AKAs Celebrate 100 Years of Sisterhood and Service
|
Posted By: on August 11, 2008 by Diverse Staff Aug 7, 2008 Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, Centennial South Eastern Regional Director pictured in photo. The nation’s capital was a sea of pink and green as an estimated 20,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha converged upon Washington, D.C., in July to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country’s largest and oldest Black sorority. Founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908, and boasting 200,000 members and 975 chapters worldwide, it was estimated that the sorority’s convention pumped $100 million into the Washington economy. During the convention, the sorority, known for its community service and its focus on education, also directed funds toward the country’s historically Black colleges and universities. Led by Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, the AKA’s South Eastern region, which includes chapters in the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, pledged $250,000 to the region’s 28 HBCUs; the region has already raised $150,000 of its pledge. In addition to unveiling the Mattel AKA Barbie doll during the weeklong festivities, members attended seminars and forums focused on a variety of issues including, health, education, entrepreneurship and homeownership. Toward the end of the convention, approximately 30,000 members of the nine Black sororities and fraternities including the AKAs marched to the Capitol from the headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women to draw attention to the need for better education, health care and employment, particularly for African-Americans. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman UniversityCarrying on the legacy of Harris Rosen and his commitment to education, today the Harris Rosen Foundation announced it is expanding its already-successful scholarship program and partnering with Bethu ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 265 Views • May 19th, 2026 |
 |
Sinners vs. Michael: Which Film Actually Won the Ultimate Culture Debate?While Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is dominating the box office with its electrifying, stadium-level concert recreations and a star-making, uncanny physical performance by Jaafar Jackson, critics and film ...more
TaQuan Ford • 214 Views • May 16th, 2026 |
 |
Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern VirginiaHealthcare organizations across Northern Virginia will have an opportunity to connect directly with qualified job seekers this June during the upcoming Healthcare Career Fair in Prince William County. ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 393 Views • May 15th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 109,399 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
