Our story does not begin in 2014 as many might think; it actually began without titles, frills or positions. Two women sharing a taxicab from the train station to the Sheraton Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland lends itself to our roots. The two women chatted all the way to the hotel; those two women were Imogene Taylor-Kelly and Meredith Henderson. Imogene encouraged Meredith Henderson to run for office again and promised her that the Bucks County Pre Interest Group would indeed endorse and support her.  So, it was February 2013 at Alpha Kappa Alpha’s National Founders’ Day that the seeds of Bucks County Petals n’ Pearls Interest Group were planted.

On August 9, 2014, two very adventurous sisters made the journey to Poughkeepsie, New York to attend our new Regional Director Meredith Henderson’s warm and inviting reception.  Cheryl Cochran and Barbara Nichols had the opportunity to speak with her.  Regional Director Meredith Henderson informed them that she wanted to have a conversation with Cheryl Brown, President of the Pre Interest Group. Cheryl Brown contacted the Regional Director and she responded immediately.

Next, several members of the pre-interest group(more than several) attended the Cluster II Leadership Conference on October 25, 2014. When we saw Madam Meredith’s smile, which is absolutely beautiful, we sensed her warmth and caring. Our table was centered right in front of her. We knew that she was aware that we were clinging to her every word. When Cheryl Brown, President, introduced herself the Regional Director took her hand and never let go of it promising that she would get to our group as soon as possible. We had no idea just how soon! The communication was and remains that of mutual respect and understanding. Cheryl Brown met with the members of the pre-interest group requesting just a little patience; because our Regional Director needed some time to make the transition from pre-interest group to interest group both viable and smooth. We were both aware and assured that our Regional Director was indeed “Packed, Polished and Prepared to Serve.” Regional Director Meredith Henderson has served the Sisterhood of Bucks County extremely well! On a Fall Saturday evening our President received an email from our Regional Director Meredith Henderson that was immediately followed by a telephone call. A request was made for one final document to complete the application process needed to become an interest group. The rest of the story is almost like a fairy tale. Sooner than ever expected our President received correspondence from the Corporate Office of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated stating Congratulations Bucks County, Pa. Petals n’ Pearls Interest Group.

Now, the work begins as we roll up our sleeves and begin the challenging, yet rewarding tasks that lie ahead serving to bring our story to the happiest of endings. This venture is truly historical indeed for it is ours to become the very first Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

On December 19, 2015 it did indeed happen; 32* Sorors chartered. We are now that historical Bucks County Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated! We are Omega Zeta Omega Chapter.

*Charter Members: Yolanda B. Armstrong, Eldrean E. Attaway, Stephanie Black, Cheryl Brown, Maxine Campbell, Cheryl Ann Cochran, Tammie Cottom, Mynetta Edwards, Carol Etlen, Kristina Fripps, Margot Goodson, Trina M. Idrovo, Saunjii Jacobs, Gia James, Carolyn James Weeks, Deborah King, Kristie King, Naomi Livingston, Julie Moore, Tiffani Moses, Barbara Nichols, Alisa L. Oglesby, Regine Pitts-Ramsey, Sharon D. Richards, Courtney Richardson, Deborah Selby, Shelly Smith, Carla Stinnette-Miller, La Queta Sturns-Brew, Imogene Taylor-Kelly, Carol-Anne Weeks, Linda Wood