The vision to establish a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in central and east Contra Costa County began in 2015.  At that time, a group of nine general members met to discuss the need for and the feasibility of organizing a chapter. The decision was made to move forward with the process to establish a chapter. Members began recruiting other general members in the area who were equally as passionate about service and sisterhood as defined by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

On January 9, 2016, at Founders’ Day, the members met with the 24th Far Western Regional Director, Dr. Barbara Denson Trotter, to discuss the process of becoming an AKA Interest Group. Immediately following this meeting we submitted our application. The Contra Costa County Pearls of Purpose Interest Group application was approved by the International Board of Directors, March 1, 2016, in Chicago, IL.

The Contra Costa County Pearls of Purpose began to serve the community through Launching New Dimensions of Services (LNDS) program initiatives established by our International President, Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson. The program initiatives include:  Educational Enrichment, Health Promotions, Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership, and Global Impact.

The Contra Costa County Pearls of Purpose have served the community by adopting two schools and Love-A-Child Missions in Bay Point, donating Thanksgiving/Easter baskets, distributing over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies, participating in the Alzheimer’s Walk in Walnut Creek for the past two years, addressing the need for mental health awareness by partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), and supporting the American Heart Association through donations and participating in the sorority’s “Pink Goes Red” observance.

On December 10th 2017, Contra Costa Pearls of Purpose was officially chartered and named Omega Upsilon Omega Chapter as the 75th Chapter in the Far Western Region. As the newest chapter in the Northern California Cluster, we will continue our efforts to benefit the undeserved members of our communities. We will seek to collaborate with local organizations that encompass the ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. to serve all mankind.