$20,000 Donated to Support Child Victims of Abuse; $9M Economic Boost for Arkansas
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), an international service organization founded in 1908 at Howard University, recently convened over 4,000 members and guests for its 93rd South Central Regional Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Held at the Statehouse Convention Center, the conference, themed “A R.E.A.L. Diamond Adventure in the Natural State,” highlighted the Sorority’s enduring legacy of sisterhood and service.
The Sorority’s presence generated an estimated $9 million in economic impact for the region. The event drew members from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico—home to the South Central Region’s more than 19,000 members and 145 graduate and undergraduate chapters. Under the leadership of Dr. Shawn E. Simmons of Houston, Texas, the 27th South Central Regional Director, members engaged in leadership workshops, social impact initiatives, and cultural celebrations.
The conference began with a service-centered visit to the Child Advocacy Center of Arkansas (CACar), which concluded with a $20,000 donation to support its mission of helping child victims of abuse and neglect. “We are deeply thankful for this generous support,” said CACar Executive Director Elizabeth Pulley.
Additional highlights included a Gospel Brunch featuring Zacardi Cortez, a Parade of Pearls tailgating celebration, and a live performance by R&B group NEXT.
AKA International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, led a delegation of current and past international officers and regional leaders. AKA, the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women, is comprised of over 360,000 initiated members in 12 countries and territories.
Hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women,” AKA continues to empower communities through leadership, advocacy, and lifelong sisterhood.
For more, visit: www.aka1908.com/southcentral
