Special to the American
Today Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. opens its 74th Central Regional Conference in St. Louis, with the theme “Expecting Sensational Possibilities of Service.”
Organizers expect 1,500 sorors to attend the conference.
The conference will kick off with a fitness walk from the Grand Reinassance to the Gateway Arch at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20. This event is open to the public.
The AKA Regional Director is Pamela Bates Porch, Central Conference Chairman is Melanie S. Chambers and Barbara A. McKinzie is Centennial Supreme Basileus.
Founder Ethel Hedgeman Lyle was a native of St. Louis and an alumna of Sumner High School. The sorority was founded at Howard University in 1908, so it also is celebrating its first 100 years in existence at the conference. AKA is the oldest black sorority.
This weekend AKA will award Centennial Trailblazer Awards to Dr. Henry Givens Jr. (urban education), Sharon Stevens (media), Donald M. Suggs (philanthropy and entrepreneurship) and Pearlie Evans (community activism and civil rights).
The awards program will be held on Friday, April 11 at America’s Convention Center, Ferrara Theater. For more awardees and information, see the ad in this week’s American on Page C8.