Chapter History
Eta Beta Omega Chapter - Libera
Established in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa in 1957, Eta Beta Omega Chapter became the first international chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The need for a chapter arose as a result of the arrival of women educated in American colleges and universities who came to live and work in Liberia, the first independent African Republic.
Eta Beta Omega’s history begins with the timeless journey of Mrs. Anna E. Cooper who travelled by ship from Liberia to the port of New York City. This journey eventually brought her back to the U.S. to the 1954 Boule in Nashville, Tennessee where she and a group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated members living in Liberia, petitioned for a charter in Monrovia, Liberia.
Instability in Liberia due to civil war caused the chapter to be inactive for more than 30 years. Eta Beta Omega Chapter was reinstated by the 2010 Boule in St. Louis, Missouri, and the chapter has flourished since then. By 2018, Eta Beta Omega was able to boast of a host of awards and recognitions; including Grand Commander in the Order of the Star of Africa, an award for chapter programming in Target V – Global Impact, as well as an award for the 1 Million Backpacks project.
The chapter’s current membership is comprised of twenty nine (29) remarkable women to include 3 Golden Sorors, 5 Silver Stars and 4 Life Members reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Liberian nation.
Eta Psi Omega Chapter - Nassau, Bahamas
It was September 21st, 1963, at the home of Soror Muriel Eneas, where the 16th Supreme Basileus, Julia B. Purnell chartered the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, making it the second chapter to be chartered outside the continental United States. The charter members were all American women who had married Bahamian men and were residing in The Bahamas. These four women were Muriel Eneas, Delores Smith, Shirley Vanderpool and Donna Donaldson.
During the past fifty-five (55) years, the chapter has seen spurts and starts, especially the first fifteen years when not many Bahamian women pursued tertiary education. Being a British colony, most Bahamians obtained higher education in England, and even then it was mostly men. However, in the post-Independence era, after 1973, with governmental emphasis on education, opportunities were given to women to pursue higher education and many chose the United States where they were exposed to Sororities.
The pre-Legislative International Region period is where the fruits of the initial four charter members began to ripen. The late 1970’s and early 1980’s saw an influx of young recent graduates from American universities, returning home to make contributions to their emerging Nation. They were able to use the vehicle of Alpha Kappa Alpha and its precepts and concepts of Service to all mankind as a means to give back and to serve their nation. These young dynamic Sorors like Mavis Johnson Collie and Wendyi Poitier-Albury, recognized the potential and valuable contributions that could be made by members in the Region, and on many occasions they stood on the floor at international conferences to speak on behalf of the Chapter and the region and petitioned the National body to form the fully legislative International Region. In 1984 Soror Johnson Collie was appointed to the Structures and Operations Committee (SOC) and in 1990 under the leadership of the 23rd Supreme Basileus Soror Mary Shy Scott, the region officially became the International Region, with the appointment of its first Regional Director, Bella G. Parker. The Chapter Basileus at that time was Soror Wendyi Poitier-Albury, who was appointed to the International Constitution Committee. She was able to lead the transition of the Chapter from non-legislative to legislative, ensuring that it had its first chapter by-laws, proper procedures and reporting, and that the Chapter was compliant with the rules and regulations of the International Body. These processes laid the ground work for what is still used by the Chapter today.
The Chapter’s strong commitment to Education is evidenced by its Honours Day Scholarship Awards, which was initiated in 1978 under the presidency of Melanie Zonicle and was the brain child of Thelma McMillian. The Chapter has awarded over three hundred thousand dollars ($300.000.00) in scholarship monies to top graduating high school females, to go towards tertiary education.
The Chapter has also shown its commitment to the uplifting of women and girls, through the Girls Emerging and Maturing into Society (GEMS) Mentorship programme, its service through its volunteer hours with the Bahamas Red Cross, The All Saints AIDS camp, the Homes for the Aged, Susan G Koman Race for the Cure, and other civic organizations.
