​A Pivotal Conversation During Quarantine

During a global quarantine in November 2020, Ms. Delores G. Forrest received a meaningful phone call from her dear friend, Dr. Cynthia Salley Nicholson. Their conversation began with warm greetings and familiar small talk, setting a comfortable tone for what would become a significant turning point. During their exchange, Dr. Nicholson posed a compelling question: “How would you like to start an Interest Group in the York County area?”

This simple yet thought-provoking inquiry ignited the spark for a new opportunity. For over 30 years, Ms. Forrest had aspired to charter a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Recognizing that the moment she had long awaited had finally arrived, she embraced the possibility with enthusiasm.

 

Ms. Forrest then engaged in thoughtful discussion with Ms. Dawnn B. Wallace, carefully weighing the advantages and challenges of moving forward. Within days, a dedicated group of sisters, Ms. Forrest, Dr. Salley Nicholson, Ms. Teresa Simms, and Ms. Wallace, gathered; united by a shared vision and commitment, they resolved to pursue the goal of chartering a chapter, laying the groundwork for the journey ahead.

 

Faith In Action

Excited about the opportunity, Ms. Forrest emerged as the leader and started researching the requirements of chartering a chapter. Soon thereafter, she discussed the possibility and the importance of establishing an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter in Yorktown with Dr. Katrina Baptiste, Ms. Tisa Forrest Harris, Ms. Shirlyne M. Heard, and Ms. Antoinette Porter. United in their belief that a chapter would be an invaluable asset to the community, they set out to actively seek out other members to join this journey.

 

Gaining Support

The sisters started networking and connecting with like­minded sisters who shared their vision of service and sisterhood in the Yorktown community. With growing support and encouragement, they held a Zoom meeting where 28 sisters gathered to discuss the possibility of establishing a chapter in York County. Following this meeting, Ms. Forrest spoke with

Ms. Jennifer King Congleton, the 19th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, on December 30, 2020. Ms. Congleton expressed her excitement and support for the group's initiative and request to become a prospective interest group.

 

Continued Growth

The group continued to grow in numbers but they prioritized fostering sisterhood with compassion and concern for each other and others in the community. On January 27, 2021, the sisters received the application package from Regional Director Jennifer King Congleton to become an official Interest Group.

 

Growing in Sisterhood

As the group grew, they called theselves "The 32. The members were: Ms. Delores G. Forrest, Dr. Katrina Baptiste, Ms. Tanya Brevard, Dr. Camille-Carson Bane, Ms. Crystal B. Garland, Ms. Tanya L. Gilliam, Ms. Tisa Forrest Harris, Dr. Elizabeth Heard, Ms. Shirlyne McCray Heard, Ms. Braysia M. Hicks, Ms. Octavia L. Hicks, Dr. Anna Howell, Ms. Kimberly N. Jackson, Ms. Benyetta M. Jefferson, Dr. Leah Jones, Ms. Marcella D. Jones, Ms. Tresserlyn L. Kelly, Virginia Senator Mamie E. Locke, Lakhassia Y. McCoy, Ms. Ava Dai Morton, Dr. Cynthia Salley Nicholson, Ms. Antoinette L. Porter, Ms. Tenia Price, Ms. Muriel Colvin Rankins, Ms. Adrienne C. Rolon, Ms. Angela Russell, Ms. Teresa R. Simms, Ms. Tracy Small-Johnson, Ms. Loren A. Smith, Ms. Dawnn B. Wallace, Ms. Tesia Heard White, and Ms. Chelsea Williams.

 

Application Submitted

The first celebration took place on Friday, May 7, 2021, marking the completion of the initial application to become an official Interest Group. While awaiting a favorable response, the group spent time getting to know each other better and strategizing on the identity and culture that they envisioned for the future chapter.

 

History Was Made

On October 23, 2021, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer King Congleton met with the group via Zoom and shared they had received a favorable vote to become an official Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. With permission to operate in the York County community, the Pearls of York County were prepared and ready to serve. It had been nearly three decades since an Interest Group was formed in the Tidewater Cluster. With the population increase in the Hampton Roads area, the time was right to expand our sisterhood's reach.

 

Service and Sisterhood Prevail

The Pearls of York County had the privilege of serving under two distinguished administrations. The journey began during the tenure of Alpha Kappa Alpha International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover (2018-2022), whose program platform, "Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service," guided their initial efforts. The group continued its mission under the leadership of International President and CEO Ms. Danette Anthony Reed, whose platform, "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood," provided new opportunities for growth and outreach. Through these transitions, the Interest Group benefited from working with two dynamic Mid-Atlantic Regional Directors: Ms. King Congleton, and Mrs. Nadine Vargas Stewart, 20th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director.

 

Community Impact and Scholarship Support

Demonstrating a strong commitment to education, the Pearls of York County raised over $20,000 through a single fundraiser and member contributions. This impressive effort enabled them to provide substantial scholarships to York County High School students, supporting scholars who might not otherwise have had the financial resources to pursue higher education.

 

Building Community Partnerships

The Interest Group’s first community partnership was established with the GLOWW Center, a local non-profit dedicated to serving the physical, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of single-mom families. The Pearls of York County supported the GLOWW Center through monetary donations and by volunteering over 100 service hours, effectively cementing their presence and commitment within the York County community.

 

Program Initiatives Under the SOAR Administration

Continuing their dedication to service, the Pearls of York County actively participated in six key program initiatives highlighted under the SOAR administration:

• Strengthening Our Sisterhood™: Programs such as Secret Sisters and AKA Pals encouraged members to connect and build meaningful relationships with one another.

• Empower Our Families™: The group assembled CHIPP Bags for students at Magruder Elementary and established the Youth Leadership Institute at Tabb Middle School.

• Build Our Economic Wealth™: Support for Black-owned businesses was prioritized, including the creation of a directory to promote women-owned enterprises.

• Enhance Our Environment™: Environmental stewardship was demonstrated through recycling initiatives, such as collecting and converting plastic into a bench for Magruder Elementary School via the NexTrex® Recycling Challenge and harvesting fresh vegetables in a community garden.

• Advocate for Social Justice™: The Interest Group created voter registration materials and advocated for legislation to positively impact the community.

• Uplift Our Local Community™: Collaborations with local chapters and churches included Arbor Day celebrations, tree plantings, and ongoing documentation of these efforts to further community enhancement.

​

A Commitment to Service

The Pearls of York County remain dedicated to meeting the needs of their community. Each effort, whether large or small, represents their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

 

Chapter Chartering

Alpha Gamma Gamma Omega (AGGO), formerly the Pearls of York County Interest Group, was officially chartered on December 10, 2023, at Christopher Newport University. The chapter began its journey with 32 charter members, under the leadership of Ms. Delores Forrest. AGGO is affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and holds the distinction of being the first four-letter graduate chapter within the region.

 

Community Engagement and Service

AGGO is dedicated to serving the citizens of York County, Virginia. The chapter has established strong partnerships with several local organizations, including the GLOWW Center, Shiloh Baptist Church, Magruder Elementary School, and the Lackey Free Clinic. Through these collaborations, AGGO members have actively mentored students, donated back-to-school supplies, organized voter registration drives, and facilitated informational forums throughout the community.

 

Commitment to Community Impact

Alpha Gamma Gamma Omega chapter is unwavering in its commitment to addressing the most pressing needs within the community. Members seize every opportunity to make a meaningful difference and to strengthen their legacy of service to all mankind. These ongoing initiatives reflect the chapter’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact in York County and surrounding areas.​