One-hundred and eleven years ago, nine women came together to form the first Greek-letter African-American sorority at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), started out with 16 original members has now grown into a global organization with more than 300,000 members initiated and more than 1,000 chapters in countries such as Dubai, Germany and Japan.
AKA was founded with a goal of service to those who are less fortunate. That’s why International President Dr. Glenda Glover joined 48 years ago at Tennessee State University, a historically Black college where she now serves as president.
“Being a part of AKA means you are committed to service that will profoundly change the lives of young girls, women and families,” she said. “This is truly a full circle moment for me to serve as president of my alma mater as well as international president of my sorority at the same time. I could not enjoy the successes and professional accomplishments without both, TSU and AKA.”
The sorority’s service touches all parts of the world. In October of last year, they launched a mobile mammogram bus that is currently traveling around the country offering free mammogram screenings to women who want one, but don’t have access to get one where they live. The organization has also partnered with Sole4Souls, a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes and redistributes them to people in need, and Lions Club, a non-political service organization, to collect and redistribute eyeglasses and shoes to communities in need. To date, the three organizations have collected 16,142 pairs of glasses and 83,000 pairs of shoes.
“Service to all mankind, our motto, is the foundation for our global impact target as we perform service hours to help families and individuals that are less fortunate,” Glover said. “We work to educate, engage and empower our communities.”
This weekend, March 28-31, members within the central region of the sorority will come together in Indianapolis for their 85th annual regional conference where there will be opportunities for fellowship, personal and professional development.
The conference is also an opportunity for member milestones to be recognized. Each year, regions recognize members who have been part of the sorority for 25, 50 and 75 years. This year, the central region, which includes members from seven states and stretches from North Dakota to Kentucky, will celebrate four women from the region who have been in the organization for 75 years.
Mari Swayne has been a member for 27 years, first joining the sorority in 1992 at Indiana State University. She now serves as the Central Regional Conference Chair and is excited to catch up with old friends at this weekend’s conference.
“It’s so awesome to do something when you’re 19 and then be able to see the growth and change that happens over the years,” she said. “I grew up an only child, so I never really dealt with the concept of sisterhood, but seeing the organization when I was in college and making the genuine connections I have in addition to service is what I enjoy most.”
Dr. Glenda Glover
