AKA AKOmega January 2022 Newsletter

AKW

January 2022
Volume 4 Number 1

2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Greetings from the Basileus
BASILEUS
Cherise Story Greetings Sorors,

ANTI-BASILEUS of PROGRAMS Happy New Year Sorors!!! May peace, hope,
Laura Rousseve Allen health, and joy fill your days as we ring in 2022. Our
commitment to Service and Sisterhood is rekindled with
ANTI-BASILEUS of OPERATIONS the exciting new year as we continue to deliver Service to
Andrea Bonner All Mankind.

GRAMMATEUS We ended 2021 in Excellence with a collaboration
Mary Smith Johnson of the Sisterly Relations and Entertainment Committees
ANTI-GRAMMATEUS fun filled “Pretty Girl Christmas” event. Our virtual
Christmas Home Tour grew as more sorors opened their homes allowing us to
Felicia Wright view artistic and beautiful Christmas decorations, and the video received many hits
EPISTOLEUS on social media.  The Building Your Economic Legacy Committee was doubly
Jo-Carolyn Goode busy collecting donations for the Angel Tree Project at Change Happens CDC, and
ANTI-EPISTOLEUS hosting a Christmas party for residents at the transitional home, Angela’s House. 
Thedrial Jackson Once again, the All Kare Action Committee nurtured sick and shut-in sorors by
TAMIOUCHOS delivering beautiful poinsettia plants and Christmas cards.  The Membership
Committee is planning for our Membership Intake Process as we anxiously await
Keri Myers final approval.  Read more about our eventful December in this month’s issue of
ANTI-TAMIOUCHOS the Jewel.

Meredith Hawkins Thank you to Committee Chairmen for timely completion of End of Year
PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Reports, and to retiring officers for transitioning with new officers. I
enthusiastically look forward to working with the 2022 Executive Committee,
Monica Baynard Baylock Committee Chairmen, and all sorors.
ANTI-PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS
We will meet virtually on January 8, 2022, for sorority meeting, and Zoom
Darlene Johnson access information will be distributed before the meeting. May God continue to
PHILACTOR richly bless each of you and all members of our great sisterhood. Remember, all
Rebecca Savoy sorors working together in sisterhood can make a difference in our chapter and
HODEGOS community. We are Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter!!
Pamela Cormier
With a Heart for Service,
REPORTER TO THE IVY LEAF Soror Cherise Story
Erika Edmond
HISTORIAN
Susan Bynam

GRADUATE ADVISORS
VeRonique Williams (Gamma Psi)
Jennifer Rachal (Epsilon Lambda)
Pippa Brown-Andrews (Omicron Gamma)

PARLIAMENTARIAN
Veronica Johnson
CHAPLAIN
Charlyn Kyles

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Lillian Bourgeois
Donna Miles
Andrea Miller
Mary Shockley
Connie Steward

