In August, 2000, two church members, Sorors Dorothy Moore and Melanie Griggs searched for a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. which served the Covington/Conyers/Social Circle/Monroe area but were unsuccessful. After discussing their efforts with their Assistant Minister, Soror Darlene Smith, the 3 sorors discussed and realized that the city of Covington and surrounding areas would benefit from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and programs that address the black family, health, education, the arts and economic empowerment.

Using the 2000 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Directory, Sorors Griggs, Moore and Smith identified 48 sorors living east of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. In the Dining Conference Room at Newton General Hospital in Covington, Georgia on November 5, 2000, the 14 sorors convened at the first meeting. Topics of discussion included financial reactivation, reclaiming sorors and service projects.

On January 7, 2001, Soror Madryn Odom graciously opened the doors of her business, Milestone Learning Center, for the group to have monthly meetings. While reclaiming additional sorors, the sorors continued to meet and plan for the official recognition as an interest group as well as service projects such as the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, the American Cancer Society Programs, and Warm Hearts…Open Arms. Over the next two years, additional sorors joined the group as plans were made for the formation of an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

On January 8, 2003, a letter was received from the South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Irene McCollom, revealing that the group had been sanctioned as an official interest group named The Pink Pearls of Covington Interest Group. On October 18, 2003, The South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Irene McCollom made her first visit to Covington, Georgia to meet the Pink Pearls of Covington Interest Group. She was given a tour of Covington, Georgia and the surrounding areas of Newton County. After the tour, Soror Irene McCollom met with the sorors and provided direction to the interest group which were necessary to be chartered as a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Community service projects such as the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, American Cancer Society Programs  and Warm Hearts…Open Arms continued with the addition of providing assistance to the Riverside Nursing Home in Covington, Georgia, Thanksgiving meals to families, and Save Lids to Save Lives Campaign.

After patiently waiting, on November 6, 2004, the Directorate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. approved the chartering for the Pink Pearls of Covington Interest Group. On December 12, 2004, The Pink Pearls of Covington became the “Chi Tau Omega” Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Tau Omega has continued with a variety of service projects and programs in the following 4 areas: Platform 1-The Non Traditional Entrepreneur-Empowering local entrepreneurs by providing networking capabilities in which they are able to share and learn about business partners and plans; Platform II-AKAnomics-exposing teens to plans of action for saving and spending money; Platform III-The Black Family – Providing meals, clothes and support to families; Platform IV-Health Concerns – Providing health fares and avenues which make the community knowledgeable about health concerns.

Through a variety of fundraising efforts, such as the annual China Affair Luncheon and African American Expressions sale, Chi Tau Omega has provided scholarships to local high school seniors so they may pursue their dreams of attending college.

Chi Tau Omega sorors have attended national Boules, Regional and Cluster Conferences, Founder’s Day activities and local Chi Tau Omega retreats. While hosting several round-ups and reactivation teas, Chi Tau Omega has grown to more than 50 members. Plans are always in the making to reactivate sorors.

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National History

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first greek- letter organization established by Black college women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, D.C., where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis, Missouri. She viewed the Sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates. Through the years, however, Alpha Kappa Alpha's function has become more complex. After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the socioeconomic conditions in their city, state, nation, and the world.

The purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is to encourage high scholastic and ethical standards; to promote unity and friendship among college women; to alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve the social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to ALL mankind.

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