CHAPTER HISTORY

In the mid-fifties, Mary Sitgraves Johnson returned to Rock Hill to find several Alpha Kappa Alpha members in the community. Johnson and fifteen other young energetic members, from the Tri-County area (Chester, York, and Lancaster) formed an interest group. As a result, on March 16, 1957, Eta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was officially chartered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Grace Matthews, in the absence of Kathryn Johnson, the South Atlantic Regional Director.

The charter members included:
Videlia Smith Blakeney*
Deloris Harper Goggins
Emily Richardson Ivory
Mary Sitgraves Johnson*
Ruby Johnson
Anne Lindsay Law
Mary Montgomery Mackey
Eliza Walker Mills
Ella Beatrice Ferguson Moore
Jennye Massey Pearson
Katie Williams Reid*
Eloise Covington Spann*
Marie Davison Steele*
Violet Garrett Washington*
Helen Caldwell White
Dorothy Harper Williams

Marie Davison Steele served as the chapter’s first President. Three other charter members have also served in the same capacity: Anne Lindsay Law, Eliza Walker Mills, and Ella Beatrice Ferguson Moore. Three charter members are still active today: Eliza Walker Mills, Ella Beatrice Ferguson Moore, and Helen Caldwell White.

The chapter began to grow and progress. This growth led to the development of another chapter in the Tri-county area. The sorors in Lancaster County realized there were enough sorors in their immediate area to foster our programs and form their own chapter. On September 23, 1972, Eta Alpha Omega became a “sister” chapter to Iota Theta Omega in Lancaster County. Today, the sorors in Chester and York still remain active with Eta Alpha Omega.

Eta Alpha Omega has become known for its signature Debutante Cotillion. The Debutante Cotillion or Debutante Cotillion Ball is the chapter’s major fund raising activity. Prior to the Debutante Cotillion, high school senior girls are involved in a number of workshops, seminars, and activities that focus on social graces, financial/economic awareness, cultural events, and leadership development skills. The funds raised help support the programs that fall under the guidance of our national strands. A total of seven scholarships are awarded annually: three to the winners of the Debutante Cotillion and four book scholarships. The funds raised also support a number of other activities in our city and community: AKA Reading Academy (tutoring program), Rolling in Rock Hill, March of Dimes, Diabetes Walk, Relay for Life, NAACP, Clinton Jr. College, and the Friendship College Development Fund.

For almost fifty years, the women of Eta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated remain steadfast in their commitment to be of service to all mankind!

NATIONAL HISTORY

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by and for African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century.

The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.

As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers.

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.

The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.

For more information: www.aka1908.com