Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the country’s first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women, was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University. The sorority was established to enrich and encourage the intellectual pursuits of college women. The ideal of high ethical standards, scholastic achievement, and dedication to “service to all mankind” continues to be the focus of the organization.
The local graduate chapter, Zeta Sigma Omega was chartered November 25, 1955, has been providing various services throughout the communities of Oregon and Southwest Washington for over 65 years, emphasizing empowering families, building economic wealth, enhancing the environment, advocating for Social Justice and uplifting our community.
Many Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) face funding obstacles that threaten their long-term growth and survival. Recognizing this, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and the P.I.N.K Ivy Foundation, Inc. are dedicated to the financial goal of supporting students who attend an HBCU. The LaVerne Bagley Brown Scholarship is a competitive award of at least $500.00. Individual scholarships will be awarded to students who will be attending an HBCU in the fall of 2023. This award is merit-based, and every application will be evaluated based on the student’s academic performance, civic and personal leadership, career goals, and financial need. No preferential consideration will be given to any applicant.
Roberta Vann and LaVerne Bagley Brown, along with several other young women from the Portland area helped to charter Oregon's first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter has provided various services throughout the Portland community for over 65 years.
Roberta Vann was born on September 3, 1903, on a plantation in Minter City, Mississippi. When she was five, a doctor told her mother Roberta would not live to be 12. Not only was the doctor wrong, but she worked her way through college, attending Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1949 she married Cleodis Vann Sr., and moved to Portland in 1954. Together they owned Vann & Vann Funeral Directors. Roberta Vann was known for greeting you at the door with a warm smile, giving you a hug and being very comforting.
Due to Roberta Vann's dedication to her community, love for children, and commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. until her passing on April 24, 2003, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter is honoring her by designating one of our scholarships, "The Roberta Vann Scholarship." Individual scholarships of at least $500 will be awarded.
The local graduate chapter, Zeta Sigma Omega was chartered November 25, 1955, has been providing various services throughout the communities of Oregon and Southwest Washington for over 65 years, emphasizing empowering families, building economic wealth, enhancing the environment, advocating for Social Justice and uplifting our community.
Many Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) face funding obstacles that threaten their long-term growth and survival. Recognizing this, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and the P.I.N.K Ivy Foundation, Inc. are dedicated to the financial goal of supporting students who attend an HBCU. The LaVerne Bagley Brown Scholarship is a competitive award of at least $500.00. Individual scholarships will be awarded to students who will be attending an HBCU in the fall of 2023. This award is merit-based, and every application will be evaluated based on the student’s academic performance, civic and personal leadership, career goals, and financial need. No preferential consideration will be given to any applicant.
Roberta Vann and LaVerne Bagley Brown, along with several other young women from the Portland area helped to charter Oregon's first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter has provided various services throughout the Portland community for over 65 years.
Roberta Vann was born on September 3, 1903, on a plantation in Minter City, Mississippi. When she was five, a doctor told her mother Roberta would not live to be 12. Not only was the doctor wrong, but she worked her way through college, attending Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1949 she married Cleodis Vann Sr., and moved to Portland in 1954. Together they owned Vann & Vann Funeral Directors. Roberta Vann was known for greeting you at the door with a warm smile, giving you a hug and being very comforting.
Due to Roberta Vann's dedication to her community, love for children, and commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. until her passing on April 24, 2003, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter is honoring her by designating one of our scholarships, "The Roberta Vann Scholarship." Individual scholarships of at least $500 will be awarded.