Jan. 15 marks the 109th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Inc. Recognized as Founders’ Day, over 283,000 members around the world, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, will join together for the highly-anticipated celebration.
“On January 15, 1908, a group of young collegiate women gathered on the campus of Howard University to organize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This Sunday, 109 years later, members of the organization will pay tribute to our extraordinary founders who had a vision of a sisterhood that could impact society. AKA is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women,” said Donna Frett Gregory, president of the Graduate Chapter in the St. Thomas-St. John District.
There are 997 chapters, four of which are in the Virgin Islands, two in the St. Thomas-St. John District: Sigma Theta Omega (STO) Graduate Chapter and Rho Omicron Undergraduate Chapter at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas campus. And there are two on St. Croix: Mu Gamma Omega Graduate Chapter and Rho Xi Undergraduate Chapter at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus.
These chapters are all part of the International Region which is also comprised of chapters in South Africa, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Liberia, Bermuda, Bahamas and the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.
Throughout the years, members have made significant contributions in the areas of education, health and economics. From the beginning, AKA women have been a part of every major movement in this nation affecting the lives of those in our community from human rights to civil rights, addressing poverty and other societal ills. Most recently, the “Hidden Figures” movie was made to highlight the achievements of three AKA women who were instrumental in the launch of the first astronaut into space.
“Sigma Theta Omega and Rho Omicron members are proud of our historic past and look forward with great anticipation at the years ahead. The sorority’s 2014-2018 International Program theme is ‘Launching New Dimensions of Service,’ which integrates traditional programs with new concepts all designed to improve the lives of those in our communities locally and abroad. Together, members in the St. Thomas-St. John District will continue to work to provide ‘Service to All Mankind’ and make a difference in our community,” said President Frett-Gregory.
She extends sisterly greetings to all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for the 2017 Founders’ Day and encourages members to participate in the upcoming celebratory activities.