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LAMBDA HISTORY

Oftentimes we've heard that a whole is as good as all of its parts combined. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is certainly a good example of this mathematical truism. The 383 chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha have been successful in making the organization a relevant contributor to the Black community. Lambda chapter, a small segment of the larger organization, has played an important part in helping Alpha Kappa Alpha gain national recognition. To examine in depth how Lambda contributed to Alpha Kappa Alpha's prominence would fill up a book. So in our little space we'll examine the outstanding contributions that she has made in the last fifty years.

On April 22, 1922 Lambda chapter was formed in New York City by Sorors Louise McDonald Gaither, Ruth L. Roberts, Florence Thomas, Dorothy Peterson and Edwina Wright Mitchell. The chapter was composed of both undergraduate and graduate Sorors until 1925 when Tau Omega was formed.

From its inception Lambda members realized their obligation to the Harlem community. As a group of Black educated women they realized that they could stimulate old and organize new programs for the benefit of the Black community. In 1923, under the supervision of honorary Soror Elise Johnson McDougald, Lembda set up a Vocational Guidance program. The program was designed to help insure the future society from the problems that develop from mass unemployment. In New York meetings and conferences were held with high school teachers to discuss the "problems arising from the influx of Black students into the public schools." In 1926 Lambda and Tau Omega gave their joint scholarship of $300.

Since the formation of Tau Omega, the two New York City chapters have worked together closely. Their smooth and spontaneous community operations can be attributed to the fact that the majority of Tau Omega members were active Lambda members in their undergraduate years. In 1929 Lambda and Tau Omega began a social action program. Their goal was to have all tax supported city hospitals open their nurses training programs to Black women.

On July 20, 1930, the first North Atlantic Regional Conference was held in New York City with Lambda and Tau Omega hostesses. Former Lambda Soror, Thelma B. Boozer, then Regional Director, presided. From December 26-29, 1934 Lambda and Tau Omega hosted the Boule. With the courtesy of the National Broadcastinf Company, the program conceived by Soror Thelma Boozer was broadcast on radio. The program outlined the ideals and 


[[image- black & white photograph of men and women with award]]

[[caption]] DOLL LEAGUE — "Holiday Extraordinaire""— Presented Kidney Dialysis and other related machines to Harlem Hospital, N.Y.C. — Introduced first new chapter of Doll League (Washington, D.C.) to New York. (Left to right) Mrs. Alma Rangel, Ms. Ardrena Cooke, President, N.Y. Chapter; Mrs.  Roscoe Dellums; Congressman Ron Dellums; Mrs. Marguerite Mazique, President, Washington Chapter. [[/caption]]

[[image - black & white photograph of four women seated with Congressman Ron Dellums]]

[[caption]] TAU OMEGA CHAPTER, AKA — SALUTES THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS Mrs. Ruth Spearman, Basileus, Ms. Rosalyn Whitehead, Chairman, Congressman William Clay, Congressman Ron Dellums, Mrs. Aloncita Flood, Co-Chairman. [[/caption]]

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