The Chapter has had a positive impact on the Region, and assisted in the chartering of the Mu Gamma Omega Chapter in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1978, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter in Freeport Grand Bahamas in 1987 and the first undergraduate chapter in the country Tau Nu at the University of The Bahamas in 2012. The Chapter has hosted, locally several regional conferences and the 1991 and 2005 Leadership Conferences in Freeport and Nassau respectively.
From the four charter members in 1963 to over 70 financial, and more than 300 local Sorors, the Chapter has strived, proving to be the longest serving active chapter in the International Region, and remains committed to providing “Service to All Mankind.”
Mu Gamma Omega Chapter - St. Croix, USVI
Mu Gamma Omega Chapter, the third to be established outside of the 50 United States, was chartered in the United States Virgin Islands on May 27, 1978. Hailing from the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas, the charter members are: (from St. Croix) Violet Armstrong Bough, Carolyn Young Brown, Dorene Carter, Wanda Fuller, Bernice Wolfrey Hicks, Julie Hansen Hodge, Harriet Durant, Enolia Thomas Abbott, Gloria Huggins Canegata, Velma Smith Whitaker, (from St. Thomas) Melinee Allen, Irene Miller Ambrose, Marilyn Turnbull David, Beverly Lancaster Mitcham, Gertrude Lockhart Melchoir, Gwendolyn Pate Meyers, Patricia Nathan, Patricia Monsanto, Lydia Simmonds, Jureen Francis Todmann, Joanne Ulrich (Barry), and Linda R. Williams.
The evolution of this chapter in the International Region was no easy feat. The charter members from the Virgin Islands had all attended higher education institutions in the United States where they joined our illustrious organization. Upon returning to the territory, these members of the sorority started their careers and families and with no graduate chapter in the territory some would gather informally to celebrate Founders’ Day and their personal AKA milestones. While talk of formalizing the group were raised occasionally, it was not until the arrival of Soror Enolia Thomas, who relocated to St. Croix for a job opportunity, that serious efforts to become a chapter would be pursued. Soror Enolia, a friend of Soror Anne Mitchem-Davis who served as the Executive Director at the time, was encouraged to assess the interest and sustainability of chartering a chapter on St. Croix. A very sociable and engaged member of the community she now called home, Soror Nola got to work contacting the Sorors she had met and trying to meet others she did not know. Ten Sorors on the island of St. Croix joined by twelve Sorors on St. Thomas comprised the necessary number to form an Interest Group. In 1977, the group held its first meeting and after one year they received approval to charter a chapter.
The chapter chartering activities lasted 4 days. The celebration began on St. Croix with an intimate Friday Night Reception followed by the Chartering Ceremony, Installation of Officers and a Chartering Ball on Saturday at the Pelican Cove Beach Resort. Sorors traveled to St. Thomas on Sunday morning where they participated in a New Chapter Workshop before continuing the festivities with a Dinner Dance at Sapphire Bay. In keeping with the island spirit and culture, the charter weekend activities concluded on Monday with a West Indian style Beach Picnic at Magen’s Bay. Among the very special guests in attendance were the Supreme Basileus, Soror Bernice I. Sumlin, Soror Anne Mitchem-Davis, and Soror Norma S. White, the South Atlantic Regional Director. Soror Enolia Thomas was installed as the Chapter’s first president.
Today, Mu Gamma Omega is assigned solely to the island of St. Croix. Charter Member Gloria H. Canegata has been continuously active with the chapter since its chartering. Sixteen Sorors have led the chapter and over 180 sorors have been a part of the chapter’s legacy of service throughout its 40-year history. Soror Oran C. Roebuck serves as the current president of the 40-member chapter. Mu Gamma Omega has remained committed to implementing dynamic impactful community service programs and annually provides scholarships to collegebound students. An award-winning chapter of the International Region, Mu Gamma Omega has been recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Chapter and for Outstanding Programs; and individual members have also been honored for outstanding service to the chapter and region. The chapter has also been an avid supporter of the AKA Educational Advancement Foundation. The first member of the International Region to serve as the International Regional Director, Soror Gizette L. Canegata Thomas, is a 25-year member of Mu Gamma Omega Chapter.
