LATTA, S.C. — During a month dedicated to honoring the impact and legacy of women, a group of local leaders made history of their own.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, community leaders, family, friends, and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® gathered at Evergreen Alley in Latta to celebrate the chartering of the Alpha Delta Omega Omega Chapter, marking a significant milestone for women’s leadership and service in Dillon County.
The celebration, themed “A Promise Kept,” reflected both the journey and the impact of the women behind the effort. The chapter will serve Dillon County, Lake View, and Latta, and stands as the only Divine Nine organization in the area with a sole focus on Dillon County. Members shared their commitment to working collaboratively with other organizations to expand service and strengthen the region.
Formerly known as the Pearls of Promise and Purpose Interest Group, the group spent years building a foundation rooted in sisterhood, service, and intentional leadership. Their official chartering took place on February 11, 2026, at the Gamma Nu Omega Chapter house in Columbia, South Carolina.
While the road to celebration included two weather-related delays, the event ultimately returned to Dillon County, allowing the very community the chapter is called to serve to fully take part in the historic moment.
Mrs. Utocqua R. Grissett, Graduate Cluster VII Coordinator, served as Mistress of Ceremony. Chapter President Tabitha D. James welcomed attendees, reflecting on the responsibility of leadership and the importance of building something that will impact generations to come.
Ms. Carmen A. Bethea acknowledged distinguished guests, followed by a meditation led by Gypsie L. Murdaugh that offered a meaningful moment of reflection. Sharon Brown Harriott, 18th South Atlantic Regional Director, delivered engaging remarks that underscored the significance of the chapter’s chartering and the power of collective leadership among women.
Local leaders also took part in the celebration. Remarks from Latta Mayor Marcus McGirt, Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton, and former Lake View Mayor Sterling Lee highlighted the importance of continued investment in the community, particularly through initiatives such as voter registration, youth enrichment, and civic engagement.
Proclamations from Senator Kent Williams and Representative Jackie Hayes further recognized the chapter’s potential to create lasting impact across the region.
The program included the formal recognition of the charter members, honoring the women whose dedication, vision, and perseverance made the chapter possible.
Support for the celebration extended across state lines, with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® traveling from multiple states to be present. Members of the Omicron Omicron Omega Chapter, which serves Dillon and Marion Counties, also supported the event, with several members serving as hostesses.
In her closing remarks, James emphasized that the charter represents more than a milestone. It is a commitment to serve with intention, lead with excellence, and create opportunities for future generations of women and girls.
Charter Members include:
Christi Bartell, Flossie Bartell Jackson, Carmen Bethea, Myra Bethea, Shaquel Dials, Latira Armstrong Eichelberger, Michelle Gilchrist, Amber Graves, Antonia Graves, Sherina Harley, Tabitha D. James, Maci Johnson, Cynthia McFadden, Shelley L. McMillian, Gypsie L. Murdaugh, Najada Nelson, Miranda E. Page, Mariah Thompson Planter, Corine Rawlison.
As Women’s History Month continues, the chartering of the Alpha Delta Omega Omega Chapter stands as a reminder that history is not only something to reflect on, but something still being made.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos By OMOS Photography
