Our Story

In January of 1990, Gloria Alexander, Janice Manous and Pamela Williams discussed establishing a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to provide services to the communities of Carrollton, Lewisville and surrounding cities. They agreed to seek others, and by May of 1991, the number had grown to fifteen. These fifteen ladies began working and named their group AWAKA (African-American Women for Alpha Kappa Alpha), which was thought of by Carolyn Bibbs.

Around this same time, other members in the Lewisville area had the same objectives in mind. Several members had talked about the need for a chapter in the area for some time. Finally, in March of 1992, Jo Weaver contacted several others to gather interested members of Alpha Kappa Alpha. There was enough interest at this meeting to start a chapter, so they decided to proceed.

At the initial meeting someone knew of AWAKA, and agreed to meet with its members to discuss the possibility of uniting the two interest groups. It seemed like a good idea, and it was decided to have a combined meeting to discuss the issue more. The two groups decided to unite and invite other interested members.

By combining the two groups, AWAKA now had a membership of thirty. Members of AWAKA worked diligently on service projects as they planned for their chartering ceremony.

On January 23, 1993, Soror Jacqueline Dansby Edwards, South Central Regional Director, initiated thirty AWAKA members into Tau Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The initiation was held at the Radisson Hotel in Farmers Branch, followed by a luncheon. Dr. Mamie McKnight, a past regional director of the South Central region, was the guest speaker. Proclamations from the cities of Carrollton and Lewisville were read during the program.

The members of Tau Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated were now prepared to uphold the sorority’s motto of “Service to All Mankind”. Tau Rho Omega chapter continues this motto of service with 12 charter members still active within the chapter.

Tau Rho Omega Chapter has continued to uphold the bonds of sisterhood by continuing the legacy with the initiation of 60 new sisters.

Charter Members

Gloria Alexander

Daphne Anderson-Hood

Carolyn Bibbs

Linda Buggs

Myra Carter

Joyce Etheredge

Glo Dean Gardner

Lisa Gregg

Vernell Gregg

Joycelyn Hatchett

Gretchen L. Hawkins

Jessica Irving

Adrienne Johnson

Wanda Johnson

Kathy Miller Joubert

Cassandra Jones

Shelia Kelly

Marcia Laday

Janice Manous

Alondra K. Poindexter

Sonja Ricardo

Joan Parks Saunders

Janice Thornton

Kimberly Thornton

Kenya Ware

Ava Washington

JoAnn Weaver

Pamela Williams

Francelia Rena Williams

Shirley Wright