The Theta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a weekend of sisterhood events for undergraduate members and alumni starting on Friday, Oct. 11. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. became the first African American Greek-letter organization chartered at Ole Miss on May 12, 1974. 

The chartering members are Rachael Balentine, Dorothy Balfour, Demetrius Barnes, Jerrie Bell, Linda Buford, Bobbie Carmichael, Juanita Everson, Berniece Polk, Margarie Richmond, Jerrylyn Royston, Barbra Walker and Dianne Wilson.

During the landmark anniversary, the sisters of the Theta Psi chapter are celebrating not only many years of sisterhood but also their pride in the chapter’s history as a group of trailblazers.

 President of the Theta Psi chapter Alex Lawson, a senior public health major, spoke about the importance of the event and honoring the women who came before the current undergraduate members.

“We want our alumni to have the most memorable weekend, as it is the courageous acts of our 12 charter members in 1974 that allow us to celebrate this incredible milestone today,” Lawson said.

Rose Jackson Flenorl was inducted into the Theta Psi chapter in 1976 and is now a member of the graduate chapter. 

“It is important to know your history. It is important to document that history,” Flenorl said. “We will celebrate our collective achievements and the commitment we have had for 50 years to community service.”

In addition to being the first African American Greek organization at Ole Miss, the Theta Psi chapter has been a part of many other firsts on campus. In 1979, Flenorl was the first Black woman to be inducted into the student Hall of Fame at Ole Miss. Kimsey O’Neal was the first African American Miss Ole Miss in 1990. In 1996, Debbie McCain was the first Black woman to be crowned Most Beautiful in the Parade of Beauties. 

These women, along with the sorority’s 12 charter members, will be recognized during the weekend’s events.

“History plays a major role in a celebration like this one,” Brooklyn Hall, treasurer of the Theta Psi chapter and a junior multidisciplinary studies major, said. “The Theta Psi chapter made history on this campus at a time when Black people were still trying to find their place on this campus.”

The Theta Psi chapter will hold a welcome reception in the Gertrude C. Ford Student Union Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 11, and a Kentucky Derby-themed picnic in the Grove, followed by a gala at the Jackson Avenue Center on Saturday, Oct. 12. The celebration will end on Sunday, Oct. 13, with a worship service at the Paris-Yates Chapel.

“The undergraduate body is beyond excited to celebrate with former members of the Theta Psi Chapter,” Hall said. “As undergraduate members, we always relish the opportunity to pay homage to those who have come before us.”