This weekend’s severe weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 4000+ from across eight states who took part in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated’s 91st Central Regional Conference at America’s Center. Nor did it hamper the experience they were offered.
“I’m sure you can hear the rain outside,” Central Regional Director Kihana W. Davis told the hundreds who gathered for the public meeting on Friday night.
The torrential showers were accompanied by thunder and lightning – which could also be heard throughout the exhibit hall. The event had to be moved from Ferrara Theatre to an exhibit hall to accommodate the anticipated size of the audience.
“I was speaking with some of my D9 counterparts today and I thought about our theme, ‘Opulence in Bloom,’” Davis said. “You can’t bloom without water.”
Though most of the conference programming that took place from Thursday, April 3 – Sunday, April 6 was for registered conference sorors, the public meeting is one of the opportunities to fellowship with the public.
Among the esteemed voices to address the audience was Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed.
“The service we undertake is at the very core of our sisterhood,” Reed said. “As leaders in transformational service that soars to the greatest heights, we are so proud of our international programs and that they make an impact in this region, across the country and around the world.”
Among those she pointed out were programs to combat childhood food insecurity and build generational wealth through their credit union – The first Black owned, women led sorority based digital financial institution in the history of the United States.
“We must organize. We must educate, we must advocate,” Reed said. “We must remember that the American story will be written by us – the American People.”
Part of that story includes Juliana Stratton – the first Black woman Lt. Governor in the history of Illinois – and proud Alpha Kappa Alpha woman.
“I am inspired to gather here in St. Louis to be reminded that there are still so many fierce women soaring – and standing on the shoulders who came before us,” Stratton said. “They refused to give up. They refused to be silent. They refused to be erased. They refused to operate in fear.”
The severe weather caused a change in the program. Designated keynote speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson was stuck in Indianapolis after the storm forced his plane to reroute.
“I’m sure there’s a bio for her, but tonight she’s my ram in the bush,” Davis said.
At the absolute last minute, Rev. Traci Blackmon stepped in.
“I know I am not the one you came to hear tonight, but since we are all here – and because Alpha Kappa Alpha women are raised stay ready, so we don’t have to get ready – I believe I have something to say at this family meeting,” Blackmon said.
It was one of many times she brought the audience to its feet as she offered a historical context of Black women’s plight in America that spanned nearly 175 years.
“Even though the Black movement welcomed the work of women, they still held on to their sexist, marginalizing behavior,” Blackmon said. “And even though the women’s rights movement addressed issues of gender bias, the white women still held on to their racist attitude towards blacks.”
Even if she had months to prepare, her words would have stirred souls. But the fact that she assembled her address in mere minutes was utterly stunning.
“Not only did Black women not fully fit in either of these movements, it seemed like everywhere she turned, Black women were being told to wait her turn and ‘stay behind me,’” Blackmon said. “We are the most educated demographic group in America. And yet, only one percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are Black women.”
Among those blown away by Blackmon was the originally intended keynote speaker, who entered the room just as Blackmon began to speak.
“God knew who needed to be the one to speak to you this evening,” Dyson said
“I could have stayed at the crib.”