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Alpha Kappa Alpha: 100 Plus Years of the Ivy "Spreading and Climbing"
This thread will be eventually dedicated to all upcoming events which will lead to our gathering in Washington, DC in 2008.
Since we have a few years before this momentous occasion, lets discuss our Former National Presidents. Sorors, which former National President is your favorite and why? All who know me, know that I am always in awe of 16th National President, Soror Julia B. Purnell . Soror Purnell, from the Sensational South Central Region does reside in my 2nd home town. LOL She did teach my mother in college, and she's just part of that "old school regime" that we don't have anymore and sometimes we desperately need (in this country). She commands respect! She gets her respect. If you haven't been in her presence at a conference or seen her in "action", you'll feel as though your being pledged/hazed/dazed/ etc. She tells it like it is and reminds you of what it is to be an ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA woman! I love all of our former leaders, but the 16th is by far my "Favorite Supreme." :D |
I would have to agree with you. Her meditation at Boule this past year is always fresh on my mind. She is a simply inspiring, and INDEED she commands your attention.
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Re: Alpha Kappa Alpha: 97 Years of the Ivy: "Spreading and Climbing"
Soror, I love this thread! I need to think about it and will be back.
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Past Grands from Houston
I am truly inspired by both Soror Faye B. Bryant and Soror M. Graves--They are both from Houston, educators and both taught my mother (also a soror)!!!
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Painting Canada Pink and Green: The Chartering
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Oh Canadia
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Well, I'm glad to see this. I had always wondered why we weren't yet in Canada and whether sorors who were living there would have to go to Buffalo, Seattle, etc., to meet (depending on what city they were in). Good luck to the IGs. |
I really like this. I was most interested in the Programs link and all of the effort put forth in their quest. Interesting concept it is to see a group do some real work to demonstrate their committment PRIOR....ok I digress. :rolleyes:
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Sorors I know the Canadian Sorors who started the Black Pearls Community Service org. They became members of our Sorority Nov. 2003. They are wonderful women & are trying to get a grad chapter in Canada & they want to therefore bring it to the UG level.
If you have any questions Sorors you can PM me. |
I like their initiative and determination. The president seems to have a lot going on with her column, her community service organization, and teaching. Kudos to her and the rest of the group.
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Re: Oh Canadia
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Good stuff sistergreeks! |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Traveling Exhibit Final installation - The DuSable Museum African American History, Chicago, IL It includes computer interactives, artifact and replica displays and a life-size diorama of the dorm room where it all began. ----Cincinnati Museum Website---- Schedule (dates and locations subject to change unless contracted as such) 7/12/06–7/16/06 Alpha Kappa Alpha Boule, Cobo Center, Detroit, MI 7/22/06–9/24/06 Cincinnati Museum Center, Ohio 10/21/06–1/7/07 Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture, Atlanta, GA 1/20/07–4/8/07 Milwaukee County Historical Society, WI 4/21/07–7/8/07 African American Museum, Dallas, TX 7/21/07–10/7/07 John F. Germany Public Library, Tampa, FL 10/20/07–1/6/08 The Charles Wright Museum African-American History Detroit, MI 1/19/08–4/6/08 Black World History Museum, St. Louis, MO 7/9–7/13/08 Alpha Kappa Alpha Boule, Washington, D.C. 11/8/08 Final installation - The DuSable Museum African American History, Chicago, IL Celebrating 100 Years of Service: The Alpha Kappa Alpha Story Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation's first African American sorority, commemorates its centennial in 2008. In 1908, nine young women at Howard University courageously began the journey that has culminated in one of the most influential social service organizations in the country. Through computer interactives, artifact and replica displays and a life-size diorama of the dorm room where it all began, this exhibit depicts the sorority's historical and cultural traditions, the global transformations the sorority has catalyzed, and the positive influence Alpha Kappa Alpha has had on scores of institutions and communities. Download a Fact Sheet for this exhibit! Includes a Letter of Intent. Call the Department of Traveling Exhibits at 1.800.733.2077 x7061 for additional information or venue availability. website: http://www.cincymuseum.org/informati...g_exhibits/AKA. asp |
Oh wow. I have to go to see the exhibit when it goes to ATL.
