AKA KΩΩ

Local Progams

Miss Fashionetta AKA Coat Day Shoe Boxes for Africa Young Authors Essay Contest AKAConnection - Political Awareness

Graduation Awards A Sistah Affair Black Dollar Month Senior Shower of Love Black Inventor's Display

Chapter History

Charter Date: Chartering Supreme Basileus: Chartering Regional Director:

May 13, 1976 Sister Bernice I. Sumlin Sister Mildred Robinson

The dream to establish an Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter in Bakersfield, California began in 1974-75 with initial insight provided by Sisters Susianna Anderson, Wilma Anderson (Wright), Wanda Bradford, Elsie Cashie, Linda Cato (Hoyle), Jeanette Fulton, Lavenia Goodloe, Alta Harvey, Cheryl Hyde, Marilyn Jones, Mazie Mack, Adelle Minor, Darnell Rucker, Debra Travis, and Jane Van Hook.

Realizing the success of a chapter depended upon relentless leadership, patience and maturity. The Sisters contacted Sister Mildred Robinson, Far Western Regional Director. Sister Robinson gave the Sisters many tasks to be researched regarding motives and goals to sustain and establish a viable chapter in the city of Bakersfield, California. On May 13, 1976, the dream became a reality and Kappa Omega Omega Chapter was chartered in the home of Sister Susianna Anderson. In 33 short years, Kappa Omega Omega has made tremendous strides and progress. Through its Basilei, the chapter continues its movement forward. The following Sisters have served as Basileus:

Sister Susianna Anderson (1976 - 1978)

Through Sister Susianna’s strength and persistence, the first Graduate line was initiated in 1977. In 1978, the chapter participated and provided assistance in the Kern County Health Fair on the campus of Bakersfield Junior College. This became an annual event for the chapter. The chapters’ first fundraiser was held at Bakersfield County Club. This extravagant dinner dance was well received by the community and proceeds from the affair provided scholarships for high school students.

Sister Susianna's unselfish warmth continues to restore faith to the chapter's growth and her home serves as a meeting place for all important chapter events such as birthday celebrations, initiations, and visitations from Far Western Regional Directors and other dignitaries. Sister Anderson presently serves as the chapter's Hodegos.

Sister Wilma J. Anderson Wright (1978 - 1980)

Sister Wilma J. Anderson Wright served as the chapter's second Basileus. Sister Wilma established the first chapter newsletter and copies were shared with other chapters. The annual dinner dance fundraiser continued. Sister Dr. Ruth Love was speaker at the chapter's Founder's Day Luncheon in 1979. In that same year the chapter began its Graduation Awards program, a much needed program and event for young black graduates of the city.

Sister Wilma was also instrumental in establishing a literacy program for primary and high school students at the Holloway/Gonzales Library. This program led to the chapter's organization and sponsorship of the first "Black History Essay Contest." These programs were greatly appreciated by the Black Community. Sister Anderson Wright presently serves as Chaplin for the chapter and is ever the spiritual guide for the sorority.

Sister Mary C. Tomlin (1980 - 1982)

During Sister Tomlin's biennium focus was placed on young black men of the community, and in 1981 the Sorority presented these young, gifted and black males in its first "Beautillion" (the beginning of many years of this very important event). The chapter became an active member of the Southern California Basilei Council (a council of all chapters in the Southern California area, providing communication, comradery and sisterliness to Southern California Sisters), and in the same year, joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisters in the Inner-Chapter Founders Day Celebration held in Los Angeles.

In March 1982 Sister Mary served on the Awards Committee at the Far Western Regional Conference in San Jose, California. Sister Mary's goal for the chapter was one of excellence in communication outside of the city of Bakersfield. Sister Mary expanded the chapter's newsletter to include the letterhead caption "Kooing with KΩΩ" bordered by a decorative ivy branch. The chapter was delighted by the change and continues to use this letterhead today. In October 1982, Sister Mary served as Cluster Chairman for the Southern California Cluster Conference held in Bakersfield, California.

