Honoring the Past
Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century.
The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.
As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers.
Alpha Kappa Alpha's influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.
The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.
FOUNDERS
The Original Group: Anna Easter Brown, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Marjorie Hill, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, Lavinia Norman, Lucy Slowe and Marie Woolfolk Taylor.
The Sophomores: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Alice Murray, Sarah Meriweather Nutter, Joanna Berry Shields, Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry.
The Incorporators: Norma Boyd, Julia Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell and Minnie Smith
The History of Lambda Omega Chapter
The initial focus and commitment of Lambda Omega Chapter were to play a constructive role in advocating and implementing the goals and objectives of the National organization; supporting community projects; sponsoring college scholarships for deserving high school seniors; participating in voter registration; implementing volunteer services; and offering financial support to local and national agencies. Through the years, the Chapter has hosted several Mid-Atlantic Regional Conferences, Founders' Day Ceremonies, and Tidewater Cluster Meetings. Lambda Omega also has sponsored health fairs, educational programs, seminars, and workshops for Members and the community-at- large.
For the past seventy-four years, Lambda Omega has been involved in a myriad of programs and activities--all aspiring to promote the ideals of service to mankind. During the period of 1934 to 1940, the Chapter focused on building a sound financial base for the Chapter's program; the growth and organization of Lambda Omega; and the promotion of community projects; specifically advocating for the establishment of a city library for Blacks.
From 1940 to 1950, the Chapter was deeply committed to the financial support of such community initiatives as the Mississippi Health Project, the Boys' Club, and the Weaver Orphanage. The first Basilei Conference was held in Newport News in October, 1948. That same year the Chapter hosted its first Leadership Conference. Observance of Founders' Day became a yearly scheduled event, and formal dances were a popular social function of the Chapter. However, the highlight of that era was the realization of the Chapter's dream: the opening of the city library for Blacks.
Lambda Omega's spiral upward continued in the 1950's with many local, regional, and national activities. Notable among these were the continuation of support of the Weaver Orphanage, Whittaker Memorial Hospital, the library, health and dental programs, and scholarship awards. The Chapter also became a life member of the NAACP and hosted the 1954 Regional Conference.
In the 1960's and 1970's Lambda Omega's dedication to service continued to manifest itself through the support of national programs and community-service activities. Among these were the Tuskegee Hospital Project, expanded scholarship contributions, and Founders' Day celebrations. Unique, yet successful fund raisers were initiated and elegant formal affairs were sponsored. In 1973, the Chapter hosted the Mid- Atlantic Regional Conference in Williamsburg.
The 1980's heralded increasing involvement in many National, Regional, and local activities. Miss Fashionetta Pageants continued to be impressive fundraisers. A successful tennis tournament was sponsored by Lambda Omega, and career and guidance workshops were also presented. Prominent during that period was the chartering of Nu Epsilon, the undergraduate chapter at Christopher Newport College. Equally as exciting was the fulfillment of the Chapter's $5,000.00 pledge to Whitaker Hospital and its continued financial support to the Cleveland Job Corps. Lambda Omega celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1984, awarding $7,000.00 in scholarships to deserving students as part of that celebration. The "Ivy Vines", a mentoring program for girls at risk was implemented in 1987.
The 1990's continued many successful programs including the hosting of the Tidewater Cluster Conference. The Chapter hosted the 39th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in 1992 (its third). Lambda Omega presented the first "Bi-annual Student Career Seminar", which was partially funded by the Virginia Arts and Humanities Commission. Member Daisy Alston was instrumental in securing this grant. The Leah Kay Frazier Award, established in 1990 for "Service with A Global Perspective", was awarded to Member Sharon Richardson for her participation in Africa's Operation Smile. The Ivy Academy was also included among the Chapter's programs. Tutorial programs were implemented at Newsome Park, Crittendon, and Huntington Middle Schools. As part of the national program, Partners in Math and Science (PIMS), the Chapter assisted in sponsoring and supporting the Newport News Schools' City-wide Science Fair by providing judges and consultants. That same year, Lambda Omega sponsored a student in the PIMS Olympics and received an award at the Regional Conference for this accomplishment. The Chapter also donated funds to decorate one of the rooms in the Newsome House, a local historical landmark and museum. Commemorating sixty years of service in 1994, Lambda Omega was honored to have one of its charter members in attendance at the celebration. Another milestone during this period was the establishment of the Chapter's Foundation which continues to serve as the fund-raising arm of the organization.