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My Favorite National President
My favorite National President is none other than Julia B. Purnell. I am currently an active member in her chapter in Baton Rouge...Hey Gamma Eta Omega. I have been in awe with her eversince I was young. My mother is very active in the sorority and has been for the last 32 years. Julia is the sweetest woman I have ever met. She does not play at all. She does not hold her tongue...she punked us in the church house for our founders day program in Baton Rouge. Since moving to Baton Rouge I have become one of her personal escorts if thats what you want to call it. I talk to her on a daily basis. She always has something inspirational to say about AKA. I know you all know that wherever she is she lets it be known that the is the SENIOR SUPREME PRESIDENT. I love her to pieces!!!
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AKA in the news
Sorors and Sisterfriends,
to piggyback on Soror AKA 2D'91's post, an article about the exhibit was published in the Cincinnati Enquirer. check out the link: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...7160306/-1/all or if that doesn't work, go to www.enquirer.com and search under AKA. i'm so excited that my city is where the exhibit will start:D Pink Tea Roses to Soror Bernice I Sumlin, former International President, for choosing to work w/the Cincinnati museum to make this happen:) |
I agree about the comments about Soror Julia B. Purnell, when I was in her chapter she always demanded respect she had a presence. BTW Baton Rouge Sorors, speaking of presence how is Soror Honeywood, I think of her when I think Gamma Eta Omega.
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Sorors, I cannot wait to see the exhibit! I have heard that the exhibits will be eyeopening to *all* ;) and I can't wait! I may catch it in Chicago or ATL, we'll see.
SKEEEEEE WEE Sorors! SC Quote:
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Sorors, if you would like a link to my Boule photo album with TONS of pictures of the traveling exhibit, PM me and I'll forward it along to you. I've been pretty selective as far as posting the link to message boards are concerned, because I don't know if Sorors in the rest of the album want their image floating around the web for the world to see.
If I have some free time on my hands, perhaps I'll post those photos alone to a separate photo album that I can post for the general public. The exhibit is definitely a must see, so check it out when it comes to your town. From the schedule posted, it seems like the exhibit will only be open during the first day of the Centennial Boule....definitely not enough time for the masses to view it. |
Wow, I know you all are excited. Heck, I'm excited for you. Sistergreek love is in effect!
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Soror Purnell is a Godsend! She's so wise about Alpha Kappa Alpha and life.
I'm making the trip to Dallas to see the exhibit. |
Interested in viewing pictures
Hello Soror,
I am very interested and excited to see your Boule pictures. I could not attend this year. I look forward to the Centennial Boule in Washington, DC. I have been a member for 12 wonderful years. I am active member of Iota Gamma Omega in Prince George's County, Maryland. aka1994 |
aka1994,
Please introduce yourself in the appropriate thread. In case you have trouble finding it, it's the thread directly below this one. |
Economic Empowerment
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Million Pound Challenge
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How excited was I to see little fliers about our travelling exhibit at the Urban League today? I'm not feelin' too hot today, and that totally lifted my spirits! I haven't made it yet, but I will before it leaves Cinci.
Soror Wendi, I'll be in contact with you soon.;) |
International President to be Honored by Atlanta Alphas
The Metropolitan Atlanta Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity have selected International President Barbara A. McKinzie to be the recipient of their Alpha Centennial Humanitarian Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership as 1st Vice President and now Centennial International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The presentation is part of the chapters' Centennial Public Program and will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. at the historic Big Bethel African Methodist Church. The brothers will also take the occasion to pay special tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of their esteemed Brother Dr. Martin Luther King and an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. |
Thank you
Thanks soror, that is encouraging news and a compliment to the sorority, i like it when bros. and sisters lift each other up.
