Local community leaders were honored recently at the inaugural Legends Ball, an event sponsored by The Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Honorees were: Devin Griggs, LeNae King (Youth Community Service); Clara Lett, Lindsey Neal, Zelma Stewart (Adult Community Service); Ezell Brown, Gladys Brown, Ocie Franklin, Hawnethia Williams (Politics); T.K. Adams, Alexander Guilford, Dr. Samuel King (Education); Dr. Melvin Baker, Chedonna Halston (Business). Dr. Melvin Baker, honoree, was unable to attend the event.

The theme for the occasion was "And Still We rise…Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future. The semiformal gala was held on Nov. 13 at the Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort at Stone Mountain.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Leslie R. Holmes, M.D. director of Radiotherapy Center of Georgia in Conyers. Dr. Holmes is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Each honoree was selected based on their individual contributions in the various areas of invaluable service provided in their communities. The Chi Tau Omega Chapter applauds each recipient for their perseverance, fortitude, leadership, dedication and committment to "Service to all Mankind" in Newton and Rockdale counties.

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund scholarships to high school seniors of both Newton and Rockdale counties attending higher institutions of learning to advance their scholastic achievement and community service programs which are sponsored by Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Since chartering, the Chi Tau Omega Chapter has provided more than $20,000 in scholarships to deserving seniors of all ethnicities meeting a defined criterion set by the national organization.

The Chi Tau Omega Chapter also has been involved in numerous community projects, including health fairs, economic smart fairs, teen workshops, CPR and survival training, entrepreneurial and economic workshops, sponsored political forums, adopted the House of Gethsemane, assisted children in preparation for CRTC exams, and donated to and supported the Conyers Clothes Closet.

The Chi Tau Omega chapter was the first Greek African-American Sorority chartered in Newton County on Dec. 12, 2004. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908 by nine prestigious women more than 102 years ago to provide "Service to all Mankind."

Annie Williams Muhammad of Chi Tau Omega Chapter was the 2010 Legends Ball Committee Chair and Darlene Marshall Smith serves as president of the 122 distinguished ladies of Chi Tau Omega Chapter. The chapter meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month at the Epiphany Lutheran Church on Ga. Highway 138 in Conyers.

Anyone wishing to donate to the initiatives of Chi Tau Omega Chapter can mail proceeds to P O Box 82996, Conyers, GA 30013. Donations are tax exempt.