Phi Psi Omega

In the fall of 1999, ten general members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Cincinnati, Ohio area met to consider forming a chapter which would provide service to the area outside the northern section of the Interstate 275 loop in Cincinnati. These members had been active for many years and had attended Regional Conferences, Leadership Semi... nars, annual International Meeting and Clusters. They continued to meet throughout the spring of 2000. A second group made up of inactive members was also interested in forming a chapter in the suburban Cincinnati Area. Their paths crossed, and they began working together as a core group. After many hours of hard work, and a plan in place, they contacted Mrs. Rachel Ashburn-Mallory, Great Lakes Regional Director, and requested a meeting with her for consideration as an Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Ashburn-Mallory agreed to the meeting. On a cold Saturday, the first week of January, 2001, Patricia Thomas, Nicole Barton, Chiquita White, Shauna Cooke, Wiona Berry, Tracy Turney-Smith, Kim Saxon and Viveca Fairbanks-Henderson met with Great Lakes Regional Director, Mrs. Rachel Ashburn-Mallory in Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Kim Saxon was the spokesperson. Her presentation was eloquent and outstanding. Mrs. Rachel questioned the sorors present. She was pleased with their knowledge of Alpha Kappa Alpha and impressed with the fact that they had attended Regional and Leadership Conferences, as well as the annual international meeting, even as General Members. They were given permission immediately to become an Interest Group and had one month to complete Bylaws and recruit additional members. By the end of February 2001, they had recruited over 30 sorors, completed the Bylaws and became Cultured Pearls Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Ashburn-Mallory indicated after her first visit in May 2001, that the group was ready to be presented to the Directorate for consideration as a chapter. Mrs. Ashburn-Mallory was pleased that ...Read More