Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Omicron Pi Omega Chapter
ΟΠΩ History
In the Summer of 1982,
A few sorors who were active with the Gamma Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Portsmouth, Virginia, discussed the idea of a Chesapeake Chapter. The reasons for wanting a chapter were:
Scholarship
To give scholarships to the deserving students of Chesapeake
Community
To participate in community services in the growing city of Chesapeake
Sisterhood
To unite inactive Sorority sisters in the City of Chesapeake
In February 1983, Sorors Perdethia Lowery, Helen Artis, and Margaret Fulton-Brown talked more about the idea and decided to seek information from Soror Barbara Davis, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. It was decided that Soror Lowery have a meeting at her home and invite several sorors, which included Sorors Helen Artis, Margaret Fulton-Brown, Dolores Eure, Janice Mebane, Patricia Coker, and Gertrude Porter. At this meeting it was decided to proceed, and that a letter should be sent to sorors who may be interested in the formulation of a Chesapeake Chapter. Sorors Perdethia, Margaret, and Helen met, constantly striving to get enough sorors interested in making plans for an interest group.
In December 1983 a group of 30 women became the Chesapeake Pearls, an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The sorors became general members. There was no money, no materials, etc. There was, however, faith and belief. Sorors went the extra mile and made contributions out of their pockets to help carry on programs. When a soror could not pay dues or meet obligations, other sorors helped.
The program for the year included a tutorial program chaired by Soror Delores Eurewhich was held at the South Norfolk Library. Additionally, a contribution of fifty dollars was given to Oscar Smith High School for software and a Thanksgiving basket was given to a needy family. Fundraising, Chairmaned by Soror Helena Dodson, included the selling of portrait certificates and a handbag sale. A quarterly pearl report which was created by Soror Margaret Fulton Brown was published. This publication gave news of sorors and useful hints for the sorors personal development. Soror Helen Artis Chairmaned the Bylaws and Chapter Operations committee.
