The Vision

The vision for what would ultimately become Alpha Delta Chi Omega Chapter began with a shared commitment to service, sisterhood, and community engagement.

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Ashelon K. Johnson and Carmen Witherspoon, residents of the Steele Creek community in southwest Charlotte, first met at Steele Creek AME Zion Church, where Witherspoon served as First Lady. Upon discovering that they were both members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, they quickly formed a meaningful connection rooted in their shared dedication to the organization's mission of service.

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As their friendship grew, so did conversations about increasing their involvement within the Sorority at the local level. They recognized, however, that geographic distance from the existing Charlotte-area chapters presented a challenge. At that time, the majority of chapter meetings, programs, and service initiatives were concentrated in the northern, eastern, and western areas of Charlotte, leaving South Charlotte without a dedicated chapter presence.

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Motivated by a desire to serve the communities in which they lived and worked, Johnson and Witherspoon envisioned establishing a chapter that would provide meaningful service throughout South Charlotte. What began as discussions centered on the Steele Creek community soon evolved into a broader vision encompassing the entire South Charlotte region. Their objective was to reconnect inactive and general members while cultivating renewed sisterhood, leadership, and community service throughout the area.

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Working collaboratively, the two developed a comprehensive plan to identify, engage, and mobilize inactive and general members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® who resided or worked in South Charlotte. Their vision and strategic proposal were formally presented to Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart in October 2023, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey.

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Mobilization

Following the presentation of their proposal, Johnson and Witherspoon began identifying and contacting inactive and general members whose residences fell within the proposed South Charlotte service area. Their outreach efforts reflected a commitment to building a strong foundation of engaged and service-minded members who shared a common vision for expanding the Sorority's impact.

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On January 21, 2024, an informational meeting was held at the South County Regional Library. Twenty-five (25) inactive and general members attended to learn more about the proposed chapter. During the meeting, Johnson and Witherspoon presented the same vision that had been shared with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, outlining the opportunities to establish a vibrant presence dedicated to serving South Charlotte.

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The response was overwhelmingly positive. The enthusiasm, energy, and sense of purpose displayed by those in attendance affirmed that the need for a South Charlotte chapter extended well beyond the original vision. Members embraced the opportunity to strengthen sisterhood while creating meaningful and lasting community impact within the neighborhoods where they lived and worked.

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On that historic day, the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City (SCPQC) was officially established as a Community Service Group, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would ultimately lead to the chartering of Alpha Delta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

 

Service and Sisterhood in the Making

With the establishment of the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City (SCPQC) as a Community Service Group, members immediately embraced the dual mission of serving the South Charlotte community while cultivating meaningful sisterly relationships. Through intentional programming, fellowship, and leadership development, the foundation was laid for what would ultimately become the Alpha Delta Chi Omega Chapter.

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February 2024

SCPQC launched its first service project in alignment with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's Enhance Our Environment international initiative. Seven members participated in a tree-planting project within the Steele Creek community, demonstrating the group's early commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement. This initiative was made possible through the generous partnership and support of BASF and TreesCharlotte.

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During this period, the group's organizer, Johnson, submitted an application seeking Interest Group status for SCPQC. Though the application did not progress forward, the feedback provided valuable direction for the group's continued development. SCPQC was encouraged to strengthen relationships among its members, further establish itself through collaborative service, and cultivate meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders who could attest to the group's commitment and impact within their proposed service area. This guidance served as a catalyst for continued growth, group development, and an even stronger commitment to serving the South Charlotte community.

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March 2024

As membership continued to grow, SCPQC hosted its first Sisterly Brunch at Café Monte in SouthPark, welcoming new members while fostering fellowship and strengthening the bonds of sisterhood among the group.

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On March 23, 2024, SCPQC held its first official group meeting at the Pineville Library. During the meeting, members discussed strategies for establishing meaningful partnerships throughout the South Charlotte service area. Recognizing the strong relationship many members shared with Steele Creek AME Zion Church, the Community Service Group voted to designate the church as its official meeting location for the upcoming program year. Prior to this decision, meetings had been held at various locations based on venue availability.

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April 2024

Members of SCPQC proudly participated in the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Sisterly Relations Committee hosted a SCPQC fellowship gathering at the Charlotte Marriott City Center on April 11, 2024, prior to the Regional Public Meeting. The event provided an opportunity for members to strengthen relationships while celebrating the continued growth and momentum of the Community Service Group.

