The Beginning

The idea of the Baltimore Alpha Wives Organization was conceived in 1946 after two dedicated ladies, Flossie Dedmond and Olivia Dixon traveled with their Alpha Husbands to the National Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. These women were so impressed with the hospitality extended to them by a group of wives that had organized themselves as an auxiliary to enhance the efforts of their husbands, all men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Upon their return to Baltimore, these two ladies excitedly met and decided to contact other wives to discuss forming a similar support group.

On April 28, 1947, the first meeting was held in the home of Olivia Dixon. Ten women met and decided that the idea to become an auxiliary to Delta Lambda Chapter was a worthy one. With the blessings and approval of Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Baltimore Alpha Wives Charter Members were:

• Catherine Adams
• Audrey Butler
• Flossie Demond
• Louise Dennis
• Alice Dixon
• Olivia Dixon
• Ella Edemy
• Lucille Fitzgerald
• Thelma Lawrence
• Yvette Murphy
• Audrey Butler Norris
• Corrine Procope
• Frances Vessells
• Dollie Walker
• Rubye Walker
• Verda Welcome
• Alice Young

The Baltimore Alpha Wives became an official organization, which some years later was incorporated under the presidency of Odessa Dorkins (2001).

The Mission

• to work as an auxiliary to the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.
• to cooperate with the men in promoting the growth and image of the
• the fraternity in the community.
• to participate in and contribute to those endeavors that serve the
• community at large.
• to plan and participate in social and cultural activities designed to strengthen the fellowship between Delta Lambda Chapter, The Baltimore Alpha Wives, and the community.

The Early Years

Early members of the Alpha Wives were Flossie Dedmond (Co-founder), Olivia Dixon (Co-founder), Catherine Adams, Marguerite Brown, Louise Dennis, Waltye Doles, Ella Edemy, Lucille Fitzgerald, Dorothy Gibson, Anita Hawkins, Mattie Conner Jackson, Thelma Lawrence, Frances McKay, Yvette Murphy, Audrey Butler Norris, Patti Page, Ada Veney, Frances Vessels and Birtie West. Flossie Dedmond was elected to serve as the first president. Yvonne Fletcher has the distinction of being the longest serving president in Alpha Wives History.

Community Outreach

As of this centennial year of Delta Lambda Chapter, the Alpha Wives are now in our “Seventy-First” year of existence. We continue to support and make financial contributions to charities and charitable efforts such as Delta Lambda Foundation, Inc., Beautillion Scholarship Fund, Associated Black Charities, Afro-American Newspaper, the Afro-American Mrs. Santa Program, Agape House (Angel Tree Program), House of Ruth, Rosemont Elementary School, Giant Food “Points for School Program,” United Negro College Fund, Tobago Community College (West Indies), The Morgan Christian Center, Baltimore Urban League, Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets for the community, care packages to Nursing Homes, Grace Outreach Foundation (Clarence Blount).

Social and Cultural Activities

Social and Cultural activities are major components of the Alpha Wives Organization. The Social activities include: The Bull and Oyster Roast, (Our Primary Fundraiser), Card Parties, Bus trips to various Casinos, Our Annual Closing Luncheon and last but not least “The Christmas Social,” where the men of Delta Lambda would present each of the wives with a long stem Yellow Rose and Serenade us with the Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Song.

The version of the Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Song sung by the Brothers of Delta Lambda Chapter was written at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) the seat of Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was sung to their reigning sweethearts. In April of 1955 Leah “Kitty Hill,” was invited to be Beta Alpha Chapter “Sweetheart;” she accepted the invitation immediately. In February of 1956, the members of Beta Alpha invited her to come to the courtyard in front of Truth Hall and surprised her. Douglas Sand, then Beta Alpha President, and Charles Bagley, their music chair, escorted Kitty to the center of a circle formed by Beta Alpha Members. The Alphas sang the “Alpha Sweetheart Song” to Kitty, and presented her with a five-pound box of chocolates in a gold heart shaped box decorated with a gold rose and ribbon.

Kitty was so elated with the wonderful tribute, upon returning to her dorm, she began to ponder how she could convey to the Alphas the depth of her love and gratitude. The next evening Kitty composed the response to the “Alpha Sweetheart Song.” She then told the Alphas that the next time they sang to her, she had a surprise for them. One week later the Alphas asked Kitty to be available. Once again, they escorted her to the center of the circle. After they sang the “Alpha Sweetheart Song” to Kitty, she asked them to hum to the tune of the sweetheart song. Kitty then sang the “Alpha Sweetheart Response” she had composed.

“Response to Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Song”

Alpha Phi Alpha men
To you this song I send
To tell you that I love you so,
This love within my heart
From me will not depart
I’ll cherish it where’er I go.
Your kind and thoughtful deeds
The love you’ve given to me
Will always be a part
Of my tender memories
Alpha Phi Alpha men
I’m yours until the end
I’ll always be in love with you.

Words and arrangement by Leah “Kitty” Wright, a former Beta Alpha Sweetheart (1955-1956) at Morgan State University; who later became a member of The Baltimore Alpha Wives.

Note: Kitty married Alpha man Ramon Wright (deceased), who was initiated into Beta Alpha and later became a member of Delta Lambda Chapter.

Additionally, another cultural activity included attending an open hearing at the Maryland Senate Chambers in Annapolis. The hearings would be on issues that affect the city and state. This activity also had a reception hosted by Senator Delores Kelley,(Alpha Wife). Most recently, we visited the New Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. The highlight of our cultural activities was our participation with Delta Lambda Chapter at an annual reception and dinner, which was held each year at one of the following schools: Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University and Baltimore City Community College.

Dr. Edmonia T. Yates, a past president of the Alpha Wives, noted the following in one of her Newsletters, “Alpha Wives serve as role models for women and girls in your neighborhood, throughout the city, state and nation. Alpha Wives have the cherished responsibility of continuing to share with others…”

 The success of perseverance
 The pleasure of working
 The dignity of simplicity
 The worth of character
 The power of kindness
 The influence of example
 The obligation of duty
 The wisdom of economy of criticism
 The virtue of patienc
 The improvement of talent
 The joy of originating
 – Author Unknown-