Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter: The Journey of the Persevering Pearls
A Vision is Born (2020–2021)
In the heart of Central Arkansas, north of the Arkansas River, where the communities of North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Maumelle, and the Little Rock Air Force Base converge, a quiet movement began at the end of 2020. Amid the uncertainty of a global pandemic, a group of women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® envisioned expanding the Sorority’s legacy of sisterhood and service into the underserved areas of North Pulaski County.
Led by Dr. Phillis Nichols Anderson, a long-standing servant leader in these communities, the group sought to bring organized service to communities that were not served by any
Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter and had representations from only two NPHC organizations.
On January 15, 2021, Dr. Anderson, supported by Kandi Chitman Hughes, Branndii Peterson, Eltrudia Toliver, and Ava Coleman, submitted a formal proposal representing 26 members to the South Central Regional Director to establish an Official Interest Group. The group’s early name, “Women Inspired by Needs,” reflected their purpose: to help others WIN in life.
Building Through Uncertainty (2021–2022)
Throughout 2021, as the world continued to grapple with the pandemic, the group engaged in numerous conversations with the Regional Director. Although no action was taken on the request, the women remained steadfast. They met virtually to nurture sisterly bonds and build partnerships across their targeted communities, maintaining faith even when there was no visible progress toward official recognition.
Crossing into 2022, some members departed—returning to previous chapters or stepping away altogether—while new members joined in early 2022. Dr. Anderson revised and resubmitted the proposal, now representing a growing collective of 30 members determined to continue the journey.
Becoming the Persevering Pearls (2022)
In June 2022, South Central Regional Director Ms. Joya T. Hayes agreed to visit the area, signaling renewed hope. The group organized a Learning Tour of the communities for Ms. Hayes, who was met with overwhelming support from residents and leaders alike.
During her visit, Ms. Hayes connected with community stakeholders and elected officials from every locality within the proposed service area. She engaged in meaningful discussions with mayors, city council representatives, school superintendents, NAACP members, educators, and local pastors—all of whom expressed a unified desire for the establishment of an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® chapter in North Pulaski County. From the outset, the group’s vision was deeply rooted in community—serving and uplifting the neighborhoods from which it was born.
In July 2022, under the leadership of Supreme Basileus Dr. Glenda Glover, the International Directorate formally established the group as
an Official Interest Group—The Persevering Pearls Serving North Pulaski County.
The name embodied faith, endurance, and collective strength, and it affirmed the group’s purpose to serve the defined communities. Those who began the journey in 2021 were designated as Visionaries (27 members). They were later joined by seven new members, known as Amplifiers, bringing the official roster to 34 members.
This diverse group of women included Life Members, Silver Stars, former Chapter Basilei, and Graduate Advisors with service to Alpha Kappa Alpha ranging from three to thirty-three years. Collectively initiated through twelve graduate and undergraduate chapters across the nation, they represented fields including education, law, healthcare, social work, accounting, business, the military, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Anderson brought extensive leadership experience, having previously written the proposal for another Interest Group in the Conway area two decades earlier, served as Chapter President, held Regional appointments, and served on the International Program Committee. Kandi Chitman Hughes was a former Chapter President and had held Regional Appointments and had the designation , and many other members had likewise held leadership roles in their prior chapters.
Service and Sisterhood in Action (2022–2023)
From July 2022 through November 2023, the Persevering Pearls embodied the International Program Theme, “Soaring to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service.” During this period, the group recorded a remarkable 3,714 hours of community service—706 hours in 2022 and 3,008 hours through October 2023—across the target areas. They also cultivated enduring partnerships with each local school district, churches, Shorter College, the North Little Rock Police Department, River City Missionary Baptist Association, and Baptist Health Heaven’s Loft.
In September 2023, Dr. Anderson submitted the formal application to charter a new chapter. The group’s unwavering service, detailed documentation, and steadfast perseverance led to approval from the International Directorate during its November 2023 meeting.
A Legacy of Perseverance (2023–2024)
As the group prepared for its next milestone, it experienced both triumph and heartache. In December 2023, the Persevering Pearls mourned the passing of Dr. Cherie Labat, whose dedication and leadership had left an indelible mark on sisterhood.
As 2024 began, 33 members pressed forward, and though another member left the group occurred, 32 women stood ready to make history. On May 26, 2024, at the Westwind Venue in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in the presence of hundreds of Alpha Kappa Alpha members, their perseverance was rewarded. The Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter was officially chartered under South Central Regional Director Ms. Joya T. Hayes.
The 26 Visionaries, 6 Amplifiers, and 4 Inaugural Chapter Members stood together as Charter Members—women who had turned prayer, patience, and persistence into purpose.
The Enduring Spirit of the Pearls
The journey from vision to chartering spanned 41 months, a powerful reflection of persistence, faith, and unity. From whispered prayers to the day of chartering, these women remained steadfast in their purpose—to illuminate North Pulaski County with the timeless light of sisterhood and service.
Today, the Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter stands as both the realization of that original dream and a living testament to what can be achieved through faith and perseverance. The story of the Persevering Pearls continues to unfold, carrying forward a legacy that affirms every community deserves to be seen, served, and strengthened.
By the end of 2025, the chapter had grown to more than 50 members.
CHARTER MEMBERS
VISIONARIES
January 2021 – May 26, 2024: 41 Months
Sunetta Alexander • Phillis L. Nichols Anderson • Kandi Chitman Hughes • Ava Coleman • Zella Verline Davis • Martina Davis • Adrienne Durham • Aundrea Durham • Felecia Hamilton • Tanica Howard • Sharon Johnson • Tranice Johnson • Angela Kendrick • Angela Moore Rachel • Cresia Murphy • Demetrius Ann Paskel • Branndii Peterson • Jessica Randolph • Tricia Sproles • Jacqueline Taylor • Eltrudia Toliver • Stephanie Tucker • Antoinette Weathers • LaJarlyn Wesley • Janette Williams-Smith
AMPLIFIERS
Joycelin Benton Randle • Tara Hines-McCoy • Valerie Duckery • Catherine Lee • Tierra Donson-Jones • Leaundra Sanders • Monica Talbert
INAUGURAL CHAPTER MEMBERS
Kim Dean • Kalena Jones • Shirley White • Nicole Williams
