Chapter History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Theta Iota Omega Chapter
Suffolk-Nassau Counties, Long Island, New York

Chapter History

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha, became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for African-American women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, DC, where the idea for the formation of the sorority was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri, along with eight other young women who were community visionaries. Our Founders viewed the sorority as a vehicle for enriching the social, cultural and intellectual aspects of college life.

Its current membership consists of nearly 200,000 college-trained women in over 900 chapters throughout the United States, West Africa, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Germany, Korea, Great Britain and Japan. Since its incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s focus has expanded and through the years it has become a channel through which its members work to improve social and economic conditions in their respective cities, states, the nation and the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is celebrating one hundred years of sisterhood with "Service To All Mankind." Her heritage lives on and we salute this legacy of sisterhood and service.

Since October 1966, Theta Iota Omega of Suffolk-Nassau Counties has played an integral role in the improvement of the quality of life for the residents of Long Island and the general New York metropolitan area.

We have been participants in a myriad of programs over our forty two year history and our continuous growth now includes - but is not limited to:

•
the partnership with The Links, Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America in a “Roses in Bloom” mentoring program at the Madonna Heights Residence, for young women striving to improve their lives.
•
the management a year-long “Tea Rose” mentoring program with high school young women
•
the partnership with the Order of Eastern Star Deborah Chapter #31 in a Career Day
and interviewing skills workshop
•
the partnership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
in a “Boys to Men” mentoring program for middle school males
•
the partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in a Career Day at Wyandanch High School
•
lending support to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Black College Tour
•
the establishment of a Family Fitness Fun Day, to promote health living and fun outdoor activities.
•
offering generous financial support and personal counsel to Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans
as well as those who have relocated to Long Island,
•
assisting with the SUNY at Old Westbury STEP program
•
participating in health walks
•
recognizing outstanding academic and cultural arts students with scholarships
•
• supporting the NOAH Program at Hofstra University
•
the development of a Young Authors programs in the Roosevelt School District's Washington-Rose
and Harry Daniels Elementary Schools
•
supporting the Town of Babylon Summer Internship Program
•
sponsoring clothing drives in support of families in need
•
co-sponsoring the Ebony Fashion Fair with our sister chapter Pi Pi Omega

We are very proud of our biennial signature program - which was established in 1980
~ "The Greatest Love" Cotillion ~

With E.S.P., an Extraordinary Service Program , our community initiatives will focus on Economic Empowerment through entrepreneurship, Education, Health Resource Management, and Economic Growth of the Black Family, and the development of leadership qualities in the youth of our communities, as well as for our membership.

Theta Iota Omega's community outreach is strong and growing. Our financial support of programs for academic excellence and the artistically gifted young people of Long Island has far exceeded $600,000 over the past forty years . . . and the BEST is yet to come . . .

The community service-centered legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. lives on and Theta Iota Omega Chapter is very proud to be a part of an organization that plays a major role in uplifting the communities in which we live on Long Island, as we fulfill our mission to be of . . . service to all mankind!