Our Chapter

After six years of ardent preparation as the Northshore Interest Group, on February 23, 1992, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Tau Iota Omega Chapter was chartered by twenty-two members. The chartering ceremony was held at Hartzell-Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Slidell, LA. The 23rd Supreme Basileus, the late Dr. Mary Shy Scott, signed Tau Iota Omega’s charter. Dr. Jackie Dansby-Edward, 18th South Central Regional Director, conducted the chartering ceremony. At a reception following the ceremony, Councilman Lionel J. Washington proclaimed February 23, 1992, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in Slidell. Councilman Washington presented a key to the city to Dr. Dansby- Edwards. In July 1992, five months after receiving its charter, Tau Iota Omega had the dubious honor of assisting the Area Cluster in hosting the 55th Boule’ which was held at the Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. Janet Bacon and Burnadean Wyre Warren remained at the helm for another year and a half. Their focus was to lay the foundation to build a strong cohesive group while carrying out the national program on a local level. Providing scholarships for the youth of our community became the chapter’s number one priority. In April 1993, the chapter held its first fundraiser, the Spring Fantasy Fashion Show, and established its scholarship fund. Three scholarships totaling $600 were awarded later that year. In April, the chapter hosted Health Call ’93, a community forum on health issues. In September 1993, Tau Iota Omega sponsored the first of many Youth Awareness Seminars. In addition to community service, the chapter’s goal was to increase membership by reactivation efforts. In 1994, under the leadership of Chapter President Jalicia Parker and the foresight of Vice-President Gail Southers, the chapter introduced its first five debutantes to the community via a formal Cotillion. The Cotillion proved to be a major social event as well as a successful fundraiser for the scholarship program. Myra McKenzie-Harris, Esq. was crowned “Miss Deb” and $3800 was awarded in scholarships. Tau Iota Omega instituted the Cotillion as the biennial event in even years and the Pink & Green Ball was instituted as a scholarship fundraiser in the odd years. A seminar on Women’s Health Issues, as well as a Youth Career Awareness Seminar, was presented that year. In July 1994, we sponsored our first “All Greek” family picnic. At the South Central Regional Conference, held on March 1995, Tau Iota Omega was named Lambda Omicron’s (Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond) Graduate Advisor Chapter.