64th AKA convention takes care of business, illustrates purpose

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“If there wasn’t a you – there would have still been an us, but the memories would not have been as great,” comedian Sheryl Underwood said with her trademark timing that sparked resounding laughter.

But before her time was up at the podium, she hit a more serious note.

“I want the oldest members of Alpha Kappa Alpha to stand up so we can applaud you,” Underwood said.

“If you hadn’t been here for us to know what we can achieve, none of us would be on this stage.”

Underwood wasn’t at America’s Center last Sunday as part of her funny business. She was there to pay homage to Alpha Kappa Alpha as international president of Zeta Phi Beta sorority at the public meeting that helped to kick off activities for AKA’s 64th International Convention held in St. Louis.

“Together you are one of the greatest organizations in the greatest country in this land,” she continued. “And everybody can’t wear pink and green. It don’t look good on everybody.”

As the skyline was temporarily painted pink and green, thanks to the illumination of the Four Seasons hotel, it was definitely a good look for sorors and the entire city of St. Louis – which happens to be the birthplace of primary founder Ethel Hedgeman Lyle.

Much of the week was dedicated to handling the business of the sorority, including installing AKA’s next international president.

While carrying out administrative duties, they managed to illustrate the motto, “Service to All Mankind” through giving, serving and committing themselves to improvement of the world – and they had a good time along the way.

Concerts featuring Frankie Beverly and Maze, Howard Hewitt and Mary Mary, luncheons, dinners and other networking opportunities allowed St. Louis to pay host to relationship-building and fellowship where it all began.

Awards ceremonies that recognized sorors and citizens from around the globe paid homage – with recognitions from Jay-Z , AKA members Peggy Lewis LeCompte of East St. Louis and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia.

But at the end week that continued to usher in the second century of sisterhood, the 64th Boule was about renewing the spirit of service and working to fulfill the purpose of the organization.

“From our founders to a new century of leadership, Alpha Kappa Alpha was divinely inspired to meet the needs of women around the globe, extending as an example of innovation, creativity and leadership,” said Central Regional Director Pamela Bates Porch.

“For 102 years, that mantle has been carefully dedicated to women of substance and women of vision – women who think of others more than of self.”

And so they did, by giving – thousands of dollars in scholarships and for young entrepreneurs, hundreds of thousands for the UNCF and for a startup program in Liberia. More than $1 million was distributed to worthy causes and organizations to empower women and communities around the globe.

“I’m here as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, who just happens to be

president of the republic of Liberia,” Sirleaf Johnson said. “I bring you greetings from the thousands of women marketers that through this gift today, you will help empower them and help them to prosperity.”

It was an emotional moment for Sirleaf Johnson, who is a charter member of Eta Beta Omega in Liberia, home of the first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international initiative.

Because of civil war in the country, the chapter was disbanded. But International President Barbara McKinzie announced that the chapter would be reinstated as she handed over the donation.

As the Central region played host, the region’s own Carolyn House Stewart was installed as international president for AKA.

And while they paid homage to what has been done throughout the history of the organization, fittingly it was she who stood before the public and declared that the best is yet to come.

“The collective history is evidence of how we have impacted lives, empowered citizens, broken barriers, promoted peace, addressed social and economic barriers, served all of human kind,” House Stewart said at the public meeting days before her installation.

“However, in this second century of service for Alpha Kappa Alpha, there is unfinished business. We accept the challenges, because Alpha Kappa alpha is a sorority about solutions.”

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