Page 14 - 2025 Chapter Directory

BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
OF ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER OF
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY,
INCORPORATED.

In October 1928, six young women--Gladys Davis Simon, Hazel
Hainsworth Young, Lillie Vance Chester, Marie Viola Butler
Taylor, Anna Belle Stokes, and Erma Sweatt Wallace--convened
a meeting at Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church in Houston, Harris
County, Texas to discuss the possibility of starting a graduate
chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A dream realized, these
six trailblazers formulated the chartering documentation for the birth
of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter on December 18, 1928. Since its
humble beginnings over 95 years ago, the award-winning Chapter
has grown from a gifted sisterhood of 6 to over 1100 members,
substantiating its place in history as the largest graduate chapter of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the nation.

Home to Alpha Kappa Alpha's 18 and 21 International Presidents
st
th
(i.e. Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays and Faye Beverly Bryant,
respectively), ten former regional directors (i.e. Lois Davis Tyus, M.
Viola Butler Taylor, Zatella Turner, Esther Hamlett Payne, V.
Basselle Johnson Atwell, Dr. Mattelia B. Grays, Faye B. Bryant,
Jewell McFarlin Thomas, Dr. Polly Sparks Turner, and Gwendolyn
Gaston Brinkley) and a host of scholarly women in leadership at the
chapter, regional and/or international level, Alpha Kappa Omega
Chapter continues to yield significant accomplishments and
contributions to local and global communities. Led by 38 dynamic
presidents, over the years the Chapter has historically supported
community programs targeting those most in need and having the
greatest impact. From donating quarts of milk to help combat
tuberculosis; to sending relief to earthquake-battered Haiti; to
fostering and sponsoring the arts; to addressing problems facing
seniors; to providing over 10,000 backpacks and school supply
donations to local schools; to providing relief assistance to flood and
hurricane victims; to building two schools in Africa—Alpha Kappa
Omega Chapter has made and continues to make a difference in the
city of Houston, the state of Texas and the world.

Updates in Progress