It is my sincere and utmost pleasure to serve as the President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Nu Delta Omega Chapter, as we celebrate a rich 115 Year Legacy of Leadership, Sisterhood and Service. Even during the COVID-19 global pandemic, our commitment to this beloved sisterhood did not diminish simply because we were no longer able to meet in person. Our relationships were made no less special because our time together abruptly ended. Our future is no less bright because we were connected virtually. In fact, our sisterhood rose to the challenge, as we learned how to make memories behind masks and with lots of sanitizer. We have learned to pivot in our programming and created connections through computer screens. Ultimately, we have learned that the grit of our sisterhood is still stronger than ever. In October 2021, we welcomed twenty-four (24) new members and reached out across Beaufort and Jasper counties to reclaim our precious pearls, resulting in a sixty (60) percent increase in membership. Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and the other founders could not have foreseen the future any more than we can today, however, they knew that this sisterhood would face whatever challenges and obstacles that came our way, by working together as we continue to be of Service to All Mankind.
The Nu Delta Omega Chapter is comprised of one hundred ten (110) highly educated women from diverse backgrounds, who have committed their time, talents, and resources to the betterment of the communities of Beaufort and Jasper counties. Like our founders, the Nu Delta Omega Chapter is committed to being a force for change as we strive to blaze new trails and set the standard for others to follow through our philanthropic work by:
- Providing scholarships for local high school girls in Beaufort and Jasper counties through our Donate to Educate Campaign,
- Partnering with Ridgeland Elementary and Hardeeville Elementary schools to provide 300 children with healthy snacks,
- Promoting breast cancer awareness and prevention,
- Partnering with Lions Club International to provide recycled eyeglasses to the uninsured,
- Partnering with the Adopt a Highway Program to reduce litter and erosion along America’s roads/highways and;
- Partnering with the Lowcountry Food Bank to provide 49,000 meals to the homeless, Veterans, children and families.
In honor of 115 years of service, the Nu Delta Omega Chapter honored Community Trailblazers, who have given selflessly of their time, talent and resources for the betterment of others. They have made a lasting impact across a broad spectrum of the community in the field of education, business, health, public policy, human rights and volunteerism. Like, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, such individuals created opportunities to engage the community in meaningful and impactful ways based on need. Congratulations to all of the 2023 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Nu Delta Omega Chapter Trailblazer Award Recipients.
Sincerely,
Aretha L. Rhone-Bush, President