Mu Psi Omega Chapter - Germany
In keeping with the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Mu Psi Omega Chapter was chartered on November 24, 1979 in Landstuhl, Germany. The Sorority's National President, Barbara K. Phillips conducted the historical ceremony, assisted by Faye B. Bryant, National Vice President.
Initial membership in Mu Psi Omega totaled twenty women. All of the women were from the Republic of Germany (as it was known at that time), which included Berlin. Today Chapter members represent professional women from all walks of life, including members currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Rho Nu Omega Chapter - Korea
In November 1987, a small group of women gathered together at a social function and expressed their desires to meet to share sisterly concerns and determine ways to foster the aspirations of the sorority.
The first members were O.J. Williams, Nita Williams, Patty Barbour, Gail Jenkins, Michelle Gardner, and Richardean Milton. They gathered in December 1987 at the Eighth United States Army Officer’s Club on Yongsan South Post, South Korea. Following that meeting, announcements were placed in the post weekly bulletin informing of the next meeting, which was held in January 1988. The meeting was held on Saturday, January 23, 1988 at the Eighth United States Army Officer’s Club. Members began referring to the group as “A Gathering of AKA Sorors in Korea.”
In May 1988, the Sorors discussed chartering a chapter in Seoul and Soror Gail Jenkins drafted a letter to the corporate office expressing this desire. The International President responded to the request and on November 26, 1988, Rho Nu Omega was born to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Sigma Theta Omega Chapter - St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
Known for white-sandy beaches, reefs and verdant hills, the United States Virgin Islands, an American paradise, is located 40-50 miles east of Puerto Rico; and about 1,106 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. The USVI consists of 3 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, and some 50 smaller islets and cays. Like, a bubbling pot of kallaloo soup, these islands are infused with a rich history and culture developed under the leadership of various nations, not unlike those that comprise Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. which has developed certain special characteristics, which distinguishes it from other organizations.
To further enrich the lives of the St. Thomas and St. John communities, the formation of Sigma Theta Omega Chapter was conceived in the dedicated hearts and intellectual minds of Sorors. On Saturday, February 3, 1990 Sigma Theta Omega Chapter was chartered with thirty members, fourteen new initiates and sixteen sorors. They were: Sharon Adams, Joanne Barry, Dale Bastian-Gordon, Felicia Blake, Sheila Blyden, Kimberly Bourne-Vanneck, Lillith Broome-Malone (Ivy Beyond the Wall), Janis Callendar, Yvonne Charles-Watson, Jennifer Francis-Rey, Donna Frett-Gregory, Lorraine Gumbs-Morton, Lois Hassel-Habteyes, Laurel Hewitt-Sewer, Sherry Jarmon, Ariane Joseph-Lewis, Vandalia Joseph (Ivy Beyond the Wall), Patricia Lake, Gertrude Lockhart Dudley Melchior (Ivy Beyond the Wall), Patricia Nathan (Ivy Beyond the Wall) , Sherri Ortiz-George, Lucinda Parsons, Lydia Simmonds-Lettsome, Delene Smalls, Merlene Smith-Frett, Jaqueline Swan, Eleanor Turnbull(Ivy Beyond the Wall), Martrae Poindexter, Phyllis Wallace and Regina Williams.
Sigma Theta Omega Chapter has worked diligently to build its programs around the sorority’s mission, “Service to All Mankind”. Its programs and activities continue to reach all facets of the St. Thomas – St. John communities. This is exemplified through our various programs and activities.
- Gertrude Lockhart Melchior Scholarship – awarded to high school seniors from public, private and parochial schools. The chapter has, to date, awarded over $80,000 in scholarships funds.
- Relay for Life – Sorors raise funds for Cancer and participate in a Cancer Relay Walk.
- Kwanzaa Karamu Celebration in St. John - annually honors local persons for their display of the principles of Kwanzaa and showcases the artistic talents of the St. Thomas/St. John communities.
