Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
"Small But Mighty"
In an effort to extend the Alpha Kappa Alpha's service areas, specifically in the Oranges and Maplewood communities in Essex County, New Jersey, charter member Joan B. White, formed the interest group and became the chapter’s first president. After one full year of hard work in the community, it was on September 6, 1987, Rho Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc.® was chartered to service the Oranges and Maplewood communities.
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As community statistics began to change, 33 charter members saw a need to service for the community at large. Rho Gamma Omega has benefitted by the leadership of nine former presidents; Joan B. White, Barbara O’Neal, Barbara Harston Griffa, Anita S. O’ Neal, Hazel Lockett, Zaundria Mapson May, Pamela S. Nash, Melani Wilson Smith, Vonda K. Johnson, Recia Howard and Amanda Blake. The current president, Lesley-Ann Adams provides noteworthy leadership to a group of committed, motivated, hard-working membership. Each president has served diligently and through careful effort and guidance, has led this chapter to become stronger and more responsive to the needs of our communities.
Throughout the years, the chapter has received recognition in many areas including Program, Membership, Standards, Connections, and EAF. The chapter’s community service efforts earned an award from the Essex County Education Association. Rho Gamma Omega's efforts have also been publicized in The Ivy Leaf as well as local news media. The Rho Gamma Omega Chapter continues to serve the communities in various areas of concern including health initiatives, economic empowerment, voter registration, education, and cultural awareness. The chapter supports and collaborates with community organizations, educational and religious institutions, senior citizens, social agencies, health facilities, and correctional facilities. Our services have extended to Africa and the Caribbean.
Rho Gamma Omega continues to “hold high the torch” as we pass it on from generation to generation.
Rho Gamma Omega Chapter continuously follows the lead of each International President. Our current International President, Danette Anthony Reed's 2022-2026 International Programs will focus on Soaring to Greater Heights from Service and Sisterhood. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 300,000 members and 1,048 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five initiatives:
Empower Our Families
Build Our Economic Wealth
Enhance Our Environment
Advocate for Social Justice
Uplift Our Local Community
Including International Community Impact Day
One of the major endeavors over the years has been to award scholarships to aspiring, academically motivated graduating seniors who reside in our service areas. The chapter’s accomplishments attest to our continued commitment to serve “all mankind.”
After 35 years, Rho Gamma Omega now consists of 50+ dedicated, motivated, and hard-working members. The membership includes 1 Pearl member, 3 Golden members and 13 Silver Star members. A noteworthy percentage of the membership consistently attends and participates in Boules, Leadership Seminars, Regional Conferences, cluster events, and the local Essex County Pan-Hellenic Council.
The Rho Gamma Omega chapter is a part of the Notable North Atlantic Region, led by Regional Director, Elicia Pegues Spearman. Please visit the North Atlantic Region website for more information:
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