05/12/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved former chapter president, Ruthie M. Hopkins.
Ruthie was a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® whose leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impact on our chapter and the greater Pasadena community. She believed deeply that our chapter should have a strong voice and meaningful presence in the community, and she worked tirelessly to ensure our service, advocacy, and sisterhood remained visible, relevant, and impactful to the people we served.
She led with grace, wisdom, courage, and purpose, always encouraging connection, civic engagement, and community empowerment. Her leadership helped strengthen relationships throughout Pasadena and reinforced the importance of showing up for our community not only in words, but through action and service.
Alongside her late husband, Joe C. Hopkins, Ruthie co-founded the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Journal, the region’s only Black-owned newspaper, creating a powerful platform that advocated for, informed, and celebrated Pasadena’s Black community for decades. Through her work, leadership, and advocacy, she helped ensure our stories were told with dignity, truth, and purpose.
Ruthie’s legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments. She was a mentor, trailblazer, community matriarch, and faithful servant whose impact on our sisterhood and community will continue to be felt for generations to come.
We extend our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
Rest in power. You will be truly missed.