The year was 1939. America was celebrating the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution; the World’s Fair was being held in Chicago; and here in Southeast Virginia, it cost five cents to travel on the ferry from Portsmouth to Norfolk. Having been organized in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was celebrating thirty-one years of existence.

Eleven lovely Portsmouth ladies – educated, dedicated, and pioneering – took that five-cent ferry ride to Norfolk for over a year to meet with the Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – the ONLY chapter in the immediate area at the time. But these eleven ladies had a dream – a dream that some day, they would not have to take that ferry ride “to render service to all mankind.” A dream to have a chapter of their own in Portsmouth, Virginia . . .

Thus, on October 6, 1939, the Gamma Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was born. Soror Audrey Moseley, the South Atlantic Regional Director, conducted the chartering service.

The eleven ladies were the charter members of Gamma Delta Omega Chapter. These ladies served in many positions during their active years. The first basileus was Soror Carolyn Jackson, followed by Soror Ruth Waters, then Soror Hazel Reid, who was basileus for two terms. At the Regional Conference in 1948, Soror Ruth Waters was nominated for Regional Director but withdrew her name.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s presence continues to be felt in Portsmouth in all areas of community life. The awarding of scholarships in the early 40’s was the beginning of an activity which is today an integral part of the Chapter’s program. A $100 scholarship was a year’s tuition in the 40’s. Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies took the pledges they made seriously, and their love for mankind motivated them to contribute time, talents, and money to make a better life for men and women - especially by encouraging young people to get a college education.
Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies were shining examples in their chosen professions, especially in the high schools and colleges. Over the years the chapter has maintained its high standards of excellence and grown its membership from 11 to over 100 active chapter members.

During the 50’s, the chapter presented a baby grand piano to the then new I. C. Norcom High School. It cost $3,000, which was a very large amount when salaries averaged $62 per week, $248 per month, and nearly $3,000 per year. Chapter dues at that time were $25 per year.

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