Contributed by Cincinnati Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
The Cincinnati Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will celebrate the 112th Founders’ Day of the organization with a special luncheon on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Manor House in Mason. Dr. Glenda Glover, international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Glover is also the president of Tennessee State University, and a highly-regarded advocate of historically Black colleges and universities.
The theme of the luncheon will be “Celebrating 112 Years of Transforming Lives through Excellence, Sisterhood and Service.” The luncheon is open to the public and hosted by the sorority’s Sigma Omega Chapter in Cincinnati and Phi Psi Omega Chapter in Forest Park.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Alpha Kappa Alpha’s HBCU endowment fund.
“We are honored to have Dr. Glover be our keynote speaker as our sorority celebrates 112 years of ‘service to all mankind,’” said luncheon chairman Pamela Dyle, adding that musical entertainment for the event will be provided by the Central State University Chorus.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908. It is the first sorority founded by African American women. Today, it has 300,000 members and more than 1,000 chapters across the world. The sorority is known for conducting numerous service activities in the greater Cincinnati community and beyond under its international programs covering education, women’s health, financial literacy, the arts and global initiatives.
Under Glover’s leadership, the sorority has twice raised $1 million in one day as part of a goal to raise $10 million during her four-year tenure. She also had the foresight for the sorority to have its own mobile mammography unit that travels the country to ensure uninsured women, particularly African American women, have access to mammograms that can lead to early detection of breast cancer.
“Dr. Glover is truly a trailblazer,” said Tracy Turney-Smith, president of Phi Psi Omega Chapter. “She continues to raise the bar for our members to ensure we are reaching and helping our communities.” Carole Hawkins, president of Sigma Omega Chapter agreed. “Dr. Glover is such a motivating force for our members. She exemplifies excellence everywhere she goes,” said Hawkins.
It has been several years since an international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha has visited Cincinnati according to Mildred Kennedy, co-chairman of the luncheon. “Her visit is creating a lot of buzz in the community,” Kennedy said. “We’re so excited to hear the message she has for Cincinnati.”
Tickets for the luncheon are still available for purchase online at: https://one.bidpal.net/akafoundersday