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Sunday, 11/09/03
Sorority to burn mortgage note of Ivy Center today
By AILENE TORRES
For The Tennessean
Nestled in the quiet brush of Ashland City Highway, a celebration is brewing. And if you hurry, you can catch the fireworks or, more accurately, flames.
At 3 p.m. today, members of the Alpha Delta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will burn a copy of their mortgage, marking a milestone in their history. After only five years, The Ivy Center, worth almost $500,000 and located at 4344 Ashland City Highway, belongs to them.
''I never thought it was impossible,'' said Ida V. Black, who along with Ethel Thomas pioneered the fulfillment of the 50-year-old dream that the house represents.
The African-American sorority is known for its success in the community and business. But this achievement was questioned until now.
The idea of a chapter house originated with the late Erma Parker but did not cement until a phone call six years ago.
Black and Thomas, nicknamed ''Keepers of the Dream,'' worked diligently, often seen in hard-hats and high heels, and on Nov. 15, 1998, the organization celebrated the grand opening of the center.
Although The Ivy Center belongs to the group, it is used by the entire community.
The center offers piano lessons and computer and bridge classes, Francine Gilmer, chapter president, said. The building also can be rented out for weddings, reunions and other parties.
''Those who have seen it … are extremely proud,'' Black said. ''People are continuously learning about it.''
The generosity of the 196 members has impressed but not surprised the organization's leaders. They asked each member to purchase a chair for the center. Some members purchased more than one, and others made items, Black said.
''A lot of members did creative things for the building,'' said Geraldine Butts, Alpha Delta Omega Foundation chairman. ''All of the paintings on the wall were donated by sorors.''
Even nonmembers made donations, Butts said. Among a long list of donations, the foundation received a $40,000 grant from the Memorial Foundation that provided for furnishings, appliances and computers.
Two anonymous members pooled resources for a combined $17,000, which went to create a gated entrance. The Alpha Delta Omega Foundation still is accepting tax deductible donations.
Even though the chapter has reached its goal, members plan to continue the growth by becoming a multi-million-dollar chapter, Black said.
There will be continued expansion of our community outreach programs, Gilmer said.
http://www.tennessean.com/local/arch...nt_ID=42208323
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