Dorothy Jackson Newsom was a pioneering educator, writer, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Born on April 25, 1908, in Norfolk, Virginia, she moved with her family to Chicago as a child and quickly distinguished herself as a scholar. At just 15 years old, Dorothy entered the University of Chicago, where she became a member of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and was awarded the Beta Honor Scholarship. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Ph.B.) degree in 1926.

Dorothy dedicated 35 years to teaching Spanish in Chicago Public Schools, primarily at Phillips and DuSable High Schools, retiring in 1970. Beyond her teaching career, she contributed to The Ivy Leaf, authoring the article “A Summer in Mexico” in 1935 and remaining active in the sorority's cultural and artistic programs, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Glee Club. Her life reflected a deep commitment to education, cultural enrichment, and community leadership.

In 1935, she married John Marion Newsom (Alpha Phi Alpha), a fellow University of Chicago graduate. Dorothy spent her later years in New Mexico, Arizona, and New York. She passed away in 1993 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, at the age of 85, survived by her children, Marian and Michael Newsom.

Affiliated Chapters: Beta & Theta Omega

Affiliated Members: Ruth Jackson Sr, Ruth Jackson Jr., Margaret Jackson Gross, Jewell Knot Blow