Our History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Greek letter organization created in America for African-American college trained women, was established on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. In 1908, sixteen young ladies began this eminent sisterhood. The idea of a High Point chapter began in 1950. “So together anew let us pledge our faith and united let us forge our way” was the goal of several women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority of High Point, North Carolina. Many attempts had been made to unite and organize local outstanding African American women to form a High Point Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Members of Beta Iota Omega Chapter in Greensboro had been very kind in that they, from time to time, initiated High Point women into their chapter, thereby increasing the possibilities of reaching the desired membership goal necessary for applying for a chapter. The first women who were initiated by Beta Iota Omega Chapter were Helen Cole and Dahla Ingram. During the school year 1958-1959, Verdie B. Kendall and Lula S. Moore went to Winston-Salem to meet with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Leah K. Frazier. As a result of this meeting, a ladies’ interest group was established with Lula Moore acting as Chairman. The interested local Alpha Kappa Alpha women who were not affiliated with Beta Iota Omega Chapter paid their dues to the National Office to be recognized as general members of the Sorority. The ten members met and ex-changed ideas about how they could attract and invite two additional High Point women who were willing to chart the way for an organized chapter. Toward the end of the 1959-1960 school term, two additional names were submitted to Beta Iota Omega Chapter. In the early part of the school year, 1960-1961, these names were approved, and the two ladies, Kayte McAdoo and Margaret H. Lamb were initiated. This academic school year also brought four new Alpha Kappa Alpha women into the employment in the High Point City Schools: Anne Collier, Marlene Chess, Milton R. Pollock, and S. Marie Williams. Now, there were fifteen interested Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies, including Grayce Yokely, Annie Manning, and Gwendolyn P. Davis. The chartering of a High Point chapter was becoming a reality.

​

The initial meeting for the High Point Chapter Interest Group was held Saturday, September 16, 1961, at 4 p.m. at the home of Helen G. Cole - 205 Woodbury Street with Lula S. Moore presiding. The temporary officers were the following:

Chairman…............................... Lula S. Moore

Secretary……..................…. Milton R. Pollock

Corresponding Secretary....... Marlene E. Chess

Treasurer……………….... Annette B. Speight

Dean of Pledges.....................Verdie B. Kendall

​

The first officers of Eta Omicron Omega were the following:

Basileus………………….... Annette B. Speight

Anti-Basileus..............................Helen G. Cole

Grammateus…………........... Dahla D. Ingram

Anti-Grammateus................ Katye B. McAdoo

Epistoleus.................................. Marlene Chess

Tamiouchos……………... Gwendolyn P. Davis

Dean of Pledges.................. Margaret H. Lamb

Ivy Leaf Reporter………...... Milton R. Pollock

Parliamentarian………........ Grayce W. Yokely

Sergeant-at-Arms...............Verdie Ann Kendall

Historian..................................Marie Williams

 

For over six decades, the High Point community has benefited from the services provided by Eta Omicron Omega Chapter. Involvement in the “Furniture City” entails remembering the past, focusing on the present, and embracing the future to embody the ideals of the sorority. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has been shaping the future, educating people, and enhancing the community for 116 years. Through scholarship, everlasting sisterhood, and continuous “service to all mankind,” Alpha Kappa Alpha is alive in the High Point community as Eta Omicron Omega exemplifies the Sorority’s 2022-2026 International Theme: Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood. This administration has six initiatives. Strengthen Our Sisterhood serves as the administration’s “Foundation Initiative” as we strengthen our bonds to support our service mission. The remaining five initiatives will serve as the “Program Initiatives” which include Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice and Uplift our Local Community. Alpha Kappa Alpha and Eta Omicron Omega continue to endorse the legacy of community service, encourage the promotion of leadership development, and elevate the bonds of sisterhood. The Alpha Kappa Alpha tradition continues.