Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is having a birthday.
In its 25th year on campus, the organization will offer many activities
centered around its theme for the week, “Twenty-five years of Great Women
and the Legacy Continues.”
The sorority will kick off Alpha Kappa Alpha Week, Feb. 26 through March 5,
with a joint birthday party with Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
The party marks the first time the traditionally black sorority has engaged
in this type of event with a traditionally white fraternity.
Sean Farrell, Lambda Chi Alpha president, said it is natural for the
fraternity to get involved in the event because color is not an issue.
“They (the members of AKA) recognized there is a lot of segregation on
campus, especially between fraternities, so they’re really reaching out to
make a difference,” he said.
Mamar Gelaye, AKA president, said the fraternity was chosen because it has
shown a commitment to diversity.
The second event of the week will be an open forum on the appreciation of
black males in society at 6 p.m. Tuesday at HopeCote on Melrose Ave.
Gelaye said the discussion is sparked by the need for positive
reinforcement for black males in America.
AKA members pass out acknowledgment cards to black males on campus inviting
them to the discussion.
Felice McCoy, AKA programming chairperson, said participants have enjoyed
the forum in the past.
“It’s very positive in uplifting black men,” McCoy said.
A women’s open discussion will be featured at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the
Panhellenic multi-purpose room.
Several successful women in different professions will be on hand to
discuss the role of black women in the workplace. They will talk about
their jobs, give advice and answer questions.
Next, an “AKA Exchange” benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation will
take place at 7 p.m. Thursday in the University Center. Twenty male and
female participants will be auctioned off to do chores for or go out on
dates with the highest bidders.
AKA sponsors the Jade Awards each year to honor student superlatives at UT.
This year’s awards ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the UC.
Recipients of these awards are honored for displaying talent in a variety
of areas, such as athletics and academics. The presentation of the awards
will be followed by a jazz program.
The final award, called the “Actual Jade,” is a scholarship awarded to a
high school essayist.
McCoy said though the awards are important, they are not the only reason
for attending the Jade Awards.
“It’s a time to get together and relax in a mellow atmosphere,” McCoy said.
“It’s a classy affair.”
In an effort to include community service in the week’s activities, AKA
will sponsor a mini-carnival at the Austin Homes recreation area to benefit
underprivileged children. About 300 kids are expected to participate in the
event on March 4.
McCoy said response to the carnival last year was excellent and this year
should be equally good.
“Last year we had the moonwalk, and the kids just loved it,” she said.
The final event of the week will be the AKA-sponsored “Gospel Explosion,” a
performance by three gospel choirs at 3 p.m. on March 5 in the UC Ballroom.
McCoy said this ends the celebration with a Christian focus, which is an
important aspect of Alpha Kappa Alpha life.
“It’s a wonderful time for everybody to get together and rejoice,” she
said.