During this same period, the first Pan Hellenic Luncheon was organized and sponsored by the chapter. Fundraisers during her term included a trip to Los Angeles to see a production of "Dream Girls," the annual dinner dance, and Fashions from the French Shop (a fashion show featuring designer fashions from a local boutique with Kappa Omega Omega Sisters serving as models). It became one of the sorority's most lucrative fundraisers.

Seeing the continuous need for literacy among children and adults, the chapter maintained the literacy program begun by Sister Wilma Anderson Wright, and stretched its energies to include a conference on child abuse.

Sister Mary served on the Steering and Planning Committee, as the Southern California Basilei prepared for the 1988 Boule, and agreed to serve as Chairman of the Public Meeting for the Boule.

Sister Mary chaired and coordinated the Second Cluster Conference hosted by Kappa Omega Omega in October 1990. Sister Mary Tomlin was appointed Southern California Cluster Coordinator by Far Western Regional Director Billie Jean Barrett in 1991, and helped to assist and provide guidance for the Southern California Cluster hosted by Mu Lambda Omega Chapter in Manhattan Beach, California. Sister Tomlin presented the workshop: "Hosting a Cluster Conference - Planning For Success," at the Far Western Regional Conference in Stockton, California in April 1992.

Sister Marie Brown (1982 - 1988)

Sister Marie served three terms as Chapter Basileus. The chapter continued to flourish under Sister Brown's excellent leadership. Sister Marie engaged the chapter in many outstanding events, one beginning in 1983. The Teenage Pregnancy Conference, featuring local professionals in the field of medicine and counseling, provided guidance for teenagers. The chapter also donated money to local charities, participated in Career Awareness Day and assisted the Bakersfield Chapter of Links, Inc. in its Youth Enrichment Day held at California State University, Bakersfield.

In 1985 the chapter received the "Outstanding Chapter Award." In 1986, at the Far Western Regional Conference in Tucson, Arizona, the chapter received the first place "Scrapbook Award." In 1987 the chapter was represented by Basileus Marie at the Regional Conference in Sacramento, California as Co-Chairman of the Regional Nominating Committee, and in 1988 she served as a member of the Planning Committee which provided organization for the 1988 Boule.

Moving in the 1990's the chapter began a new fundraiser and community involvement thrust, "Miss Fashionetta" a debut for young ladies from the ages of 14 - 17. Sister Mary Williams served as initial chairman and along with Sister Marie and other chapter members continues to give thousands of dollars in scholarships to young ladies who participate in this event.

Much was accomplished during the six years of Sister Brown's service as Basileus. The chapter pushed for voter registration and participated in the candidacy of Jesse Jackson for President. Sister Marie became the President of the Pan Hellenic picnic and other Pan Hellenic events.

Sister Rochelle Butler (1988 - 1992)

Under Sister Butler's calm guidance the chapter continued as an especially viable and visible member of the Bakersfield community. Miss Fashionetta continued to demonstrate the chapter's sustained commitment to furthering and supporting education. In 1991, Sister Rochelle coordinated Kappa Omega Omega's fifteenth birthday luncheon honoring local black women from all walks of life and occupations. The luncheon spotlighted the plight of these great women and their contributions to the Bakersfield Community. Sister Diane Watson (Senator) was the guest speaker.

During Sister Butler's term of service the chapter continued its commitment to education by conducting tutoring sessions for young children at branches of the Kern County Library. By this time the Graduation Awards program had become well established as a pivotal event in the community. The chapter also donated money and clothing to the Hurricane Hugo victims.

In March of 1991 the chapter saw a new membership intake process that included four graduate members and seven undergraduate general members from San Luis Obispo. These young undergraduate Sisters greatly enhanced the chapter's sisterliness and held an Alpha Kappa Alpha week with the theme: "African Sisterhood: A Tie That Binds."

Sister Butler served on the Nominating Committee at the Far Western Regional Conference in Stockton, California in April 1991. Sister Butler's quiet assertiveness gracefully moved the chapter onward. During Sister Butler's term of service Kappa Omega Omega saw it's greatest representation at every Cluster Conference, Founder's Day, Regional Conference, and Boule since it's chartering until then.

