Next month, a local chapter of the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women will mark 20 years of service.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® was founded on sisterhood and service to all mankind 115 years ago. Chartered in Arkadelphia on Dec. 7, 2003, Chi Nu Omega became the 126th graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®. Since its charter, the chapter has served Clark, Garland and Hot Spring Counties in various ways, including change, education and advocacy. Currently, the chapter has 51 members. 

To commemorate this milestone, the Chi Nu Omega Chapter is hosting an Anniversary Gala on Dec. 2, 2023, in the Henderson State University Grand Ballroom, 1100 Henderson St. in Arkadelphia, at 6 p.m. The event theme is “A Roaring Twenties Affair with a SophistAKAted Flair.” 

“The night will be full of glitz, glamour, and extravagance featuring dinner, music, and much more while highlighting the chapter’s illustrious history and achievements,” said Kalayah Anderson, Chi Nu Omega Chapter President. 

Katina Semien-Smothers, Esq., 25th South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, will be the event’s keynote speaker. 

Semien-Smothers is an attorney, motivational speaker and community advocate. She currently serves as the Director of Community Programs in the Office of Programs and Planning under the leadership of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. Semien-Smothers is married to Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Former President of Philander Smith College in Little Rock.  

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event and will support student scholarships and the implementation of the chapter’s local and international program initiatives. 

“We are asking community leaders to help us reach our goal of improving the lives of those we serve,” said Anderson. “Each sponsorship will help maximize our chapter’s outreach on progressive endeavors while consistently producing leaders who will advance our credo of service.” 

Event sponsors will also have the chance to connect with sorority members and receive exclusive exposure during the event. The deadline to become a sponsor is Nov. 18.

Gala tickets are $75 and can be purchased at ChiNuOmega1908.org/events. The deadline to purchase tickets is Nov. 25. For more event information, please contact chinuomega1908@gmail.com. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. 

AKA is comprised of more than 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries, including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”