The bonds of sisterhood and service lit up New Sardis Baptist Church Saturday, January 18, 2025, as the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated the organization’s 117th Founders’ Day.
Themed “A Sincere Sisterhood: A Lifetime Bond of Connections, Commitment and Collective Purpose,” the event united a diverse crowd of around 600 attendees, including members of the Divine Nine, local leaders and dignitaries from across the nation.
Dr. Tresa Dunbar Garrett, chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Sisterly Relations Committee, delivered the keynote address. Her powerful message highlighted the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the collective impact of service that has defined Alpha Kappa Alpha for more than a century.
Dr. Tresa Dunbar Garrett, chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Sisterly Relations Committee, delivered the keynote address. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter hosted the celebration. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Guests sign in . . . (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
BEO Chapter President Dr. Judy Carbage Martin welcomes guests to the celebration. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Hundreds of sorors attended the celebration. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Dr. Garrett’s powerful message highlighted the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the collective impact of service that has defined Alpha Kappa Alpha for more than a century. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
Dr. Tresa Dunbar Garrett. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
BEO awarded a check to the local Salvation Army as part of the festivities. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender) 
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
The event, led by Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter President Judy Martin, showcased the chapter’s dedication to community engagement and service. Attendees participated in a Founders’ Day Service Project supporting several local organizations, including:
- Room in the Inn, a program providing respite care and safe spaces for men, women and children experiencing homelessness, received donations of hats, scarves and gloves.
- Hope House, which improves the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty, received donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and toilet tissue.
- Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry, which supplies diapers to families in need, received contributions of diapers in all sizes.
These efforts reflected the sorority’s mission to empower and uplift communities through targeted programming and initiatives.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and remains the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.
Established in 1934, the BEO chapter holds the distinction of being the first Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter chartered in Memphis and the 55th graduate chapter in the nation. With more than 600 active members, the chapter continues to lead effective projects in the Memphis area.
Saturday’s celebration was not only a reflection of the sorority’s storied history, but also a reminder of the ongoing commitment to service and sisterhood that continues to guide Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission. Check out these images of the celebration from TSD photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow.