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May 2024

As SCPQC continued to mature organizationally, the Community Service Group conducted its first official election of officers. The election marked an important milestone in establishing the leadership structure necessary to support the group's expanding service initiatives and to align its operations with the international programs and standards of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

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The following members were elected to serve as the Community Service Group officers:

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• President: Ashelon Johnson

• Vice President: Carmen Witherspoon

• Secretary: Bianca Miller

• Corresponding Secretary: Shaleah Carson

• Treasurer: Miriam Jordan

• Financial Secretary: Lakeria Vereen-Jones

• Ivy Leaf Reporter: Carin Ross Johnson

 

The election of these officers represented a significant step in the group's organizational development and positioned SCPQC for continued growth, effective governance, and meaningful service throughout the South Charlotte community.

 

July 2024

On July 13, 2024, the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City (SCPQC) hosted its inaugural Sisterly Retreat, sponsored by the Sisterly Relations Committee. The retreat provided members with an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood while deepening their understanding of the Sorority's traditions, policies, and operational procedures. For members who had been away from active participation, the retreat served as a valuable refresher and reaffirmed the group's collective commitment to the ideals and standards of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

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The retreat also reflected SCPQC's dedication to leadership development and member engagement. By August 2024, the Community Service Group had experienced remarkable growth, increasing its membership from twenty-five (25) to forty-seven (47) members.

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September 2024

As the group continued to expand, SCPQC established the governance structure necessary to support its growth. On September 9, 2024, the Executive Committee convened its inaugural meeting in a virtual format. This meeting established a consistent cadence for monthly Executive Committee meetings and reinforced the group's commitment to effective leadership, strategic planning, and organizational excellence.

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October 2024

SCPQC continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to community service through impactful initiatives that addressed critical community needs.

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On October 12, 2024, members joined the greater Charlotte community in Pineville, North Carolina, to participate in a large-scale disaster relief effort supporting individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Through collective service and compassion, members provided meaningful assistance to those recovering from the devastating effects of the storm.

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The group's dedication to educational partnerships was further exemplified on October 21, 2024, when SCPQC established its first official community partnership with Pineville Elementary School. To recognize and encourage the school's faculty and staff, members assembled and distributed approximately eighty (80) Staff Appreciation Survival Kits. This initiative marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership dedicated to supporting educators and enhancing the school community.

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November 2024

November marked a defining milestone in the history of the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City. On November 9, 2024, following a period of sustained growth and demonstrated commitment to service, the group was officially recognized as an Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Membership had grown to fifty-two (52) dedicated members, reflecting the overwhelming support for the vision of establishing a chapter to serve the South Charlotte community.

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Upon receiving Interest Group status, the following members were appointed or elected to serve as the inaugural Interest Group officers:

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• President: Ashelon Johnson

• Vice President: Carmen Witherspoon

• Secretary (Appointed): Omega Harris

• Corresponding Secretary: Shaleah Carson

• Treasurer: Miriam Jordan

• Financial Secretary: Lakeria Vereen-Jones

• Ivy Leaf Reporter: Carin Ross Johnson

• Parliamentarian (Appointed): Shaquanna Corbett

• Hostess: Kenya Crocker Guerra

• Chaplain: Sheena Johnson

• Historian: Terri White
   

The transition from Community Service Group to official Interest Group represented a significant achievement and affirmed the members' dedication to organizational excellence, sisterhood, and community impact.

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Continuing its tradition of meaningful service, SCPQC volunteered on November 23, 2024, at Have & Laurels Nursing Home in Pineville, North Carolina, establishing what would become an enduring community partnership. On that same day, members collaborated with Steele Creek AME Zion Church and its Outreach Ministry to assemble and distribute more than one hundred ten (110) Thanksgiving food bags to individuals and families throughout the South Charlotte community. This collaborative effort reflected the group's steadfast commitment to addressing food insecurity while exemplifying the Sorority's mission of service to all mankind.

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December 2024

SCPQC concluded a remarkable year of growth by hosting its inaugural Christmas Brunch on December 22, 2024. Members, along with invited guests, gathered to celebrate the group's recent designation as an official Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and to reflect on the many accomplishments achieved during its first year.

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In the spirit of service, the celebration also served as a winter donation drive benefiting Sowing Mustard Seeds Ministry. By combining fellowship with philanthropy, members concluded the year by reinforcing the values of sisterhood, compassion, and community service that had become the hallmark of the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City.

