The History of the Omega Omega Chapter
Hold High the Torch!
On December 10, 1926, twenty-two women employing the merit and culture of their foremothers convenes in the city of Philadelphia to create Omega Omega – the twenty-fourth graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
Omega Omega’s charter lists the names of Irene Baxter, Florence Beck, Geneva Blake, Irene Marie Bowser, Valeria E. Caldwell, Ann Comegys, Ursula Curd, Bertha DeShields, Daisy Frazier, Hazel Fugett, Marie Gould, Evangeline Hall, Bertha W. Henry, Bertha King, Ethel H. Lyle, Agnes B. Montier, Alberta Norwood, Rosa V. Rodgers, Margarita Scott, Ruth A. Scott, Jessie M. Watkins, and Charlotte Wright.
The December 18, 1926 issue of the Philadelphia Tribune described the occasion: “On Saturday, December 10th, twenty-two prominent Philadelphia college graduates became members…. Alpha Kappa Alpha is not a social club, but an organization whose chief purpose is the promotion of education and culture among Negro women of American.”
While this accomplished group of women included two medical doctors, a psychologist, three pharmacists, three social workers, and several teachers, it should be noted that Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the visionary of our illustrious sorority, served as Omega Omega’s first Basileus.
On December 10, 2023, we will celebrate ninety-seven years of sisterhood and service! Our present roster of 560 members continues to provide “service to all mankind.” The chapter serves the Philadelphia area with a variety of award winning projects and programs. Omega Omega Chapter serves as an affiliate chapter to our national organization and the North Atlantic Region.
Charter Members
Irence C. Baxter
Geneva W. Blake
Irene Marie Bowser
Ursula Curd
Bertha W. DeShields
Marie Gould
Evangeline Hall
Bertha W. Henry
Agnes B. Montier
Alberta Norwood
Rosa V. Rodgers
Ruth A. Scott
Jessie Marie Watkins
Charlotte Crogman Wright
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 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.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of a nucleus of 300,000 members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, Korea and on the continent of Africa.
Its membership is comprised of distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace.
Omega Omega Chapter’s Corporate Presence
Jamila Hall – North Atlantic Regional Representative International Constitution Committee
Jacquie L. Jones – North Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Standards Committee
Ashley D. Parker – North Atlantic Regional Representative International Golden/Silver Soror Committee
For more information, please visit our national website at AKA1908.com.
Danette Anthony Reed, 31st International President
North Atlantic Region
The North Atlantic Region consists of Massachusetts, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, The District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
In 1995 at the 64th North Atlantic Regional Conference, past Regional Director Wilma Holmes Tootle proudly proclaimed the region as “Notable”. The current North Atlantic Regional Director is Mary Bentley LaMar.
Omega Omega Chapter is the home of three past Regional Directors:
Ruth A. Scott: 1943-1946
Emma Brinkley: 1956-1960
Ruth C. Easley: 1982-1986
Omega Omega Chapter’s Regional Presence
Ashley Session – North Atlantic Protocol Chairman
Theresa Massey – North Atlantic Cluster II Graduate Advisor Coordinator
Raven Riscoe – Chief Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator
For more information, please visit the regional website at aka1908.com/northatlantic.
Elicia Pegues Spearman, 35th North Atlantic Regional Director
The 1926 Foundation, Incorporated
The mission of The 1926 Foundation, Inc. is to support the programs of the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. while also providing scholarship assistance to high school and college students who plan to attend college or who are attending college presently. The Board of Directors will promote and provide charitable, community, and educational services that further the mission of Omega Omega. The Foundation will receive annual financial support from the portion of annual chapter membership dues duly approved by the body of Omega Omega financial members each year. All members of the Omega Omega Chapter are members of The Foundation. The Board will raise funds to support the administration of the Foundation, and charitable community organizations whose mission reflects the programmatic thrusts of Omega Omega. The Board will also ensure that the Foundation engages in nondiscriminatory practices, policies, and procedures in accordance with Federal regulations.
For more information, please visit the foundation website at The 1926 Foundation, Inc.
Brenda Johnson, President
Undergraduate Chapters
Omega Omega sponsors three undergraduate chapters in Philadelphia, PA.
Gamma Epsilon – Chartered 1945
The Gamma Epsilon Chapter is the Philadelphia City Chapter at Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia University and LaSalle University.
For more information, please visit the Gamma Epsilon website.
Mary L. Davis, Graduate Advisor
Delta Iota – Chartered 1954
The Delta Iota Chapter is on the campus of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
Sirena Ollison, Graduate Advisor
Delta Mu – Chartered 1955
The Delta Mu Chapter is on the campus of Temple University.
For more information, please visit the Delta Mu website.
Sabrina N. Brooks, Graduate Advisor