Alpha Kappa Alpha honors three for service to Sussex

The Alpha Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. held a luncheon ceremony to recognize three local citizens for their outstanding services to the people of Sussex County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honorees were Nancy Collick, the Rev. Annie Jane Custis and Bernice Edwards.

Collick, a respiratory therapist at Beebe Healthcare, specialized in serving ventilator and tracheotomy patients during the pandemic, working long days and nights along with her team. A respiratory team member was often the last person individuals saw before going on ventilator systems. A dedicated and compassionate therapist who is willing to serve when needed, Collick said she does what she was trained to do and what needs to be done.

Custis is the pastor of St. John 2nd Baptist Church in Millsboro, one of the largest African American churches on the eastern side of Sussex County. Custis, her staff and congregation members worked with the community during the pandemic to provide a location for residents to hold funerals for their loved ones. If residents didn’t have funds, they were not turned away.

Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency, is committed to individuals and families in need of vital resources. During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, First State remained operational, amplifying access to resources by collaborating with other organizations. Key initiatives included supporting vulnerable groups by reaching out to seniors in need, the homeless population, food-insecure families, children adapting to hybrid learning and individuals facing rental challenges. It also provided a place for vaccinations.

Edwards embodies the spirit of FSCAA’s efforts by emphasizing its commitment to truly understanding the individuals the agency serves. She believes in the power of love, compassion and united efforts to yield the best outcomes.

The guest speaker, Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, reiterated how worthy each woman was of being honored for their various services rendered throughout Sussex County. Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, D-Wilmington, also attended to show support. 

Members of Alpha Alpha Mu Omega Chapter were elated to host members from the other graduate chapters and undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. from Delaware and neighboring states. Also in attendance were members of other Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations.

Guests enjoyed musical entertainment by Bryan Clark. Chapter member Akiliah Church chaired the event.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is an international service organization founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha comprises nearly 300,000 members in 1,024 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. For more information, go to AKA1908.com.