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

January 2022 AKW

JANUARY SERVICE PROJECT JANUARY PROTOCOL TIP
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Day of Service will By DiAnn Robinson
be held on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00
noon. We will provide service to the men at the Open Door Source Protocol for Chapter Members pg. 14-15
Mission, a recovery and rehabilitation center for 75 men. The
service consists of a donation drop-off drive and a $300.00 1. Maintain all sorority documents in a safe and secure
donation check from our chapter to the Open Door Mission, location in the home – (i.e., chapter financial reports
located at 5803 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011. We are or written reports, chapter bylaws, Alpha Kappa
proud to partner with our undergraduate chapters for this Alpha Constitution and Bylaws, Manual of
project – Gamma Psi, Epsilon Lambda and Omicron Gamma Standard Procedure).
Chapters. Please take a selfie, with any supplies you will
donate, and post to social media with your name, chapter 2. Maintains proper decorum in business meetings.
name, and the below hashtags. a. Dresses appropriately in business attire.
#AKAMLKDayofService #AKA1908 #AKOmega1928 b. Arrives before the official start time.
#AKOmega #ServiceandSisterhood #WeAreSouthCentral c. Silences all electronic communication devices.
d. Speaks only when recognized by the presiding officer.
Please help us to make this a grand success! Thank you.
Personal Needs SISTERLY REMINDER — PHONE MESSAGES
Stick deodorant, canned shaving cream, and 3-in-1 wash Our phone message system is active and sending messages to
(contains soap, shampoo, and conditioner) you.  Please add the phone number 405-548-2251 from
Men’s Wear (all sizes new/gently used) Oklahoma City, OK to your saved phone contacts. Thank you
Socks, belts, shoes, light jackets and hoodies to Sorors Laurie Wright and Vickie Windham for being the
Desserts elegant voices.
Store-bought in individually packages – variety (brownies,
cookie, and pies) CHAPTER EBLAST REQUESTS
To assist in the orderly preparation of weekly eBlast messages
NURTURING OUR IVY to the chapter, please submit articles ready for publication
Please inform the Basileus as you become aware of those along with any flyers, etc. for the Monday eBlast, by Saturday
who are ill or otherwise challenged. Please continue to 9:00 p.m. Friday eBlast messages will be sent as needed.
pray for all sorors and their families who are experiencing Monday eBlast; submit by Saturday at 9:00 p.m. Friday eBlast;
challenges. submit by Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.

Mourning the loss of family... CONGRATULATIONS TO
Sorors Darlene and Diana Johnson in the passing of their Soror Genora Boykins was elected as the first woman and
mother, Soror Gloria Johnson first Black chairman of the South Texas College of Law.
Soror Keisha Bussey in the loss of her mother, Ms. Soror Davina Horace-Lee became the first African-American
Gwendolyn Bussey-Russell female Chief Deputy Constable of Waller County Precinct 3
Soror Patricia Ingram in the loss of her aunt, Ms. Helen Constable Department.
Mensay
Soror Diedra Fontaine and Soror Dorothy Booker in the WE HAVE MAIL
loss of their aunt and sister-in-law, respectively, Mrs. Carolyn Special Thanks From…
Fontenett
Soror Xenith Green mourns the loss of her grandmother, Mrs. * Soror Una Topps
Charles Etta Bruno * Angela’s House
Sorors Robertine Jefferson and Vanessa Auguillard in the
passing of their mother Holiday greetings were received from...
* Soror Chelle Luper Wilson
* Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks
* Chi Omicron Omega

Page 2 In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

AKW

January 2022

ANGELS JUST DON’T LIVE IN HEAVEN SHARING PINK & GREEN HOLIDAY CHEER
By Sahira Abdool By Krystle Simpson
T’was the Angel Tree Project at Change Happens in December -
The Building Your Economy Legacy Committee unanimously voted to The chapter’s Christmas celebration, “Games, Giggles, and Glitter: A
bring back the Angel Tree Project at Change Happens for the Christmas Pretty Girl Christmas,” was held virtually via Zoom on Saturday,
Holiday. This activity became the December service project. The December 4, 2021.  The event was hosted by the Sisterly Relations
members were all excited to begin the planning process and to snuggle and Entertainment committees, and was attended by 65 sorors. 
in on the details. The Sub-Committee Chairman was selected and the Sorors enjoyed an evening full of games such as Charades and
Sub-Committee confirmed that the program would be held on December Bingo, along with several Christmas challenges with opportunities to
11, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. win gift cards.   Sorors were tickled pink from the comedy provided by