In 1996, Sister Butler served as chairman for the chapter's 20th Birthday Celebration. It was a special time to reflect on the many program goals and accomplishments our chapter sponsored. It was well attended! The special guest speaker was Sister Dr. Ruth B. Love of Sacramento. Honorees were Reverend Dr. Tyree Toliver, Pastor of St John Baptist Church; Mrs. Bessie Annette Price, Mother of the Village; Mr. Bakari Sanyu, Education; Mr. Sherman Tyler, Political Award; Mrs. Geri Spencer, Community Service; Mr. Enest Floyd, Business; and Mrs. Etta Lewis Youth Programs Volunteer.

Sister Daphne Washington (1992 - 1996)

KΩΩ further grew and matured under the leadership of Sister Washington. She has a strong voice in the business community, and brought that leadership savvy, style and grace to AKA. We are proud of her. Sister Daphne's positive influence and networking connection in the business community has allowed the chapter to expand the scholarship components of Miss Fashionetta and Graduation Awards program. The number of scholarships awarded to local high school graduates by Kappa Omega Omega Chapter greatly increased under Sister Washington's leadership. PG&E gave a large donation to the chapter's scholarship program at Sister Daphne's encouragement.

Sister Washington helped the chapter step up it's practices fiscally by adding an "unplanned giving" category to the chapter budget. Request from students and community-service based non-profit organizations are often supported from this fund.

In 1996, our chapter was honored by the Kern High School District Board of Trustees as a Community Trail Blazer. We received a certificate for awarding scholarships to students and bringing the community together as a village of service to mankind. The chapter is proud of the recognition and we are grateful to Sister Daphne for her vision and leadership. Sister Washington presently serves as the Membership Chairman.

Sister Caren Floyd (1996 - 2000)

Sister Caren continued an effective AKA tradition of community service to all mankind through numerous programs that address the International Strands. Under Sister Caren’s leadership several new community programs and projects were initiated on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omega Omega Chapter: PIMS, ON TRACK and the EXECUTIVE BOARD RETREAT. Sister Caren’s tenure ushered in 25 years of Cooing with KOO. A successful dinner dance was held at the Holiday Inn Select in May 2000.

Sister Holly Mitchell (2000 - 2004)

Sister Holly has stepped into the new millennium with a passion for technology. She is very astute at using email to conduct chapter business and keep Sisters informed of upcoming events. Upon entering her office one of the first sorority events was a technology workshop based on information received at a recent regional meeting. Sister Holly is also an advocate of sister relations. She saw to the sorority holding a Sistah Affair in the home of Sister Vivian Gayles on September 30, 2001. The chapter event hosted women of color, from the community to fellowship and celebrate womanhood. This event was also the sorority reactivation activity for inactive Sisters.

Sister Pamela Wright (2005 - 2006)

Sister Pamela is also an advocate of technology and will continue to build upon the legacy that Sister Holly Mitchell has begun. Her plan is to implement a technology program within the chapter that will call for creating a website, maintaining all financial, historical, and committee reports electronically. The plan is to streamline the business of Kappa Omega Omega by having all information of the chapter entered in one computer updated, and backed up on separate storage medium. She also continues in the tradition of following the national programs. The health strand is being implementing in each of our chapter meetings by giving the Sisters a health tip each month. The chapter also participates in community health fairs, the Juvenile Diabetes Walk and our own Walk for Education. Sisters are encouraged to continue to reclaim those that are inactive.

