Ora Lee Britt

Gamma Beta, 1940
 

Before Chicago saw her sparkle and before the YWCA gave her a paycheck, Ora Lee Britt had already locked down every stage, choir loft, and club committee worth being on in Omaha. Long before she became Mrs. Whoever-You-Thought-You-Were, she was Miss Ora Lee of Blondo Street — and the whole city knew it.

By the time she helped charter Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in December 1940, she'd already logged more hours in civic leadership than most folks twice her age. YWCA delegate? Check. First Black girl on the inter-club council? Also check. Queen of the Silver Moon Club by age 13? Don’t try her.

She didn’t just join clubs — she ran them. She was the kind of girl who had a key to the church basement, a standing invitation to speak at youth programs, and a favorite teacup at every respectable auntie’s parlor table.

Then she took all that shine to Chicago — and didn’t miss a step. Chicago Defender society pages? She was in them. AKA dance committees? Her name was on the flyer. Hospital admin job? Snagged it. YWCA director gig in Philly? She said yes to that, too. Ora Britt was the definition of a young Black woman moving with purpose through the Great Migration, leaving her signature on every city she passed through.

Gamma Beta didn’t raise a wallflower — they raised a woman who became the blueprint.