Alpha Chi Chapter
Chartered 1946
Welcome to the 7 Cities!
Hampton Roads which is comprised of seven cities, is home to more than 1.8 million people. Alpha Chi Chapter has members who reside in five of these cities. They include Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. The body of water known as Hampton Roads is one of the world’s largest natural harbors. It incorporates the mouths of several rivers and empties into the Chesapeake Bay near its mouth leading to the Atlantic Ocean. Hampton Roads is home to many historical sites and attractions, including the Attucks Theatre, Nauticus, and the Norfolk ZOO, and is well known for its large military bases and beautiful beaches.
Come visit us and know that our waterways, the Atlantic Ocean, our great seafood restaurants, and our historical sites will entice you to stay. Hope to see you soon!
Alpha Chi History
It was on February 22, 1946, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nona B. Diggs, Alpha Chi Chapter was organized by calling together six energetic ladies who, like herself, were interested in embracing the aims and ideals of this prestigious business and professional organization, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. The following ladies became chartered members of Alpha Chi Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia: Mrs. Nona B. Diggs, Miss Ophelia Spence, Mrs. Esther Nottingham Benton, Mrs. Rebecca Jones, Mrs. Dorothy Bell Saddler, Mrs. Edna Riddick Roundtree, and Miss Geneva Fitchett.
These pioneering women were determined to have a chapter that was visible in the community and to be an encouragement to others to join the Alpha Chi Chapter. They worked conscientiously participating in prescribed and mandated activities of the Regional and National Programs and Projects of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. The newly-organized chapter propelled Alpha Chi Chapter “into the spotlight” throughout the surrounding communities.
An undergraduate chapter, Delta Gamma was started at Norfolk State University during the 1970s. Unfortunately, all the young ladies, who were the last members of the chapter graduated at the same time. At this time, the chapter has not been re-activated. At that particular time in history, Mrs. Brenda Smith at Norfolk State University held the charter for the Chapter.
An Abbreviated History of Founder
Lola Mercedes Parker
Lola Mercedes Parker, founder of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Smith around 1900. After finishing elementary school, she and her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she completed high school. In 1919, she became a resident of Chicago, Illinois, where she began her post secondary education, culminating with graduation from Chicago Business College. In 1922 she married William S. Parker. Two children were born of this union, both of whom preceded their parents in death.
In 1929, while employed as secretary to Rev. L. K. Williams, then president of the National Baptist Convention, she founded Iota Phi Lambda. Its aim: “To encourage young women to enter the Business Field by means of business training”. Lola M. Parker was founder of a premier sorority and its National President from 1929 to 1946 and President-Emeritus until her demise in 1987.
Subsequent to her employment with Dr. Williams, Mrs. Parker held many important positions: Administrative Assistant to Congressman Arthur W. Mitchell; Director of Women’s Activities; Chicago Negro Chamber of Commerce; first Negro Department Manager at R.H. Donnelley Corporation; Secretary –Treasurer, Business and Professional Association’s Credit Union; and Business manager, South Parkway YWCA.
In 1935, as the sorority’s National President, she was instrumental in Iota Phi Lambda Sorority being present when Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune held the historic first meeting of the National Council of Negro Women on December 5, 1935, in Harlem. The sorority was one of three sororities present, along with representation from other national organizations.
She was active in many national and community organizations including member of Olivet Baptist Church; served as National Vice-President to the Women’s Army for National Defense; National Council of Negro Women, co-organizer of the first Chicago Section; Life Member NAACP; People’s Welfare Organization; YWCA; and many national and local organizations engaged in civic endeavors for racial, educational and economic progress.
Lola Mercedes Parker died on March 19, 1987, and was buried in Lincoln Cemetery, 12300 Kedzie Avenue, Blue Island, Illinois.