Sorority, Incorporated® history, visit www.aka1908.com.

Chapter History

The Nu Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered October 31, 1981 at the College Inn Restaurant in Madison, Florida under the direction of the Ninth South Atlantic Regional Director, Mrs. Deloris Ham Oliver. The charter members are Shirley Barfield, Martha Barge, Marie Bell, Catherine Brooks, Johnnie Burgess, Deloris Jones, Jacquelyn Jones, Helen Myers, Sandra Monlyn, Jayne Scott, Edna Turner, Loritta Turner, Chrystina Vaught, Evelyn Whitby, Vinette Williams and Joyce Wilson.

Ms. Deloris Jones, along with ten other ladies petitioned Membership Chairperson, Ms. Jacqueline Harper of Kappa Eta Omega Chapter in Valdosta, Georgia for membership. In October 1980, communications were received from Ms. Harper for the group to meet at Valdosta State College Student Center to get acquainted. On January 5, 1981, the group met at the South Georgia Regional Library for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Pledge Ceremony. The orientation period concluded on January 31, 1981 and the ladies were initiated into Kappa Eta Omega Chapter.

While members of Kappa Eta Omega, thirteen members from Madison, Florida and two from Tallahassee, Florida petitioned the Ninth Regional Director Mrs. Deloris Oliver to charter a chapter in Madison, Florida. Mrs. Norma Solomon White, Eighth Regional Director met with petitioners in Tallahassee Florida to review their work and provide direction. The ladies were required to complete several projects and send reports to the Regional Director. The major project was a “Rock-A-Thon” which supported the purchase of identification bracelets for dialysis patients.

The petition was approved and ultimately Nu Omega Omega Chapter was chartered in Madison, Florida, October 31, 1981. These women immediately began to provide service to Madison County. They upheld AKA’s standards of high scholastic achievement, sincere sisterhood, and high moral standards.

The officers were Chrystina Vaught–President, Sandra Monlyn–Vice President, Edna Turner– Secretary, Vinette Williams–Assistant Secretary, Marie Bell–Corresponding Secretary, Martha Barge–Reporter, Shirley Barfield–Treasurer, Johnnie Burgess–Sergeant-at-Arms, and Jayne Scott–Official Hostess.

Since then, Nu Omega Omega has continued to grow by conducting ten additional initiations producing dedicated members that hold true to our international motto “Service to All Mankind”.

Nu Omega Omega sponsored a Celebrity Impersonation Show called the “Show of Shows” to introduce the chapter to the community and to support the American Cancer Society. This event also demonstrated the chapter’s ability to provide service to the community. The chapter continues to serve and support Madison County through educational awareness events and partnerships with Big Bend Hospice, Sickle Cell Foundation, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots. The Chapter has boasted youth mentorship activities such as a Chit Chat Camp and a Golf Camp. The signature mentorship programs are Miss Fashionetta and Mr. Esquire Pageants.

Nu Omega Omega continues to receive awards and recognitions within the community. The chapter received the Madison County Outstanding Community Service Award, American Cancer Society Appreciation Award and was presented a proclamation from the Madison County Board of County Commissioners honoring the Chapter’s 25th Anniversary. Since 1981, Nu Omega Omega members have served significantly in Madison County and in the South Atlantic Region.

For over four decades, Nu Omega Omega has been and continues to be a pillar of service in the Madison County community. We are proud of our sisterhood, our legacy and our unwavering dedication to assist, serve and support the many civic and community organizations in the area.