During the GSU-Prairie View basketball game, the members of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. partnered with Grambling State University’s Sports Radio Network and women’s basketball team, and hosted Pink Zone. In 2007, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association began Pink Zone.
It is an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women’s basketball, on campuses and in communities.
An estimated 207,090 women were diagnosed with breast cancer last year, according to cancer.gov.
After her third reoccurrence of breast cancer in 2006, the late Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women’s basketball coach, served as the catalyst for the initiative.
Brittney Brown chaired this activity. She is a member of Alpha Theta and the public relations and promotions director for the Sports Radio Network.
Since the sorority already supports breast cancer awareness, Brown said it was a great opportunity for Alpha Theta to get involved.
“It turned out to be a good experience, and many people were very happy to wear the ribbons,” she said.
As a matter of fact, they ran out of ribbons.
“We talked to several people who had family members who were affected by breast cancer, so it meant a lot to them,” said the senior from Chicago.
Esther J. Robinson, advisor of the chapter, said the activity was in accordance with AKA’s national health initiative.
The sorority is a service organization committed to addressing diseases, which disproportionately affect women and minorities.
“It was only befitting for the ladies of the Alpha Theta chapter to participate in Pink Zone Day in honor of breast cancer awareness,” she said.
“The ladies of Alpha Theta are extremely enthusiastic about community service and being involved in activities, not only on campus, but throughout the surrounding communities,” said Robinson.
Upcoming programs include two Black History Month programs, on Feb. 24 in conjunction with GSU’s College of Business and on Feb. 27 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
Also, Alpha Theta has partnered with the GSU chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers to offer free tutoring for the ACT, SAT and LEAP tests.
The sessions will be held on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Grambling Recreational Center.