25th International President
25th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Norma Solomon White (1998 – 2002) was born on November 17, 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida. Under White’s leadership, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® administration focused its agenda on Blazing New Trails.
Education: Stanton High School (Jacksonville, FL); Attended Julliard School of Music (New York, NY); Bachelor of Science from Florida A & M University (Tallahassee, FL); Master of Arts from Columbia University (New York, NY); and Honorary Doctorate from Florida A & M University
Career Achievements: Worked in the Duval County School District for thirty-seven years as Band Director, Assistant Principal, Magnet Coordinator, and Music Supervisor. Dr. White also served for twelve years as a Program Facilitator for Florida Community College.
Firsts: First female member of the famed FAMU “Marching 100” (1951-55); First female Band Director, Jacksonville, Florida (1955); First Instrumental Music Coordinator, Duval County School Board (1967); First female Senior Warden, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church (1990-94); First Jacksonville resident to become South Atlantic Regional Director (1974-78); First African American to win the EVE Award in Fine Arts; First Florida resident to become International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®; First female to direct the Famed FAMU "Marching 100” Band, 1998; First Jacksonville resident to be appointed to the FAMU Board of Trustees; First Legacy International President in the 101 year history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
Community & Sorority Involvement: President, Duval Retired Educators Association, 2007-09; National and Chapter Life Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Third Vice President, AKA Educational Advancement Foundation Board, 2002-2010; Member, Board of Advisors, American Cancer Society; Member, Mission Board, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church; Interim Organist, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church; Chairman, Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration Committee, 2006-08; Chairman, Florida Commission on the Status of Women, 2007-08; Chairman, Florida Commission on the Status of Women Foundation, 2008-09; President, Bold City Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, 2003-07; Served as President of Gamma Rho Omega for two four year terms; 25th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, 1998-2002; President, AKA Educational Advancement Foundation Board, 1998-2002; Member, Board of Directors, United Negro College Fund, 1998-2002; Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Florida A & M University; and South Atlantic Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 1974-78.
Honors & Awards: Carey B. Preston Leadership Award, July 2008; Florida Commission on the Status of Women Service Award , March 2008; Honored at the 2006 Florida AKA Day at the State Capitol for leadership in education, government and the sorority, March 2006; and Featured in the Florida Star Newspaper, “At Home with Norma S. White”, March 2006