- Generation of Excellence – Celebrate Members in the St. Thomas/St. John Community for their service.
- AKA Day at the Capitol – Members meet with local Legislators to discuss issues relating to Civil Rights/Social Justice, Shelter, Financial means and other pertinent topics.
- Founders’ Day – Sorors participate in activities to honor our Founders.
- Cluster II Conference – Sigma Theta Omega Chapter hosts conferences for the four chapters in our territory.
Today, with 28 years of existence, Sigma Theta Omega continues to make its mark in the St. Thomas/St. John District with a small but dynamic group of women providing service to the community. Our current membership consists of 50 exceptional women who are dedicated to service to all mankind.
Sigma Xi Omega Chapter - Bermuda
The history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated activity in Bermuda began in 1957 with the late Soror Gloria Darrell McPhee. She had returned to Bermuda in 1955 and with Sorors Mildred Musson Kennedy, Barbara Horton Simons and Barbara Bascome (all teachers) formed an interest group. Their first project was to assist the Sunshine League Nursery, a black foster care facility, by supporting financially and psychologically one of their clients, an eight year old boy. The Sorors raised funds by having a night of dancing and entertainment at the Clay House Inn, Bermuda’s then only nightclub. The club’s owner, Soror McPhee’s bother-in-law, donated the facility for the event and the American entertainers all performed free of charge. The successful event provided enough money to help with the maintenance and purchase of clothes and shoes for their ‘adopted’ son for years to come.
In late 1980 another interest group was formed. Their first project was on Sunday, October 10, 1989 when the Sorors visited the residents of the Matilda Smith Williams Home for the Elderly with boxes of canned goods.
On Saturday, May 19, 1990, Sigma Xi Omega Chapter was chartered in Bermuda. The Chartering Members are Sorors: Dejuanna Burrows, Patricia Ann Callendar, Diana Dill, EmilyGail Dill, Darlene Emery, Ruby Harvey, Norma Hendrickson, Geraldine Lambert, Wendy Lambert, Gloria McPhee, Marguerite Pounds, Grace Rawlins, Vivian Richards-Yearwood, Dawn Simmons, Shanda Simmons, Shirley Simmons, Gizella Todd-Cox, Gina Tucker and Kim Wilson.In 2002 Sigma Xi Omega Chapter celebrated the induction of their first honorary member, Soror Mayor Lois M.R. Perinchief MBE, JP.
The current Basileus is Soror Maxanne Anderson Caines. Past Basilei are Sorors Gloria McPhee, Norma Henderickson, Grace Rawlins, Shanda Simmons, Dawn Simmons, Emilygail Dill, Da’Shawn Doars, Necheeka Trott and Shawnta Simmons.
Phi Omicron Omega Chapter - Okinawa, Japan
Phi Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on February 25, 2000 by fifteen Sorors dedicated to continuing their service to all mankind. The charter members; Tonya M. Adkins, Denise Alexander, Leslie Austin-Harris, Tamara M. Brown-Douglas, Andrea Fauntleroy, Gina Feast-Williams, Lesley M. Houston, Gwynne Ingram, Monica L. Lofton, Jacqueline B. McNeil, Elaine Stephens, Linda Ware-Brown, Davedda Williams, Kimberly A. Williams and Lisa M. Williams under the leadership of Dr. Norma Solomon White (National President) and Dr. Wilma Holmes-Tootle (International Regional Director) successfully took the interest group known as The Ladies of Distinction through the proess of becoming the Sorority’s first chapter in Japan.
Phi Omicron Omega Chapter was chartered on Kadena Air Base at the Officer’s Club in Okinawa, Japan. The event was celebrated with other Alpha Kappa Alpha women from various chapters including Omega Omega Chapter of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Rho Theta Omega Chapter of Philadelphia Pennsylvania; Rho Nu Omega Chapter of Seoul, South Korea; Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter of Queens, New York; Pi Psi Omega Chapter of Spring Valley, New York; and Xi Chi Omega Chapter of Westchester, New York.
