The Birmingham area graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated the organization’s founding with a joint public service and Founders’ Day program on Saturday, February 22, at Thirgood Memorial C.M.E. Church. Area chapters are Omicron Omega, Upsilon Eta Omega, Phi Iota Omega and Psi Xi Omega. The presidents of the chapters are Dr. Gwendolyn Tilghman, Ms. Brooke Adams, Mrs. Gloria Howard, and Ms. Desaree Jackson. The celebration marked the 106th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The theme for the program was “Unity in the Community Through Timeless Service.”
The event’s speaker was Josephine B. Dantzler, who serves on the International Graduate Advisors Certification Committee of the sorority. Mrs. Dantzler challenged the audience to invest in the community by “building a better world and stand and deliver.” She encouraged the members to stay “relevant in the community and to be unified in all endeavors.”
During the celebration members reflected on the purpose of the sorority, which 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 and to be of service to all mankind. Approximately, 144 members and 26 guests shared in the Founders’ Day celebration.
The chapters recognized leaders in the community in the areas of art, education and health. The art award was presented to Toby H. Richards. Ms. Richards is an artist, muralist and museum educator. Ms. Richards has studied, taught and exhibited her work in Japan and is currently the Artist-in-Residence at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
The education award was presented to Shaesa Lewis. With 10 years teaching experience, she is a member of the National Education Association, National Council of Teachers for Mathematics and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ms. Lewis believes teaching is a gift from God; she uses her gift to tutor students and mentor young ladies and has traveled to Africa to teach and mentor children.
The health award was presented to Dr. Jamie Bell Anderson. Dr. Anderson is fluent in Spanish and has traveled abroad serving on numerous medical missions to Haiti. She is a member of the American Medical Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is also a ViSalus Ambassador for Body by ViSalus 90 Day Challenge.
Mrs. Jamiese Mims of Upsilon Eta Omega and Mrs. Stephanie Miller of Phi Iota Omega presented the Greek Medley. A portion of the National Hymn of each organization of the Pan- Hellenic Council was played. The members of the visiting fraternities and sororities were recognized publically.
The Jazz Ensemble of Ramsay High School provided musical selections. Also attending was Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Presiding Prelate 5th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Special guests recognized were Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Standards Representative for the South Eastern Region, Tracey Morant Adams; International Graduate Advisors Certification Committee member, Wilhelmina Evans and the South Eastern Regional Parliamentarian, Angela Jenkins.
Ronda Bell, Summer Davis, Jamiese Mims, Natalie Conwell, Stephanie Miller, Michelle Harris and Alexis Lee served as chairmen and committee members for the event. After the program, a reception followed in the fellowship hall at the church.
Each of the chapters supports the Birmingham area through community outreach, scholarships, charitable giving, and education. Organizations that benefit from the chapters may include but are not limited to: UNCF, Heifer International, Hands on Birmingham, Kids First Learning Center, Miles College, Jessie’s Place and the American Heart Association.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek – lettered organization established by African- American college educated women.
Omicron Omega was chartered in 1924, becoming the first graduate chapter to be chartered in the South Eastern Region; Upsilon Eta Omega was chartered in 1995 in Fairfield; Phi Iota Omega was chartered in 1999 in Birmingham; Psi Xi Omega was chartered in Shelby County in 2011. For more information about the sorority and the chapters visit www.aka1908.org.
