Courtesy photo
With Black History Month upon us, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is staying true to its mission of “service to all mankind.”
The sorority is celebrating by donating to several institutions that promote black excellence, including a $50,000 donation to Grambling.
On Feb. 28, the AKAs will be donating $1.6 million and presidents of 32 HBCUs will get fly out to AKA headquarters to receive $50,000 for their institutions. That donation will take place at the sorority’s international headquarters in Chicago, Illlinois.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you are a member of an organization that fulfills it’s calling and purpose service to all mankind,” Epsilon Psi Omega Chapter member LaQuetta Anderson said in a statement. “As a graduate of the greatest HBCU, a third generation Gramblinite and an instructor on this campus I know the struggle that a lot of our students go through to obtain an education.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated established the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund in partnership with their Educational Advancement Foundation. During a time where some HBCUs are struggling with their financial footing, the fund aims to create a sense of stability by pledging to distribute $10 million in financial support to 96 accredited institutions.
Newly installed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated International President Dr. Glenda Glover has sent a clear message that education will remain a priority for the service organization, especially supporting the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“As an HBCU graduate and someone who has dedicated my life’s work to the HBCU community, I personally know that the financial challenges of many institutions have an impact on student enrollment, retention and graduation rates,” Glover said.
Glover began her tenure as International President under the theme of “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service” which will run from 2018-2022.
Glover unveiled the vision that she believes will take the sorority’s efforts to greater heights, for greater impact during AKA’s international conference held recently in Houston, Texas. Her administration’s new initiative, HBCU for Life: A call to Action and signature program College Admissions Process, also known as #CAP, will promote and market HBCUs, and encourage students to attend HBCUs. The college president donated $50,000 to the sorority‘s Educational Advancement Foundation to further emphasize her commitment. The funds are earmarked for Tennessee State and other HBCUs including Grambling State.
Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on Jan. 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of sixteen students led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. Alpha Kappa Alpha was incorporated on Jan. 29, 1913.