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The event was well represented by members who have more than
50 years of service within the organization. Recognition was
given to past graduate advisors and presidents of Alpha
Lambda Chapter. Other dignitaries in attendance included:
Catherine Crosby, chief of staff to Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz,
City Councilman Larry Sykes and Sharon Gaber, PhD, president
of the University of Toledo. Proclamations were also
provided by US Congresswoman Kaptur and the Lucas County
Commissioners.
Members of the graduate chapter, Zeta Alpha Omega, were
supportive in their attendance, as well as former chapter
members who traveled from Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston.
Over 100 guests attended the event and an enjoyable time was
had by all.
The Alpha Lambda chapter began in 1928 in the home of
Clarence Smith, the uncle of Dorothea Mandexter who was a
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha prior to her arrival in Toledo.
Several young women met with Mandexter to discuss the
sorority and express their interest in establishing a
chapter.
On December 10, 1928, 10 women attending the University of
Toledo were initiated in the home of Lelia Harris at 669
Pinewood Avenue by Sorors L. Pearl Mitchell, Dorothea
Mandexter and Reba Harris.
Alpha Lambda then became the first black Greek-lettered
sorority to be established in Toledo.
Over the 90 years since the chapter was established, a
number of projects and programs of service to the community
have been implemented such as the Ebony Fashion Fair,
initially in association with the Johnson Publishing
Company. Other programs include: The Kidney Foundation
Lollipop Drive, the Ronald McDonald House, David’s House of
Compassion to promote Aids Awareness, March of Dimes
Mothers’ March, Sickle-Cell Awareness, Shoeboxes of School
Supplies to Africa, Reading Is Fundamental and providing
“Holiday Hugs” baskets to local families in need at holiday
time.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority IncorporatedÒ
is dedicated to implementing programs of service that
enhance the social, economic, and educational well-being of
the local, national and international communities. Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority IncorporatedÒ is the oldest Greek
letter organization founded for African American women.
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