Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter is set to celebrate a huge milestone with their upcoming 39th annual “Hats off to Mom” scholarship program. Themed “Soaring to Greater Heights of Community Service and Sisterhood,” the chapter is proud of its legacy rooted in sisterhood, scholarship and service.
“For sixty-one years Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter has been an impactful influence in Saginaw since our inception and chartering at the Bancroft Hotel on February 10, 1962,” says Kimberly Horne, President of Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter. “We strive to be a continuous source of dedication to our community through volunteering by helping those in need, positioning youth for success through scholarships, mentoring and education, political involvement, promoting women’s health and nutrition and building our economic wealth. We are also a source of professional and leadership development for our members, some of whom will be attending our International Leadership Seminar in Chicago, Illinois.”
On May 6 at 11:00 a.m., it will be that dedication to the Saginaw community that takes center stage with this year’s “Hats off to Mom” celebration. The chapter will host the signature event in person after three years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be held at the Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street. Senator Sylvia Santana of District-2 of the Michigan Senate will deliver this year’s keynote address. Senator Santana represents Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and parts of Allen Park and Detroit. Additional highlights include the awarding of college scholarships to Saginaw-area high school students, women entrepreneurs, musical performances and an interactive hat show and vendor showcase.
The chapter will present the “Mother of The Year” award to Dr. Peggy Hall, author and former educator and administrator in the Saginaw Public School System. Eta Upsilon Omega will also celebrate Mrs. Stacy Davis Diggs who will receive the prestigious “Soror of The Year” award. Proceeds from ticket and souvenir book advertisement sales will benefit the chapter’s continuous efforts to provide scholarships to deserving students and to give back to the community through service projects.
In all, this program is another jewel in Eta Upsilon Omega’s crown of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Horne notes the long-standing importance of the organization: “Our history illustrates we are women who lead as we were the first African American Greek Letter organization established in Saginaw, Michigan, following the unprecedented path pioneered by our illustrious national founders in 1908.
“We proudly stand on the shoulders of our charter members, many of whom were the first women of color to attain positions in their professions in the city of Saginaw. Our charter members are: Frances Elnora Moton Carter, Jacqueline M. Porterfield, Willett K.G. Johnson, Della Vaughn Smith, Margaret Griffin Brown, Lola A. Lothery Shelby, Nancy Haithco-Price, Bernadine Tivis Carter, Helen Joan Banks Turpin, Mildred Cambridge, Marie Waldon Claytor and Eva Wyche (deceased).
“Our commitment to improving the lives of others is demonstrated as Eta Upsilon Omega has significantly impacted the Saginaw Community, contributing over $200,000 in scholarships and community service programs. Our endeavor is to continue this legacy in 2023 and beyond. I am appreciative of having the privilege to serve as the President of this outstanding, thriving sisterhood with leaders who make a difference in the community to provide service to all mankind.”
Tickets are $50. Attendees can purchase tickets from any member of Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter. For questions, please contact us at AKA1908HYOmega@gmail.com.
