Ms. Luvenia Douglas Webb December 21, 1932 - August 21, 2008
Sister Webb was an educator who encouraged everyone she met not to limit themselves and live life to the fullest was one of the charter members of Pi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Sister Webb was an active member of Pi Nu Omega and served as an advisor to Eta Psi undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., Middle Tennessee State University.
As an undergraduate student at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, she became a member of Alpha Psi Chapter (Jazzy 22) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sister Webb's love for educating others led her after college to teaching science at Holloway High School from 1954-1966 and Smyrna High School from 1966-1986. She retired after over 30 years teaching in the Rutherford County School System.
Ms. Cora Hutchings Addison March 23, 1929 February 14, 2009
Sister Addison was a life and charter member of Pi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Sister Addison served as the advisor to Eta Psi undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., Middle Tennessee State University for many years.
Sister Addison's career spanned over 51 years teaching in Georgia, Texas, New York and Tennessee. She served as a professional school counselor for 34 of those years at Oakland High School. Her accomplishments include receiving the Al Wilkerson Human Relation Award, Holloway Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Educator and Presidential Award for Outstanding Service to Education.
Sister Stewart was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Tennessee State University who loved to educate and prepare nursing students for real life application. Sister Stewart, while working on her PhD from the University of Memphis, poured love into hundreds of students at TSU each year and loved doing it.
Sister Stewart was initiated in the fall of 1991 Theta Zeta Chapter of Northeast Louisiana University now known as University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). In 2009, she became an active member of Pi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She used her gifts in nursing as a member of the chapters health committee and assisted with many service projects promoting true Service to Mankind.
Ms. Mai Dee Hendricks June 29, 1930 - November 28, 2011
Sister Mai Dee was an educator and community activist. She was well known for her compassion and willingness to help others, especially women of color. She graduated from Tennessee State University in 1952 and moved to Detroit. After teaching for more than 30 years, she returned home to Bedford County, where she became active in the community. She was the driving force behind listing the Gilliland House Resource Center in Shelbyville, on Tennessee's National Registry of Historic Places. She was the co-founder of Bedford Countians United for a Better Tomorrow and the Shelbyville Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club.
In 1996, she was one of several "community heroes" selected to carry the Olympic torch as it passed through Shelbyville on the way to the Atlanta Olympic Games. She held the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Day brunch in Shelbyville, which is now an annual event.
Sister Mai Dee joined the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, first as a member of Theta Lamda Omega in Pontiac, Michigan. Upon her return to Tennessee she became a member of Pi Nu Omega. Sister Mai Dee witnessed and was committed to the growth of Pi Nu Omega and its expanding service to the community over the years. Sister Mai Dee was active in ensuring her legacy and love for AKA by pinning her two daughters and granddaughter at their initiation ceremonies.
Ms. Mary C. Scales September 24, 1928 - October 6, 2013
Silver Sister Mary C. Scales was a beloved member as well as a charter member of both the Pi Nu Omega chapter and Eta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She served as the First Basileus, undergraduate advisor, and Mother to sorority members. Silver Sister Scales was honored numerous times for her hard work, dedication and Service to All Mankind.
Silver Sister Scales was a Trail Blazer in every sense of the word. During her lifetime she was the first African American faculty member at MTSU and would later serve as Associate Dean of Continuing Studies and Public Service. She was the first African American female elected to the Murfreesboro City Council and the first African American to have a Murfreesboro City School named after her and her husband.
Other awards and recognitions include:
Silver Medallion Award - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Outstanding Service Award - City Murfreesboro
Named "Women of Courage" - Essence Magazine
Inducted in the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame
NAACP President's Freedom Award from the state of Tennessee
Citizen of the year Awards - Bradley Academy Historical Society, Kappa Gamma Society and National Education Association
Silver Sister Scales will be remembered for her love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The love was so great that she would jokingly state that The Streets of Heaven are Paved Pink and Green.
Ms. Brenda Elizabeth Spencer McKinney February 3, 1952 - November 26, 2021
Silver Sister McKinney was a distinguished and highly regarded member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She earned a Psychology degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 1975. She successfully completed a thirty-two-year career as a Network Manager for BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc and AT&T.
An invaluable asset to her community, Silver Sister McKinney demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to numerous organizations and boards which included: Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated; National Council of Negro Women; Brentwood Business Professional Organization, President; Telephone Pioneers of America; Nashville CABLE; MTSU Alumni Board Member; MTSU African American Alumni Association, President; and Blue Raider Athletic Association.
Servanthood was truly a calling from Silver Sister McKinney’s heart. As a faithful and dedicated member of Olive Branch Baptist Church, she demonstrated her love for God by serving as a Choir Member and Deaconess. Additionally, she was a member of the New Member; Women’s Fellowship; and Wedding Ministries.
Silver ster McKinney didn’t simply serve on numerous committees, her pledge of excellence was recognized by receipt of the following accolades: AKA Sister of the Year; Choir Member of the Year; MTSU Black Alumni Achievement Award and the 2008 ATHENA Award Nominee.
Most important and dear to Slver Sister McKinney’s heart was her lifetime membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she was initiated in 1974 into the Eta Psi Chapter at MTSU. She used her leadership talents to serve multiple chapters as President, Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Sergeant-of-Arms, Graduate Advisor, and Cluster Coordinator.
Silver Sister McKinney was most proud to have the distinction of being the designer of the Alpha Kappa Alpha License Plate for the state of Tennessee. The luxury of having a state issued Alpha Kappa Alpha License Plate is not available in every state. Silver Sister McKinney took the initiative to have this opportunity afforded to all Tennessee residents who are active members of the sorority. She was privileged to purchase the first Tennessee Alpha Kappa Alpha license plate.
Silver Sister McKinney showcased her love for Alpha Kappa Alpha by KNOWING Alpha Kappa Alpha. Silver Sister McKinney KNEW the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha, backwards and forwards. If there was something she didn’t know, she eagerly sought an answer. Lovingly regarded as Sergeant Brenda, she wanted things done right and according to protocol. Even so, she was very humble and shared her knowledge. She wanted you to be better today than you were yesterday. Not only did she push you to become better, but she was also there to help you become better.
Silver Sister McKinney led by example. She was a woman of her own mind and did not bow to negative influences. Silver Sister McKinney lived and embodied the essence of sisterhood with a strong desire to carry out the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha.