BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Members of Omicron Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) recently held a graduation for its Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) members at the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Development building. The graduates will transition from middle school to high school this summer. Dr. Gwendolyn Tilghman, President of Omicron Omega Chapter served as mistress of ceremony and Ms. Isis Jones of 98.7 FM Radio served as guest speaker. Ms. Jones delivered an inspiring message to the graduates, parents, and friends in attendance that included a reflection of her going through a very similar process as a middle school girl. AKA members from Samford University also led all EYL members in the Black Girls Rock! Pledge to motivate them.
Ahmya Blue from South Hampton School K-8, Tymiah Byers from Clay Chalkville Middle School, Tre’Onna Perryman from Irondale Middle School, Shelby Robinson from Thompson Middle School, Erryial Sanders from Rudd Middle School, and Alexis Walton from Huffman Middle School—all received graduation certificates and engraved tokens of appreciation.
In her final comments, Mrs. Marsha Savage, EYL Chairman, encouraged graduates with these final words of advice, “Remember that there are many ways to serve the common good. You should continue practicing the principles learned in EYL as you transition in to high school and be the change you wish to see in this world.”
A reception immediately followed the graduation ceremony consisting of a tomato and avocado salsa with chips, chicken salad croissants and wraps, tomato and cheese skewers, fresh fruit kabobs, club mini buns, cupcakes, and punch prepared by Ms. Angelia Strode.
Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) is a signature program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated which focuses on the development of skills and talents of middle school girls (grades 6, 7, and 8) with the potential for becoming leaders within their local communities and beyond. The program is designed to provide leadership development, civic engagement, enhanced academic preparation, and character building.
Members of the EYL Committee are Jamie Dobbins, Co-chairman; Donna Turner, Delfreda Coleman, Fatima Carter, Ellise Washington, Linda Roberson, Chrystal Tolbert, Mamie Alexander, Demetrius Singleton, Sasha Willingham, Patricia Bowman, Theadora Fancher, Tineka Peoples, LaRonda Reese, Angela Day, Angelia Strode, Sarah Buie, Jana Williams, Dominique Lindsay, Stephanie Millsap, and Tonya Perry.
Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha celebrates 90 years of service in 2014. The chapter was chartered in 1924 becoming the 15th chapter of the sorority. It also has the distinction of being the first graduate chapter to be chartered in the South Eastern Region. Omicron Omega has supported and provided charitable donations to organizations that include, but are not limited to, Children’s Hospital – Magic Moments and March of Dimes, The American Heart Association, Miles College, Sickle Cell Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, and United Negro College Fund. Collectively and individually, our members proudly volunteer and spend hundreds of hours impacting lives at Jessie’s Place, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Pathways and other programs. Our scholarship programs have benefitted hundreds of students in the Greater Birmingham community. Omicron Omega has oversight of five undergraduate chapters on various college and university campuses in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
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. For more information about Omicron Omega Chapter or AKA visit www.akaomicronomega.com or www.aka1908.org.