The dedicated and progressive members of the chapter continually commit themselves to community service by tutoring students who attend base schools, fellowshipping at local nursing homes, holding community forums and various other social events. In addition to ensuring scholastic excellence, the chapter executes what continues to be the largest and most successful scholarship fundraiser on the island of Okinawa, Japan; Men Who Cook. Throughout the chapter’s history, members work hard to implement all programs and targets of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on the island of Okinawa under the leadership of it’s chapter president. Former chapter presidents are; Denise Alexander (First Chapter President), Andrea Mial, Shella Sanders, Attiyya Ingram, Venice Goodwine, Debra Duffy, Sherry Lewis and Carmetra Tyre (Current Chapter President).
Psi Beta Omega Chapter - Tokyo, Japan
On Friday, June 9, 2006 Psi Beta Omega Chapter was chartered in Tokyo, Japan, Kanto Plain region. The 16 dedicated members were Abina Billups, Deborah Butler-Alexander, Carla Cooper, Norise Greene, Vera Hicks, Terry Hunter, Traci Johnson-Hathorn, Michelle Jones, Marian Leverette, Yvette McKenzie, Traci Polidor, Sara Porter, Constance Robinson, Millicent Stoglin, Sherri Thomas, and Peggye Wilson. The International Regional Director at the time, Soror Nadine Bonds, was instrumental in cultivating Psi Beta Omega Chapter into becoming the eleventh Chapter in the International Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Our sorors are either active duty, military dependents or civilian employees affiliated with four U.S. military bases in the Kanto Plain region. The bases are Naval Air Facility Atsugi (Navy), Camp Zama (Army), Yokota Air Base (Air Force), and Command Fleet Activities Yokosuka (Navy).
Throughout the years, Psi Beta Omega has supported the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, by honoring each International President’s signature program. Psi Beta Omega has fed the homeless, collected seasonal wraps and school supplies, participated in high school college fairs, promoted financial awareness, educated the community on the importance of heart and mental health, and provided scholarships and mentoring to students of the Kanto Plain military community.
Psi Delta Omega Chapter - Ontario, Canada
Psi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a graduate chapter which provides service in the province of Ontario, Canada. The idea of chartering the first Canadian chapter of the sorority was conceived by a group of women from the Greater Toronto Area in 2003. Following the 2006 Boule in Detroit, members from the Greater Toronto Area, the Windsor-Detroit area, and other Ontario communities combined to form the Black Pearls of Ontario interest group and through their joint efforts, Psi Delta Omega was chartered on March 18th, 2007 in Toronto under the leadership of International Regional Director, Dr. Gloria Harper Dickinson. Since its inception, Psi Delta Omega’s outstanding record of service has included programming conducted in Toronto, London, and Windsor; currently services are offered primarily to the people of Windsor-Essex County. Psi Delta Omega is proud to have represented the illustrious sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Ontario for over ten years.
Omega Theta Omega Chapter - Dubai & Abu Dhabi
In May 2014, a formal interest meeting to discuss the possibility of chartering a chapter in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates took place. At that time, there were four active Sorors causing a 60-day challenge to be implemented in order to reactivate as many Sorors as possible. Success came in August of 2014 when over 35 Sorors were successfully reactivated. The Pearls of Arabia Interest Group was established on November 5, 2014 and on January 22, 2016 37 dedicated Sorors, with the vision of chartering the first Middle Eastern chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, brought their dream to fruition. Omega Theta Omega has been led by two dynamic Sorors, the first being Dr. Sherrish Holloman (2016-2017) as the chartering President and Tamika Gordon (2018-present) as the second President. Currently, the chapter boasts a total membership of 45 members who work diligently to Exemplify Excellence Through Sustainable Service by participating in a yearly mission trip to Tanzania, raising funds and awareness for HBCUs, and promoting wellness through regional walks and this year the Pink Lady Games. We pride ourselves in remaining aligned with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated initiatives and policies through the yearly representation at conferences every summer. It is our esteemed pleasure to continue to be of Service to All Mankind as the 16th chapter of the International Region!