Soror Juanita Chretien and team were fast at work gathering all of the Soror Shanedria Wagner, and were given a demonstration of holiday
details of each Angel and the families that we would help from Change table decor by Soror Renee Lewis.  DJ Chuck D Volume 2 kept the
Happens. With great excitement, the plans expanded and we engaged Sorors entertained with several Christmas classics and party music
over 70 Sorors in our volunteer efforts. Every detail was planned and all throughout the event.  The evening concluded with a special holiday
names were checked twice. We served 50 boys and girls in need, as toast given by our VSG’s, Sorors Mattelia B. Grays, Polly Sparks
well as 10 families with Christmas gifts. Turner, Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, and Berna Greer, along with Basileus
Cherise Story, and Anti-Basilei Laura Allen and Andrea Bonner. It was
And just like that - December 11th plans were finalized, we had soror
helpers from our undergrad chapters and AKOmega all chipping in truly an evening of fun and sisterly entertainment. Special thanks to
together with sisterly spirit to wrap every gift and arrange for drop off. the Sisterly Relations committee with chairman. Special thanks to the
With cheer we gathered at Change Happens, while observing best Sisterly Relations Committee with chairman Shanda Provost and co-
practices and protocols for COVID-19 safety measures, we were able to chairmen Cheryl Johnson, Krystle Simpson (event chairman), and
serve more than we anticipated. Vickie Windham (the emcee), along with the Entertainment committee
chairman Jessica Brooks and co-chairmen Tracy Aubrey and Andrea
Simon

In all 25 boys, 26 girls and 11 families received toys, clothing, shoes,
games, special personalized gifts, and gift cards via a Drive-Through
Distribution. We extend a very special Kudos to the wonderful Sub-
Committee Members; Sub-Committee Chaiman - Soror Juanita Chretien
and members - Sorors Sahira Abdol, Laura Allen, Andrea

Bonner,Cassandra Bowers, Jennifer Meeks,Carla Prince, Krystle
Simpson, Idaena Wade, and Jennifer West. We had a good time by all
and wished all special cheer until plans begin for next year’s great Angel
Tree Project Event.

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas Page 3

AKW

January 2022

NO SOROR LEFT BEHIND – ALL KARE ACTION COMMITTEE GROW WITH GOOGLE INITIATIVE SERIES
By Soror Dorothy Booker By Sahira Abdool
Grow with Google Initiative Series, consists of webinars to help
During the Christmas holiday season the All Care prepare individuals for job readiness, resume writing and job search
Committee, under the leadership of Soror Dorothy tips to help individuals know what to say and do to be successful in
Booker, delivered poinsettias and cards to our their job pursuits.
sick and shut-in sorors.  These are members
who have given their time, and talents for many Power Your Job Search with Google Tools was the kick-off event
years to our great chapter. The following are the sorors held on December 2, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Three
that received our special gifts: Amber Campbell, Bonita Davis, Clara non-profit organizations, Angela’s House, Bridge-Over-Troubled-
Dotson, Mattelia Grays, Mary C. Harris, Melba Henry, Patricia McGill, Waters, and Change Happens, participated in the webinar that was
Melba Moreland, Ruby Mosley, Eula Perry and Jessie Smith. We have also available to the public. We also had participation by our
lost the following sorors: Yvonne Peterson and Ora Lean Piper.  A special undergrad and area chapters with a total participation of 93
thanks to Sorors Tamara Cubit, Vivian Harrison and Anitra Provost for attendees. The Webinar was extremely informative with tips to
assisting the committee in buying the cards, plants and making “virtual” assist with writing a resume that would attract and retain the
deliveries. potential employers’ attention within the first six seconds of their
review. Also, how to interview in a virtual environment, since
IT’S ELECTION TIME...CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE 2022 SOUTH COVID-19 Pandemic, our interviewing processes have changed
CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES significantly and understanding the use of virtual interviewing via
By Jo-Carolyn Goode Zoom or Microsoft TEAMS are tools that job seekers must learn
Sorors it is election time for Alpha Kappa Omega once again. The 90th how to properly utilize in order to be successful.
South Central Regional Conference will be held March 17-20, 2022, in
Houston, TX.  We want to be sure that Alpha Kappa Omega’s voice is Part 2 of our special Project with Angela’s House featured
heard in all undertakings. Our chapter delegates will represent our voice. conducting mock Interviews with the residents. The Angela’s House
In order to have great representation, the chapter must elect regional facility provides transitional and preparatory skills, to women, who
conference delegates by the January 31st delegate registration deadline. had been incarcerated, or completing various recovery programs.
 The size of the chapter requires 12 delegates and 12 alternates. These individuals were seeking a second chance to make a positive
Chapter officers occupy six delegate positions and sorors will need to difference and direction in their lives. On December 9, 2021, we
elect six additional sorors to fill the remaining open positions. In order to conducted a group discussion about preparing for a successful
vote for the 2022 South Central Regional Conference delegates, sorors interview. This was a very impactful project and one that involved
must attend the January 8th chapter meeting. Once all attendance has candid and compassionate conversations with each resident. It was
been verified, all sorors from the January 8th meeting will receive an clear that the residents had experienced challenges and our
email from Simply Voting with the link to view the ballot and cast their Building Your Economy Legacy Committee volunteers received
vote. Election results will be sent via email from the Tellers Committee. If excellent responses from all participants. It was a moving process
you have questions/concerns, please contact the Nominating Committee and clear that our Sisterhood was committed to provide continued
2021 Chairman, Jo-Carolyn Goode, at (713) 320-5611 or the Nominating service to Angela’s House to support these residents with an
Committee 2022 Chairman Sheri Cole, at (281) 323-1300 or send an opportunity for a second chance.
email to [email protected].
Hats off to the Sub-Committee Members – Sorors Sahira Abdol,
MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Monica Adeeko, Laura Allen, Mary Greer May, Jennifer Meeks, and
Do any of these new year’s resolutions top your list? Idaena Wade. Additional program details will be forthcoming for the
next Webinars and special activities slated for February to March
1. Work out to feel good, not be thinner 2022.
2. Pay off your credit card debt every night
3. Do random acts of kindness
4. Stop gossiping
5. Go some place you’ve never been
6. Clear out the clutter
7. Take some of your paycheck and

