Chapter Legacy

Our History

Discover our story and the legacy of sisterhood, service, and leadership that continues to shape our chapter today.

How the Legacy Started

Our Story

Built on Service

Alpha Kappa Alpha has long represented a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and meaningful service. In Daphne, that spirit is reflected in a chapter culture that welcomes members, uplifts families, and supports the wider community through purposeful action.

The History of Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore: From Vision to Chapter Chartering

In 2014, the foundation for creating an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated chapter in Baldwin County took root through the connection among three individuals. Samantha Ngando and Kiandrea Turner-Blossom, longtime friends and AKA members, met Suntrease Williams-Maynard one evening. This chance meeting not only cultivated a new friendship with the newcomer to Daphne, Alabama, but also initiated a connection that would ultimately pave the way for the Southeastern Region's 119th chapter.

As Suntrease immersed herself in the community, a spark ignited within her, leading to a visionary conversation about chartering a chapter. Motivating Samantha and Kiandrea to reactivate their memberships, Suntrease took the lead by reactivating. As their friendship deepened over time, so did their shared aspiration to launch a new chapter.

Undeterred by traveling to the nearest chapter more than 25 miles away in Mobile, Alabama, the trio supported each other. Through their service, they recognized a significant service gap for Baldwin County, especially within the minority community, yet Baldwin County was experiencing a large population growth. Determined to bridge the gap of opportunities for their community. They vowed to connect with incoming Alpha Kappa Alpha members relocating to the thriving Baldwin County community and begin to research how to form an interest group.

After connecting with South Eastern Regional Director, Mary Conner for the interest group guidelines on June 7, 2017, the trio worked to meet the required number for establishment. They reached the required number in 2020 and contacted South Eastern Regional Director, Mitzi Dease Paige, Esq. for the new interest group guidelines.

The following month marked significant culture-defining moments for the potential interest group. One pivotal decision involved choosing a name initially identified as Pearls of the Eastern Shore; after a unanimous vote, Christina Perry designed a logo that symbolized the inception of the Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore. With renewed vigor, the group intensified their efforts to reclaim more "pearls" and diligently worked on the chartering application.

On July 5, 2021, the interest group packet was submitted to the corporate office. Though the initial application was denied, the group successfully reapplied on January 30, 2022. In February of 2022, the group was approved as an official interest group. Regional Director Mitzi Dease Paige, Esq. Conducted the group's orientation and election of the inaugural officers on May 3, 2022, and on October 20, 2022, she explained that the interest group will be operating under the guidance of the incoming South Eastern Regional Director, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams.

On May 19, 2023, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams conducted an in-person visit with the Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore. This meeting included discussions with supportive community leaders, exploration of the community, and active participation in a community service project, further solidifying the group's commitment to becoming a chapter in Baldwin County. Witnessing the pressing need for the establishment of a chapter, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams pledged her commitment to elevate the Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore to the next level. Recognizing the group's dedication and service-oriented mission, she actively supported their charter application.

On November 3, 2023, Suntrease shared the joyous news with the group that the Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore have been approved by the Board of Directors for chartering. Dr. Morant Adams personally extended her congratulations, commending the ladies for their hard work, unwavering dedication, and commitment to service. She expressed her excitement in welcoming them as the 119th chapter in the South Eastern Region for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This significant accomplishment not only celebrated the culmination of the group's journey but also signaled the dawn of a new chapter in their impactful legacy of service in Baldwin County.

Recorded by: Helen Renee Robinson-Nguyen, Historian.