This book is the chronological history of one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's graduate chapters, Phi Eta Omega of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, from its chartering in 1999 through 2013. Ten inactive members (sorors) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., rekindling a desire to be of service to others, assembled at a soror's home in Plainfield, New Jersey, in the early winter of 1998. Soon this small group grew to fourteen and, ultimately, to seventeen women. These seventeen inactive sorors became an official interest group of the sorority later that year. With the mission to promote harmony and friendship among members, to develop and implement programs to enhance the self-esteem of youth, and to assist others wherever needed in their communities, these women, full of energy and enthusiasm, ventured into unknown waters. Becoming the first Greek letter organization to affiliate with the New Jersey Orators, the Scotch Plains/Union County Interest Group helped foster the development of confidence and public speaking skills in youth ages seven to seventeen. TAG, a weekly tutorial program, was also established. Since its chartering on June 6, 1999, Phi Eta Omega Chapter continues to institute and participate in other altruistic programs: the Angel Network; collection of coats and other winter clothing during local coat drives; donation of suits for Dress Barn's Dress for Success; financial support to two Kenyan students in Africa; donation of duffel bags filled with pajamas, clothing, books, and other sundries to Union County Division of Child Protection and Permanency; and the replacement of the headstone of Caesar, a Revolutionary War-freed slave, at Scotch Plains Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

This book is the chronological history of one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororitys graduate chapters, Phi Eta Omega of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, from its chartering in 1999 through 2013. Ten inactive members (sorors) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., rekindling a desire to be of service to others, assembled at a sorors home in Plainfield, New Jersey, in the early winter of 1998. Soon this small group grew to fourteen and, ultimately, to seventeen women. These seventeen inactive sorors became an official interest group of the sorority later that year. With the mission to promote harmony and friendship among members, to develop and implement programs to enhance the self-esteem of youth, and to assist others wherever needed in their communities, these women, full of energy and enthusiasm, ventured into unknown waters. Becoming the first Greek letter organization to affiliate with the New Jersey Orators, the Scotch Plains/Union County Interest Group helped foster the development of confidence and public speaking skills in youth ages seven to seventeen. TAG, a weekly tutorial program, was also established. Since its chartering on June 6, 1999, Phi Eta Omega Chapter continues to institute and participate in other altruistic programs: the Angel Network; collection of coats and other winter clothing during local coat drives; donation of suits for Dress Barns Dress for Success; financial support to two Kenyan students in Africa; donation of duffel bags filled with pajamas, clothing, books, and other sundries to Union County Division of Child Protection and Permanency; and the replacement of the headstone of Caesar, a Revolutionary Warfreed slave, at Scotch Plains Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has a long and distinguished history of which we are very proud. From its inception to present day, this chapter has provided service to all mankind in an exemplary and noteworthy manner. This is not only reflected in various awards and accolades bestowed upon the membership, but also through its longevity and growth in membership. Furthermore, the tremendous impact this chapter has had in diverse sectors of the community also emphasizes the outstanding works of this chapter. This distinct history will be chronicled through reflective summaries of the chartering of Epsilon Phi Omega and national, regional, and local programs. In addition, there are highlights of chapter membership, celebrations, community outreach, and awards. These narratives begin with notable events during the administration of the chapter's first basileus, Velma Daye. Through her leadership Epsilon Phi Omega was chartered. The history will also include a recapping of current initiatives carried out under the leadership of Dr. Tesha Isler.

Washington Duke is very young when he first realizes there is racial discrimination in the South. Living outside of Hillsboro, North Carolina, in the mid-1820s, he is one of ten children in a family that shares the wilderness with bears, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. Washington learns about the world around him from his scholarly father, nurtures a compassion for others, and eventually grows into a man deeply troubled by the institution of slavery. Unaware of what awaits him, Washington is conscripted into the Confederate Army and reluctantly leaves his three-hundred-acre farm in 1864 to fight in the war. When the Civil War is over, Washington is left widowed, with nothing but his farm, two blind mules, a wagon load of tobacco, and his four children. Determined to rise from the rubble, Washington soon begins building the foundation for the Duke financial empirealthough not without challenges. As Washington ages, his sons eventually capture his dream to establish Duke University. Even with the familys successes, though, there is tragedy and heartache; Washingtons granddaughter, Doris, dies under suspicious circumstances in 1993 and her estate becomes embroiled in a legal battle. Based on a true story, this compelling and inspirational tale examines the life of a gentle giant and his descendants who together built a multibillion-dollar empire, numerous charitable foundations, and a renowned academic institution, proving that anyone can overcome adversity to achieve greatness.