History of Eta Eta Omega Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Read about our Charter Members

In 1908 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America’s first Greek – letter organization established by black women.  This prestigious organization originated on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC.  The purpose of this sorority as conceived by its founders, Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, and her associates, is to be of service to all mankind, particularly in the areas of health, education, civic responsibility,

social inequalities, cultural and political achievement.

Through the years, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s function has become more complex.  After her incorporation as a perpetual body on January 29, 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women worked to improve the social and economic conditions in their cities, states, nation and the world.  Today, that tradition continues locally as well as nationally and internationally.

Eta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the first Greek letter organization formed in the black community of Ft. Pierce, Fl.  Its membership includes ladies from the Treasure Coast – Tri-county area of St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties.  The chapter was formally chartered on February 28, 1959 in the Francis K. Sweet Elementary School’s cafeteria.  Regional Director, Georgia Shank, conducted the chartering ceremony installing thirteen charter members.  The 13 members installed were: Gwendolyn Austin*, Sarah Douglas*, Gustava Hussain* Roslyn Blake Carnelle Clifton, Mazie Epps, Lon Floyd*, and Beazelle Hughes*, Zenobia Jefferson, Annie Little*, Emma Loman, Ernestine McCoy*, and Cora Monroe. 

            Gustava Hussian served as the first chapter president.  Since the induction, the following sorors have rapped Eta Eta Omega’s gavel as Basileus: Zenobia Jefferson, Cora Monroe, Mazie Epps, Lon Floyd, Valerie Calhoun, Bertha Sullivan, Venda Burgess, Annie Frank Little, Kathryn A. Wilson, Jessie Walker, Carnelle Clifton, Betty Robinson, Narvelene Lucas, Valerie Brant-Wilson, Latricia Thompson, and Robrielle Hendley.

            Eta Eta Omega membership is comprised of women with various professional backgrounds, including, Medical Doctors, PhD’s, School Administrators, Elected Official (School Board, County and City Commissioners) Attorneys, Teachers, Nurses, Entrepreneurs, Speech Therapist, Accountant, and Guidance Counselors.

            Eta Eta Omega Chapter has become a beacon of light for many citizens along the Treasure Coast.  The sorority has sponsored many activities including: Charm School Clinics, Creative Dance Classes, Self-enhancement programs for chapter members, Parenting workshops, Precious Pearls Teen Club, Back to Basic in Education Through Reading, After school reading program, After school tutorial program, workshops for Haitian Citizens, Sponsorship of a South African Village (Chad), Health fairs, Partnership in Mathematics and Science Summer Camps, Ivy Reading Academies, FCAT tutorial testing skills workshops, Kids Alert Program, Teen Forums and exposes. Through the ESP initiatives, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in the Treasure Coast communities.  

Eta Eta Omega has given over $350,000 in scholarships to young ladies in the tri-county communities and has established The Pink Rose Foundation which serves as the charitable arm of the chapter. In addition, Eta Eta Omega has also achieved many “FIRST” in the tri-county communities of Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties:

-First to sponsor CHARM SCHOOL for teens that included, etiquette, dance and karate

-First to sponsor a FASHION REVIEW for its high school scholarship program

-First to introduce professional models to the community, “FASHIONETTA”

-First to organize A TEEN MENTORING  and SERVICE CLUB for high school girls -currently known as Precious Pearls

-First to sponsor an after school READING and STUDY SKILLS PROGRAM

-First to sponsor a county wide HEALTH FAIR with prominent Medical Doctors, nurses and other health professional as consultants

-First to organize and conduct, with Pan Hellenic members, and AFTER SCHOOL TUTORIAL PROGRAM.  A letter of commendation to “Eta Eta Omega was received from Bob Graham, Governor of Florida

-First African American Organization to be DEPUTIZED as a group, for VOTER  REGISTRATION by the Indian River County Supervisor of Election

-First to appeal and gain approval from Indian River County School Board to offer and include BLACK HISTORY COURSES in the Vero Beach High School Curriculum

-Among the first graduate chapters chosen by the National Office for its innovative PIM’s Program – Four local PIM (Partnership in Math and Science) students were selected to participate in the PIM”Ss Camp at the University of Michigan, and featured in the IVY Leaf Magazine

-First to organize and charter a PAN HELLENIC COUNCIL on the Treasure Coast

-First Pan-Hellenic member to have a FOUNDATION to serve as the charitable arm of the chapter.

-First Pan-Hellenic Chapter to partnered with Habitat for Humanity; received a plaque for the chapter’s contributions and volunteerism.

-First Pan-Hellenic Chapter to receive a proclamation from the City of Ft. Pierce for its contribution to the citizens of Ft. Pierce.

-First Pan-Hellenic Chapter to have its artifacts showcased in Ft. Pierce’s City Hall during the sorority Centennial Celebrations.

-First Pan-Hellenic Chapter to have a chapter web site; www.etaetaomega.org

-First Pan-Hellenic Chapter to promote entrepreneurship under the auspices of ESP by lending a helping hand to black owned establishments; Tease Beauty & Spa Salon, Blended Magazine, Grants Barbeque Restaurant.

*Decease

Chapter meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m.