Alpha Alpha Delta Omega Chapter
Toronto, Canada
On December 14, 2016, International Regional Director, Attorney Gizette Canegata Thomas, called Dr. Renée N. Rawlins to discuss the possibility of chartering a Toronto graduate chapter of the sorority. Dr. Rawlins shared this idea with the other members of the sorority living in Toronto. However, as would be expected, the Toronto Sorors were hesitant about embarking on the chartering path once again. However, Mrs. Gizette Canegata Thomas spoke to each Toronto soror and turned hesitation into excitement. The group of Toronto sorors consisted of Briddie Alstrom, Tashina Harrow, Shani Leatham, Renée N. Rawlins, Monique Taylor-Yee Shui, Kimberley Tull, and Kayla Marie Williams. The road to creating an interest group had begun.
On June 10, 2017, eight women from the Greater Toronto Area became members of Alpha Kappa Alpha: Patience Adamu, Ndija Anderson-Yantha, Janine Clarke, Eden Hagos, Kadene Massop, Dria Mayers, Monique Redhead, and Samara Rigsby-Fleming, who joined their strengths and talents with the aforementioned members to create the League of Pearlfection Interest Group.
A year later, on June 9, 2018, Alpha Alpha Delta Omega chapter was chartered in Toronto at the Omni King Edward Hotel. There to celebrate this momentus occasion were the following members of the 2014-2018 Directorate: Attorney Gizette Canegata Thomas, International Regional Director, Miss. Keniece Gray, International Second Vice-President, Miss. Victoria Simpson, Undergraduate Member-at-Large, Ms. Meredith L. Henderson, North Atlantic Regional Director, Ms. Joyce Henderson, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Ms. Toni S. Kendrick, Great Lakes Regional Director, and Mrs. Carol R. Dixon, Far Western Regional Director. Also in attendance were former International Regional Directors, Mrs. Nadine C. Bonds, 4th International Regional Director and Mrs. Evelyn Sample-Oates, 7th International Regional Director.
Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Chapter
Lagos, Nigeria
In 2017 a group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated members gathered together in fellowship and discussed the possibility of extending the Ivy Vine of Alpha Kappa Alpha in Nigeria. By 2019, the women formed an interest group, “The Illustrious Pearls of Lagos.” The group implemented programs in line with the sorority’s International Program theme of “Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service.” The group worked diligently toward chartering and on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered during a socially distanced private chartering ceremony by International Regional Director Joy Elaine Daley.
The 18th chapter in the International Region, Alpha Alpha Omega Omega is the first and only chapter in Nigeria and the third chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha on the continent of Africa.
Soror Patricia Owens, Director of Membership Intake Process at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Corporate Office and Soror Octavia Hill, International Regional Awards Chairman attended and assisted the Regional Director. The chapter was chartered with sixteen members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated who came together in Lagos, Nigeria with the dream of chartering a chapter. The global trailblazers and college trained women are: Oluwatoyin Erewa, Olubukola George-Taylor, Ugonna Ibe-Ejiogu, Olutobi Idowu, Osas Martha Ighodaro, Leilani Lawani, Ashley Lewis, Rita Oluchi Obi, Stella Okoli, Oluwadamilola Okuboyejo, Stella S. Obot, Titilola Olubunmi Olosunde, Damilola Oduolayinka Osunloye, Chika Uwazie, Fonahanmioluwa Williams, and Olayemi Yomi-Tokosi. These sixteen dynamic, college educated women of the Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Chapter range from all walks of life and each woman excels in the fields of Education, Public Relations, Finance, Law, Marketing, and the Arts, to name a few.
The women of the Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Chapter are ready to continue the work and look forward to standing alongside community organizations, schools, and other partners to make an impact in the Lagos community, in keeping with the sorority’s mission of “Service to All Mankind.”