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Vice President Receives Honor
STEWART RECEIVES FLORIDA COMMISSION ON STATUS OF WOMEN AWARD
Sept. 11, 2006. TAMPA, FL. -- Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen is pleased to announce that Carolyn House Stewart has been honored with the Florida Commission on Status of Women (FCSW) Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions and service. She is a shareholder of the firm and practices law in the Tampa office in the areas of labor & employment law, personal injury, eminent domain, insurance defense, commercial litigation and products liability. Ms. Stewart, who is one of the few African-American women partners in a majority law firm in the United States, has made countless contributions to the community. She was recently elected International First Vice President (President-Elect) of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an international service organization of 170,000 college trained women founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University. Under her guidance as program chair, the Sorority completed many diverse service projects, including raising funds for Sickle Cell research, awarding scholarships, mentoring over 15,000 at-risk children and funding and building 10 schools in South Africa. Ms. Stewart also worked diligently to obtain a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to promote vehicle occupant safety in the African American Community and has participated in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness initiatives. Macfarlane Ferguson and McMullen has supported her efforts in her community service endeavors, including donations to the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha's Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner, George Edgecomb Bar Association Annual Law Day Scholarship Banquet as a heritage sponsor, and supported the National Bar Association (NBA) Annual Meeting in 2005 where Ms. Stewart served as Convention Co-Chair. http://www.mfmlegal.com/news.htm |
More News on the Million Pound Challenge
From today's Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Sorority sisters pledge to shed a million pounds By H.M. CAULEY For the Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/19/06 The 50 or so women who showed up to walk Arabia Mountain last week have more in common than just a few pounds to shed. They're also members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which has taken on an unusual challenge: They plan to lose a collective 1 million pounds. JESSICA MCGOWAN/SPECIAL (ENLARGE) Beverly Robinson (from left), Minnie Baker, Jennifer Powell and Polly Meriwether, members of the DeKalb chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, stretch before beginning their two-mile walk. JESSICA MCGOWAN/SPECIAL (ENLARGE) Sorority members Gloria Gordon-Collins (left) and Jennifer Powell join the effort to reach the national goals of weight loss and miles walked. The AKA Million Pound Challenge dares its 200,000 members nationwide to lose the collective fat. Though the official recording of shed pounds doesn't start until January, the sorority's DeKalb County sisters have already started getting in shape for the battle of the bulge. "We will be asking our members to commit to this program and to start now to get into healthy eating habits," said Charletta Wilson Jacks, a former chapter president. "We want them to start thinking about committing to a specific amount of weight loss." The "challenge" is to match the goals set by the Chicago Defender, a Windy City newspaper that started the program as a way to encourage African-Americans in that metro area to shrink their waistlines. AKA is based in Chicago. The sorority has made the challenge a personal one: They want to lose their million pounds by July 2008, which also marks the 100th anniversary of their founding in 1908. Getting a grip on weight gain, healthy eating and exercise is the goal of AKA's initiative, which is especially relevant in DeKalb. According to statistics compiled by DeKalb County government, obesity is a problem for 28 percent of the adults in the south DeKalb area, a community with a predominantly African-American population. "Compare that to the 20 percent of overweight adults in north DeKalb," said Vickie Elisa, director of communications for the county's board of health. "And a big factor in that is inactivity." The local AKA chapter recently began meeting for biweekly walks to get back in shape. They started at Stone Mountain and last week moved to the Mall at Stonecrest, where they assemble behind Parisian and head off to Arabia Mountain for a minimum two-mile trek. "We started walking last year as a way to get to know other people, but it kind of fizzled out," said Joyce Gilchrist, who heads the local group's membership committee. "But then about a month ago we started again and last week we had close to 50 show up. We did about 2.5 miles and we moved along pretty well, though the trip back was hard because there were a lot of hills. For the ones who just started getting back into it, it was a struggle. But it was also a good opportunity to reconnect with other members." Walking is also helping AKA members meet the challenge to walk 1,908 miles before the anniversary celebrations arrive in 2008. "Each chapter is challenged to walk that many miles," said Trudie Carmichael, who leads the 288-member DeKalb chapter. "We're already working toward that and charting our miles and each member who participates will be recognized." Carmichael also looks forward to the weigh-ins and getting onto a healthy eating program. "A few weeks ago, I had a health scare and knew I needed to get into some sort of activity," she said. "I just joined Weight Watchers because I'm not the kind of person to ask someone to do something I'm not going to do myself. I'm going to walk, but not all that fast — I have to start slowly. This is a big challenge for me but I'm really looking forward to it." While they're walking, Carmichael says the sisters will share more than just diet war stories. "We'll be losing the pounds but also getting to know each other better," she said. "And that will only strengthen the tie that binds." Details about the AKA weight challenge are online at www.aka1908.com. |
