Our History

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was organized on the campus of Howard University during the 1907–1908 academic year, making it the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by women of color. As an extension of this distinguished legacy, now comprised of more than 355,000 members worldwide, the Tau Chi Omega Chapter was chartered on May 22, 1993, at the Grant Bly House in DeLand. The chapter proudly became the 134th chapter in the South Atlantic Region, which encompasses Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

In 1992, Elsie Bryant envisioned establishing a local chapter to better serve the West Volusia County community, as the nearest chapter was located in Daytona Beach. Recognizing the presence of sorority members in the area through the distinctive pink and green license plates, she sought a way to connect with them. Elsie placed an advertisement in the local Penny Saver inviting members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Deltona, DeBary, and DeLand to gather at Goodings Grocery Store, now Winn-Dixie. After connecting with Tonya Bradley Young, who then contacted Jacquelyn Wright, more sorors joined together one by one, leading to the establishment of Tau Chi Omega Chapter.

The twenty-two charter members, Gayle Bouie*, Mae Walker*, Pamela Brown, Carnetta Odom*, Elsie Bryant, Miriam Patterson, Mildred Coulter*, Ruby Robinson*, Flora Fair, Angelia Smith, Ora Harris*, Billye Staples, Lynn Green*, Sonia Jenkins, Donna Staples, Marsha Jones-Lewis, Carol Thames, Kimberly Johnson*, Jacquelyn Wright, Joy Bradley Leonard, Cheryl Whitted*, and Tonya Young Bradley, united in sisterhood and service to fulfill the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated throughout the West Volusia County community.

Since its inception more than 30 years ago, Tau Chi Omega Chapter has remained a steadfast presence in West Volusia through impactful programs, community partnerships, and meaningful service initiatives. The chapter’s efforts have included the Debutante Cotillion; stewardship of the Black Heritage Room Exhibit, a permanent collection preserving the history and artifacts of the Southwest Volusia County community; the Reading AKAdemy; the S.O.S. Shoebox Project; book fairs and storytelling programs; scholarships; health and wellness seminars; breast and colon cancer awareness initiatives; environmental sustainability programs; financial literacy education; youth mentoring; and programs designed to combat childhood hunger.

In addition to their sorority service, many members of Tau Chi Omega Chapter are also Life Members of the NAACP, further demonstrating their commitment to advocacy, civic engagement, and empowering future generations of young women.

As Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated continues to build upon more than a century of service, Tau Chi Omega Chapter remains dedicated to addressing issues that uplift both the sisterhood and the broader community. The chapter maintains an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, collaborative partnerships, leadership development, and community transformation while preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the organization.

Founded on the principle that sisterhood and service go hand in hand, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has spent more than 100 years transforming communities through scholarship, advocacy, leadership, and global service. Guided by this powerful legacy, Tau Chi Omega Chapter stands poised to continue making a lasting impact for generations to come.

Awards: 

2024: Soror Elizabeth Smiley Young Award - Prom Boutique

2025: Soror Loretta Pompey Jenkins Award Winner: Soror Juanita McNeil