Eta Kappa Omega History



 

Eta Kappa Omega Chapter began as an idea of two Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters, Hattie Leonard and Dorothy Henderson (who were active in a nearby chapter) in 1958. The two assessed the situation and determined that there were enough graduate Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters in the cities of East Chicago and Hammond to begin a new chapter. The new chartered chapter would service those cities. The chapter colonized under the name “FRIENDS.” Sorors began an association with Gamma Psi Omega Chapter from where there was much support and in turn were supportive of Gamma Psi Omega Chapter’s activities – namely “Fashionetta®” and Ebony Fashion Fair. The association continues with the mutual support of these two chapters.

After two years of organizing, Eta Kappa Omega Chapter was chartered in February of 1960. The focus of the chapter was on the local and national programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Over the years, there have been many endeavors to benefit youth and the communities.

 

HKO Charter Members

 

LUCY BROOKS RUTH HARDAWAY GROSS MADONNA PERKINS

JOHNNIE UPSHAW BROOKS JORITHA WALKER HARPER ANNA MARIE PORTER

CLARA BROWNING HELEN HARPER EMMA RANSOM

WARRIES DANIELS BUGGS DOROTHY HENDERSON MOZELLE WILSON RIVERS

MARY CHAVIS AMELIA JACKSON LETHA COFIELD SNEAD

ERNESTINE COFIELD HATTIE LEONARD SEDALIA TURK

MAXINE WINBUSH COLE PATRICIA MCKINNIE LOWE BARBARA HARRIS WEBB

LAURETTA FACTORY BARBARA MOORE JESSIE GOODE WHITE

MYRTLE LEWIS FIKES THELMA COMER MORRIS ANN HARRELL WILSON

OCIE BELLE FLYNN ELIZABETH PARRISH