MTV NETWORKS APPOINTS MARVA SMALLS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL INCLUSION STRATEGY MTVN also Restructuring Its Approach to Diversity Leadership, Strengthening Company’s Efforts to Promote Multiculturalism and Inclusion Across Its Global Workforce NEW YORK, NY–Oct. 24, 2006–MTV Networks (MTVN), a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced that Marva Smalls has been named the company’s first Executive Vice President of Global Inclusion Strategy. In this new position, Smalls will drive MTVN’s ongoing efforts to champion a diverse, multicultural and inclusive workforce; and to develop the next generation of leaders across its worldwide brands. She will report to Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN, and will become a member of the company’s senior strategy team. Smalls also will retain her current responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief of Staff for the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group, where she reports to Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group. “Diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion are core values for our company – they are at the heart of our business success, our programming strategy and our culture.” said McGrath. “There’s no person better suited than Marva to implement this vision across MTV Networks and help develop our next generation of leaders.” As EVP of Global Inclusion Strategy, Smalls will work with the leadership of all MTVN brands to champion these values, and to support an environment across the company where all employees can contribute to its success while achieving their own professional goals. Further, she will expand MTVN’s partnerships with leading outside organizations and exemplify MTVN’s diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion efforts worldwide. “Our culture at MTVN is a rare thing. Our employees share ideas, take creative risks and, most importantly, reflect the audiences they serve and what’s important to them,” said Smalls. “Diversity and inclusion are as essential as creativity and innovation for success in a global marketplace, and I am excited to build on these core values, particularly as we extend our brands – and acquire new ones – across all platforms.” MTVN also announced today that it is restructuring its day-to-day approach to diversity leadership, with the introduction of a new internal advisory team. Members of the team will reflect the leading business units of MTV Networks, and will have direct impact on diversity, multicultural and inclusion issues, including domestic and international Channel Management, Operations, Programming, Ad Sales, Corporate Responsibility, Creative, Communications, Human Resources and Learning & Development. Working closely with Smalls and the MTVN Diversity Council, the advisory team will help set priorities, develop strategies and implement policies that advance MTVN’s core values throughout every level of the company and beyond. As a result of the restructuring, the position of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) has been eliminated and CDO Billy Dexter will be leaving the company. “Given our unique company culture with multiple stakeholders in our diversity efforts, we’ve come to realize that a team approach will best serve us in a global and now multi-platform environment,” noted McGrath. “I have the greatest respect for Billy, and we thank him for his contributions to our diversity and inclusion mission. He has enhanced our existing initiatives and we’ve benefited from his expertise.” A Strong Leader of Pro-Social and Corporate Responsibility Initiatives In addition to her new role as Executive Vice President of Global Inclusion Strategy, Smalls serves as EVP of Public Affairs and Chief of Staff for Nickelodeon / MTVN Kids & Family Group. As Chief of Staff, she is the principal administrative officer for the Nickelodeon Networks and their ancillary businesses, coordinating and directing financial resources, employees and facilities for the New York, Los Angeles and international offices. Smalls also oversees all of the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group’s pro-social and corporate responsibility initiatives, and manages their relations with advocates, government officials, educators, non-profit organizations and trade associations. Moreover, she has longstanding relationships with public affairs, government relations, communications and philanthropic organizations on both the state and national level. Among the initiatives Smalls has led has been the development of Nickelodeon’s strategies to combat the growing obesity epidemic among children. She has testified and spoken at leading governmental and industry forums on the topic, and has partnered closely with advertisers, child advocates