Theta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority scrapbooks and paddle

Content Description

This addition to RG 23/4/25 (Student Orgs/Fraternities and Sororities/Theta Kappa) contains two custom-made wooden scrapbooks and a paddle of the Theta Kappa Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc (AKA) at the University of Virginia. One scrapbook is shaped like an ivy leaf, painted pink with an ivy leaf border and twenty pearls attached to the front, representing the Founders. The second is rectangular with an engraved heart and an AKA emblem, and pink and green ivy leaves painted on it. “Deep In Our Heart” and the date are spelled out with press on vinyl letters, although only the letters H, R, and T and the date remain. The paddle is dedicated to Phyllis of the Shining Stars of Theta Kappa, with 75 engraved and an ivy leaf attached. The first scrapbook dates from 1980-1981 and contains flyers, photos, programs, cards, poems, hymns, lists, drawings, and a pledge of allegiance documenting service, sisterhood, pledging, conferences and accomplishments. Activities shown in polaroids and photos accompanied with minimal descriptions include, but not limited to, Annual Rush events, Mid-Atlantic Western Virginia Cluster Leadership Conference, Alumni Weekend Banquet, talent and blocking or step showcases, presentations or probates, Kwanza celebration, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Ball, and Founder’s Day. Photos and programs commemorate 1980 Leadership Fellow Cheryl Jackson, award-winner Charlotte Kellam at the 27th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Norfolk, Karen K. Webster’s recital at the Georgia World Congress Center, and Delegate of Boule Leslie Oliver. Also documented are collaborations with regional AKA chapters, UVA National Pan-Hellenic Council and Inter-Fraternity Council sororities and fraternities, student organizations, James Madison University, and local community service organizations. Newspaper clippings highlight mistreatment against Karen K. Webster and a statement by Cheryl Jackson about the University Union Governing Board election. A page of the scrapbook is dedicated to the AKAs painted on Beta Bridge and includes pictures and a description. One page is signed by Theta Kappa members. The second scrapbook contains lists, photos, flyers, clippings, a meeting agenda, a program plan, and a budget proposal. The lists document Theta Kappa pledge lines from the charter line in Spring of 1974 to Spring of 1985, events, founders, committees, executive board, and members. Photos show Pledge Club and initiated members studying, blocking or stepping, going to church, and mixing with the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hand-drawn flyers advertise informal rush, probate demonstrations, step shows, Black History Month talent shows, and dance parties. Photos show community service at the Barrett Day Care Center, Zion Union, Girls Attention Home and Easter fundraiser, in addition to photos of AKA headquarters and members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Theta Kappa is on the front page of Black Greek Affairs newsletter and there is a Cavalier Daily article written by Lisa A. Wilson about AKA Week. Programs include a memorial service for Patricia Ann Jackson, Founder’s Day ceremony on March 3, 1985, and from the Service Women in Renewal, along with a pamphlet describing the sorority. A page is dedicated to signatures of sorority members. The paddle has “The Shining Stars Theta Kappa 75 Phyllis AKA” inscribed with an ivy leaf pasted.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

Gift of Stephanie Royal, 7 May 2024.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

No