The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has celebrated their centennial, and to say that the members are excited is an understatement. People all over the world are jumping on the bandwagon for this celebration. The Mattel Company, the makers of Barbie, has created a doll for the sorority. The Barbie was unveiled this past Saturday at the celebration kick-off in Washington D.C.
According to Elizabeth Grampp, director of Barbie Collector Marketing, “Upon learning (AKA) is marking its 100-year anniversary this year, Mattel sought licensing for the doll. It is the first Barbie in the company’s flagship brand based on any Sorority and any predominantly African-American organization.”
According to some the past and present members of the Sorority, this going to be a year to remember.
“We are going to be celebrating this whole year and things are going to be bigger and better,” said Mersadez Hogan, a member of the Alpha Theta Chapter. The general feeling of many of the member is excitement and awe when most of them were asked about the celebration.
“The Centennial, to me means celebrating 100 years of excellence that was inspired by the dreams of our founders. It is through their commitment and dedication that we, the members of (AKA) have been of service to all mankind for 10 decades,” said Alaina Fruge.
Despite its celebration, the chapter will still be active in the community.
“We are going to be doing community service,” said Hogan. “Our first project will be at the Princeton Place Nursing Home in Arcadia, and it will the second year of the Sorority doing this project.” Andrica McDae, president of the Alpha Theta, there will be a Founder’s Day celebration in the Black and Gold Room on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.
“To be an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman is to be a woman of excellence,” said Hogan. “An Alpha Kappa Alpha woman strives to do the best at what ever she does. Personally, I feel that being a part of the sorority has molded into being a strong and independent woman.”
Fruge agrees.
“Being an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman means continuing the legacy, not only for our founding 20 Pearls but of family and friends, overall my mother,” she said. “Before my time, through her eyes, I was able to see the epitome of class and sophistication, and intelligence that a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. exemplifies.