Greene County Alabama AKAs and President Honored for Community Impact

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy.

This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

2026 Black History Maker of Alabama - Karmelia Harris Brown

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®

Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter

Alpha Beta Nu Omega, the fourth chapter chartered in the South Eastern Region following the pandemic, was officially established on June 4, 2022, in Greene County, Alabama, under the leadership of South Eastern Regional Director Mitzi Dease Paige.

The chapter was chartered with representation from Greene County and the surrounding counties of Choctaw, Hale, Marengo, Perry, and Tuscaloosa. Its charter line included twenty-five accomplished and committed women whose professional expertise spanned education, healthcare, law, business, social work, and environmental science.

Membership has grown to 31 women, reflecting the chapter’s ongoing development, which “actively supports and implements all six international program initiatives: Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Health, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Uplift Our Local Community through meaningful, community-centered service,” said the press release.

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Karmelia Harris Brown is a proud native of Alabama’s Black Belt, whose leadership is grounded in faith, family, and an unwavering dedication to serving her community.

She has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® for over 20 years and helped charter the Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter in Greene County. Brown currently serves as chapter president, having previously served as vice president and contributed her talents to numerous committees. Her sorority service demonstrates a longstanding dedication to cultivating leadership, upholding accountability, and serving all mankind.

Brown was raised in the small Black Belt Region town of Safford, Alabama, in the Black Belt Region. She attended Amelia Love Johnson High School and was raised by her mother, Rebecca Harris, as the oldest of five siblings.

Raised in a tight-knit rural community, she developed strong values rooted in responsibility, resilience, and a deep sense of collective care. As a first-generation college student, Brown quickly recognized the life-changing impact of education, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from Miles College and a Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. The lessons gained from those experiences continue to influence her personal journey, professional path, and commitment to community-focused service.

Brown resides in South Hale County, Alabama, where she lives with her husband, Andrew, and their two teenage sons, Aiden (14) and Kason (13). She enjoys the pace of country living and spends much of her time cheering on her sons at sporting events throughout the year.

“Professionally, Brown is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Language Nutrition Coach, serving as an Eligibility Specialist with the Alabama Department of Mental Health Autism Program,” said the press release. “She also functions in an administrative supervisory role, supporting staff and service delivery for families navigating complex systems of care. Her professional experience includes child welfare, case management, discharge planning, public health, mental health, and autism services. Her goals include obtaining clinical licensure and pursuing further education to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health services in rural communities.”

Active in both civic and faith-based service, Brown serves as a church clerk at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Allenville, Alabama, assisting with records, administration, and organizational coordination. She also played a key role in administrative efforts during the church’s 2024 rebuilding, helping ensure continuity throughout the restoration process.

In every generation, we must fight the same battle over and over again, which reflects why Black history in Alabama remains meaningful and urgent, reminding us that the struggle for justice, dignity, and equity did not end with past victories. Specifically in Alabama’s Black Belt, the quote speaks to a living legacy of resilience and responsibility, where each generation is called to protect, preserve, and advance the progress earned by those who came before.

Brown said, “She enjoys fashion, food, creative crafts, and new experiences, including visiting a new place each year.” Recognized for her warm, outgoing spirit, she places a high value on fellowship and authentic relationships. She finds inspiration in everyday life and community connections, particularly through nature-based activities that help her remain grounded and connected to the land.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

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