Sty Split: Iota Gamma Omega Fractures Over State’s Attorney Race
Prince George’s County, Md. — The most politically connected chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is showing signs of fracture in the high‑stakes State’s Attorney contest.
Gloria Lawlah, president of the Iota Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, has formally endorsed Delegate Wanika Fisher. But her protégé, Karen Coles, is campaigning publicly with Tara Jackson, a Delta Sigma Theta member. The cross‑sorority alliance has unsettled expectations of a unified AKA turnout.
The Chapter’s Weight
- Membership: ~800, the largest AKA chapter in Prince George’s County.
- Political Bench: Former Senator Bea Tignor, Judge Ingrid Turner, Mayor Casheena Cross, Socialite Barbara Holt Streeter, and Jack Johnson’s wife among others.
- Prestige: Known for producing and backing candidates, with more elected officials than any other chapter in the region.
The Split in Motion
- Lawlah’s Endorsement: Fisher was expected to consolidate AKA support.
- Toles’ Defection: Campaigning with Jackson, signaling generational or strategic divergence.
- Is Barbara Holt Streeter: Notable AKA, working for Jackson, reinforcing the fracture.
Ron Watson huusband of Council Member Ingrid endorsed Tare and Ingrid is former chapter President.
Why It Matters
- Coalition Confusion: Members are receiving mixed signals from leadership and respected elders.
- Divine 9 Dynamics: Jackson’s Delta affiliation complicates loyalties, sharpening sorority rivalries.
- Electoral Impact: With 800 members and a mobilization history, the chapter’s division could materially affect turnout in Prince George’s County.
Former Cabinet Member and Senator Gloriah is seen as taking a huge hit to her power and reputation. Some are saying Dr. Juuanita Miller is the most powerful AKA
Analysis
This is not just a sorority rivalry—it’s a coalitional stress test. Lawlah’s presidential endorsement is being countered by her own protégés and respected operatives. The result: a fractured mobilization machine in a race where Divine 9 solidarity is usually decisive.
The question is whether Fisher can still count on AKA turnout, or whether Jackson’s Delta ties—and her AKA allies—will siphon enough support to blunt Fisher’s advantage.
Footnotes / Additional Reading
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Prince George’s County Politics Coverage