By Alvesta Robertson
March has special meaning for members of Nu Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as it is the month of the chapter’s inception. With March being National Women’s History Month, paying tribute to our founders was appropriate and befitting making for a dual celebration. During the monthly chapter meeting on March 12th, members paused to recognize the chapter’s thirty-six years of existence and accomplishments through service to this community. The spotlight was on the 15 women, our founders, whose vision and fortitude provided the foundation for the great presence we have become in Beaufort and surrounding areas. These ladies deserve the honor and appreciation that comes with being women of substance and stamina, during this month when women from all walks of life are acknowledged for their accomplishments and contributions to society. We are forever grateful to them.
Nu Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, was chartered in Beaufort, March 28, 1980 on the Penn Center campus, a landmark in America’s history founded also by women in 1862. The dedicated and committed women were Andrea Allen, Cassie Brisbane, Emma Campbell, Ida Campbell, Marquerite Campbell, Geneve Cole, Katherine Doctor, Romona Gaither, Thelma Houston, Barbara Marshel, Gwen Mallette, Christine Morgan, Jennie Mouzon, Selma Perry and Ramona Wilborn.
Each deserves honor for their role in making Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority a presence in the Lowcountry. Six of the charter members, Andrea Allen, Emma Campbell, Ida Campbell, Romona Gaither, Barbara Marshel and Selma Perry, are still active with the chapter today, continuing to serve as mentors, role models and advisors sharing their experiences and wisdom as no one else can. Their involvement keeps the chapter motivated, focused and balances the generational connection for learning experiences that binds us in sisterhood.
We honor our chapter founders for giving us the opportunity to be among others throughout the world perpetuating the legacy of the rare breed of women who founded the sorority 108 years ago. We stand on their shoulders. In 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America’s first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. How profound that the original 16 were so inspired as to create an organization that would enrich the social and intellectual aspect of women’s lives further fulfilled by service to all mankind. We recognize and honor them today, the sorority’s founders. Their contributions to women in general and African-American women specifically, made them great women of courage and foresight. Because of them, we are today, the largest Greek organization cultivating high scholastic and ethical standards, promoting unity and friendship, making this the greatest sisterhood ever, serving all mankind through numerous avenues and in communities throughout the US and abroad.
Accolades to the women we honored today and to all women for blazing new trails bringing us to the 21st Century equipped to make a lasting impact for those to follow.
A “pink and green” reception followed the meeting with a ceremonial cake and punch. Each of the founders received pink roses, many hugs and never-ending thanks.
