Since then, the sorority has flourished into a globally-impactful organization of over 283,000 college-trained members; bound by the bonds of sisterhood and empowered by a commitment to servant-leadership that is both domestic and international in its scope.
In an effort to continue the vision of our beloved founders, who committed themselves to “Be of Service to All Mankind”, the idea to start a chapter in St. Augustine, Florida was birthed in the fall of 2015. Patricia Barker, Nakiya Binder, and Jocelyn Spates discussed the potential and began to plan; with the overall goal of becoming an established chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eventually, 32 additional Alpha Kappa Alpha women, who shared the same desire, joined the momentum to embark upon a remarkable journey of becoming a chapter in St. Augustine, Florida. Together, the group sought out the mission of building partnerships, implementing life changing programs, and providing community support.
The group began to meet at the “Corporate Headquarters”, the home of Mrs. Patricia Barker, in St. Johns County, Florida. A vision board was created to help clarify and maintain focus on targeted goals. Essentially, the vision board was foundational for the interest group; and ultimately, forming a chapter. A meaningful name was selected to show what the group represented collectively – Historic Coast P.E.A.R.L.S. The city of St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest city, hence Historic Coast; which paralleled Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the nation’s first sorority established by African American women. The acronym P.E.A.R.L.S (Purpose, Empowerment, Ambition, Relationship, Leadership, and Sisterhood), perpetuates the group’s ideals. By unanimous consent, everyone agreed to be identified as The Historic Coast P.E.A.R.L.S Interest Group.
In January 2016, the Interest Group application process began and approval was granted on October 25, 2016. In November 2016, the newly formed interest group established officers and committees for the purpose of initiating service in St. Augustine, Florida. Beginning December 2016, the interest group started participating in a series of workshops and sorority conference for leadership development; to ensure every member had a solid working knowledge of the organization and operations of the sorority. In January 2017, The Historic Coast P.E.A.R.L.S Interest Group began to fully demonstrate its passion and willingness to meet the qualifications of becoming a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
To adequately comply, the current administrations’ program, Launching New Dimensions of Service, was implemented. In May and June 2017, the interest group began to grow the membership of the sorority through recruitment strategies; to attract both inactive and general members of the sorority.
As a result, additional members joined the interest group bringing the total number to 46 women. On September 23, 2017, the application for establishment of a chapter was submitted. Approval for our chapter chartering was granted on October 12, 2017. The Historic Coast P.E.A.R.L.S Interest Group was chartered as the Omega Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (170th chapter in the South Atlantic Region) on December 16, 2017 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL.
