Our Story

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In November 1987, a small group of women gathered together at a social function and expressed their desires to meet to share sisterly concerns and determine ways to foster the aspirations of the sorority.

 

The first members were O.J. Williams, Nita Williams, Patty Barbour, Gail Jenkins, Michelle Gardner, and Richardean Milton. They gathered in December 1987 at the Eight United States Army Officer’s Club on Yongsan South Post, South Korea. Following that meeting, announcements were placed in the post weekly bulletin informing of the next meeting, which was held in January 1988. The meeting was held on Saturday, January 23, 1988 at the Eight United States Army Officer’s Club.  Members began referring to the group as “A Gathering of AKA Sorors in Korea.” At the close of the meeting, the following women volunteered to hold office:

 

• O.J. Williams, President

• Patty Barbour, Vice-President                                  

• Elsie Medlin, Recording Secretary                      

• Rosetta Wash, Corresponding Secretary             

• Michelle Gardner, Hostess                                                

• Marcella Ng, Treasurer                                            

• Vanessa Dunbar, Parliamentarian                                 

• Gail Jenkins, Chaplain                

                                                                                      

They published the minutes following the January meeting and the group’s history was recorded! The next monthly meeting was held at the home of Gail Jenkins. The February meeting culminated with the Founders' Day celebration at the 11:30 Gospel Service at Memorial Chapel on February 21 with all members actively participating in the services.  O.J. Williams delivered the sermonette. A pink and green reception was held after the service in the Chapel Annex. The members were also ushers for the Black History Month program, entitled “A Walk through Black History” on February 28th. 

 

The next meeting was held by Elsie Medlin. Patty Queen joined the group representing from the 2nd Infantry Division. The members decided that the next service project would involve participating in the college day program scheduled for May at Seoul American High School. Tia Johnson and Louise Lindsey joined the group in April at O.J. Williams’ home. Further plans were coordinated for the college day.

 

In May, Marcella Ng hosted the meeting where talks of charting a chapter began. Gail Jenkins drafted a letter to the International President inquiring on what actions were needed to become a chapter. Two new members, Elaine Allen and Margie Mungin joined the group with special guest Payne from Virginia State College located in Petersburg, VA. Payne promised to personally contact the International President to voice their interest in chartering. All members agreed to actively work towards chartering in November.

 

Unfortunately farewells were said to Patty Barbour as she returned to the United States; however, Tia Johnson volunteered to serve as Vice-President. The International President responded to the request and the number of interested members grew from six to seventeen. Meanwhile, members continued to work diligently volunteering and were actively involved in community projects.

 

Finally on November 26, 1988, Rho Nu Omega was born to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.