History | akatrotwood.org

Our History at a Glance

Charter Members

Photograph by Edward B. Taylor

In the spring of 1991, Sorors Alma Ivey Clarke, Cheryl W. Grimes, Lynnette M. Heard, and D. Jean Worth met to discuss strategies necessary to reclaim and retain members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to advance the mission of the sorority which is to "serve all mankind." This discussion led the group to exploring the possibility of establishing an additional chapter in the Miami Valley.

From the four members who met, Soror Alma Ivey Clarke was the one selected to lead the group through this exploratory phase of the process. Names of inactive members were gathered and those members were invited to help create a "vision for the future" and to develop the foundation for a strong, viable chapter to further the goals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After ample interest was shown by other members in the area to join the four originators, the group then named themselves, "Sisters in Service," an Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Soror Clarke then became the first and only President of the Interest Group (Sisters in Service). Sisters in Service became a chapter in nine months, which was unprecedented.

On Sunday, April 12, 1992, Tau Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered at the close of the 61st Great Lakes Regional Conference in Akron, Ohio. Twenty-five charter members of Tau Lambda Omega proudly took the challenge to foster the teachings of Alpha Kappa Alpha as a means to make a difference in the Trotwood and Miami Valley community.

A vision statement was adopted: To strive to be a strong, viable local sisterhood which actively addresses the international targets and goals adopted by the Boule and serves the needs of local communities, which became the founding philosophy for the chapter’s programs and initiatives.

Charter Members

Lisa A. Adams
Brenda J. Blane*
Wanda Bronston-Grigsby
Janice M. Chinn
Alma Ivey Clarke
Anita Curry-Jackson
Angela Durr
Cheryl W. Grimes
Crystal W. Harris (Echols)
Lynnette Heard
Rhonda B. Hutchins (Bailey)
Beverly T. Jenkins
Lillian Mann Johnson

Juanita R. Jordan
Brenda Oyeyemi Marone
Alice O. McCollum
Patricia S. Meadows
Brenda A. Myers
Carletta Railey-Worthy
Martha Ann Sewell*
Marion R. Sweeney
Lisa V.J. Taylor
Dorothy A. Tuck
Wanetta Judy Wilson
D. Jean Worth

*deceased

Early on, Tau Lambda Omega Chapter developed several innovative programs including producing and televising its own cable television program, "The Way We Live", providing crucial information about issues that impact the local community. Additionally, the chapter reached out and secured major grants to fund and support "Operation Back to School", a program designed to provide new clothing/uniforms, shoes and school supplies to children living in homeless shelters.

Under the leadership of six different Presidents --Alma Ivey Clarke (1992– 1996), Lillian M. Johnson (1997 – 2000), Phyllis J. Salter (2001 – 2004), Lynnette M. Heard (2005 – 2008), Alice O. McCollum (2009 – 2012) Patricia S. Meadows (2013 – 2016) and Linda Wilson (2017 - present) the chapter has remained steadfast in following the vision of the charter members -- actively addressing the international targets and serving the needs of the local community.

Seeking continuous improvement, the chapter regularly reviews and refines its mission to remain focused on enhancing our international programs and providing leadership in implementing and promoting activities that will improve the social and economic value of the Trotwood, Ohio, and surrounding communities.

The members of Tau Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reflect the spirit of the sorority to provide "service to all mankind," by enthusiastically supporting the chapter's goals:

To retain, reclaim, and recruit members and to create an environment where each member feels successful, supported and encouraged for her efforts. To be a stabilized, effective, credible, strong and unified chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

To be completely dedicated to exemplary service. To be a leading civic organization in the area, working to improve the life of African Americans.

To focus on enhancing our program targets with expanding more programs and activities in Trotwood, OH

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Washington, DC, 1908. To see an extensive history of AKA go to the Centennial Celebration.