Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 

History of Phi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

 

​Phi Iota Omega Chapter’s roots can be traced back to December 30, 1998, when a core group of members met to discuss the formation of an interest group. The motto chosen by this group was, “To Emphasize the Alpha Kappa Alpha tradition of a strong sisterhood as we provide service to all mankind.” “The Classic Pearls” was chosen as the name for the interest group.On January 9, 1999, the first meeting of the “Classic Pearls” was held at the Homewood Library. There were twenty-three members present. On September 14, 1999, a charter application was presented to The Honorable Jo Celeste Pettway, South Eastern Regional Director. The application was submitted to the Corporate Office on September 15, 1999. The Classic Pearls were approved for chartering on November 6, 1999.The Chartering Ceremony was held on Saturday, December 11, 1999, at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Chartering Ceremony represented the transformation of the Classic Pearls into Phi Iota Omega Chapter. Thirty-Seven members were included on the charter. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the chapter was joined by sister chapters, other Greek organizations, and members of the community.

 

The signature programs included partnering with Aletheia House (Back to Work Program and Suit Drive), Partner in Education at North Birmingham Elementary School, The Motivators of Reading Enrichment (M.O.R.E.) Program and the Mother/Daughter Scholarship Brunch.The first chapter officers were: President, Barbara Franklin; Vice President, Angela B. Jenkins; Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Marble; Corresponding Secretary, Stephanie Freeman; Financial Secretary, Clovia Wheeler; Treasurer, Cynthia Rena Ramsey; Sergeant-At-Arms, Phyllis Harmon; Chaplain, Valaida Gentry; Parliamentarian, Barbara Luckett; Historian, Deborah Huff; and Ivy Leaf Reporter, Adrienne Mason. Phi Iota Omega Chapter has been blessed with dynamic leaders who have embraced the ideals of our great sisterhood, and have provided outstanding leadership to members as they continue to provide “service to all mankind.”Phi Iota Omega Chapter members are united and committed as we strive and continue our legacy to provide service to all mankind in the greater Birmingham metropolitan area.