History

National History

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 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. View our national legacy.

Gamma Nu Omega

In the fall of 1941, Sorors Maurine Flipper, Vivian Russell and Odessa S. Nelson of Columbia, South Carolina, met to initiate plans for establishing a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Columbia, South Carolina. After much discussion, these three sorors decided to secure the help of the Regional Director who, at that time, was the honorable Ms. Margaret Adams, of Charlotte, North Carolina. Soror Adams was contacted, and the necessary information for establishing a chapter was secured. The three sorors then met and agreed to contact other Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors in the local community.

As a result of the untiring efforts these three sorors, along with the assistance from Soror Flossie Dedmond and other dedicated sorors, Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, became a reality in February of 1942. Soror Flossie Dedmond was named the first President. We are deeply indebted to Soror Margaret Adams for her capable leadership in this endeavor.

There were seventeen charter members:

Charter Members	Chapter	Location
Soror Flossie M. Dedmond	Pi	Nashville, Tennessee
Soror Ada Standback	Alpha Chi	Durham, North Carolina
Soror Maud Pride	Chi	Talladega, Alabama
Soror Vivian E. Russell	Phi	Marshall, Texas
Soror Verdelle Reynolds	Chi	Talladega, Alabama
Soror Joyce Tatum Morgan	Pi	Nashville, Tennessee
Soror Melrose White	Beta Eta	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Soror Sylvia Davis	Zeta	Wilberforce, Ohio
Soror Lula J. Gambrell	Beta Zeta Omega	Orangeburg, South Carolina
Soror Lillie M. Reynolds
Soror Odessa S. Nelson
Soror Marry Ray Saxon
Soror Lucy E. Williams
Soror Elise F. Jenkins
Soror Mayme S. Brandyburg
Soror Rebecca M. Johnson
Soror Ethel M. Bolden

Since 1942, Gamma Nu Omega Chapter has grown in a variety of ways. The activities have taken on a deeper meaning, the membership has increased greatly, and the programs have expanded. We have formed relationships which have ripened into genuine friendships. The chapter has become deeply engrossed in its regional, national and international programs. Greater effort has been made to render service to mankind to reflect continuing concerns for self improvement, self reflections and group solidarity in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Gamma Nu Omega “Future Outlook”

As we look to the future, Gamma Nu Omega will focus its attention on activities which will provide more “service to all mankind.”

Gamma Nu Omega Chapter will support the African-American family and sponsor programs which will heighten the awareness of the many health and social issues faced by these families. Particular emphasis will be place on programs which benefit children and the elderly.

As a leader in the community, Gamma Nu Omega Chapter sorors will set an example of finer womanhood and commitment to those goals established by our founders. The chapter will work diligently to retain and reclaim sorors, as well as promote sisterly relations.

It is imperative that Gamma Nu Omega Chapter sorors serve as ambassadors for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in our actions and deeds. We must expand the base of support for chapter sponsored programs by networking and forming coalitions with other professional organizations in our efforts to successfully implement our programs. Gamma Nu Omega will strive to be a significant agent in our quest for a much improved society in the future.

Priorities for Gamma Nu Omega Chapter

Retain and reclaim sorors in the Greater Columbia area
Improve sisterly relations
Improve attendance and participation in all chapter programs
Increase the number of annual scholarships awarded to assist deserving students
Expand service to the community through tutoring for children