By Cody D. Short | For The Birmingham Times
More than 6,000 women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will gather in Birmingham this month for the organization’s 94th South Eastern Regional conference, which will also bring political leader Stacey Abrams to the Magic City.
Members from across Alabama and neighboring states Tennessee and Mississippi will converge at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) for the conference, which is set to begin Wednesday, April 29 and end on Saturday, May 2.
“Each year, our members convene in cities across the South Eastern Region to conduct the business of the organization while fostering leadership development, community service, and meaningful connection among our sisterhood,” South Eastern Regional Director Tracey Morant Adams said. “With several active chapters in the area and the strong support of both our members and the civic and business community, Birmingham emerged as a natural choice. Moreover, the city’s exceptional hospitality and distinctive cultural energy promise a truly memorable experience for all who attend.”
According to the South Eastern communications representative, Debra Nelson, the conference is expected to bring in $10 million in economic impact to the city of Birmingham through spending at hotels, restaurants, retail and other goods and services.
On Thursday, April 30, the group will host a public meeting featuring former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and best-selling author Stacey Abrams as the keynote speaker.
“Stacey Abrams is a dynamic and personable leader whose work and political advocacy have inspired and impacted people throughout the U.S.,” Adams said of Abrams. “Her presence elevates our meeting from an event to a moment that will be defined by insight, purpose, and power. We are pleased to welcome her to Birmingham.”
Abrams served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the first Black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. Abrams has launched multiple nonprofit organizations devoted to democracy protection and effective public policy. She has also co-founded successful companies, including a financial services firm and the media company, Sage Works Productions, Inc. Furthermore, she is the founder of American Pride Rises Network, a collective of organizations fighting to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin will also be featured as a guest speaker at the public meeting and select local citizens and organizations will be recognized for their community contributions.
Honorees will include:
• Anna Grace Deason, Maternal and Infant Health Advocate, Empower Our Families Award.
• Bob Dickerson, Executive Director, Birmingham Business Resource Center, Build Our Economic Wealth Award.
• Shareka Jefferson, Volunteer, Build Our Economic Wealth Award.
• Francesca Gross, Founder, Cool Green Trees, Enhance Our Environment Award.
• Dr. Donmonique Morgan, Principal, Children’s Center, and STARS Academy; Enhance Our Environment Award.
• Michael Pickett, Chief, Birmingham Police Department, Advocate for Social Justice Award.
• Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent, Birmingham City Schools, Uplift Our Local Community Award.
• United Way of Central Alabama, Uplift Our Local Community Award.
The public meeting is free to the community, no registration required, and the event begins at 7 pm.
Another key highlight of the conference will be the organization’s community service project. Members will bring nonperishable breakfast, lunch, and dinner food items to the conference for distribution to children and families as part of the Childhood Hunger Power Pack (CHIPP) program. The organization also partnered with Birmingham Park and Recreation Board and the nonprofit organization Cool Green Trees (CGT) to plant twenty-seven trees at Ensley Park. Enhancing the environment and CHIPP are part of the sorority’s national initiative aimed at providing food for families and preserving the environment.
“One of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national initiatives strives to help eradicate childhood hunger,” said Adams. “For the past four years, our members have donated CHIPP packages comprised of nonperishable food items to provide weekend and holiday meals for children.”
Sponsors of the 94th South Eastern Regional Conference include the City of Birmingham, Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Renasant Bank, Coca-Cola United, ReWorld Waste, Alabama Power, Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Spire Energy, Ball Healthcare, Rosa Greek Boutique, and Fashionably Greek.
The South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is one of 10 regions and is composed of three states: Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. Within the region, there are 122 undergraduate and graduate chapters serving over 13,000 members. Annually, the members perform service projects to enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.
To learn more, visit aka1908.com/southeastern.
