Viewing page 126 of 484

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Historical Summary  

Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority was founded 47 years ago as the result of the organizing effort and foresight of Florence K. Williamson Norman. Twenty-five business and professional women comprised the nucleus of our beloved Sisterhood which was formalized January 19, 1937, in New York City. Mrs. Norman recognized the need for a support system other than one evolving out of the traditional institutions of family, church and/or college, that would bring together women of color with diverse interests, backgrounds and experience. We could say that Mrs. Norman was, indeed, "before her time", in prop sing, what we now recognize as a system of "networking" for the common good as well as for the growth and development of the individuals involved.

The chapter of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority was issued March 16, 1938 by the Secretary of State, according to New York State law and was placed in the hands of the governing body on March 30, 1938. 

The ideas of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority was reflected in four (4) stated principles: Sisterhood, Achievement, Service and Scholarship. These ideas have and continue to serve as the basis of all program development and resultant local and national activity in the name of Lambda Kappa Mu.

The charter group was spread among three chapters: Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Gamma,the Brooklyn Chapter, in sponsoring a testimonial dinner honoring Robert J. Elzy for his completion of 20 years of service with the Urban League, provided the vehicle for Lambda Kappa Mu's first public event. The first convention, held at the Harlem YMCA on June 22, 1940 consisted of the charter group. The next, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted by Zeta Chapter of that city, consisted of representation of the membership of six chapters.

Sorority programs, over the course of our history, have addressed diverse areas of concern and interest. Our focus may be on local issues; such as community-based programs for teen-agers; housing or a nursing home; National concerns, such as voter registration (and participation), violence/crime and illiteracy,or,the world-wide concerns such as population growth and hunger. Our Sorority ideals and our organization provides a forum for the membership to share ideas, create response that work, and support our individual and cooperative efforts.

Our Sisterhood is seen in our love and concern for one another. The extension of helping hand in times of crisis, the sharing of joy and sorrow, the recognition of accomplishment under less than ideal circumstances.

Achievement in professional endeavor, business accomplishment, creativity and talent among the membership and in our various communities is recognized and applauded.

Service to our elders, our religious institutions, the sick and the disenfranchised takes many form as there are so many ways to serve. It is our responsibility, living up to our ideals, to identify areas where our response is appropriate.

Scholarship. The Florence K. Norman Scholarship awards on the national level, has assisted a multitude of women in acquiring a basic college education; others, in completing graduate study. Individual chapters provide financial assistance in their communities. It is through this mechanism that Lambda Kappa Mu responds to Keynoter Barbar Oldwine when she states; "...no sister shall be left behind."

Lambda Kappa Mu Kopelles, our youth group, is a source of pride and inspiration. It is our wish to assist in the transmission of our rich culture and our hopes for the future through these young women.

Lambda Kappa Mu's theme for this Sorority year is: "Improving the Quality of Life: Striving to Meet Community and National Needs. National and local programs are emphasizing the wars against illiteracy and neighborhoos [[neighborhood]] crime.

Lambda Kappa Mu activated its fourth region, the Southern Region, this Sorority year. We look forward to continued growth, and the acquisition of a Sorority House in the not too distant future. Our sincere thanks to family and friends who support us in our efforts to live up to our founding ideals.

LAMBDA KAPPA MU SORORITY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

[[image]]
[[caption]] Front Row:
Mrs. Loisetta Williams, Western Regional Director; Mrs. Elizabeth R. Lockett, Syntakes; Ms. Shirley F. Riley, Second Anti-Basileus; Mrs. Audrey R. Coleman, Grand Basileus; Mrs. Venice Harvey, Task Force Constitution Standards and Procedures; Mrs. Elizabeth Proctor, Parliamentarion; Mrs. Rita H. Braddock, Tamiochus. 

Second Row:
Mrs. Evelyn Williams, National Youth Coordinator; Mrs. Mabel McCaskill, National Public Relations Chairman; Mrs. Laura P. Smith, Assistant Tamiochus; Mrs. Edith S. Majors, Executive Grammateus; Mrs. Barbara Kearse, Awards Chairman; Mrs. Louise Bullock, Housing; Mrs. Johanna R. Austin, Historian; Mrs. Fannie Muse, Epistoleus; Mrs. Ovella Queen, Northeastern Regional Director; Mrs. Dorothy Taylor, Recording Grammateus; Ms. Alice Anderson, Keeper of the Seal; Ms. Ola Bland, North Central Regional Director. [[/caption]]

Missing From Photo:

Ms. Sallye Puryear, First Anti-Basileus; Mrs. Maxine Jones, Educational and Vocational Chairman; Mrs. Geraldine Williams, Southern Regional Director. 

124