Sister Odella Johnson (2007 - 2010)

Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as improved the social, economic and political conditions in the city of Bakersfield through its continued support of such programs as Project Best, the Dr. Williams Scholarship program and the Relay for Life. Meeting the demands of a diverse population each year, KΩΩ continues to evolve and carry out the sorority's national focus of Economic Service Platforms. To this end, Kappa Omega Omega continued to bond together focusing its attention, during Sister Odella’s leadership on several projects. For one thing, the Heritage Committee Visit took center stage in 2007; Kappa Omega Omega received a SATISFACTORY rating. In 2008, our Washington, D.C. Centennial celebration afforded many Sisters including Sister Odella who served as our Centennial president to descend upon the city in record numbers to celebrate the founding of our noble sisterhood.
Also, during Sister Odella’s tenure as Basileus KΩΩ’s reorganized and catalogued its documents in 2009, which resulted in the Archives committee putting together its archival project. In 2010 the Kappa Omega Omega archival project received regional recognition as “Simply the Best” in Strategic Preservation at the Far Western Regional Conference. Another focus during 2010 was the use of technology to enhance our Miss Fashionetta program; the Miss Ivy Angel program was expanded to include Mr. Debonair and these two areas were a wonderful addition to our signature program. Finally, Kappa Omega Omega expanded its use of technology to the Miss Fashionetta program; in 2010 the first ever Miss Fashionetta website was purchased by KΩΩ (www.missfashionetta.com) and this move enhanced our use of technology, not just on a local level. We were able to promote our programs, highlight our community involvement and participation on a global level. Finally, in 2010, during Sister Odella’s tenure Kappa Omega Omega continued to focus its attention on the retention and reclamation of its members; once again, in 2010 Kappa Omega Omega garnered several recognition awards in the areas of retention and reclamation during Sister Odella’s tenure.

Sister Ruscel Reader (2011 - Present)

Click here read the Nomination Narrative for the 2011 EAF Leadership Award

Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has improved the social, economic and political conditions in the city of Bakersfield. Meeting the demands of a population that becomes more diverse each year, KΩΩ continues to evolve and carry out the sorority's national focus and strategies.

Bonded together by our great Sisterhood, Kappa Omega Omega Chapter has greater laurels to win and greater tasks to begin for the honor and glory of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. As we continue into the 21st century, she will continue to make history and provide hope.

(1976) Mary Eaves Dorothy Evans Brenda Hansen Debbie Ludd Odella Johnson Mary Tomlin Doris Wilson Betty Williams	(1978) Debbie Anderson Judy Billingsley Marie Brown Rosalind Brown Velaska Carter Cynthia Clymons Mary Dulan Michele Hamilton Ruscel Reader Helen Rodgers Daphne Washington Shirley Williams	(1980) Irma Carson Martha Johnson Priscilla Ludd	(1982) Patrinella Osbey	(1985) Joyce Brown Rochelle Butler Caren Floyd Gwen Johnson Holly Okafor Janet Shell Diane Suggs
(1987) Evelyn Johnson Andrea Pallares Celadore Winston	(1988) Claudette Benjamin Angela Brothers Linda Freeman Linda Maxwell Brenda Williams	(1990) Joanne Cade Carol Dickson Sherry Beth Williams	(1990) Marca Hunter Christy Johnson	(1991) Sonji Bennett Camille Carson Cynthia Dunn Sonya Hodges Lillie Hooks Elizabeth Jackson Moret Parham Angela Sanders Saundra Sparling Sheryl Stewart
(1993) Deanna Christmas Vivian Gayles Ruby Kelley Kathryn Shaw Pamela Smith	(1996) Angelina Arnold Debra Dunn Raquell Jones	(1998) Davin Brown Renee Cromer LaShane Alexander Greene Zadie Hurd Stephanie Prince Angela Reed Pamelia Walker Pamela Wright	(1999) Keisha Edwards Erica Stubbs Shiwan Tribbett	(2001) Teleah Bell Ethel Catlin Shimeaka Garrett Sara Taylor Katie Walker Monika Woods
(2002) Christina Armstead Harriet Edwards DaVina Hoyt Dechelle Smothers Camille Tomlin Gayle Winters	(2004) Karen Bert Jeanie Hill Gina Gordon-Lopez Michelle Shannon Lula Stewart	(2011) Kimberly Fulton Rufus Kimberly Graim Kristal Hicks Sonja Snordon Sharon Woolfolk	(2012) Kalisha Hudgins Corey Hurd