This book is the chronological history of one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororitys graduate chapters, Phi Eta Omega of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, from its chartering in 1999 through 2013. Ten inactive members (sorors) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., rekindling a desire to be of service to others, assembled at a sorors home in Plainfield, New Jersey, in the early winter of 1998. Soon this small group grew to fourteen and, ultimately, to seventeen women. These seventeen inactive sorors became an official interest group of the sorority later that year. With the mission to promote harmony and friendship among members, to develop and implement programs to enhance the self-esteem of youth, and to assist others wherever needed in their communities, these women, full of energy and enthusiasm, ventured into unknown waters. Becoming the first Greek letter organization to affiliate with the New Jersey Orators, the Scotch Plains/Union County Interest Group helped foster the development of confidence and public speaking skills in youth ages seven to seventeen. TAG, a weekly tutorial program, was also established. Since its chartering on June 6, 1999, Phi Eta Omega Chapter continues to institute and participate in other altruistic programs: the Angel Network; collection of coats and other winter clothing during local coat drives; donation of suits for Dress Barns Dress for Success; financial support to two Kenyan students in Africa; donation of duffel bags filled with pajamas, clothing, books, and other sundries to Union County Division of Child Protection and Permanency; and the replacement of the headstone of Caesar, a Revolutionary Warfreed slave, at Scotch Plains Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan comes a “frank, no-holds-barred, humorous look at African-American midlife” (The Seattle Times). “Being a lifetime wife and mother has afforded me the luxury of having multiple and even simultaneous careers: I've been a chauffeur. A chef. An interior decorator. A landscape architect, as well as a gardener. I've been a painter. A furniture restorer. A personal shopper. A veterinarian's assistant and sometimes the veterinarian. I've been an accountant, a banker, and on occasion, a broker. I've been a beautician. A map. A psychic. Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. The T.V. Guide. A movie reviewer. An angel. God. A nurse and a nursemaid. A psychiatrist and psychologist. Evangelist. For a long time I have felt like I inadvertently got my master's in How to Take Care of Everybody Except Yourself and then a PhD in How to Pretend Like You Don't Mind. But I do mind.” Today forty-four year old Marilyn Grimes has decided to be something other than a wife, a mother, a sister, or a daughter: herself. But first, she has to figure out exactly who that is....
Seasons of Sisterhood provides meditations for daily living inspired by the words of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African American college-educated women. Since its founding, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority have pursued a mission of service designed to promote unity among women and enhance the social stature of African Americans. The words of these women are powerful and inspiring - especially given the context of the social and political times in which they lived. Moreover, the messages that these women sought to convey have as much meaning and impact for today's reader as they did when they were first shared. Celebrate the history and contributions of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority through meditations inspired by their words.
The essence of this book is to portray a chronological outline of the history of the Upsilon Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The story starts with the interest group that had desires to start an organization in the south Jersey area that would follow the guidelines of Alpha Kappa Alpha regarding community service. This book will give the reader an overview of the process that it took this particular group of like-minded women to initiate, follow up and execute their plan. Once the chapter became official, the book highlights the various administrations that were elected to guide the members through a series of programs that varied every four years. The programs have been focused on family, education, economic security, social justice and global hunger. The reader will have a better understanding of how the Upsilon Delta Omega Chapter has a mission to have a positive impact on the surrounding communities by offering countless free workshops, hosting picnics and seminars for family shelters and providing scholarships to deserving students that are attending college. These events are vividly captured with photos and highlighted with media articles.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Delta Omega chapter has been an intrical part of the Portsmouth, Virginia community for about 75 years. This book is our first chapter history book done in conjunction with the rest of the sorority. One sorority writing their timeless histories for publication in 2014. It details the chapter history, biographies of former and current presidents, the chapters growth, governance, national and local programs through the years.