invest it
8. Do something that scares you
9. Talk less, listen more
10. Remove negativity from your life

Page 4 In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

AKW

January 2022

SAVE THE DATE MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Support Your Chapter By Coming to Our Events
Be sure to sign-in while you are there!

THE CROWNING MOMENT: CALLING ALL NEW DIAMOND, PEARL, JANUARY 2022
GOLDEN AND SILVER SORORS 8: January Chapter Meeting – 11:00 a.m.
By Pamela Cormier 14 – 15: First MIP Weekend
The Hostess Committee is looking forward to celebrating those Sorors 15: Happy Founders’Day
initiated in 1947, 1957, 1972 and 1997 on Saturday, March 12, 2022. 17: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. International Day of Service
Sorors initiated in the above years are requested to complete the
registration form found in this week’s eblast. Submit the completed form 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. @ Open Door Mission
to Soror Pamela Cormier at [email protected]. The deadline to 21 – 22: Second MIP Weekend
submit all forms is Saturday, January 15, 2022. 28 – 30: Last MIP Weekend
29: Incorporation Day
Diamond, Pearl, Golden, and Silver sorors are treasured gems of the
chapter and we want to be sure to recognize each of you for your 75, 65, FEBRUARY 2022
50 and 25 years as you have provided “Service to All Mankind.” We 4: Pink Goes Red Impact Day, Virtual Webinar, 7:00 p.m. -
salute you!
8:30 p.m.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE 26: Parade of Committees – 11:00 a.m.
By Laura Allen
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Day of Service will be held 90TH SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE
on Monday, January 17, 2022. We looked forward to an in-person Registration for the 90th South Central Regional Conference is open.
service project. However, with COVID rates on the rise again, the Registration for graduate sorors is $210 and for undergraduate
service project will be a collection and drop-off of supplies to Open Door sorors it is $100. The late fee for both is $50. Soror registration
Men’s Mission. We are happy to partner with our undergraduate includes all events (Thursday Night Welcome, Empowerment
chapters once again - Gamma Psi, Epsilon Lambda, and Omicron Session, Undergraduate Celebration, Public Meeting, and Closing
Gamma Chapters. Please help us to make this service project a big Gala.) The conference headquarters will be the George R. Brown
success by collecting the items requested for drop off on January 17, Convention Center and the host hotel is the Hilton Americas –
2022. The chapter will give a monetary donation to the mission from the Houston. The registration deadline is January 22, 2022, and the late
MLK Impact Day Budget. registration deadline is February 5, 2022. Register online at
AKA1908.com/South Central.

