The year is 1997, and Northwest Arkansas is growing and changing like never before. With more and more African-Americans relocating to Northwest Arkansas, it became imperative that a group of intelligent, responsible, service-oriented women come together to help respond to the needs of their communities. Hence, the Tea Rose Society was formed.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has always been a symbol of strong sisterhood and community service. However, with the exception of the University of Arkansas undergraduate chapter, her presence had yet to be seen in Northwest Arkansas, but on May 16, 1998 another chapter of the Sorority�s illustrious history would be started.

For many years, Soror Margaret Clark had envisioned a Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in this area. This vision was beginning to take shape on October 4, 1997, when a meeting was held on the campus of the University of Arkansas. It was during this meeting that Soror Ulonda Crawford suggested the name �Tea Rose Society�, and it was a unanimous decision that this was a most fitting name for such a wonderful group of women. The vision of a Graduate Chapter became even clearer when on January 17, 1998, Soror Polly Sparks Turner, South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, sanctioned the Tea Rose Society as an official interest group of the Sorority.

From that point forward, the Tea Rose Society has been a very vital part of the Northwest Arkansas community. In their efforts to stress the importance of community service, the group participated in several projects. The projects included: participation in the building of two homes for the Habitat for Humanity, purchasing candy and games for children in the hospital on Halloween, donating items to the battered women�s shelter, and visiting a local nursing home to sing to the residents.

The women of the Tea Rose Society are: Margaret Clark (President), Cynthia Nance (Vice-President), Ulonda Crawford (Treasurer), Elizabeth Avery (Secretary), Vickye Bass, Cora Davis, Ernestine Gibson, LaTrecia Hopson, Elizabeth A. Jordan, Elizabeth V. Jordan, Nikki Mayes, Delonia Minor, Gigi Secuban, Elecia Smith, and Kimberly Wallace. These are very dynamic women with a variety of backgrounds and interests, and the communities severed will only benefit from such a group, as it is certain that their contributions will continue as they �be of service to all mankind.