The Fan District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
AKA Upsilon Omega
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 12, 2026
1. AKA Upsilon Omega Marker
On 24 Oct. 1925, Upsilon Omega became Richmond's first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Greek-letter organization founded by Black women. This graduate chapter, following the sorority's principles of scholarship, leadership, and service, focused on supporting students in public schools. Inaugural chapter president Dr. Zenobia Gilpin battled racial inequities in health care and organized clinics in Black churches that were emulated elsewhere. Other members included Janet Ballard, international president of AKA, and Dr. Grace Pleasants, the first Black national program director of the Girl Scouts of the USA. The chapter began meeting at Fifth Baptist Church in the 1980s.
Erected 2025 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-139.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1925.
Location. 37° 32.738′ N, 77° 27.593′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in The Fan District. It is at the intersection of West Cary Street and Lady Street, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Onur, Switzerland (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); 12 North Lombardy Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Former Pepsi-Cola Bottling Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); John B. Fenn (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gay Alliance of Students (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Marshall High School Cadet War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Memorial Pyramid (approx. 0.4 miles away); Oregon Hill (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 12, 2026
2. West Cary St (facing east)
Another marker is no longer nearby. Richmond Howitzers Monument (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 12, 2026
3. West Cary St (facing west)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2026, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2026, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