Special Thanks to proofreaders Sorors Marla Angibeau and Millie
Mitchell.

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas Page 5

AKW

January 2022

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE 2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP!

January Birthdays

Page 6 * As printed in the chapter directory
In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

AKW

January 2022

HIDDEN NO MORE: ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER LET’S GET SOCIAL
BASILEI Like us on Facebook.com/AKA.AlphaKappaOmega
By Taylar Lewis
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @AKOmega1928
We continue to highlight the legacy of leadership in our chapter. This
corner will highlight sorors who have served as chapter Basilei, and Use these hashtags with your posts AKA1908 #Excellence
who are current living members of our chapter, in chronological #AKOmega1928 #ServiceandSisterhood
order of the years they served. #WeAreSouthCentral

Soror Marianne Young Walker was President STAYING CONNECTED
of Alpha Kappa Omega from 2009-2012.
Soror Marianne Young Walker was initiated Chapter Programs
into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Soror Laura Rousseve Allen , Anti-Basileus of Programs
at the Gamma Psi Chapter of Texas [email protected]
Southern University in the late 1960’s. Upon 713-528-6021
graduation, Soror Young accepted a teaching
position in Southern California and was Chapter Operations
involved in the Eta Nu Omega Chapter. Soror Soror Andrea Bonner, Anti-Basileus of Operations
Marianne returned to Houston and joined Alpha Kappa Omega [email protected]
chapter in 1981. She would serve as chairman of the fashion show 713-206-2494
and undergraduate joint chapter committees. Soror Marianne has
chaired Regional Conference committees during the administrations Change of Address, E-mail, or not Receiving “The Jewel”
of Soror Polly Sparks Turner, Soror Shirley Fisher and Soror Soror Jo-Carolyn Goode, Epistoleus
Gwendolyn Brinkley. She has also served on the Regional Archives [email protected]
committee. In addition to Basileus, Soror Walker has served as 713-320-5611
Gamma Psi Graduate Advisor, Philactor, Historian, and Anti-
Basileus.  Dues, Reactivation, Transfers, Golden/Silver/Life
Members
Soror Walker is the daughter of chartering member Soror Hazel Soror Monica Matlock- Baynard, Pecunious Grammateus
Hainsworth Young. [email protected]
504-319-1838
Highlights of Soror Young’s Accomplishments: 
Death of a Soror or someone in a Soror’s immediate
* Donated school supplies and Christmas items to the Angel family and/or information to be published in “The Jewel”
Tree Project for children of incarcerated parents at Change Soror Cherise Story, Basileus
Happens [email protected]
832-647-1017
* Partnered with the League of Women Voters to register 4,000
new citizens Courtesies
Soror Pamela Cormier, Hodegos
* Hosted an “American Saves Week” workshop in partnership [email protected]
with the Social Justice and Human Rights Committee at the 832-641-5312
Houston Alumni Youth Center for children aging out of foster
care Minutes of Chapter Meeting
Soror Mary Smith Johnson, Grammateus
* Sponsored a Webinar on housing [email protected]
* Hosted a Food Fair at Cuney Homes Community Center in 832-577-4019

partnership with Target Hunger, Houston Food Bank
distributed 12,000 lbs of fresh vegetables, fruits and milk
* Participated in the following walks/runs: March of Dimes,
Sister’s Network and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

We salute Soror Marianne Young Walker  for her leadership in Alpha
Kappa Omega!  This is HERSTORY! 

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas Page 7

January 2022 AKW

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

Soror Cherise Story
P. O. Box 35438

Houston, Texas  77235-5438