In 1988, several members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., developed a desire to have a chapter to provide programs of service in Contra Costa and Southern Alameda Counties. These sorors went on to form the “Foothill Interest Group”.

After many months of meetings, working on national requirements and recruiting sorors, on May 6, 1989, the 25 dynamic ladies of the Foothill Interest Group became the Rho Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Newark, CA at the Hilton Hotel. Archalene Amos-Martin, who served as the Far West Regional Director, led the chartering ceremony.