AKA Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter Celebrates 70th Anniversary

By Pamela Green Jones, Public Relations Chair
Special to The Truth

Monday, April 25, 2022 marked a pivotal milestone for the ladies of the Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.  Zeta Alpha Omega celebrated 70 years of service in the Toledo metropolitan area.

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, the chapter observed its anniversary titled 70 Years of Exemplary Service:  A Platinum & Pearls Celebration Luncheon, at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. During the luncheon participants experienced inspirational music by Sheila Brown; an enthralling interview with the only surviving charter member and Honorary Co-Chairman, Helen Cohen, as well as a historical presentation by dais members.

The dais included Chapter President and Event Chairman, Treva Jeffries, EdD; Chapter Vice-President Lisa McDuffie; Regional Representative and Cluster Coordinator Lisa Dubose, EdD; Co-Chairman and Ritual Chairman of the chapter, Felicia Roberts-Dunston and Protocol Representative Marie L. Bus, PhD.

Kayleen Powell served as the mistress of ceremonies for the momentous event. Open to members only, the atmosphere was filled with love and emotion as sorority members participated in their first long awaited in-person event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The perimeter of the venue displayed mementos of the chapter’s stellar history of award-winning scrapbooks, detailing service that has graced the community for 70 years.  Finally, the commendations for community service over the past seven decades culminated with a Rededication Ritual.  The honor and pride of this event will be embedded in the hearts of all of the members present.

The Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter was chartered on April 25, 1952, in the residence of the late Reba Harris. There were 12 charter members who preceded Helen Cohen in death, however, the legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and community service continues to be the mission of this illustrious organization. Zeta Alpha Omega holds a rich history of community service and has garnered special recognition and praises locally and regionally.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the oldest Greek lettered organization of African American women in the United States and abroad. Founded on the inspiration and virtues of nine ambitious students on the campus of the Howard University in Washington D.C. on January 15, 1908.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® holds firm the tenets of high ethical and academic standards, unity amongst college women, alleviating problems that affects girls and women, supporting and aiming to improve social justice, and cultivating an interest of college life and progression beyond. Event Committee:  Treva Jeffries, EdD Chairman; Felicia Roberts-Dunston, Co-Chairman; Helen Cohen, Honorary Co-Chairman; Cassandra Adams, LaShaunda Brown-Rivera, Marie Latham Bush, PhD; Donnetta Carter, Katina Johnson, Carolyn Lane Lewis, Lisa McDuffie, Kayleen Powell, Andrea Price and Leigh Utley.  Risk Management for pandemic protocol:  Janae Miller, Chairman and Malinda Prowell.