and academics to help advance a proactive movement on this issue. Under Smalls’ leadership, Nickelodeon’s pro-social work has been recognized by presidential administrations and has garnered support from top names in the entertainment industry, such as Whoopi Goldberg, LL Cool J, Shaquille O’Neal, Mariah Carey, Meg Ryan and Paula Abdul. Most recently, she joined Nickelodeon’s award-winning Let’s Just Play campaign with The William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association to help reduce levels of childhood obesity. The national, multi-media effort, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The National PTA, has motivated and empowered millions of kids around the country to adopt more positive, healthy and playful lifestyles, Let’s Just Play, along with partners. Smalls also spearheaded The Big Help which, for more than nine years, encouraged and empowered more than 40 million kids to pledge more than 380 million hours of volunteer service to their communities. In 1997, The Big Help was honored with the prestigious George C. Peabody and Golden CableAce awards. Marva Smalls’ accomplishments at MTVN are part of a long history of activism and public service, having served in a variety of positions in local and national government, and with the NAACP. Furthermore, she is an active member of the Executive Leadership Council, an organization representing the top African Americans in corporate America. Smalls has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Carolina. She serves on numerous boards of directors, including the National Council for Families and Television, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, South Carolina’s Brookgreen Gardens, New York City’s Northside Center for Child Development, Big Brothers - Big Sisters of America, the National Bank of South Carolina, the South Carolina Educational Television Endowment Commission and the University of South Carolina’s Education Foundation. Smalls is a recent recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Francis Marion University, and Coker College; and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Trinity Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina. |
(BPRW) ALPHA KAPPA ALP HA VOWS T O HELP RE STORE HOP E TO WAR- RAVAGED L IBERIA TH ROUGH A U NIQUE PAR TNERSHIP
(BLACK PR WIRE) Chicago, Illinois - October 30, 2006 - With a resolve to bring help and hope to war-ravaged Liberia, Alpha Kappa Alpha's International President Barbara A. McKinzie announced that the Sorority would mobilize its 200,000 members worldwide to commit their treasure, time and resources to assist the beleaguered nation. In her call, McKinzie asked members to particularly focus on helping the millions of women and children who have been devastated by the lack of educational opportunities, and lack of hope that the war left in its wake. The announcement was made following an appeal made to McKinzie from Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha's chapter in Liberia. In reaching out to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Member/President Johnson-Sirleaf observed that her mission to educate and empower Liberia's citizenry, especially women and children, parallels the sorority's 98-year record of commitment to education and its tradition of empowering communities. The outreach represents an extension of President Johnson-Sirleaf's vow made during her inauguration where she made history as the first female to be elected president of an African nation. During the installation, which was attended by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as well as First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Johnson-Sirleaf pledged to tackle the pressing demands of the country that have no easy answers nor solutions. To address these challenges, she turned to friends worldwide for help and launched an awareness crusade about the depths of the problems. "The nation's vibrant economy and infrastructure have been demolished and rebuilding them is a top priority. The challenges are too massive to be addressed solely through internal funds," declared Johnson-Sirleaf. In outlining the challenge ahead, she pointed out that women and girls are the greatest victims of the war. "The children who represent the nation's future are many and the need is urgent. Girls and young women are especially in need of support to obtain education." The newly-elected president of Liberia entrusted and empowered the Liberian Education Trust (LET) to be the conduit for collecting funds and pledges of support. LET is a charitable trust whose purpose is to support the restoration of basic education in postwar recovery Liberia. LET is a project of the Phelps-Stokes Fund, America's oldest continuously operating foundation serving the needs of African Americans, Native Americans, Africans and the rural and urban poor. The Fund is a 501(c) (3), nonprofit organization and has an impressive track record of effecting change. In pledging the support of its 200,000 membership, President McKinzie declared: "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. strongly identifies with, and supports efforts of our illustrious member, President Johnson-Sirleaf to bring reform, resources and hope to Liberia. Her quest to serve her nation, to effect change in Liberia and to improve the status of women particularly resonates with Alpha Kappa Alpha. We believe all women should realize their aspirations and we commit to embrace, support and draw from our substantial sister power and influential network to