SORORITY HISTORY

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, January 15th 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by 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, lead by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle who organized the Sorority were 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.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.

In support of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®’s mission “to be of service to all mankind,” the Phi Eta Omega Chapter of AKA has continued to serve Scotch Plains and Greater Union County, NJ through a broad range of scholarship and community service programs since its chartering on June 6, 1999.

On January 7, 1998, Mary D. Williams invited and convened a group of ten inactive members of the sorority in order to determine interest in establishing a chapter in the Scotch Plains, NJ area. The mission of this interest group was to promote harmony and friendship among members and to develop and implement programs that would enhance the self-esteem of the youth in our communities.

In line with that mission, this group was responsible for a number of programs such as:

• Assuming the sponsorship of a NJ Orators Chapter

• Established a tutorial program at St. John’s Baptist Church

• Donated supplies and materials to the Christ Our Hope Maternity Home in Ghana

Official approval for the chartering of the chapter was given at the March 1999 Directorate meeting in Freeport, Bahamas. At the chartering ceremony, which was presided by C. Edith Booker, North Atlantic Regional Director, the Scotch Plains Interest Group received its official name Phi Eta Omega on Sunday, June 6, 1999.

On July 8, 2020, the chapter created the Ivy Dream Foundation and established it as a 501(c)(3) entity on August 28,2020. The membership of the Foundation is comprised of all financially active members of the Phi Eta Omega Chapter of AKA. The vision for the Ivy Dream Foundation is to further expand the Phi Eta Omega community footprint and to provide a variety of educational and social service resources in the Community. Its purpose is to raise and distribute funds for charitable and educational projects; to provide direct and indirect financial assistance, contributing to the educational goals of deserving high school seniors; and to make contributions to organizations who service the needs of the Community. 

Today, the Phi Eta Omega Chapter of AKA partners with the Ivy Dream Foundation, local school districts, public officials and community leaders to carry out the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® locally. Additional programs of service include: our annual MLK Day of Service Dignity Drive, co-leading the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Central Jersey’s Voter Mobilization Road Map, offering mindfulness and mental health education programs in conjunction with the Scotch Plains Mayor's Wellness Campaign, donating filled duffel bags and back packs to Union County Division of Child Protection and Permanency, serving on the Social Justice Matters Juneteenth planning committee, replacement of the headstone of a Revolutionary War freed slave at Scotch Plains Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ, donating a Park Bench to School #8 in Linden, NJ, providing scholarships for college bound high school seniors and co-creating the first Project Achievement Women Student Success program with Union College; raising money for heart health and breast cancer research, promoting sickle cell and preeclampsia awareness and more.

Phi Eta Omega chapter marked 25^th Anniversary of service to Scotch Plains and Greater Union County on June 6, 2024.

Phi Eta Omega Charter Members

Drucilla Wiggins

Jacqueline Arrington*

Rosetta Lattimore

Margaret A. Lewis

Ann Troupe Thornhill

Nellie Suggs*

Adunni Anderson

Carol Anderson-Lewis

Ogretta Whipper Hawkins*

Mary L. Goldsboro*

Newana Barnes

Mary Gladden*

Gail Cole-Spencer

Mary D. Williams

Joyce R. Hobbs

Jacquelynn Rhodes

Patricia Brokaw

*Ivy Beyond the Wall

Former Chapter Presidents

Margaret Lewis (1999 -2002)

Joyce Hobbs (2002 - 2006)

Carol Brokaw Boles (2006 – 2010)

Angela Armstrong (2010 – 2014)

MaryAnn Anderson (2014 – 2018)

Deana Lawson (2018 – 2022)