In December of 1979 four ladies (Burleson, Gilliam, Palmer and Simpson) held their first meeting with eleven other Alpha Kappa Alpha women to see if a sufficient number of ladies could be found to meet the required number for establishing a second chapter in Atlanta. These ladies could not believe the phenomenal growth of what was called the “Atlanta Interest Group” prior to the date of the chapter’s chartering.
On September 13, 1980, the “Atlanta Interest Group” became Nu Lambda Omega, the second Atlanta graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. South Atlantic Regional Director Delores H. Oliver conducted the chartering and installation ceremonies of 57 members. This was one of the largest graduate chapters ever chartered in the sorority’s history.
The following were installed to serve as officers of the chapter: Fannie Gilliam, President; Iris Palmer, Vice President; Ora Bohannon, Recording Secretary; Carol Johnson, Assistant Recording Secretary; Jamilla Bell, Corresponding Secretary; Marva Simpson, Treasurer; Murrial Jarrett, Assistant Treasurer (currently Financial Secretary); Lynn Luke, Hostess; Allie Terry, Keeper of the Door; Betty Burleson, Historian; and Katherine Wright, Ivy Leaf Reporter.
Other charter members were: Narviar Barker, Paulette Benson, Gail Brown, Shelia Brown, Cassandra Bryant, Hattie Bryant, Ruthis Byrd, Betty Davis, Ruby Francis, Patricia Glenn, Lavonia Gould, Donne Griffin, Jacqueline Hall, Sandra Hall, Mamie Hampton, Wendi Harper, Lucille Haywood, Doloris Hill, Margaret Howell, Lorean Irons, Marva Lindsey, Beverly McGuire, Patty Mabra, Brenda Mann, Carole Midgett, Lucy Millines, Mildred Murray, Romelle Norrington, Melinda O’Neal, Cherlyn Parrish, Shelia Perkins, Jewell Player, Joan Polite, Cheryl Powell, Sandra Ross, Saundra Saunders, Janice Scott, Yvette Simpson, Velma Smith, Linda Thomas, Pamela Threadgill, Marilyn Tyler, Donna Walton, Sheryl Warner, LaLura White and Gwendolyn Willis.
Due to the dynamic leadership of Fannie Gilliam, the “Atlanta Interest Group” made great strides in service as illustrated by participation in the following projects: National Red Cross/WSB Health Fair, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (family day activities). Fulton Country Department of Family Services-emergency food bank and the children’s activities section of the SW Community’s Summer Arts Festival. Gilliam’s leadership role with the Chapter continued after the chartering of Nu Lambda Omega on September 13, 1980, where she served as the chapter’s First President. This first year of development was a critical time for this new chapter, but it was met with ingenuity, creativity, a deep bond of sisterhood, compassion for our fellowman, and above all, unparalleled commitment to service to the community. That first year saw Nu Lambda Omega embrace several service projects and lay a foundation for future chapter programs.
Throughout the years since its inception, Nu Lambda Omega Chapter continues to fulfill its purpose in the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The chapter continues to carry on the tradition of community service, fundraising, civic contributions, youth mentoring and financial empowerment.
Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated works side by side with her members, neighboring chapters, and the community. She continues to root herself as a sisterhood of support, a sisterhood of increased scholarship contributions, and a sisterhood of service to all mankind.