uplift this nation." McKinzie said that as part of the nation-building thrust, the Sorority would mount a multi-pronged offensive to: Raise funds Promote awareness Participate in fact-finding tours and goodwill missions Mobilize efforts to send resources to the region Dispatch members to the country whose skill sets, expertise and resources will help the country Forge partnerships with like-minded organizations whose missions parallel Alpha Kappa Alpha's goals for Liberia Draw attention to the support initiatives through an aggressive media campaign The partnership was officially forged at a LET launch reception recently held in New York City that was co-hosted by AKA and attended by President Johnson-Sirleaf and high-ranking members of the Sorority including Dr. Gloria Harper Dickinson, International Regional Director, who represented President McKinzie; and reception co-host, The Honorable Alice M. Dear, AKA Representative to the United Nations Association of NGOs. At the gala kickoff, Dickinson said, "I speak on behalf of International President McKinzie in praising President Johnson-Sirleaf for her courage as a change agent in Liberia. Her task is daunting but not insurmountable. With Alpha Kappa Alpha as a partner in her mission, we will achieve success!" Following that pronouncement, Alpha Kappa Alpha made an initial contribution and made a vow to raise more. All totaled, the occasion raised $216,850 in monies and pledges from a wide swath of concerned citizens who support President Johnson-Sirleaf and share her vision for Liberia's future. McKinzie's administration is marked by the theme: ESP, which stands for Economics, Service and Partnerships. She said the alliance with LET will allow AKA to draw from all of the ESP elements in its mission to aid Liberia. She added that assisting that nation will be one of her administration's program priorities; that message will be fanned out to its members in more than 900 chapters in the United States and worldwide. Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest and largest sorority of its kind. Because of its stature and nearly 100-year-record of service, AKA is hailed as "America's premiere Greek-lettered organization for Black women." Its membership includes high-profile women from all walks of life and from all disciplines including astronaut and physician Dr. Mae Jemison, poet Maya Angelou, actress Phylicia Rashad, entertainer Gladys Knight, entrepreneur Suzanne de Passe, U.K. Member of Parliament Diane Abbott, performing artist Alicia Keys and a host of local, regional and national political leaders. Newly-installed International President Barbara A. McKinzie will serve as AKA's leader from 2006-2010. Because her term coincides with the Sorority's Centennial in 2008, she is hailed as the Centennial National President and her term is characterized as the Centennial Administration. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha, log on to its website at www.aka1908.com. |
Sorors
Thursday, Nov. 2nd: "Pause" @ 12 Noon
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International President Received Doctor of Humane Letters
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Education briefs Saturday, November 11, 2006 Barbara A. McKinzie, international president of America's first African-American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, received the doctor of humane letters during Stillman College's 130th Founder's Day Convocation. http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/...s?nebrf&coll=2 |
AKA and the Reduction of the Gender Gap in Higher ED
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Beta Psi Chapter President Crowned Miss Black Louisiana
Valeria Williams, Miss Black Louisiana U.S.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SU student crowned Miss Black Louisiana U.S. Alexis J. Alexander Posted: 11/14/06 Miss Christmas on the Bayou Pageant is not the only thing Valeria Williams has on her repertoire. The crown of Miss Black Louisiana is one that now will be on the list with all others. "This is an honor and a privilege," said Williams, a senior political science major from Cottonport. Williams, who has been competing in pageants since the second grade, said her mother encouraged her to participate in her first pageant while in elementary school. She admits that although she began competing at the age of seven, it was not until the eighth grade that she won her first crown. Just two days prior to the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. Pageant, Williams was crowned Miss Black and Gold by the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. "This was my first pageant on campus," Williams said. "It was different, but it was really fun." That "difference," according to Williams, is the distinctions between competing with primarily African-American and Caucasian competitors. "They're two totally different types of pageants," she said. "The style and technique are different." Despite the glitz and glamour pageants most times bring, Williams said her focus is on her platform-attaining character among children in the state of Louisiana. "Character Counts" is the theme of Williams' platform, which includes the six pillars of character: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Citizenship and Caring attributes in elementary school children. "My win is not just for the crown. I am an advocate for my platform," Williams said. "'Character Counts' is not a huge thing in Louisiana. I want to increase literacy rates in the younger generation." The