Thirty-eight years after the founding of the sorority, the then-Southeastern Regional Director, the late Arnetta G. Wallace, chartered the Pensacola Chapter – Delta Iota Omega – with seven charter members, one, the then-Chair of Courtesies (Alyce Williams Henderson), who, in 2007, became the chapter’s first Diamond member with 75 years of sorority membership and, in 2013, became the chapter’s first centenarian. The other charter members were Lorena Cannon Brown, President; Elsie Johnson Jones, Vice President and Dean of Pledgees; Lillie James Frazier, Recording Secretary; Edythe Lucky, Corresponding Secretary; Hilda Preer, Treasurer; and Annie Baker Williams, Parliamentarian. Georgette Cobb Jones and Theo Hicks, though not listed as charter members, also participated in the organizing of the chapter.
Since its November 23, 1946 inception, Delta Iota Omega Chapter has become a very active group in the now South Atlantic Region, with one of its members, Ivy Beyond the Wall Dolores Blount Albury, having served as Cluster IV Coordinator from 1987-1990 and with Charmere Gatson serving as the South Atlantic Region's Office Assistant from 2019-2022 and currently as an assistant to the sorority's International Secretary since July 2022. Delta Iota Omega Chapter has served as hostess chapter to at least three Cluster IV conferences and one Regional conference (in 1968) which was held at the former Grand Hotel on Tarragona and Cross streets. While most chapters hosting regional conferences held their activities at HBCUs, the members of Delta Iota Omega Chapter needed to select a hotel or conference center. Thelma DuBose attempted to get accommodations for this conference at the then-San Carlos Hotel but was unsuccessful: the hotel’s administrative staff was concerned about the city’s racial climate during that time (all business establishments had not been fully integrated). In 2004, the chapter hosted the first Cluster IV Founders’ Day at the Hilton Garden Inn on Pensacola Beach, and in December 2018, after rescheduling due to Hurricane Michael, the chapter also hosted the Cluster IV Conference on Pensacola Beach.
Delta Iota Omega Chapter introduced two South Atlantic Region awards in honor of Ruby Jackson Gainer beginning in 1970: the Emory O. Jackson Journalism Award and the Ruby Gainer Leadership Award.
In 1973, the chapter purchased a sorority house that was later torn down, and the property subsequently sold when the physical space became insufficient for accommodating a chapter which had surpassed fifty members and which was continuing to grow. In 2012, the chapter had a new sorority house – The Ivy House – built at 2600 North Davis Highway.
Delta Iota Omega Chapter has been fortunate to have been under the leadership of more than two dozen strong and dedicated leaders who have served as presidents. Each president has left the chapter a legacy of creative sisterly relations ideas, service projects, and programs including but not limited to the following:
1950-1965 |
Annual spelling bee |
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Annual sickle cell anemia project |
1950s-1970s |
Fashionetta |
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Ebony Fashion Fair |
1985 |
First Health Fair |
1986 |
Concert featuring chapter member, Barbara Beck (soprano) |
1956-present |
Charmette Debutante program |
Other years |
Saturday school program |
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AKA coat day |
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Food pantry |
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Relay for Life |
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Christmas toy donations |
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MLK Day parade |
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Habitat for Humanity partnerships |
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AKA Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) contributions |
2000s |
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk |
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Family Affair Tea |
In 2013, Delta Iota Omega Chapter launched a new annual tradition in Pensacola -- its "Pink in the City" gala, a fundraiser which has amassed a significant number of local corporate partners and sponsors. The Charmette Debutante program continues to provide cultural, social, academic, and personal enrichment for high school girls who are presented to society at the chapter's annual Debutante Ball; more than $200,000 in scholarships has been awarded through the program since 1976. Recognized as a thriving service organization in Northwest Florida, the chapter has received numerous awards and recognitions. Additionally, a number of members volunteer on various boards, at their churches, and in the community.
Chapter membership continues to grow -- having ranged from its original seven to more than 120 during the chapter's existence. The membership consists of Pearl members (65-74 years of membership); Golden members (50-64 years of membership); Silver Star members (25-49 years of membership); and life members. Also, from 1985 to the present, Delta Iota Omega has honored a number of exemplary, active, outstanding women who have earned one of these awards: Soror (Member) of the Year award, the Distinguished Service award, and the Sisterly Relations award.
In 1974, Delta Iota Omega Chapter completed the process for chartering Beta Gamma Chapter, the first black Greek-letter organization on the campus of the University of West Florida.
As the chapter continues to grow in programs, services, and membership, it continues to “capture a vision fair” and will remain a viable force in Pensacola, in the South Atlantic Region, and in the sorority through the years.