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Alpha Delta Chi Omega in the Making

The designation of the South Charlotte Pearls of Queen City (SCPQC) as an official Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® marked the beginning of an intentional and transformative journey toward chartering. While this milestone represented significant progress, members understood that continued dedication to leadership, organizational development, and impactful community service would be essential in establishing a chapter that exemplified the highest standards of the Sorority.

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Throughout 2025, SCPQC demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service within its designated South Charlotte service area. Collectively, members contributed more than 600 hours of community service programming, reflecting an extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of those they served. Among the group's signature initiatives was the Power Hour Lunch Packing Program in partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry, through which members assembled and distributed more than 600 meal items to individuals experiencing food insecurity. Additionally, members provided more than 2,500 essential items to local elementary school students and their families, helping address childhood hunger and support educational success throughout the community.

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Equally impressive was the group's commitment to member engagement. SCPQC achieved 100 percent program participation, with every member actively participating in at least two community service projects. This remarkable accomplishment reflected the collective spirit of service, accountability, and sisterhood that had become the foundation of the organization.

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While expanding its community impact, SCPQC also invested intentionally in the personal and leadership development of its members. In addition to participating in numerous trainings and webinars offered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leadership Team, members maintained a strong presence at local, regional, and international conferences of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. To further prepare members for chapter operations, SCPQC developed a comprehensive Leadership Development Series consisting of five educational sessions delivered over a six-month period. The required curriculum strengthened members' understanding of the Sorority's history, governance, policies, protocols, and international programs, ensuring they were well prepared for the responsibilities of chapter membership.

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Continuing its emphasis on leadership and sisterhood, SCPQC hosted its 2025 Sisterly Retreat in August 2025. The retreat focused on expanding the group's programmatic reach, enhancing leadership capacity, strengthening conflict resolution skills, and fostering meaningful sisterly relationships. These intentional efforts reinforced the group's commitment to excellence and prepared members for the next phase of their journey.

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Financial sustainability also became a key priority. In June 2025, SCPQC launched its inaugural $19.08 Campaign, a three-week fundraising initiative inspired by the founding year of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Members educated prospective donors about the group's mission, community partnerships, and programming throughout South Charlotte while soliciting financial support for future initiatives. Through the collective efforts of its members and supporters, the campaign exceeded expectations by raising more than $20,000, providing a strong financial foundation for future chapter operations and community programming.

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The culmination of years of vision, planning, service, and unwavering dedication was realized on January 8, 2026, when Alpha Delta Chi Omega Chapter was officially chartered under the leadership of Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart.

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The Chartering Ceremony and Reception were held at the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte, where approximately 300 guests gathered to celebrate this historic occasion. With its chartering, Alpha Delta Chi Omega became the fourth chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in Charlotte and the 140th chapter in the Mid-Atlantic Region, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth and legacy of the Sorority.

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The following members were elected as the Chartering Chapter Officers on January 8, 2026:

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• President: Ashelon Johnson

• Vice President: Carmen Witherspoon

• Secretary: Omega Harris

• Assistant Secretary: Lynn Johnson

• Corresponding Secretary: Shaleah Carson

• Treasurer: Tracey Smith

• Financial Secretary: Lakeria Vereen-Jones

• Ivy Leaf Reporter: Robin Green

• Parliamentarian (appointed): Shaquanna Corbett

• Hostess: Kenya Crocker Guerra

• Chaplain: Sheena Johnson

• Historian: Carin Ross Johnson
   

The Chartering Ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of the presidents of each Charlotte-area chapter, who extended a warm and heartfelt sisterly welcome. Their support symbolized the unity and enduring bonds of sisterhood that define Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
 

The chartering of Alpha Delta Chi Omega represented far more than the establishment of a new chapter, it was the realization of a vision born from a desire to serve South Charlotte with excellence, purpose, and compassion. Through steadfast leadership, intentional preparation, and an unwavering commitment to service, the forty-eight (48) charter members transformed an idea into a lasting legacy.
 

As they accepted their charter, the members of Alpha Delta Chi Omega celebrated not only the fulfillment of a shared dream but also the beginning of a new chapter of service. United in purpose and grounded in the ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, they embraced the responsibility of building a legacy that would positively impact South Charlotte for generations to come.