The Chapter celebrated the turn of the century (2000) with renewed emphasis on such national programs as the "On Track/ Reading Academy" as well as other regional and community programs. In 2000, the Chapter received the Janice Mack Award and the Alma B. Diggs Award at the 47th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. During that year, Nu Epsilon Chapter celebrated its 20th year. In 2001, the Chapter was awarded the "Doris R. Asbury Award 1 to 1", for the ENLIGHTENMENT, the Newsletter. The "Sweet Sixteen Program" became the Chapter's signature program in 2002. This successful program generated substantial contributions to support additional scholarships. A collaborative endeavor with the Gamma Upsilon Omega Chapter gave rise to the first annual "Youth Talent Showcase", a public program featuring youth from the Hampton Roads area.
The next two years, the Chapter sharpened its focus on the "Spirit Programs" of International President Linda White. The Chapter truly "felt the spirit" as it celebrated seventy years of service in 2004 with a 70th Anniversary Gala. Also, in 2004, the Chapter donated to help with restoration at Louisiana's HBCUs (Dillard, Xavier, and Southern Universities) affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Chapter also participated in the 14th Annual Cancer Screening at the Peninsula Institute for Community Health (PICH). In 2005, Lambda Omega's AKA Connection committee coordinated the collection and distribution of clothing to homeless individuals during the Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service Project, in line with a National program. That year, the Connection committee also became an active participant at the Southeast Community Day in Newport News. The Chapter's involvement with this project has continued. Members of Lambda Omega's AKA Connection Committee represented the Chapter at the Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC.
The year 2006 began with our participation in AKA Day at the Capital in Richmond where Lambda Omega's own Delegate Mamye BaCote was among those who briefed Members on current legislative issues. At the 53rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, the Chapter received first place awards for "Chapter Pride" and for the visual arts entry. Lambda Omega was also recognized for reclaiming and maintaining membership. The second grader who won the local Young Authors' Contest received Honorable Mention as well. That year, the Chapter hosted the Tidewater Cluster Founders' Day.
With the adoption of the ESP platforms of International President Barbara McKenzie the members of Lambda Omega have restructured and realigned the Chapter's activities to showcase itself as a premiere chapter. During 2007, Lambda Omega Chapter, as a member of the Tidewater Cluster, played a major role in hosting the 54th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Hampton, Virginia by assuming responsibility for the Public Meeting, Public Reception, Men and Children's activities, and Publicity.
In the first half of 2008, Lambda Omega has received numerous accolades. At the 55 Mid Atlantic Regional Conference, the Chapter was recognized for having the most Members in attendance during the AKA Day at the State Capital. Member Valerie Price was chosen as Volunteer of the Year; the Chapter was recognized for its ESP Program by the Regional Program Chairman, and won second place for its "arts" entry. Additionally, the chapter's AKA Connection Committee penned the MAR's Resolution on Racism which will be presented at the Centennial Boulé. In May, the Office of Human Affairs honored the Chapter with the Outstanding Community Service Award at its annual banquet. Two of the Members (Katherine Johnson and Valerie Price) were honored as "Women of Distinction" by the local YWCA. Not only has Lambda Omega partnered with two of the local schools in mentoring male students, the chapter collaborated with Gamma Upsilon Omega in hosting an impressive annual Youth Talent Showcase which this year featured twenty-one male students from the community.