ideal is to have a positive influence on children by bringing in representatives and members of extracurricular activities to teach students examples of good role models. The Miss Black Louisiana U.S. Pageant is designed to give young women a completion opportunity for scholarships to further their educational pursuits. The Personal Interview, including a platform or community service project, Swimwear, Casual Wear, Talent, Eveningwear and an On-Stage Question are the components of the pageant. The Miss Black Louisiana U.S. and Miss Black Teen Louisiana U.S. Pageants were established in 2000, the first being held in December of 2001. As a requirement, contestants competing in the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. are required to be 18 to 27 years old in addition to being a full-time student. Those who are 18 years of age and are still in high school, may compete with the Teen division. All contestants must have a primary Louisiana residence or attend school in the state of Louisiana. One may enter the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. or Miss Black Teen Louisiana U.S. Pageants by either being At-Large Contestant or be a Local Preliminary titleholder. The 2005-2006 Miss Black Louisiana winner was Leslie Randle, former Miss Grambling State University and native of Lake Charles. "I use each pageant experience as a growing one," Williams said. "Not everyone is the same; the judges, contestants, themes and interviews are different." "I try to progress for the next one," Williams said. In regards to winning and losing Williams said, "Keep trying and learn from your mistakes. When all else fails, get up and try again." http://www.southerndigest.com/media/...herndigest.com |
A few days SHY of 99 years....
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The First Lady of Song Receives Stamp
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Our soror doing great community service on MLK & Founder's Day
http://postcardsfromkatrina.blogspot...tcards-of.html Mr. President Signs Postcards of Hope WASHINGTON, DC---Postcards from Katrina (PfK) received an unexpected supporter, President George W. Bush to create postcards of hope for Katrina survivors. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., PfK held a workshop on teaching nonviolence through the arts in partnership with City Year’s Young Heroes Program at Cardozo High School in Washington, DC. During the workshop, President Bush came to sign postcards, share a few words, and thank the organizer, volunteers and children. In capturing the spirit of the day, President Bush noted that “one of the things that Mrs. King wanted was for MLK Day to be a day of service. It is not a day off, but it's a day on. And so I'm here at Cardozo High School to thank the hundreds of people who have showed up to serve the country by volunteering.” He went on to say that “and right here in the library were with a group of folks who are sending post cards to folks who have been affected by Katrina, cards of hope, an opportunity for a citizen here to say to somebody in the New Orleans area, we care about you, people are thinking about you -- and all in the hopes of lifting somebody's spirit.” Along with making postcards, students shared personal stories of violence with their peers while team leaders from neighboring universities such as Howard, Georgetown, and American provided nonviolent solutions to the youth handling mostly violence in their schools. "Wonderful program. I feel very much reinvigorated that day," said Amber Wiley, a Yale graduate and current doctorate student at George Washington University. The 50-plus elementary and middle school students developed over 50 postcards of hope to send a special message to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. For the elementary kids we had story time with “Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day” by children’s book author Caroline Brewer to learn how to handle crisis. “On Dr. King's birthday, we came together to spread hope to the children and help them find ways to gain peace within through the healing power of the arts,” said Tambra Stevenson, artist and creator of the PfK project. "After the program unexpectedly one male student came up to hung me so I know we planted hope that day." PfK’s new pilot initiative Plant Hope will address youth violence in our communities given the high rise in crime and mental health crisis in New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. as in our nation’s capital. The initiative will include an arts/writing contest, a community garden day and healing arts workshops. The project will be developing partnerships with media, public and private sectors. Created by the Oklahoma native who is now residing in Washington, DC, Tambra shares her own personal experience of using creative arts healing after coming back from rebuilding homes in the Gulf in January 2006 with her alma mater, Tufts University in Gulfport, MS. There she had family affected by the powerful winds of Hurricane Katrina. “From that moment, I knew that my purpose was to increase awareness of hope and help especially among youth experiencing the post-traumatic responses to the natural disaster and by man,” said Stevenson, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Accompanying the President, Secretary Gonzalez of the Department of Justice came to the event and senior officials from City Year, Corporation for National and Community Service, CASE Foundation and Serve DC. |
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